25 - Sunshine Coast Antique Car Club

www.qvva.org
FACEBOOK
www.tiny.cc/QVVA
Phone 0407 257 440
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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QUEENSLAND VINTAGE VEHICLE ASSOCIATION INC
COMMITTEE 2013 - 2014
Position
President
Vice President
Past President
Secretary
Asst Secretary
Treasurer
Events / Rally
Co-Ordinators
Public Relations
Editor
Publicity Officer
Membership Secretary
Dating Officer
Dating Officer
Property Officer
Librarian & Web Master
Ladies Auxilary President
Swap Co-Ordinators
Tea Persons
Safety Officers
QHMC Reps
Name
Graham Porter
Robert Wode
Denis Chambers
Margaret Manning
Trevor Johnsson
Wendy Tyquin
Clint & Lynda
Frater
Susan Porter
Barry Shipway
Russell Manning
Clint Frater
Russell Manning
Ian McLucas
Clint Frater
Rodney Rush
Nancy Condie
Graham Porter
John Knight
Robert Wode
Barry & Susie
Shipway
Colin Hinxman
Russell Manning
Peter Tunstall
Russell Manning
Colin Hinxman
Home
Phone
3206 1812
3260 6343
[email protected]
3267 5142
3279 7995
3343 9712
Mobile Phone
0407 257 440
0421 565 202
0412 785 737
0408 159 501
0409 222 248
0420 222 690
3161 2264
0433 414 223
[email protected]
3206 1812
3357 7801
3267 5142
3161 2264
3267 5142
3341 4170
3161 2264
3711 5750
3288 4705
3206 1812
3207 1261
3260 6343
0407 257 440
0412 778 225
0408 724 212
0433 414 223
0408 724 212
0448 778 799
0433 414 223
0409 141 140
0411 234 831
0407 257 440
0412 124 980
0421 565 202
0412 778 225B
0412 778 224S
0439 996 691
0408 724 212
0415 505 631
0408 724 212
0439 996 691
[email protected]
3357 7801
3356 9816
3267 5142
3206 5142
3267 5142
3356 9816
Email
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
QVVA welcomes visitors who have an interest in the preservation and restoration of all types of vehicles to an
original condition as far as practicable.
GENERAL MEETING: 8PM fourth Wednesday of each month
ADDRESS: Veteran Car Clubrooms, 1376 Old Cleveland Road, Carindale 4152
Club Room 07 3843 0010
MEMBERSHIP $30.00 Joining fee plus $40.00 Annual fee
QVVA – DISCLAIMER
The Queensland Vintage Vehicle Association does not hold itself responsible for statements made or
opinions expressed by contribution to the monthly Vintage News
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
Page 2
Minutes of the 558th. General Meeting of QVVA Inc.
Held at the Club Rooms – Wednesday 26th. February, 2014
Apologies: Bryson Talamini, Ted & Val Wojtasik, John & Alison Day, Trevor & Janette Farnell, Don
Lake, Ken Chandler, Adrian Dearling, John & Mari Meadows, Hank Eustace, Denis Chambers.
Visitors: Peter Hall (Dodge Standard Six, Several Morris’s), Brian Simpson (Morris, Triumph, Model T).
Minutes: It was moved by Trevor Johnsson and seconded by Margaret Manning that the minutes are taken
as presented. Carried
Business arising: Nil.
Inwards Correspondence: 9 x club magazines from Buick Car Club; Northern Rivers Vintage & Veteran
Car Club; Ipswich Veteran and Vintage Vehicle Club; Gold Coast Antique Auto Club; Commercial
Restorer Club; Chrysler Restorers Club; Austin Seven Register; Veteran Car Club (Qld); sunshine Coast
Antique Car Club; New England Veteran & Vintage Car Club re Autumn Rally 28-30/3/2014; Veteran Car
Club - receipt for rent; Veteran Car Club - notice of tenants meeting; RACQ Careflight re presentation at
meeting or hangar tour; Advertising flyers from Ashmore Palms Holiday Village; Boonah Eco Cottages &
Donkey Farm; Cool Rides Classic Limousines flyer; Australian Business Register - confirmation of ABN
registration; Australian Tax Officer - tax file number advice.
