L`Aronde Magazine Volume 35 No. 4 July

'A_.o:nde
The Magazine of SIMCA Club UK
Volume 35 No.4
Ju
st 2015
More photos from the 'Fat Lamb' weekend
...•.....
Photos taken by Paul from the Fat Lamb on
Saturday's extensive tour taking in Cumbria
and the Yorkshire Dales. More photos and
report from this and the Sunday visit to the
_.......__.
Simca.talbotuk@gmaiLcom
Lakeland Motor Museum in this issue.
is now the email for all membership matters
2.
www.siln.catalbotclub.ol'q
Editorial
......
July-August 2015
In this issue our club founder Bob
access our forum from there.
Fat Lamb at Ravenstonedale near Kirkby
Stephen where we were treated to really
excellent hospitality, took part in an
Friendship, in the first instalment of 'How extensive tour of the area and had a prime
it all started', takes us back to his very
spot to display the cars at the Lakeland
earliest acquaintance with a SIMCA
Aronde . . . . . . . . .
Motor Museum. Photos from the tour
appear on the covers of this issue with a
David Chapman gives
us
the background
to Lord Brabazon. The Restaurant where
the Saturday evening dinner at Route UK
was held bears his name and his story has
report and further photos inside.
I've included the usual mix of 'period'
press cuttings and publicity material.
Sales & Wants includes parts I'd like to
Talbot connections..
My Talbot 1100VF2 pickup has finally
move on, chance to take on a rare 50's
SIMCA project and an appeal for the
made it back on to the road. I've not quite finishing touch to work on a Rancho.
got it running 100% as I'd like but it's
Please use the free ad. service in your club
getting there. Then, there should, in
mag . . . . . .
theory, be no obstacle to completing the
.
1000 Rallye 2 and my 1200S coupe.
Saturday 24th October sees our AGM,
Daniel Burrowes' LHD 1000 that he is
Beefeater and Premier Inn, Cannock,
rebuilding to 1973 Rallye 2 spec plus is
nearing completion. Latest photos appear
along with other recent rear engined news
and photos.
at the regular venue of Longford House
Staffs. . .. . Your chance to have a say in
club affairs and meet up with fellow
enthusiasts of our favourite marques.
The September issues of two magazines
Recently some interesting cars have come feature SIMCA-MATRA material.
'out of the woodwork'. There have been
Practical Performance car (BMW CSL
some really low mileage late Talbots
which I've been promised an article on
'Batmobile' on cover) has a 7 page article
on a Dutchman's collection of
and this time a, now superb condition, last Murenas . standard, Peugeot 405 Mi16
of the line Bagheera, the model that was
powered and home brewed hybrid with
listed in the brochure as a Talbotthe 1.6 Talbot engine in its original spot
..
MATRA Bagheera and had door handles and the electrical power up front.
rather than the early Renault 5 style
cutouts at the end of the door.
I've decided to include a page on a
featured member's car in future issues.
To start the ball rolling, you'll have to put
up with one of mine in the shape of the
Retro Rides (orange 240Z on cover) has a
page in the Readers' Cars section with
my pickup and the other 1100s at Kev's
plus other projects in progress.
Mick
Tel 01246 200045
Mob 07713111339
llOOGLX I've just taken over from
Brother Kev. Let's have photos, some
history, details of what you've done to it
and anything unusual/special about it.
I'm hoping my inbox soon overflows
with contributions for this page for
�
.
.�orthcommg Issues
.
?????
. . . .
..•••. .
The big event of August for some of us
was the MATRA-SIMCA weekend at the
[email protected]
is now the email for membership matters
3
Simca Club UK
........•...
Directory
Reformed by Bob Friendship in 1980 as the Simca Aronde Owners Register, later the Simca
Owners Register.
Website
Talbot (1979-1986) Owners' Register
Now also incorporating the
www.simcatalbotclub.org
Committee and technical advisors . . . . . .
