The Magazine of the Scottish Austin Seven Club SEPTEMBER 2012

Meshing
Point
The Magazine of the Scottish Austin Seven Club
September 2012
President: Bob Flockhart
Bearsden
Chairman: Ruairidh Dunford,
64 Campsie Drive, Bearsden, G61 3HX Tel: 0141 942 8037 email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Michael Pell
30 Station Rd.,Killearn, Glasgow, G63 9NY
Tel: 01360 550328 email: [email protected]
Secretary: Geoff Morrison
Roselea, Sunnyside Road, Falkirk. FK2 0RW
Tel: 01324 710895 email: [email protected]
Membership Secretary / Archivist:
Gavin Boswell
11 Carronvale Road, Larbert, Stirlingshire
FK5 3LZ Tel: 01324 562878
email: [email protected]
Editor / Webmaster:
Rupert Balfry
Kirkfield Cottage, 21 Blackburn Road, West Calder EH55 8NF
email: [email protected]
Events Coordinator:
John Rooney
Allan Cottage,9 Mounthilly Road
Chapelton ML10 6RU
Tel: 01357 300137
Regalia:
David Lodge
The Bungalow, Coalhall, Ayr, Ayrshire KA6 6ND
Tel: 01292 591256 email: [email protected]
Video Coordinator:
Iain Gold
11 Teviot Drive, Murieston, Livingston,
West Lothian, EH54 9JW
email: [email protected]
Ordinary Committee members:
Harry Law
24 Park Street, New Stevenson, ML1 4HU
Tel: 01698 834066 email: [email protected]
Non executive positions
“Around The Newsletters” compiler:
Neil Williams
Bankhill, Foulden Village, Berwickshire
TD15 1UH Tel: 01289 386388
email: [email protected]
D.V.L.A. Authentication:
Geoff Morrison, as above
A7CA Representative for ScA7C:
Nick Beck
81 Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 5SS
Tel: 01684 292 353
email: [email protected]
Website Administrator:
Marion Morrison, contact details as for Geoff
Morrison (above)
Press Date for each issue will be
the 15th of the previous month.
The articles and views expressed and printed
in Meshing Point are for the sole use of ScA7C
members and their readership and must not
be printed or reproduced in any other way
without the express written permission of the
ScA7C appointed representatives.
Useful contact information
Breakdown Cover
When insured with RICHARD HOSKIN
Breakdown Cover is automatically provided. Emergency call-out numbers are;
UK breakdown 01277-720763
or 0800-783-3280
European breakdown
00-31-26-355-3344
Spares and Services
The Red Cross Directory is now online at
www.oldcarservices.co.uk
ScA7C Website
www.scottishaustinsevenclub.co.uk
The ScA7C is a member of or, affiliated to,
the Austin Seven Clubs Association, the
Scottish Vintage Vehicle Federation, and
the Federation of British Historic Vehicles
Clubs.
Data Protection Act 1998 The information
contained in the Membership application
form will be recorded electronically for the
purposes of mailing the Club newsletter.
In order to keep the Chassis register of surviving cars produced by the Austin Seven
Clubs Association up to date details of your
car(s) will be forwarded to them from time
to time. Names and addresses will not be
included.
© Scottish Austin Seven Club Ltd
FEATURES THIS MONTH - include
President’s Patter
Auctions and other vehicular news from Bob Flockhart
Secretarial
A quick catch up from Geoff Morrison, the club secretary.
Committee News
A few adjustments to who does what within the committee.
Membership Matters
Introducing a slew of new and returning members this issue.
Eastern Expedition - Strathkinness, Fife
David and Joan Lodge’s report of the Club’s recent pootle around Fife.
Borders Raid 2011 Report
John Gray provides us with an amusing account of this year’s Borders Raid.
90th Anniversary Celebration - Warwick 2012 Report
Michael Pell and Roy O’Neil offer different experiences of and getting to Warwick 2012.
Guildtown 2012 in Pictures
A pictorial report of this year’s annual Rally at Guildtown followed by the hall of fame of award winners.
Southern Correspondent’s Column
Snippets about a number of events Peter Martin, the Southern Correspondent, has attended this Summer.
Approved Petrol Additives for Ethanol Protection
Peter Kendrick shares his recent research.
Long Forgotten Scottish Cars
Mason-Smith The first of a series of articles from Bob Flockhart on little known Scottish Cars.
AGM and Winter Weekend - Booking Now
Information about November’s AGM and Winter Weekend.
Front Cover Picture
Back Cover Picture
Verging on yellow.
Keep going straight.
[Photo - Rupert Balfry]
[Photo - Joan Lodge]
Contributors to this issue include:
Bob Flockhart, Geoff Morrison, Ruairidh Dunford, Peter Martin, Peter Kendrick, Michael Pell, Roy
O’Neil, John Gray, David Lodge, Gavin Boswell.
The views expressed in the articles appearing in ‘Meshing Point’ are those of the contributors and not necessarily
those of the club, committee or the editor. It maybe necessary to condense some of the articles submitted for publication to meet with the space available, the editor apologises in advance if this is unavoidable.
3
Editor’s Notes
Well I am told the Summer is almost over though with the exception of a
week in May and then one in July I had not really noticed it had started. As
ever; club members have not let the wet dampen their spirits with brave
faces on and hoods up the events Helen and I have attended this Summer
have been as good as ever.
With Autumn comes the jolly trundle to The Kames Hotel, which is usually our
cue to get the garden ready for Winter and fill the cupboards in case of our
being snowed in for an extended period. Since we moved to West Lothian
we are yet to be snowbound for more than two weeks at a time but ensuring
there is enough ale and other harty comestibles to keep us sustained during
the winter months has become an annual precaution. Realistically we would
probably be alright for a month assuming the water and power stayed on. I
have always thought that the Chummy would be the most practical vehicle
we have if we did have to venture out onto the snowy roads in search
of supplies. I remember my old Morris 1000 being fantastic in the snow
compared to any modern car I have driven in these kind of conditions.
Brrrrrr! Starting to feel cold so I will change the subject.
Before we know it the AGM will be upon us and the committee will be
looking for additional guest editors to help with Meshing Point. You have
all now seen what can be put together with limited expertise and I am sure
there are a few out there harbouring a desire to put their artistic bones to
work on an issue or two and get their name in the editor slot. If you would
like to find out what is involved and would rather talk it over with one of this
year’s guest editors, I will be happy to put you in touch with one of them.
Still checking the wheelnuts.
Rupert Balfry
Chairman’s Chat
As I am sure you will read elsewhere in the
Magazine our National Rally at Guildtown was
an outstanding success. I particularly enjoyed
this year and much thanks must go to those
members of the committee and club who assisted
over the weekend with “hands on” work, setting
up signs, chairs, moving tables and clearing
up everything, your work is commendable and
you are all to be congratulated. The inclusion