Correspondence Outwards: Letter and donation to Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, Mesothelioma
Research l. It was moved by Margaret Manning and seconded by Ian McLucas that the inwards
correspondence be received and the outwards endorsed. Carried.
Treasurer’s Report: The report for the QVVA General Account (attached) was presented and moved for
acceptance by Wendy Tyquin and seconded by Peter Kent. Carried. Wendy Tyquin then read out a list of
invoices to be approved for payment and moved that they be paid. Seconded by Peter Kent. Carried.
Business Arising: Nil.
Events Organiser: Refer to events page in magazine for details. Breakfast at Lota 2nd March, Combined
Club Rally 9th March, “ Looking at the Stars Rally” 5th April, 3-way Gymkana 13th April.
Membership Secretary: Nothing to report.
Public Relations: Nothing to report
Publicity Officer: Nothing to report.
Editors Report: Nothing to report.
Property Report: Nothing to report.
Safety Report:
Nothing to report..
QHMC Report: The QHMC has put up a further SIVS option consisting of the current scheme plus a 14
day logbook. Dating officers must sight the cars before a dating form can be filled out.
Cyril’s Corner: Nothing to report.
Dating Officer: Nothing to report.
Swap Coordinator: Graham Porter has spoken to the man from the school tuck shop. The grounds are in
good condition. We are still talking to the school about the use of their toilets.
Tea Person:
Nothing to report.
Library Report: Nothing to report.
Web Site:
Nothing to report.
Ladies Auxiliary: Breakfast at Lota on 2nd March. Meeting tonight.
Skites: Paul Caro won the best prewar car at the Australia Day Rally. Graham Porter had a fuel line come
off the vacuum tank on the Dodge on the Bellbowrie Rally. He rang Jenny car to tell her and she told him
he was not getting his money back. Nev Schumann has started his Falcon for the first time in eight years.
John Knight mentioned a friend who had used an additive in his jaguar to stop oil leaks and it had worked.
Ian McLucas was looking for a fuel cap for his Willys.
General Business: Clint Frater requested information for the QVVA anniversary book. A Committee has
been formed to organize the anniversary events. Clint also mentioned some pens he had found that were to
give away. Frank Wegrzyniak turned 65 today. Jack Chandler donated four coats. Graham Porter reminded
the ladies that they were going to dress the display window. Margaret Manning advised that we had
received the QVVA ABN and tax file numbers.
Raffle: The raffle was won by Beth Rush.
The meeting closed at 8-50 pm.
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT MARCH 2014
The swap is fast approaching and we need helpers. CAN YOU HELP? If so please put your name on the
list circulating at the meeting. I am having problems getting permission from the school to use their toilets,
I thought that after talking to the school P&C chairman that things should have been OK, however the
school believes that the toilets are not in a central position to the swap and they do not want people
walking around the buildings. I will keep trying. The swap will commence at 6.30am and the general public
will enter around 7.00 am.
What day is the swap?. did I hear you ask. Sunday the 25th of MAY.
Earlier in the month we had the combined clubs rally to Hinze dam. It was a shame that more invitees did
not attend. Even our own club was down on numbers but I hope that the weather was responsible for the
low attendance. We all had a great day although the weather was overcast and threatened rain a number
of times. Morning Tea was held at the Strawberry Farm and the statues behind the counter were very
overwhelmed at the numbers wanting a cuppa. Occasionally one of them would move and if you were very
lucky, part or all of your order would be served. It certainly had a few people annoyed at their service.
Many thanks to Clint and Lynda for their effort in organising such a wonderful run.