Dick Husband , Unit 5 Acton Business Centre, Pool Road,
President and Aronde Advisor
Nuneaton. CVIO 9AE [email protected] tel 02476 325577
Vice President, Archivist, Vedette Advisor and Events Co-ordinator.Guy Maylam. 67 Longmeads,
Tel. 01892 538598
Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 OAU
Membership Secretary
CVIO OSS,
.•••.•
Email [email protected]
Daniel Husband, 5 Grange Road, Hartshill, Nuneaton. Warwickshire,
Tel 07904341819
Email [email protected]
Secretary David Chapman 18 Cavendish Gardens, Redhill, Surrey, RHI 4AQ,
Tel. 01737 765331
Email dn [email protected]
Treasurer and Advisor for 13/1501 Edward Martley, 8 Rye Close, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OXI6
lXG, Tel. 01295 255173 Email [email protected]
Auditor Philip Ewan, 8 Wycherley Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, Ts5 5HH, Tel.
01642 818926 Email [email protected]
Magazine Editor &Competition/Modifications Advisor
Mick Ward, 96 Newbold Back Lane,
Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 4HQ Tel. 01246 200045 Email [email protected]
Associate Editors & Advisor for 1100/1204 & MATRA Bagheera (Kevin)
II Belfit Drive, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6UP.
Advisor for MATRA cars other than Bagheera
Totton, Hants S040 8WH, Tel. 02380 867804
Kevin & Lesley Ward,
01246 278508 kev.ward l [email protected]
Clive Nelson. 4 Maplewood Close, Larchwood,
Email [email protected]
Advisor for Chrysler 180 & 2 Litre & 1300/1500 Stuart Wade, Forge Stones, Heath Road,
Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, ME17 4HS, Tel. 01622 746581 Email
Advisor for Alpine/Solara & Horizon
[email protected]
Colin Hill The Old Mill Cottage, Dallinghoo Road,
Bredfi.eld, Woodbridge, IP13 6BD Tel. 01473 737325 mobile 07510180574 [email protected]
Advisor for Samba
David Chapman (as above Re.Secretary)
Advisor for 1000, Rallye & 1000/1200S coupes Phil Hart, 10 Rectory Way, Stilton, Peterborough,
PE7 3XS Tel 01733 242242 Email philhartsr3@talk2 I .net
Advisor for Tagora
Colin Hill (as above Re. Alpine/Solara & Horizon)
Advisor for Sunbeam & Lotus
Marcus Maylam, 79 Culm Lea, Stoneyford, Cullompton, Devon
EX15 1NJ, Tel. 07771 591366 .... Email [email protected]
Press Officer
Mick Ward (as above re. Magazine Editor etc.)
MATRA Club magazine editor & contact
Roy Gillard. Tel. 020 88611035 [email protected]
The views expressed in articles or letters in L 'Aronde are not necessarily the views ofthe
committee ofSimca Club UK
No responsibility will be accepted for loss, damage or injury arising in the consequence of
anyone acting on information contained in this publication.
Note Changes above for 2015
lll
Services & parts suppliers etc .....
CB
Moton Large stocks of spares, new & secondhand for
SIMCAs, Talbots and other older cars, MOT, servicing etc
. . •....
Contact Dick Husband on ................ [email protected]
Or tel. 02476 325577.
Dick is based at Unit 5, Acton Business Centre, Pool road, Nuneaton,
CVlO 9AE ....... ..... Fully equipped MoT bays etc.....
For TALBOT .... Exhaust systems I Windscreens I Gear change rods I
Driveshafts I water pumps I Alternators I Starters I service items plus
many bits you thought you couldn't get again, and free advice on those
models
COLIN HILL . . Horizon/Alpine/Solara Spares/servicing/recovery.
.
01473 737325
I
.
07510180574
TALBOT stickers also available from Colin ...................
-. SIMCA Club UK
www.siancatalbotclub.oZ"g
J
SIMCA Club UK windscreen stickers available from Mick Ward at club
meetings or .........