of a Marquee for shelter and matting to provide
a firm driving surface on the rally field worked
very well and will no doubt be a regular inclusion
in rallies to come.
I am looking forward to Gavin Boswell’s Sevens’
Saunter this Saturday, after many years of running
this successful event he has decided to make this
the last one “he” organises and our thanks go to
him for his time and effort. If you would like to take
over this event or organise another in its place
please get in touch with John Rooney, our event
Coordinator, who will be very pleased to hear from
you.
You will read information about how to book your
room at the Tinto Hotel for the Winter AGM further
on in this Magazine but one change to emphasise
is that of the timing for the Film show which will now
take place on the Friday night after dinner. This
was decided by the Committee, at the suggestion
of a member last year, to free up time for a proper
dance on the Saturday night following Dinner,
make sure you don’t miss out on a very enjoyable
weekend of events, book now!
I was particularly impressed with those people who
remained to man-handle Motorhomes and Caravans
off the site on Monday due to the conditions under
foot. It was a wonderful experience seeing so many
people working together to make sure every single
person got off the field without the need for outside
assistance. Working as a team is one of the many
strengths the club has and shows just how much
working together can achieve.
Have fun,
Ruairidh Dunford
4
President’s Patter
Over the past six months I have been remiss in
failing to praise the efforts of the “guest editors”
who have worked so hard and so successfully
to keep our M.P. in continued production. And
the rest of you are all a bit remiss in failing
to keep a stream of articles flowing in to the
editorial desk ! That includes me --- I’ll try and
do better in future!
Three point eight million dollars !! That’s what a
1937 500K Mercedes sold for, at an auction last
year, in California. The buyer sent it to the Techno
Classica Show last April and was shocked when
the German police grabbed his new toy and took
him to court, claiming that the car was stolen by
an American soldier during the war and ruling that
it must remain in Germany. That decision was
reported as “initial”--- no doubt the court case will
drone on for ages --- and, no doubt, will cost as
much as the car did !!
In my last ‘patter’ I mentioned the Austin 7
lawnmower and Simon duly capped this with the
news that it sold for £10,500 plus premium. My
own enquiries disclosed that it was built in the late
fifties by a Mr Popplewell, using the front half of a
1924 Austin and a Ransomes Mk 2 cylinder mower
(three of these units would have been harnessed
behind a horse pre-war !) In the late nineties it was
discovered in a tumble-down shed by an engineer,
John Downs, and restored by him. As I said a
month ago – quite a unique single seater!
The Black Country ! Well apart from the industrial
areas of Birmingham and Coventry this area is
centred on Dudley which will, this summer, put on
a show of the vehicles which used to be built there
--Bean, Sunbeam, Star, AJS and Clyno cars plus
AJS, Sunbeam, Wolf and Rockson motorcycles
and Sunbeam trolleybuses.
This month’s Classic Car Mag. contains a couple of
pages of help in “Buying Pre-war Classics.” Their
choice lies with Austin 7, Morris Minor or Ford Y.
– all described as affordable, mechanically simple
and desirably nostalgic. Our Austins are said to
have started the ‘small car revolution’ in Britain –
and is the most basic of the three – main complaint
– insufficient space inside ! Next comes the Ford
– American designed – transverse springs—a bit
austere with its £100 price tag –And, complaint
“poor brakes.” Third, and most modern car was the
Morris 8 with its hydraulic brakes, --- and electric
wipers. (Early Austins and Ford Ys used vacuum
wipers which always stopped when most needed
!!!) Conlusion ? “ Buy a Morris” Or, perhaps, go
find a Singer!!
Talking single seaters I was interested to read
about Lones’ J.A.P. engined single seater --- such
specials were by no means unusual in the fifties. Coming a wee bit nearer our own time you will
recall that my mention of Andy Storer’s Mille Miglia
entry ended in silence as to the result. My lack
of ‘Italian speak’ precluded any report --- and
my near-defunct laptop didn’t help to clarify the
results. Andy finished 219th out of 387 entrants
--- indeed 100 cars failed to finish. Apparently the
Mercedes,Alfas, Maseratis, Porsche and Bentley
entrants thought that the Ulster would be too slow
but had to change their minds when they were
repeatedly overtaken, particularly in traffic.Andy’s
car is a genuine sportsmodel with a 25-stud head,
supercharged at 10psi. - developing 55bhp and
getting up to 95mph: it is totally to the original
specification, Very sincere congratulations are in order !
Currently I have no auction reports and the adverts
are a bit empty of Austin Sevens for sale -- perhaps
they are all congregating for Warwick and/or
Guildtown.
Holidays can be hard work and enjoyable – all at
the same time. I’ve enjoyed a number of Yorkshire
Experiences over the years and 100+ miles per
day for a week, squeezed into a 65, leads one to
sleep exceptionally well. I’ve also done several
European Tours and “all the way to Austria” in the
Boyd Carpenter was even more of a squeeze. But,
spread over a fortnight and with two or three “free”
days it was less fatiguing ---- whilst a tour of France
in” the box” was absolutely spacious!
It’s a 12/6. And that one’s a 40/50. Got asked the
other day just what was meant by these figures.
To start with the first was used by manufacturers
who had similar cars listed as, for example, Austin
who had a 12/4 and a 12/6. Both were considered to
be 12 horsepower – with either four or six cylinders.
The other “ratings” are a bit more vague – the first
figure (40 in the example) being
the RAC( or Treasury) rating and the second (50 in
the example) is the actual horsepower at maximum
revs. Fine! Understandable? But there must be
a complication -----and there is !!! cCars made in
the Edwardian era sometimes use power output at
1,000 rpm as their first figure and follow it by power
output at maximum revs. Sometimes “guessology”
This year the 750 Club have organised an “Alpine
Amble” - going as far as Interlaken before turning for
home again and, even with some fairly long days’
mileages this should be a most enjoyable holiday
for the entrants.
5
was used, especially for the ‘power at max. revs.
Does it all work? Here are the mathematics.
was misplaced because, next morning, it was
a case of empty tank and an inch of fuel all over
the garage floor -- and still dripping from one of
Bore in mm2 X Number of cylinders
= Horsepower Mr Ewart’s “patent” two-way taps. I just
1613
shut off the electricity to the garage, locked
the doors and spent the weekend in a tin-topped
Or, for our cars:
Vauxhall estate car. Ain’t it wonderful how those