The 50th year of QVVA is fast approaching and Clint has had invitations printed and they are ready for
distribution. They look great and hopefully will entice people to attend. Please make yourself familiar with
the programme, and if asked you will be able to inform others of what the month of November is all about.
If given the opportunity to speak at other club functions, please tell them of our 50th. We want it to be big
and memorable. We are looking for goods or brochures for our rally bags. If you can get your hands on
anything please contact Rosemary Smith who is looking after the filling material.
For Vintage Motoring
Graham Porter
President
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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I Remember The Cheese Of My Childhood
I remember the cheese of my childhood,
And the bread that we cut with a knife,
When the children helped with the housework,
And the men went to work, not the wife.
The cheese never needed an ice chest,
And the bread was so crusty and hot,
The children were seldom unhappy
And the wife was content with her lot.
I remember the milk from the billy,
With the yummy cream on the top,
Our dinner came hot from the oven,
And not from the fridge in the shop.
The kids were a lot more contented,
They didn't need money for kicks,
Just a game with our mates in the paddock,
And sometimes the Saturday flicks.
I remember the shop on the corner,
Where a pen'orth of lollies was sold
Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic,
Or is it....I'm just getting old?
I remember when the loo was the dunny,
And the dunny-man came in the night,
It wasn't the least bit funny
Going out the back with no light.
The interesting items we perused,
From the newspapers cut into squares,
And hung on a peg in the outhouse,
It took little to keep us amused.
The clothes were boiled in the copper,
With plenty of rich foamy suds
But the ironing seemed never ending
As Mum pressed everyone's duds
I remember the slap on my backside,
And the taste of soap if I swore
Anorexia and diets weren't heard of
And we hadn't much choice what we wore.
Do you think that bruised our ego?
Or our initiative was destroyed
We ate what was put on the table
And I think life was better enjoyed.
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
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2014
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QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
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LADIES AUXILIARY REPORT­ MARCH 2014.
We wish to advise that “Ladies Day” will be on Sunday 6th July 2014. It is always a great
day of fun and motoring for all those who participate, so please set this date aside on your
calendar and be sure to come along. Sweet treats are again promised.
We will not have a Ladies Meeting this month as quite a few of our ladies will be away at
Warwick on a quilting retreat, however we will have one after the next General meeting in
April. Everyone very Welcome.
Nancy Condie ­ President Ladies Auxiliary.
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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Q V V A 2014
EVENTS CALENDAR
In the event of bad weather, please check the website to confirm if the rally is going
ahead: - www.qvva.org or phone Clint or Lynda on 3161 2264 or 0433 414 223
APRIL
Saturday
MAY
5th
Looking at the stars. Rally from 6-30pm
Meet at Palmdale shopping centre Mt Gravatt.
9th
Committee Meeting 7-45pm
13th
3 way Gymkhana at Ormiston State School
23rd
General Meeting
7-45pm
4th
CLUB RALLY
More info nearer the date.
14th
Committee Meeting 7-45pm
18th
28th
Clubrooms
Clubrooms.
Clubrooms
National Motoring Heritage Day.
General Meeting
7-45 pm
Clubrooms
25th CLUB SWAP MEET.
JUNE
11th
Committee Meeting 7-45pm
22nd
PRESIDENTS RALLY
25th
General Meeting
15th
American Day at the Queensland Maritime Museum
7-45pm
Clubrooms
Clubrooms
Special event
1931 American cars plus some up to 1940,
Invite to the American Day at the Queensland Maritime Museum on June 15 hosted by the Vintage Car Club of
Queensland.
We are looking to get mainly pre 1931 American cars plus some up to 1940 at the latest. If you have something
outstanding outside that period that you believe would add to the occasion please contact us.
There is a gas BBQ on the riverbank and some tables and chairs.