Mic:k
�==�-w
1100 & MATRA projects, stuff for
Wa..CI
Taii>Ots turns up... Try me for
& suspension parts,
.1-1�•\t:u:>, racks,
Some parts for older
SIMCAs and S/H parts too
Also contact Kevin Ward for parts
[email protected]
as
in advert above.
01246 278508
or
I'm aware the previous 'Services' page needed updating. This is a
temporary one. Ifyou wish to be included please send in your ad. just
a few lines or photos/logo, ad. as mine above or however you wish to
advertise your parts, services etc .........ED.
5
SIMCA, MATRA & Talbot sales, wants etc.
.
..... . .. . .
.
.
. .
.
.
NOS parts for SIMCA & Talbot.
..
Samba
Lockheed-Delphi TS229
....•....•
remanufactured steering rack
@£25
Samba brake discs, . . . . . . .'Spidan' part
@£30 pair
no. 0080750
Shock Absorbers to fit 1100, Horizon,
Alpine/Solara, Q-H 'Lip' branded for
both ends of some models . . . . .. @£20pair.
Samba bottom ball Joint Q-H GSJ163 &
VECO VB054
Alpine
@£5 each
speedo cable 1975 to '78,
•.••.•.•..
'Moprod' MSD586. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Alpine
@£5
Handbrake cable Moprod
.•.•..•••••
MBC828 . . ... .. ... . . .... ... ... .. .... . . @£7.50
May have Horizon ones too.
Samba inner driveshaft boot kit, Q-H
QJB249 . .. . . .. .. . . . . .. .. .... . .. . . ... . . .. @5
Some parts to fit Tagora and 180/2Litre
some wheel bearings, pads and a 180
clutch centre plate.
Samba water pump, fits all models plus
Peugeot 1 04, Citroen Visa super and
Renault 14 ..
Any interest ? ... or do I hang on to it..???
Peter Brownrigg bought Clive Nelson's
Rancho Decouvrable and is currently
completing some work on it. He is
looking for the TALBOT-MATRA decal
for the front and the RANCHO one as
fitted to the rear of the D/C model. . . . . . .
Contact Peter o n [email protected]
if you can suggest any sources of these
decals.
Large stock of air filters for most models
plus gasket sets and brake shoes/pads for
some
Open to offers forjob lots as need
some space..!!!
Contact Mick Ward for cost of postage
and more info on 01246 200045 or email
[email protected]
Who also has for
4 wheel car transporter trailer. We've
used it for many years to carry SIMCA
1000s and 11OOs. Horizon, Rancho.. an
'56
�IMCA_ Aronde Grand Large project
Havmg vanous 1000 & 1200S projects to
complete, I've decided I can't see when
I'll ever get round to starting this one.
Rusty but very rare model in UK, LHD.
Engine runs well, good wheeltrims in
boot, interior needs work.. just seat frames
survive........ £350 or offers
Alpine only just fits on, ' Indespension'
units use BMC1100/Allegro hubs (spare
brake shoes, bearings, drums come with
it), now on 13" wheels & 175x70x13
tyres, incl. .spare,. ramps and lightboard.
Frame sound, just needs areas welding on
bed and general tidy up... Selling as have
now bought a lighter tilt bed trailer.
Looking for. . . . . .. .. . ..
Will send photos. . .
£160 or offers?
Mick Ward
01246 200045 or [email protected]
b.
Forthcoming Events 2015
......... .••....•.
MATRA Club Maintenance meeting, Sunday 4th October, at the Green
Man Brackley Hatch, Brackley near Silverstone, Northants, NN13 STX
..••.
Late season chance to show off your car, talk about projects/repairs, buy, sell or swap
parts or just catch up with old friends .. .. From 10.30 am, lunch in the pub and leave
around 3.30pm.
All MATRA, SIMCA, Chrysler & Talbot owners & their cars
welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
SIMCA Club UK Annual General Meeting, Saturday 24th October at our
usual venue
••.•
Longford House Beefeater & Premier Inn. Cannock, WSll lSJ.
Come and air your views on how the club operates . . . offer praise, critcism,
suggestions, help etc etc . .. . Also chance for a good old get together.