tin roofs keep out the rain!!! It is unfortunate that
56 x 56 x 4 X Number of cylinders
Guildtown, this year, suffered from wind and wet -= 7.7
1613
the old Glesga saying “comin’ doon like stair-rods”
being true of many of the torrential showers. But
like all our events it was a social success; lovely to
so 7.7 RAC Horsepower (whereas the actual brake
see you all and our visitors from other airts and to
horsepower was in the region of 11). It wouldn’t be
gossip between the cloudbursts.
a 40/50 but more an “ 8/11”
Floods!! And not only at Guildtown! Night before
departure I filled the box with best, expensive,
premium petrol : quite obviously such kindness
Bob Flockhart
Secretarial
It seems that every event we attended this year
has been wet and the forecast is not looking too
great for the Seven Saunter which I’m looking
forward to attending as I’m writing this. Our
annual rally at Guildtown was wet for the second
year in a row and we actually had hailstones
this year. The rain hasn’t spoilt our enjoyment
of any of the events we have been on and those
who got wet at Guildtown and other events will,
I’m sure agree that despite it’s best attempts
the weather will not spoil our ability to get out in
our cars and enjoy using them in the company
of fellow club members.
to the practicalities of this and the possibility of the
rumoured voluntary test that owners can put their
cars through and as soon as I hear more I’ll let you
know through future issues of our magazine.
The DVLA have recently been consulting on a
proposal to close their local offices and move all
services to their central office at Swansea. I have
responded to the consultation on behalf of the club
and again will keep you up to date as and when I
hear more.
You will find details of our AGM elsewhere in the
magazine however I would encourage you to book
early for what is always a well attended and fun
weekend. In addition to the more social side of
the weekend it’s important to remember that the
AGM is your opportunity to have your say on the
running of the club and to put forward any ideas or
suggestions you may have to your committee.
I’m sure you will be aware by now of the decision
to scrap the MOT for cars built prior to 1960. There
are various opinions on this and what it will mean
for the use of our cars in the future, however
whether you agree or disagree with this decision
it must be one of the single most important pieces
of legislation to affect our hobby in recent years. I
know that the FBHVC are still making enquiries as
Cheers,
Geoff Morrison
Committee News
It is with sadness that I let members know that Bill Wilkie, has stepped down as Membership
Secretary. Bill is moving away from the central belt and has also been unwell undergoing back
surgery, so we wish him well as he makes a recovery and that in due course he and the family settle
into their new home in the Peak district. Thanks Bill for all your work as membership Secretary
these past 2 years.
Gavin Boswell, our Archivist and photographer, has agreed to take on the post and in recent weeks has
been bringing the membership database up to date. Gavin’s details are inside the front cover should
you need to contact him about membership. Gavin has agreed to keep on the archiving role as this
does go hand in hand with the membership work, however if anyone is willing to take up the role of Club
photographer, we would be delighted to have your help.
6
Membership Matters
I am pleased to welcome to the Club the following new members who have joined in recent months:•
John Catterson who hails from Glasgow and has a 1927 grey Tourer.
•
John Davies, who came along to the National Rally in 2011 and 2012, comes from Methill, Fife and
John has a splendid red 1927 Gordon England Cup (above) and a 1934 green van.
•
Jim Holyoake and Julia Goodge join us from the Isle of Skye and they have a green and black1929 RK
fabric saloon.
•
Byron and Stuart McKibben, from Catterline, Stonehaven, joined the club in August and have a blue
and black 1932 RN saloon.
•
Jimmy and Lauire Niblock of Ayr have joined and own a blue and black 1931 Box saloon.
•
Rupert Pugh, who joined us at Guildtown and then came along on the recent Seven Saunter with his
children Megan and Rory, don’t have an Austin at present but Rupert’s stabling needs to be enlarged if
an Austin is to join his Commer and Morris Minor.
•
Tim and Carol-Ann Searles from Edinburgh, seem to have slipped in under the radar, as they joined
the Club in December 2011 and somehow we missed welcoming you in the New Year. They have a red
and black 1929 Tourer.
•
Terry Smith, from the East of Eden Hall, Kelso is a very recent new member and Terry has two cars, a
blue 1934 AJ 4 seater Tourer and a green 1935 Speedex Silverstone.
•
Steven and Clare Young joined the club just days before Guildtown and they have a maroon and black
1936 Ruby.
As the time of this report, our total paid up membership is 172. In the course of bringing things up to date,
during the period Bill has been unwell, I have been in touch with several long standing members whose
membership renewals do not seem to been received. Our membership may increase once I have been able
to confirm these outstanding renewals. Remember, the renewal of your membership takes place annually
on 1st April – not when you joined or last paid you subscription. You may therefore want to consider our
7
Standing Order scheme so as to not fall into the trap of not renewing. SO’s can be obtained from Michael
Pell, the Treasurer or myself.
Whilst updating our membership records I have been in touch with a number of long standing members. I
received a short note from Jock McKinnon with the news that his father John, who was a club member for
many years, passed away last month. We extend our sympathy to Jock and the family.
Gavin Boswell
--- Breaking Membership News --News from club members Scott and Pemma
Paterson whose daughter Mia Tamzin was
born on Monday the 20th of August at 10.25am
weighing 6lbs 10.5oz Both Pemma and baby
Mia are doing well!
Eastern Expedition 2012
Friday the 23rd May arrived with glorious
sunshine and the prospect of only having to
work for a half day in order to get packed up for
the Eastern Expedition. At 2.30 pm we left and
guided by a sweetly spoken lady called Tom,
we arrived at the campsite near Swillingham at
about 6 pm, having wrongly disagreed with her
twice and going the wrong way, including a visit
to a farmyard. We were met with the pass code
to the ‘Woodwam’ by Charlie who along with
8
everyone else had found good spots for their
motorhomes or tents.
Soon we set off again criss crossing the countryside
through glorious scenery and the baking sun. All too
soon we arrived at the pub where the tables had
been pre-booked and we all sat inside to cool down
in the shade with a very nice lunch and refreshments.
After lunch Joan and I followed Chris and Geraldine
Lambert back to their cottage nearby for coffee
and sunbathing and were joined very soon after by
Rupert and Helen. We then made our way back to