Please try to arrive between 10.30 and 11am as I have to man the gate and don't want to stand there longer than
possible. If the gate is unmanned please give me a call and I will come and let you in, but it will take a few minutes to
get there.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to call Brian McMillan 0412303477
More next month
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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OTHER CLUBS
INVITATION EVENTS
SWAP MEETS AND CAR SHOWS 2014
PLEASE ASK Clint or Lynda FOR AN ENTRY FORM FOR ANY AWAY RALLIES
YOU MAY WISH TO ATTEND.
April
Friday 18th – Monday 21st April 2014
The Hillman Owners Club of Australia, 12th Hillman National Rally in Bathurst. Wayne or Alice Baxter 02 4774 2533,
www.hillman.org.au , [email protected]
Friday 18th – Monday 21st April 2014
ROMA Historical Motoring Club.
16th Easter in the Country Rally.
ENQUIRIES – Kerry Culverhouse HOME: 4622 6896 (please leave a message if need)
MOBILE: 0433 144 525 (texting), Rally Coordinators Robyn Dawes 46222215 or 0419771304
Roma Historical Motor Club Inc; http://romahistoricalmotorclub.weebly.com/
18th ­21st QHMC Rally. Townsville, North Queensland.
There is planning underway for a group to travel from SE Queensland for this rally. More info when known.
Web site:­ http://hubrally14.wix.com/hubrally14
Saturday 26th April – Friday 2nd May 2014 – Warwick Qld
Veteran & Vintage Chevrolet Association of Australia (QLD)
45th Anniversary Invitation Rally Noel 07 3341 5441 or Paul 0405 627 171
May
6th May.
Buick Car Club of Australia Inc Shannons Queensland Autospectacular. Willowbank Raceway.
Check website for details – www.queenslandautospectacular.com.au
10th – 11th Dalby's Mystery Run Weekend (To be updated)
Mothers Day Weekend
[email protected]
Restored Vehicle Association of Dalby, Peter Evans, 0746639759
Sunday 18 May. National Motoring Heritage Day.
June
7th ­ 9th RACQ SQHMC Rally (Queens Birthday Weekend)
Brisbane Vintage Auto Club. Enquires: [email protected]
15th
American Day at the Queensland Maritime Museum
1931 American cars plus some up to 1940,
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
Page 10
Combined Rally Attendance 9th March
HINZE DAM
Glen & Rosemary Smith
1929 Dodge
QVVA
Adrian Dearling
1938 Buick Coupe
QVVA
John & Marina Willich
1937 Chevrolet
QVVA
Colin Hinxman
1962 Buick
QVVA
Nancy Condie [Barry Shipway]
1960 Morris Major
QVVA
Barry Shipway [Nancy Condie]
1960 Morris Major
QVVA
Russell & Susan Massey
1930 Ford A
MAFCQ
1957 Chrysler Royal
QVVA
Peter & Elisabeth Kent [Floods]
1957 Chrysler Royal
QVVA
Don & Kathy Lake
1929 Oakland
QVVA
John & Ruth Knight
1937 Buick Woodie
QVVA
Cyril Conwell & Frank Wegrzynaik
1980 VC Commodore
QVVA
Ted & Val Wojtasik
FE Holden
QVVA
Margaret & Russell Manning
Modern
QVVA
Lyn & Shane Porter
1966 Ford F100
QVVA
Paul Caro & David Wagner
1929 Armstrong Siddeley
QVVA
Graham & Susan Porter
1928 Dodge
QVVA
Chris & Jan Stephens
1964 Wolseley
QVVA
Clint & Lynda Frater
1928 Plymouth
QVVA
Michael Ferguson
1951 Chev Ute
VVCAA
Margaret Ledger & Len Neville
1952 Chevrolet
VVCAA
Peter & Susan Flood
[Kents]
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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With Cars Lined up at club rooms.
Getting lunch ready at Hinze Dam Picnic area.
At A relaxing time over lunch at Hinze Dam picnic area.
Clubs gathering to start on the combined Rally 9-3-2014— at Club Grounds Carindale.