David Chapman
will be sending out more information to members soon.
NEC Classic Car Show, 13th to 15th November. The SIMCA and MATRA
clubs have their usual stands there. I believe our display will celebrate 40 years
since the launch of the Chrysler Alpine. See full page advert for club ticket deals.
Trackday at Blyton Park near Gainsborough. On Friday 9th October and
organised by Frank Hall from local Matlock Bath with support from Practical
Performance Car magazine. I've booked in already and intend to dust the cobwebs
off either my 'FIMCA' or my Honda Twin cam SIMCA 1000 for a day's fun. Email
Frank on [email protected] for information on how to enter your car .. . . Or
just turn up on the day (8.30am ish) and have a few rides or drives in mine.
Please let
us
know about any events that could interest our members
Ed.
••...•...•
7
:?Tiw
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BIRMINGHAM, NEC, 13-15 NOVEMBER 2015
SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR CARS
OVER 1,800 STUNN-ING CLASSIC CARS
* 250 CAR CLUBS*CELEBRJTY GUESTS*WHEELER DEALERS LJVE STAGE
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* CLASSIC CARS FOR SALE* MEGUIAR'S CLUB SHOWCASE* SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS
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"Club ticket (adult 16 years+) offer only applies to Saturday and
SUnday, and only when booked in advance. Club single ticket offer is limited to four tickets per member and the club family
ticket offer is limited to one family ticket per member. A family ticket admits 2 adults and up to 3 children (5-15 years). "Book before Saturday 31st October 2015 at midnight and you wHI
automatically be entered into our free prize draw to win a car & £300 giveaway towards car insurance courtesy of Lancaster Insurance. Hand in your ticket stub or print-at-home voucher to
your club's stand and they will benefrt from a commission. calls cost 10ppm plus standard network charges. All bookings are subject to a single transaction fee of £1.50. Tickets include
a showauide to the value of £7.50. Enbv to the auction reauires purchase of a cataloaue. See website for all information. All information correct at time of PUblishina.
8
David Chapman Writes
Lord Brabazon - a life with motor cars and aircraft
Those of you who attended RouteUK at Beaulieu last year will recall that our
dinner on the Saturday evening was in the Brabazon Restaurant. Lord Brabazon
was a pioneering motorist, and I thought some words about his career would be
of interest. He became interested in motor cars (as they were then called) while
at school and in 1900 played truant in order to see a motor race pass near by.
After school he went to Cambridge where he started the first motor club.
Although he was studying engineering, after a year he left to go into the motor
industry, at the Talbot Darracq factory at Suresnes in Paris. This was in 1904,
and although the English were not too popular in France at that time, he was
made very welcome by the workers at the factory. He was given many different
jobs; for one week he did nothing but put tyres on the wheels of new cars.
Eventually he moved to the racing sheds. Engines were not tested on benches,
the car was assembled, jacked up and then run in the shops.
Brabazon's job in Paris also presented a great business opportunity. He
observed that second hand prices for Renaults were very high in Paris but low in
England, whereas the price of second hand Panhards was high in London, cheap
in Paris. He arranged with a friend to buy Renaults in England and ship them
across while he would buy a Panhard and send it to England. Not only was this
profitable, but gave him much pleasure in being able to drive different cars.
By 1907 he had taken up motor sport. An early tutor was none other than
Charles (or Charlie) Rolls, who instilled in him the importance of being able to
finish a race. If you could get a car home you were then in with a chance of
winning. Rolls' only fault was extreme parsimony - he simply hated spending
money. When Brabazon was racing with him in Ireland in a Mors, they often slept
under the car on the road, under the pretext that there was no accommodation.
This was just an excuse to avoid an hotel bill.
Later in the same year he started driving for Minerva, a Belgian motor
manufacturer. He was unable to complete an early race at Brooklands, but won
the Circuit des Ardennes. A fellow team member and great friend was Warwick
Wright, later to be known for his network of Rootes and Simca dealers in London.