the campsite via St Andrew’s following the route the
Once unpacked and settled in we joined the others
for the evening barbecue and settled down to a few
welcome refreshments. As the night came in the
temperature dropped as the east wind cut across the
campsite. Even Fergus who was as usual dressed
for a Hawaiian night out was looking for something
warm to wear. Rhuiaridh brought out a recently
bought portable wood burning stove which looked
like a three legged giraffe and as the time headed
towards midnight everyone huddled around it.
Saturday morning we were up sharp to admire the
clear blue sky. Rupert and Helen had worked out
the morning route to the lunch stop at the Stags
Head pub and the afternoon run to St Andrew’s
and then back to the site. We all set off just after
10 through winding narrow country lanes into
Cupar, where we had a brief stop for fresh milk for
the proposed al fresco coffee stop. Up to this point
the convoy system had worked well but on driving
through Cupar the car behind us driven by ‘Radar’
(no names mentioned, but you know who you are)
decided that he had seen the leading cars take
another route. After a few phone calls all of the cars
eventually met up again on the far side of Cupar
to continue the journey. Within half an hour Rupert
and Helen decided that a stop next to a wooded
area would do for coffee so we all abandoned the
cars and collected firewood to boil the water. The
coffee with essence of cork didn’t taste too bad with
homebaking provided.
others had taken after lunch.
Saturday night was again a barbecue and it felt a
bit like Groundhog day as the temperature dropped
and the’ Haa’ came in again.
9
Sunday began much the same as Saturday with the sun drying out the dew very quickly. Some of the
Austin owners had started tinkering with their chariots early and by 10.30 we were all ready to go.
Again we travelled along many of the local country lanes keeping away from main roads as much as
possible. Unfortunately the convoy again broke up on a couple of occasions but we all got back together
before our lunch stop in the Tentsmuir Forest near Leuchars along with hundreds of other likeminded
travellers.
After lunch some of the drivers headed off early, including ourselves, to get home in good time. Many
thanks to Rupert and Helen for organsing a fantastic sun drenched weekend.
Hiawatha and Chief Oily Hands. (Joan and David Lodge)
Borders’ Raid 2012
For me, this weekend all started on the forth of
April when Ruairidh Dunford from Scotland came
to Derbyshire with some friends and their Austins
for a few days holiday. It was here that he told
me about the Borders Raid and how much John
Cuttriss, from our Sheffield group, had enjoyed
himself last year.
The outcome was on Thursday, 14 June I drove from
Sheffield in my Austin and reached my destination
which was the Salutation Inn camp site 5 miles
South West of Berwick-upon-Tweed for the start of
the 2012 Border Raid.
Shortly after Neil and Andrea , who live in Foulden
near Berwick and who were the organisers of the
weekend event, arrived and set up camp. Everyone
else was due to arrive the following day including John Cuttriss for the second year.
Friday morning RAIN and more RAIN. Andrea had to attend work in the morning so Neil and I did a little
“cheat” and went to Morrison’s for their £5 “All English” breakfast before driving to Duns to look round
the Jim Clark Museum. This is a museum dedicated
to the life of one man, Jim Clark, who, born in Fife, was
raised near Duns and became one of the greatest world
champions that motor racing has ever seen from the
1960’s to the early 1980’s. Situated in Newtown Street,
opposite the Borders College building, this is a unique
collection of memorabilia, including trophies, awards
and photographs of his life and sport.
From there we drove back to the camp site to decorate
Neil and Andrea’s Camper with balloons, bunting and
banners ready to for the arrival of Millie who was to
celebrate her 5th Birthday in style with friends including
Willow Dunford who was navigating her dad down from
Glasgow in her grandpa’s Chummy.
Saturday the weather was a little better for our first
Border run which included lunch at Heatherslaw corn
mill. At one point in the run we had a view of the East
coast with Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle and the Farne
Islands way out in the distance. Turning inland and
after a long climb we had a spectacular view of Wooler
in the valley below and the Cheviot Hills behind topped
in dark angry rain clouds.
10
Sunday’s drive took us over some old bridges across
the River Tweed and one of these was a suspension
bridge made of wrought iron chain before arriving
at Eyemouth for lunch and a walk round the town
before heading back to the camp site. Most people
set off back home but the Sutherlands and the
Newsome contingent stayed until Monday. I had a
very enjoyable night with them sat in the comfort of
one of their mobile homes drinking wine and talking
of past Austin Seven experiences.
Despite the wet weather every one had a great time
and many thanks go to Neil and Andrea for the hard
work they had put in for our enjoyment. Hope to see
you all at another Scottish Austin Seven Club event
soon.
John Gray
Sheffield Pre-war Austin Seven Club
90th Anniversary Celebration
Warwick, 20 - 22 July 2012
I have received a number of contributions from people who attended the 90th Anniversary
Celebration in Warwick last month. Michael Pell sent me the following report and illustrations
from his Warwick experience.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
I am sure that the A7CA will give good coverage in the “grey book” next edition of the week end of
the 20th July 2012 which celebrated the 90th anniversary of the launch of the Austin Seven so this
article for MP is in the nature of a personal report which I hope will be of interest to members.
Not having a trailer I did not want to face the 300 mile drive down to Warwick in the Arrow so gratefully
accepted the offer of a lift with David and Joan Lodge who were taking a luxurious Campervan as well as
their tow vehicle. The week end was of particular interest for me because my formative years back in the
forties and fifties was spent in Worcestershire and Warwickshire so as well as being involved in a massive
Austin 7 experience, it was also a trip down memory lane.
The venue selected for the rally was Warwick School which claims to be the third oldest school in England,
approaching its own 1100th anniversary and providing ideal facilities for a gathering of over 500 cars and
their crews. Fifty acres of grounds gave plenty of space for the Sevens to be displayed along with tents
for sub groups like the Boat Tail, Swallow and Arrow Registers. The PWA7 club had a splendid marquee
complete with some historic vehicles, but more of that later. The school refectory staff were at work during
the week end providing food for over 1000 people in the dining halls and accommodation was available in