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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THE LIST BELOW SHOWS WHAT VINTAGE AND CLASSIC VEHICLES HAVE BEEN
SOLD FOR AT AUCTIONS SINCE 1972
This list was dated 1-2-2014
Year MY
Do you have one of these?
Car
Auctioneer
Price (US$) Adjusted price
2014 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider
RM Auctions
$8,800,000 $8,800,000
2013 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196
Bonham's
$29,607,760 $29,607,760
2012 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster
Gooding & Company
$11,770,000 $11,967,901
2011 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
Gooding & Company
$16,390,000 $17,008,262
2010 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione Gooding & Company
$7,260,000 $7,771,845
2009 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
RM Auctions
$12,402,500 $13,495,197
2008 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider
RM Auctions
$10,894,900 $11,812,631
2007 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Spider
RM Auctions
$9,281,250 $10,449,040
2006 1958 Ferrari 412S
RM Auctions
$5,610,000 $6,496,228
2005 1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 Spider
Gooding & Company
$3,960,000 $4,733,242
2004 1929 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK
Bonhams
$7,443,070 $9,198,932
2003 1929 Mercedes-Benz SSK
Artcurial-Poulain Le Fur $3,329,087 $4,224,592
2002 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Spider
RM Auctions
Sotheby's
$6,490,000 $8,423,191
2001 1956 Ferrari 410
RM Auctions
$3,822,500 $5,039,436
2000 1966 Ferrari 330 P3
Christie's
$5,616,000 $7,612,800
1999 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900
Christie's
$4,072,500 $5,706,869
1998 1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 Spider
Christie's
$2,092,500 $2,996,915
1997 1952 Ferrari 225S
Poulain Le Fur
$1,143,345 $1,662,638
1996 1949 Ferrari 166MM
Christie's
$1,652,500 $2,459,641
1995 1957 Vanwall VW5
Brooks
$2,301,733 $3,526,241
1993 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Sotheby's
$1,762,500 $2,848,177
1992 1964 Ferrari 250 LM
Coys
$1,533,200 $2,550,486
1991 1937 Bugatti Type 57 C Stelvio
Poulain Le Fur
$1,398,724 $2,397,276
1990 1961 Ferrari 250 GT
Christie's
$2,200,000 $3,930,973
1988 1964 Ferrari 250P
Rick Cole Auctions
$2,800,015 $5,273,048
1987 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe
Christie's
$9,800,000 $20,136,790
1986 1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyage
Kruse
$6,500,000 $13,842,593
1985 1957 Aston Martin DBR2
Christie's
$3,424,490 $7,432,796
1984 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Roadster[38]
Christie's
$1,450,000 $3,258,088
1973 1941 Mercedes-Benz 770 F-Cabriolet
Kruse
$176,000
$925,517
1972 1933 Duesenberg Model J Victoria
Kruse
$90,000
$502,267
1989
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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CLUB MART
It is Committee policy that all advertisements are run in three consecutive issues.
The first time it will be prefaced by * the second time, **, and finally ***.
Please advise the Editor if you have any items For Sale or Wanted, if you have an item for sale please supply a price
as the buyer will be more interested in your sale and I will not be asked for the price of the sale.
***
2000 BMW 5301, 127,500 km Two owners. Like new inside and out. Many factory extras including
electric sunroof, metallic silver grey paint, leather interior,Bi Zeon lights, and many more. New tyres
rego 07/14.
$10,000 ONO.
Contact - Jenny Carr after 3/2/14
(07) 3264 5947 or 0413274347
**
CLASSIC--1981 HOLDEN GEMINI TE SEDAN, 3 speed Automatic, 4 cylinder, Low Km’s, new Tyres, original blue pinstripe
upholstery, virtually one Lady Owner all it’s life, Very Good Condition, with Log Book.
$5 500. Jack Chandler. PH: 5546 9474.