The Circuit was about 50 miles. Of course then it was difficult to know just how
one was doing in a motor race, and Brabazon only knew he had won when Mr
De Young, the head of the Minerva company, kissed him on both cheeks and
said he had won by 20 seconds.
He then went to drive for Napier and Austin but by 1909 had become absorbed
by the prospect of powered flight, so much so that he became the first
Englishman to fly, during the weekend of April 29- May 2. His flight was not very
9
long or very high, perhaps 50 feet. The end was caused by a sudden gust of
wind, with Brabazon heaving on the rudder, breaking the control line. He had to
glide down, hitting the ground heavily with the tip of the left hand wing, the impact
of which loosened the engine which came hurtling through the air and missed
him by inches. This early experience did not put him off, and in October 1909 he
won £ 1000 from the Daily Mail for having the first all-English machine that could
fly a mile.
After a distinguished career in the air force in the First World War, Brabazon
turned to politics and became Minister of Transport in 1940. There has probably
never been someone in that post who has been so enthusiastic about all forms of
transport, but WWII was not the best time to do that job. After the war he led the
committee which drew up the designs for a family of British passenger aircraft
consisting of a short to medium range turbo-prop airliner, the Viscount, a long
range airliner, the Brabazon, and an international jetliner, the Comet.
As is well known, the Comet was marred early in its career by fatal crashes
caused by metal fatigue, although the modified aircraft, the Comet 4B, enjoyed
some success. The Brabazon, not a jetliner, was too large and too late and never
entered commercial service. But the Viscount, built by Vickers became the most
successful British passenger aircraft, the last of which only ceased flying in the
1990s. This perhaps should be the legacy for which Brabazon, the first
Englishman to fly, should be remembered. "I have always said that if you need
more than 20 minutes to talk about something, you should go away and write a
book instead", he once said. He did just that with his autobiography published in
1956.
Talbot parts available
The reduction of my Talbot fleet means I now have a number of spares surplus to
requirements. These are mainly for the Horizon, for which I have numerous front
and rear light lenses, trim parts, bumper corners, etc. I also have interior door
trims, and LXIGLX wheel trims. So if you need any of these, please get in touch
either on 07764 191744 or by email. For the lenses, please specify which make
is required (Frankani or Cibie). Apart from the door trims, all items are new, many
still in Talbot or Peugeot boxes. Prices will be reasonable but unless you are
nearby, postage will be charged. Some body panels are also available, so let me
know what you need and I will see if I can help.
Bob writes..........“How it all began.”
In the late summer of 1981 I sat in front of my portable typewriter and began an article for
the Simca Owners Register entitled “How It All Began”.
Given that time is going on a bit I considered that perhaps I ought to finish said article.
It takes the form of a light-hearted look back at my interest in cars and how this eventually
lead to the formation of your club, Simca Club UK.
*******************************************************************************
The latest copy of The Beano had my attention as I stood in my classroom desk, every
now and again leaning against the back rest causing it to rear up, then letting it slowly
back to earth.
My concentration was interrupted by the sound of a fast-approaching boy.
Form 2 was very large. It was part of the internal arrangement of Buckland House, former
seat of The Fortescues, of Devon. The door into this room was placed in the centre of the
partition wall, the whole room being of about 35 feet in length.
Philip Keyes entered this room at his best velocity, all the while accompanying the event
with appropriate noises as might befit a careering car. Skidding on his leather-soled shoes
he executed a perfect 90 degree left turn, struggled to gather momentum, Road Runner
fashion, and, reaching his desk adjacent to my own, managed a neat 180 degree turn,
plonking himself down in his seat, grinning from ear to ear and panting just a little.
By this time I had replaced the Beano with a well-thumbed copy of The Observers Book Of
Cars, 1958 edition. Keyes had taken a 12 inch wooden rule (all that was available in those
far-off days) and had fixed one end to his desktop with one hand and, with the other, was
lifting it and letting it twang against the wooden top. He stopped for a moment, eyeing me
and the small book.
“What sort of car has your Dad got?” he
enquired.
“A Wolseley 4/44 I replied, airily.