the student double bedrooms for those that needed it. The school even had a tenuous link to Austin cars
11
Single Seater
[Photo: Michael Pell]
Saturday followed the same pattern as our own
Guildtown rally. The organisers thoughtfully provided
a detailed walking route around Warwick which is
one of England’s oldest and historic towns in the
heart of Shakespeare country with Stratford upon
Avon just along the road. Many members enjoyed
the medieval streets with their half timbered black
and white houses, the lovely very old churches, the
river, grassy parks and of course the castle. The
occasional glimpse of an Austin Seven burbling past
added a lot of fun to the day as did the enthusiastic
response from the population of the town. With the
large numbers of cars expected to enjoy a scenic
run around the countryside, four routes had been
prepared of varying length from 25 to 100 miles
each going in a different direction. Without a car
of my own in Warwick I was very grateful to Gavin
Boswell who invited me to join him, Caroline and
Marion, in their immaculate 1933 Box on a run of
around 60 miles. Despite my concerns, the little car
took the load of four adults without any problem
despite being called upon to climb to the highest
point in Warwickshire, which is higher than those
coming from Scotland expected and only had to
resort to first gear on a couple of occasions. There
are many National Trust properties in the county
and our route passed a couple of them and they
proved a welcome break for rest, refreshment and
interest.
through Donald Healey’s son Geoffrey who was a
past pupil and had been employed as development
engineer for the Austin Healey car range.
The A7CA had arranged plenty of covered areas to
provide shelter in case of poor weather but needn’t
have bothered because we were treated to an old
fashioned English summer week end of continuous
sunshine. However these tents etc were used to
display a selection of A7 films, meeting places, club
stands and of course, the beer tent. The latter was
offering an excellent “Orstin Ale” which had been
brewed at a local brewery, both on draft and in
bottle, to mark the occasion and proved to be very
tasty and popular.
There was a large selection of Autojumble and
Trade stands with all the well known suppliers there
doing a good trade judging by the happy faces and
number of members carrying away packages large
and small. There is not enough space to mention
the names of all these traders, that we very much
appreciate and without whom we would find it difficult
to keep our little cars running but I must note how
nice it was to see our own Andrew Goodfellow (and
family) amongst them, presenting his own skills
with his “Creative Metalwork” company. It is difficult
to walk around stands such as these without finding
spare parts and components that you didn’t realise
that you needed and most of us came away suitably
replenished!
12
Specials and Sports, a pinch of Nippies, a flock of
Swallows, a vision of Vans, tens of Tourers and a
quiver of Arrows.
One of the three single seat overhead cam racers
was on display in the PWA stand. This had been
an incredible and successful little car in the early
1930’s although reports indicate that it took some
development before it matched the performance of
the previous side valve racers. Look at your car and
realise that, 80 years ago, its 750 cc engine formed
the basis for this twin cam model which could reach
130mph with revs limited to 9400 when competing
in sprints.
Military A7
[Photo: Michael Pell]
Our club was well represented during the week end
and I spotted, in addition to those already mentioned,
M & C Page, M Tett, The Sutherlands (all of them),
G Newsome, M & J Sorbie, J Hindle, R Challener,
J Blacklock, N. Beck, J Johnson, R & A O’Neill and
Charlie Carpenter (actually it was me acting on his
behalf!). If I missed anyone I apologise.
I was asked by the USA Bantam club to send them
some photos of the Warwick event and my eye was
caught by the beautiful little Doctor’s Coupe which
had been ordered from Maythorn & Sons in London
in 1928 by a Mr Knox of New York and shipped
out to him. The car has the very interesting “faux
cane appliqué” around the sides and rear and the
entire vehicle is still in as new condition having only
completed 6,500 miles in its lifetime. Incidentally,
Mr Knox was the partner of Mr F W Woolworth and
eventually launched with him the famous “Nickle
and Dime“ stores, known in UK as the “threepenny
and sixpenny stores” now sadly no longer with us.
Gavin Boswell had been asked by the school
Chaplain to run a service on Sunday in the school
chapel which I understand was very well attended
and after that we continued with what was the main
display day for the cars which were lined up in their
traditional age related groups on the playing fields.
It made a fine sight to see a cuddle of Chummies,
a pile of Boxes, a rash of Rubies, a selection of
Military A7
[Photo: Michael Pell]
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Doctor’s Coupe
[Photo: Michael Pell]
Two military A7’s were also displayed on the PWA stand and this was my first opportunity to see this model
and having followed Bob Flockhart’s monthly commentary in MP on the continuous appearance of one in
the sales pages, it was interesting to see these fascinating little cars on the road.
The A7CA deserve hearty congratulations for organising such a huge event which as far as this observer
could judge went without a problem and was thoroughly enjoyed by all entrants.
Michael Pell
Fetch the Shoehorn and a Bucket of Warm Lard!
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I thought you might be
interested in these pictures I
took of our epic outing to the
90th birthday celebrations at
Warwick. I was determined
to show our car at this event,
but, while I have boundless
admiration for those club
members who travel across
continents in their Sevens,
there was no way I was going
to drive mine from Helensburgh
to Warwick and back. I do not
possess a trailer or suitable
towing vehicle, but I was
convinced that the car would
fit into the back of a long
wheelbase Transit van, so I
arranged to hire one of these
and set about designing and making a collapsible
ramp which could be stowed under the car when not
in use.
With the appropriate restraints in place, we travelled to
the event and back with no hitches at all, and had a great
time at the event with 500 cars or so in attendance.
The pictures show that while loading the car was no
problem, getting out again was not so easy!
Best wishes
Roy O’Neil
Guildtown Rally 2012 In Pictures
The Saturday Run
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The Whisky Roll
The Raffle
The Band
The Lookeelikee Contest
The Winner
The Dancing
The Beer (mounted
on a freakie waxwork
of the editor)
The Cars
The Stalls
The Period Dress Competition
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The Awards
And the Rain
Rally Awards 2012
Presented this year by Andy Lowe, Chairman of the A7CA.
Best Big Seven - Paul and Leonora Rickards