**
(1) 1926 PONTIAC TOURER – RESTORED. Lots of spares $18,000 (negotiable)
(2) Various body panels to suit Chrysler PT Cruiser – reasonable prices
(3) Three Dodge six cylinder side valve motors – negotiable
(4) Two Triumph OHV Motors – negotiable
Contact John Knight (07) 3207 1261 or 0412124980
*
2 Vintage rear mudguards possibly Dodge $50.00 for the pair
1968 VW driver’s side rear mudguard excellent order $ 50.00
Rolly Clark 3207 4611
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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“THE STORY OF STUDEBAKER AND OF OUR 1924 STUDEBAKER BIG SIX”
By Keith and Deneice Tronc
(and additional material by Trevor Poulsen)
It was Albert R. Erskine president of the Studebaker Corporation from 1915 to 1933 that guided the firm through its period of great expansion, it was under his control in 1917 that the Studebaker management decided it was time to break completely from the older designs. They were set to build a completely new line of cars that would satisfy the home and export market. On a clear late­Summer morning in September 1917, three automobiles were carefully loaded aboard a steamer at a Detroit waterfront pier. A brisk breeze off Lake St. Claire raised a chop on the broad waters of the Detroit River. Automotive history was in the making. The three automobiles, whose immediate destination was Buffalo, New York, at the east end of Lake Erie , where the new Studebaker Big Six, Light Six (later to be renamed the Special Six and not to be confused with the model EJ Light Six of 1920) and the Light Four. The star of the trio was the Big Six, destined to bear the banner of prestige for Studebaker for ten years to come. The experimental Big Six and its companions were unloaded from the Detroit boat on the morning of September 15 1917. The cars were driven to Albany, New York, thence north to Montreal, east to Quebec, then back through New York and into Pennsylvania where they tackled the toughest roads and grades of the Alleghenies. The cars then continued westward through Ohio and Michigan over the worst roads that could be found. Mud, sand, and gumbo were deliberately selected to test the mettle of the vehicles. By December the cars reached Chicago after covering nearly 20,000 miles. The cars were then put on the Chicago Speedway and driven day and night, often in sleet and snow, for an additional 30,000 miles. On the basis of the fine showing of the experimental cars, limited production was started in December 1917, and models were exhibited at the New York Auto Show in January 1918. The pressure of War­related work prevented full production of the cars the first year and only about 16,000 were produced in 1918. With the War over, production was more than doubled in 1919 and the Big Six was on its way. Designed and engineered by the able team of Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton and Carl Breer (three men who were to maintain even more lasting fame as the designers of the Chrysler Six), the Big Six quickly won a reputation for toughness and dependability. Of unquestionable quality, with a nearly indestructible chassis, the Big Six exceeded the power, performance, and size of many contemporary motor cars costing hundreds and even thousands of dollars more. By 1918 through 1919 it was not a question of how many cars could be sold but how many could be built. The Big Six engines were the first built by Studebaker with a detachable cylinder head. From 1918 the model EG Big Six engine had a 3 and 7/8 inch bore and a 5 inch stroke developing 60 hp at 2000 rpm. The rugged crankshaft ran four main bearings with strong crankcase ribbing around the mainbearing webs resulting in a very smooth running engine. In 1922 saw the arrival of the model EK Big Six which sold up to September 1924 and by the release date 30,000 EG Big Sixes had been sold to very satisfied customers. With this in mind Studebaker saw little reason to change the design much. QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
2014
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Available at first in only one model – a seven­passenger touring car – the line was eventually expanded to include a full complement of closed cars as well. The Big Six chassis received only a few technical improvements until the Fall of 1924. At this time major design changes were made to convert the engine to full pressure lubrication. The transmission was made in unit with the engine at this time. The cone clutch gave way to a single plate dry disc of Studebaker manufacture, bodies were refined and a new one piece glass windshield was fitted. A cowl vent was fitted. Nickel plated radiator shells were added in 1923 along with automatic windshield wipers and brake actuated stop lights, nickel plated bumpers and a mobmeter were not also