Silence for a few seconds, then, “My Dads got a
Simca Aronde 90A Elysee” he replied in a
manner which indicated that he would have no
time at all for a Wolseley or, perhaps, any other
British car of the time.
I tried not to let him see as I went back to the
front of my book and to the page headed
“Aronde”
RF, with my Dads' Wolseley 4/44, Scotland, 1957
There indeed was an illustration of his Dads car. Rather American I thought and, secretly, I
thought it looked good. It was 1960. We were both eleven years of age.
1958 type 90A Aronde, (photo courtesy of the Observers
Book of Cars, 1958)
11
The two of us had become good friends and, during the summer term and with parental
permission, he invited me to his home for a long weekend. Every fortnight we were able to
have a “Red Letter” day, (Sundays, after morning service, 11am.- 6.30pm.) which, twice
during the summer term and once during the shorter winter and spring terms, could benefit
from the inclusion of the Saturday, as there were no lessons, making a jolly good break
from boarding school routine.
Mr. Keyes was in the armed forces, BFPO Belgium, and it was whilst he was there that he
chose an Aronde as mode of transport. He motored it back and forth from his place of work
to the intriguing house, where they lived, near Beaworthy, (Devon)
His interests appeared boundless and the house was full of schoolboy delights, you might
know the sort of things, Mechano sets of various types and model railways (all Marklin)
with an “O” gauge that ran out and around part of the extensive gardens. This particular
circuit was live steam powered. The house sat alone, half way down a half-mile long
incline. The nearest neighbour was a mile away.
Philips older brother was a bit of an inventor. One weekend he had created a contraption
for riding down the incline past the house. It was contrived from an upturned sledge fixed
to an old pram chassis. You hauled it to the top of the hill, got onto it in whatever position
suited best, and someone would assist the start of the descent with a good old push.
Stopping, however, had not been considered and there was, on one occasion, a very nasty
accident when the whole thing became upset and Phils' brother (whose name escapes
me) went further on down the hill more or less on his nose with imaginable consequences.
Today it would probably have meant calling an ambulance but the lads mother fixed him up
with some DIY stitches and “vinegar and brown paper”. Ah, those were indeed the days!
I think, from memory, I made two visits during that year, 1961. Then a year later, summer
term again and our last at this school, I was invited for the occasion of the arrival of the
new car. In pursuit of a replacement for his 90A, Mr. Keyes had visited Raymond Radmore
(1, Crownhill, Plymouth) who were the South West dealers for Simca.
Radmore promoted the Simca marque and his dealership by modifying and racing several
type 90A and later P60P Arondes with a degree of success. He had fabricated a three
branch manifold which allowed the fitting of twin SU carburettors. This facilitated the freerevving Flash Special engine to spin at 7000rpm. (some years later I would become the
proud owner of this manifold which he sold to me for £6.)
The allocated weekend duly arrived and the two of us set off down the schools drive where
it lead onto the narrow road between Shebbear and Sheepwash.
I remember clearly that it was a bright and sunny day. We chewed long blades of grass
plucked from the hedge where we sat as we waited to be collected.
“Here he comes!” cried my pal and in the distance I made out the rapidly approaching two
tone blue Aronde. Mr. Keyes pulled up sharply, looking very satisfied. We couldn't wait to
get in. He informed us that this was the new Aronde P60P Monthléry Speciale which had a
5 main bearing Rush Super “M” engine yielding 70 brake horse power. WOW!
(This is 1962 remember)
*******************************************************************************************************
to be continued.
12
Member's Featured Car..... 1.