Mamie McDonald Trophy - Best Box Seven (1st)
John Butler
Best Box Seven (2nd) - Simon Rooney
Best Special - Johnny Johnson
Best Ruby (1st) - Keith McNaughton
Best Ruby (2nd) - Andy Butler
21
Showroom (1st) - Ali Sutherland
Sports (1st) - Tom Abernethy
Sports (2nd) - Graham Smith
Transport Class (1st) - John Butler
Transport Class (2nd) - Keith McNaughton
Wooden Spoon - Steve Hodgeson
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Best Van - Ali Sutherland
Skye Disaster Trophy - Ali Sutherland
Diamond Jubilee Award - Best car nearest to 80 years old
John Butler
Evelyn Ritchie Trophy - Endeavour Trophy
Andrew Goodfellow
John Shelly (for most points on rally field) - Jim Blacklock
Giselle Flockhart Salver - Long Haul - Terry Shearwood
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Eddi Chilcott DIY Quaich - Falco Burkhert
Most Improved 7 - Andrew Goodfellow
Ladies Trophy - Anneke Wallace
Period Dress Competition - The Boswell Family
Southern Correspondent’s Column
Severn Valley Sevens
The weekend of 30th July saw the Severn Valley Railway host a 1940’s event encompassing much
re-enactment, period dress and vehicles. The Staffordshire/Shropshire section of the Pre-War
Austin Seven Club put on a small but interesting display at the rural country station of Hampton
Loade – some ten cars were on show and attracted much interest (above). At Highley, the next
station down the line, were more Austins, Army vehicles of all types, motor cycles and some fine
examples of forties cars. Amongst the personalities seen were Winston Churchill (who arrived
in a splendid Austin 12/6), Field Marshal Montgomery, many Admirals, Air Marshalls and Lord
Beaverbrook!! (I thought I glimpsed Queen Victoria but she may have been a left-over from the
Victorian weekend a couple of weeks ago!)
Severn Valley Railway is one of the premier
preserved railways (16 miles from Bridgnorth
to Kidderminster) and has many events
involving period vehicles. Well worth a visit.
R.A.F. Cosford Air Show
The major air show of the Midlands took
place on the weekend of 16/17 June. The
weather stayed fine and the flying display
was, as usual, spectacular. Not a big
Austin event but a fair sprinkling in the
car park – a few Sevens, a Big Seven and
a 10/4. Highlights were the Red Arrows
Winston Churchill’s Austin 12/6
[Photo: Judy Padfield]
25
(of course) the last VC10 tanker and a couple of Tornados. Photo, by Judy, shows the Red Arrows,
not A7s, but they were watching!!
Three Castles Welsh Classic Trial
Held over the weekend of 6-8 June in the most inclement of weather. Won by a Lotus Elan, but a
1932 Austin Seven Ulster, driven by Roger Gould and Terry Davis, won “The Spirit of the Rally”
Award.
Peter Martin
Southern Correspondent
Approved Petrol Additives
Protection – and their Costs
for
Ethanol
The undesirable consequences of ethanol in petrol are available to read about on the website of
the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs, at www.fbhvc.co.uk. Since ours is one of the
clubs belonging to the Federation, each of us has a right to view their information, and the website
is an easy way to do this. In this article items in quotes have been taken from this source (updated
on 25/4/12), apart from those quotations relating to individual products – these being taken from
the sellers’ websites.
For several years, FBHVC has had a test programme on additives to put into petrol when filling-up the
tank. To quote from FBHVC: “Those products that pass the test may then carry the FBHVC logo… This
26
endorsement will be similar to that given to the lead replacement additives that protect against valve
seat recession and the products submitted will either be given a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail’: we do not grade them
for effectiveness.… The tests were for additives intended to provide protection for metallic components
frequently encountered in the fuel systems of historic vehicles… materials judged to be incompatible
because of potential corrosion by degraded ethanol in the fuel. The additives tested are designed to
protect metals only, by preventing corrosion.” (The added emphasis – italics – is mine.)
To expand on the above, it is warning a) that the additives will be no help in preventing degradation of nonmetallic materials which are attacked by ethanol, and b) that ethanol will degrade in storage, by absorption
of water vapour, and will consequently cause corrosion such as rusting of steel. Apropos a): “There are no
known additive solutions for incompatibility between ethanol in petrol and plastic or composite materials…
where compatibility problems occur with gasket and seal materials, or with fibreglass petrol tanks… the
only realistic course of action is to replace incompatible materials with suitable alternatives… At least one
carburettor supplier can now supply components which incorporate materials compatible with ethanol
in petrol.” The above quote is also warning about “… increased acidity which can occur when petrol
containing ethanol is stored for any length of time”, and there is the comment that “The use of mild steel
as a medium in the corrosion testing is valid, on the basis that other metals in the fuel system (eg copper,
brass) are less susceptible to acid-corrosion than mild steel.”
The report states: “The stability additives that passed the test are:
•
VSPe Power Plus, VSPe and EPS from Millers Oils [www.millersoils.co.uk];
•
Ethomix from Frost ART Ltd [www.frost.co.uk];
•
Ethanolmate from Flexolite [www.flexolite.co.uk].
[Which of the three products by Millers Oils is right for your car depends on its age, on whether it has been
fitted with hardened valve seats, etc – and owners of pre-1990 cars are the ones who need an additive.]
These all received an ‘A’ rating in the research which enables all to carry an endorsement… ‘Endorsed by
the FBHVC as a fuel additive for protection against corrosion in metals’.”
I went to the respective websites to obtain details of the products, with the thought in mind that the FBHVC’s
report had mentioned: “A product for use with petrol has been designed… It provides excellent protection
against the possible corrosion through increased acidity which can occur when petrol containing ethanol is
stored for any length of time. One bottle should provide a season’s protection – although this is obviously
dependent on the vehicle and the amount of use.” But don’t take this as gospel – see the relative costs
involved, given that each of the approved products is sold in 250ml bottles:
Millers Oils’ products: At Halfords currently (August, 2012), the cost of these ranges between £6.99 and
£7.99 per 250 ml bottle to treat 40 litres of petrol… but 40 litres is only, say, two-plus tankfuls in an Austin
Seven, and the mileage from this would be, say, 300/350: so there is no way that “One bottle should
provide a season’s protection” for me.
Flexolite’s Ethanolmate: Not available at Halfords, but its price on the Flexolite website is £7.50 to treat