standard equipment. The “Big Six” period was good for Studebaker and the car had a sizeable reputation. The Big Six engine continued to be used in the model EW Commander and model ES President of 1927 and finally closed its illustrious career as the power plant for the model GB and GH Commanders of 1928. Long after the tops were in tatters, the upholstery worn out by years of use, the bodies racked apart on the primitive roads, many Big Sixes, stripped down to bare essentials, continued to serve as farm trucks hauling milk, eggs or other produce to market. Later a Big Six engine may have been removed from its chassis to see years of additional service as a power plant pumping water, cutting firewood, or grinding grain. Truly, the Big Six was one of the premier work vehicles of its day. The notice on the farm fence at Pozieres in Queensland said “Keep Out. No Trespassers!” The sign was painted on a car door, and the sharp eyes of Lindsay Barrett from Stanthorpe recognised the door as a very unusual one. Its shape signified a 1924 BIG 6 EK STUDEBAKER. Only five of these huge seven seater cars had been imported into Australia and Lindsay Barrett had found the chassis, motor, cowl and rear end on another Granite Belt farm some months earlier. These relics, though only a fraction of the total car, were big and very impressive and they caught the eye of Dr Keith Tronc and his wife Deneice, who were looking for a worthwhile restoration project. And so it was that the chassis and the few other bits changed hands in 1977 for $100. Lindsay Barrett, who knows the Stanthorpe area very well, and who has recovered many old cars over the years from a wide variety of outlying Granite Belt orchards and farms, promised the Troncs that he would keep his eyes open for any more bits of what had obviously once been a very desirable car. The rear door used as a farm fence notice was the first of his follow­up discoveries. Lindsay Barrett braved the warning, located the farmer and offered him $2 for the sign. The Troncs now had a useful sample for body reconstruction, because the door was compete with wooden frame and lock. Further enquiries revealed that the whole car had been at that farm in the nineteen thirties and forties, but had been broken up and distributed all over the Granite Belt. The farmer remembered that a lot of bits and pieces had been stored, years earlier, in a shed built over a gully. The shed had long since collapsed into the gully and tons more rubbish had been thrown in on top, but perhaps there might still be some parts worth recovering if they could be dug up. QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
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And so it was that Lindsay Barrett and the Troncs spent a long hot day excavating a farmyard rubbish tip and a couple of wheelbarrow loads of metal parts were unearthed. But there was no sign of the tub, although the farmer recollected cutting the tourer body down to turn it into a utility truck. Perhaps his son might have it? It was possible, the farmer said. His son had taken some bits of the car away, back in the fifties, he thought. The son was in the R.A.A.F., but the farmer had lost contact with him. Perhaps the R.A.A.F. could say where he was? Eventually the Troncs located his son at Ipswich and he agreed to undertake a search of his premises for the missing tub. Perhaps he did still have it, he wasn’t sure. He’d have to look. With the Troncs helping him to move aside tons of items in a scene reminiscent of Steptoe and Son, the missing tub was eventually unearthed. Along with it, the generator. The process of restoration was now taking on the characteristics of a gigantic detective story. Keith and Deneice Tronc look back on their research as the most interesting part of the project. Dozens of letters were written, hundreds of telephone calls were made, and numerous tips and leads were followed up. Oldtimers around the Ballandean area remembered calling the car “The Brass Band”, because of the jingling sound made by loose brass decorative strips as the vehicle bumped over rough dirt roads in the area. Contact was made with the Antique Studebaker Club in the U.S.A., and with the few owners of similar Big 6 seven seaters in that country. These contacts yielded photographs and plans, together with some useful bits and pieces which were purchased and imported. Still the hunt went on in Australia. An excellent authentic steering wheel was generously made available by a contact in Cooma, stub axles came from Melbourne, a front mudguard and Gabriel snubbers from Sydney. Lindsay Barrett, meanwhile, was still pursuing his inquiries round the Granite Belt. Near Stanthorpe, he inspected the items which were to be included in a forthcoming farm sale. And there, making up the undercarriage for a