250 litres of fuel – so almost the same price as the Millers Oils products, but treating six times as much
petrol. BUT that’s not the whole story: the Ethanolmate is “… a fuel additive for protection against corrosion
in metals”, which “… can be used with octane boosters and lead replacements. £15 per bottle inc. P&P
and VAT.” In a phone call I have checked that this means that I would pay £15 for my 250ml bottle of
Ethanolmate inclusive of VAT and carriage, but to this I would need to add the cost of an additional
additive (not available from Flexolite) to protect my engine against valve seat recession and/or octane
improvement. (See next paragraph.)
Frost’s Ethomix Additive: Also not available from Halfords, but its price on the Frost’s website is £12
to treat 250 litres of petrol, inclusive of VAT but with an additional charge of £6.25 per order (as many
bottles as you like) for carriage. Ethomix is “… a fuel additive for protection against corrosion in metals”,
which “Stabilises ethanol-blended fuels” and is “Compatible with octane boosters” (though “Not suitable
for diesels”). On the phone I checked that I should still need to use a further additive if I wished to guard
against valve seat recession (answer: “Yes”) and whether the two additives would be compatible (answer
also “Yes”). In my Austin Seven I’ve used an additive to prevent valve seat recession ever since leaded
petrol was withdrawn, and it adds negligibly to the cost of the petrol to refill the tank.
Conclusion: either Ethanolmate or Ethomix, per 250ml bottle, will treat six times as much petrol as will any
of the three products from Millers Oils, at a cost which is approximately only twice as much per bottle (plus
27
a little more to use a further additive to prevent valve seat recession) and the cost of carriage, though this
last can be minimised by ordering in bulk.
Though I initially bought a Millers Oils product – off the shelf in Halfords – I shall instead in future use one
of the competing products, bought in quantity to minimise the penalty of cost of carriage.
Peter Kendrick
Long Forgotten Scottish Cars.
In recent ‘ patterings’ I promised to write something to fill the empty pages --- so here goes !
Not Austin Seven stuff – but it is about old cars—Scots ones at that!
How many makes of car were built in Scotland and how many could you name ? A dozen? A score? I
know --- you’ve all heard of Argyll – of Arrol Johnston and of Albion. But what about Dalgliesh-Gullane – or
Dalhousie – Gilchrist or Alex? And I could name another sixty without including trucks or motorcycles ! A
few have been well researched – a lot are supported by fairly sketchy information and quite a lot are little
more than names, dates and where they operated. I’ll try and tell you what I know – tell you what I can
discover by researching – even tell you what I think (but if it’s conjecture I’ll say so) ----- in return, if it’s
something geographically close to you or known to you then you can tell me. So --- why don’t I start with
the ones above ….....................
Dalgliesh Gullane
Fourteen were built by Haddington Motor Engineers during 1907/8 , all were
two-seaters powered by an 1180 cc (imported) de Dion engine driving the
rear wheels, I am given to understand that a single survivor exists today.
Dalhousie.
George Anderson was a Carnoustie engineer and was joined by a younger
associate, Arthur Grice. The business produced quarry and other machinery
but in 1906 added motor cars to their products. I have not found any mechanical
details but a picture shows a contemporary Edwardian two-seater with a
sloping radiator. Due to normal engineering business car production stopped
in 1908.
Gilchrist
Sam Gilchrist of Gifnock was an engineer with Scottish Commercial Cars (Commer) and was associated
with the Tainsh brothers in creating the Caledon truck. Became a director of General Motors, Glasgow but
left them to pursue his dream of building his car -- a 12 hp. Tourer with a 4-cylinder, ohv. 1601cc. Hotchkiss
engine (imported from France) and which was on display at the 1922 Scottish Show. About a score were
built in Gifnock but competition, mainly from Morris, caused the business to fail in 1923.
Alex.
No, I’m not trying to save space ! In 1908 Alexanders, latterly famed as Edinburgh’s Ford dealers built a
14/18 hp radial-engined car but found production costs too heavy to continue. My supposition is that the
advent of the Ford Model T in that year was the final reason for ending the project !
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Alexis.
This one’s not to be found in any
of the books --- but I’ve got a sales
catalogue ! Date ? Probably about
1903 to 1905 --- it came from
Alexandria and was made by T & R
Taig. Pictures show a twin-cylinder,
shaft driven six and a half horsepower
“Carette” with the passenger stuck
out in front between the wheels. Price
was 85 guineas! There was also a
single cylinderTricar” on offer for 68
guineas. But that’s not all – the Taigs,
with Loch Lomond on the doorstep,
offer a choice of boats – the hundred
pound one having a single cylinder
engine, twin screws and a speed of
8.5 mph. For an extra twenty quid
you get twin cylinders and 9.5 mph.
Want more next month ? It’s up to Mr.
Editor though there’s enough subject
matter to keep me going !!!
Description: Dalgliesh-Gullane 1908 - Author: Buch-t
Original at http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dalgliesh-Gullane_1908.JPG
Bob Flockhart
Notice
The 10th Annual General Meeting of the Club as a limited liability company, will take place on
Saturday 17th November 2010 at 11.30 am in the Theatre at the Old School House near the
Visitors’ Centre, New Lanark
Items for discussion and proposals for committee members should be forwarded to me in writing as
soon as possible for inclusion in the agenda.
Hope to see you there.
Geoff Morrison – Club Secretary
AGM and Winter weekend
16th–18th of November 2012 – Tinto Hotel, Symington by Biggar
Bookings are now being taken for the clubs annual winter weekend and AGM. We have once
again negotiated a favourable rate with the Hotel and they have agreed to hold all rooms for club
members until 10th October when they will be released to the general public so please book early
to be sure of getting a room.
Prices are £45.50 per person per night if staying Fri and Sat or £52 if only staying for the Saturday night.
When booking please quote reference number 28116 and say you are with the Scottish Austin Seven Club.
Payment for the first nights accommodation will be taken at the time of booking and the contact number
for the Hotel is 01899 308606.
In response to comments received after last year’s weekend we are changing the format slightly this year.
The club DVD will now be shown on the Friday night after the meal. For Saturday night we have arranged
for a Ceilidh band and we hope that showing the DVD on the Friday will give us more time for dancing on
Saturday. On the Sunday we will have a short road run with lunch stop.
Geoff Morrison


Vince Leek 

Specialised A7
Engineering

ENGINE building and reconditioning

GEARBOXES reconditioned including close ratio, Ulster,
Nippy and ‘Andes’ conversions.

BACK AXLES for all models

- can also be shortened or offset
- new short halfshafts often available


STARTER RING GEARS fitted

DYNAMOS AND STARTER MOTORS rebuilt

STEERING COLUMNS reconditioned

FLY WHEELS lightened

BROKEN STUDS removed and THREADS restored

CAR WIRING

Exchange units often in stock

Prompt service and fast courier service option

A service for the enthusiast by an enthusiast

TEL: Warminster 01985 216632
E-mail: [email protected]
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ScA7C Calendar of Events 2012
NEXT CLUB EVENT
Escape to Cowal Peninsula Kames Hotel
Fergus Dobie 0141 639 5052
BOOKING NOW
6th-7th October 2012
AGM & Winter Weekend
Ruairidh Dunford
Biggar
0141 942 8037
17th-18th November 2012
[email protected]
Boxing Day Run
Charlie Carpenter
Stirlingshire
0141 956 5428
26th December 2012
[email protected]
Items Wanted and for Sale
REDUCED PRICE FOR QUICK SALE! THE ULTIMATE PACKAGE: 1934 (March) RP (box) saloon OY7997 + NEW BESPOKE TRAILER
Reluctant sale due to health/relocation. Reasonably
original – engine/gearbox, Rist horn etc. New repro
headlights, modern (discreet) indicators. Recently
re-commissioned & serviced by ALBA AUSTINS.
Sale includes new rear wings + new door mirror to
be fitted, plus some spares (usual consumables)
+ 4 speed gearbox, ‘cowhorns’, 6v coil, original
trafficators, various bits for the sunroof plus the
original, worn leather upholstery. 2 original jacks
& paint to finish respray also comes with the car.
Taxed/MOT’d October 2012.
Offers now around £4,995
Price includes brand new specially commissioned
braked trailer (Indespension) (Cost £1800)
May be persuaded to sell separately (if the price is right!)
A suitable tow car available by separate negotiation.
Contact Bill Wilkie: Tel: 0141-942-2172 / 07946-749941
LAST CHANCE ! - Austin 7 Anecdotes
Current edition now sold out but a small reprint is possible if I receive sufficient orders & payment
by 15th October.
Now £6 each + £1.20 UK P&P.
Signed copies + £2 (optional but all good for the charities).
Proceeds to Cancer Research & Water For All.
Over 200 A7 anecdotes and other items of intrigue, humour, amazement and variety; a
few are even shocking. Reviewed in A7CA mag 2012B.
A5 publication of 64 pages with numerous illustrations.
Jen Dunford, 280 Church Rd, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol BS36 2BH. Cheque payable to J Dunford, with order please.
Enclose your address and email or landline phone number so I can keep you informed.
Last Thursday of the Month
Glasgow Club Night
Club Meetings
Edinburgh Club Night
The 3rd Tuesday of the
month
The Tickled Trout, Boclair
Road (B8049),
Milngavie
(Just in front of Dobbies
garden centre)
The Steading, Hill End,
Biggar Road, Edinburgh.
Contact the Club Secretary
for details
at
Contact the Club Secretary
for details
www.scottishaustinsevenclub.co.uk