massive farm trailer, was quite unmistakably the complete front end of the Studebaker Big 6. The Troncs attended the auction and for a bid of twenty­three dollars gained ownership of another important missing section of their project. Poking around the farm buildings and rubbish heaps that same day also yielded one of the very distinctive headlights, part of the bonnet, and a spot­light mounted on a tractor. All of these things were located and recognised as a result of the expert knowledge of Lindsay Barrett and the reference books he was able to consult. The car was now beginning to resemble an achievable project. More parts were obtained from that immense open air collection in Inverell, and Needham’s extensive Studebaker warehouse and sheds in Sydney yielded other magnificent treasures, particularly items of “jewellery” and accessories, and a complete set of brand new gears still in their original wrapping. One item which resisted all attempts at discovery, however, was the “courtesy light”, designed to shine down on to the running board. At long last, one was obtained from the U.S.A at a cost of eighty dollars, fully restored. The week after it arrived, the Troncs went to the Toowoomba Swap Meet, and there among the ferns, pot plants and 78rpm records being offered by a little old lady, was the elusive courtesy light. The following reply was received from the little old lady when Keith Tronc asked the price. “Oh QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
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that’s only an old light, dearie. Would one dollar be all right, do you think?” The car now sports a matching pair of courtesy lights, one on each side. The “Orderlee” trunk was another rare find. Over a period of ten years, it had been sitting under a neighbour’s house. When the neighbour asked what the Troncs were still looking for, he realised that a trunk just like the one described was being used by him to store paint. When they had been leaving London to emigrate to Australia, they had been short of suitcases, and a few cheap trunks were obtained from the local second­hand dealer. On arrival in Australia they were used to store household odds and ends. Thus it was that the Troncs acquired a magnificent “Orderlee” trunk from a neighbour for just two dollars. Several spare Big Six engines were acquired from sugar cane farms in North Queensland, where they had been used to power irrigation pumps. Although not from the same model car, the Big Six engine was used on a variety of Studebaker models during the twenties, and these additional engines provided a rich source of usable parts for the restoration of the motor which was completed by Mick Cashell’s company and assembled by Ted Little. Keith and Deneice Tronc took technical college courses in panel beating, spraypainting and welding so that they could do the basic preparatory work, but the fine body work and spraypainting were done by Harry Lorne in time for the car to take part in the Brisbane to Canberra leg of the Castrol Bicentennial Rally in 1988. It is a very satisfying car to drive, and its powerful engine enables it to lope comfortably along at 80 to 100 kph all day. It only has two­wheel mechanical brakes, but with a large area of linings, these pull the two ton car up quite effectively. The tonneau lamp set in the dash is a very useful spring­loaded trouble lamp on a long lead, and there are excellent storage areas under both running boards and the trunk. The front metal floor is constructed in several easily movable sections, giving ready access to the clutch, gearbox and battery. The second windscreen, based on photographs of this accessory on U.S. cars, keeps the passengers in the five rear seats comfortable and protected from the wind. In the car’s standard version, which was, nevertheless, a six­wheel equipped luxury vehicle of its day, it had disc wheels. The wire spoked wheels, with which the current car is equipped, were an option available in 1924. One interesting and very convenient feature is the tool storage unit, located in the driver’s side door. Those front doors, as with many designs of the time, are the so­called “suicide doors”, which are hinged at the rear. However, there is little danger of these coming open and catching an unwary person, because of the very efficient locks operated by the quite distinctive oval loop door handles. QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
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FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT QVVA COMMITTEE
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If undeliverable please return to:
Queensland Vintage Vehicle Association
1376 Old Cleveland Road
Carindale Qld 4152
QVVA VINTAGE NEWS MARCH 2014
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