1977 SIMCA llOOGLX
The first SIMCA Club UK owner of
Mick Ward
suspension on the torsion bars and has
YLG413S was David Chapman, who I
fitted 6x14" diameter alloys from a Lancia
believe bought it from the original owner
Dedra with 185x55x14 tyres.
with quite a low mileage (It's still only
It was part of our display at the March
done 49,000). During his ownership he
2015 NEC Restoration Show and I drove
felt it never quite ran as well as other
it there. It's become a permanent fixture
1100s he'd had. Various parts were
on my drive ever since. Just have to work
changed but with little effect. The car
on keeping the rust at bay to avoid another
then joined the collection of David
1100 'weldathon' on the scale of the
Herraghty and Callum Cubbage up in
Scotland. When David was here in
Derbyshire at one of Our Peak District
events with the 1100, Kev, my brother,
who was looking for another 11 00 while
his 1204 was being restored, struck a deal
and bought it soon after.
The 1118 engine still seemed less than
100%. On one occasion Kev & Lesley set
out to join us at the
Santa Pod Retro
Show. As they approached the MI (a few
miles from home) a screeching from the
engine got louder. They turned back and
later when Kev stripped the engine down
he found the cam followers were badly
'roughed up' where they slide in the
block, being virtually seized. This was
something we'd never come across on
dozens of SIMCAs we'd owned ... maybe
the poor running fault all along. ??
.
A temporary well worn 1294 engine
was fitted but Kev set to work on a 1442
engine, fitting a Kent Hart 2 (Rallye 3ish
profile) race cam and the 36DCNF Weber
twin carbs from a MATRA Bagheera, re­
jetted to suit based on advice from Roy
Gillard. It really GOES now but retains a
smooth tickover despite the 'hot' cam.
The SIMCA llOOTi was never officially
sold new on the UK market. Most of the
rest of Europe got a 1294cc Ti with the
twin 36DCNF carbs and a wilder cam
(equivalent to the 1000 Rallye 2).
SIMCA Spain gave their version of the Ti
a 1442 engine with the same twin carbs.
So Kev made himself a 'Spanish spec. Ti'
with that bit extra from the race cam.
Bodywise it has survived remarkably
well (by usual 1100 standards) just
needing sills and two new front wings
during Kev's ownership. Kev lowered the
Let's hear about yours ...or one ofyours .... With photos ...Please ! I
..
13
Retro Rides Gathering ... Shelsey Walsh 23rd August 2015
Mick Ward
Last Year this event moved to Shelsey
Walsh Hillclimb having outgrown the
previous venue of Prescott Hillclimb.
Shelsey Walsh is reputedly the World's
longest serving motorsport venue still in
use today.
I didn't go last year as I was off the road
thanks to DVLA. This year ominous
weather forecasts had toned down by
Saturday night. We had a stand booked
but I'd only had a limited response. In the
event SIMCA Club UK's effort consisted
of my SIMCA 1100 along with Mike
Whitworth's Talbot Samba. There was
another SIMCA on an adjoining stand in
the shape of a 1301. I will have to see if
my recruiting efforts bear fruit.
Arriving there in the morning weather
conditions looked promising and stayed
that way until lunchtime when black
clouds appeared and the heavens opened.
The Hillclimb itself looks really
challenging and a wide selection of
machinery was in action out there .. . from
out and out racers to USA pickups, hot
hatchbacks, home built 30's style racers
and wild Japanese creations. In the
afternoon's 'monsoon' conditions, the
really powerful cars had to back right off
to stay on the tarmac. The cars that
proved to handle those conditions best
were a number of Mazda MX5s.
I managed a good look round the varied
array of vehicles on the show site during
the morning but my exploration of much
of the rest of the venue was curtailed by
the afternoon's rain.
Still, again a superb gathering of old
cars of every type and style with an
emphasis of the not so common . . . like our
'club' cars.
Only minus point other than the
weather was one poor soul's Volvo Estate
which burst into flames after he had
parked it, and despite the efforts of the
fire service it was burnt out.
Another year if this event returns to
Shelsey I quite like the idea of a go up the
Hill.
Above: Our club effort, . . . . . . . . . French
rarities on neighbouring stand . . . SIMCA
1301 and Renault R8
Retro Rides Gathering... Shelsey Walsh 23rd August 2015
Mick Ward
SIMCA 1301, compare the rear engine layout of
the Renault R8 to our own SIMCA 1000, real
variety and custom 'yank' pickup that had proved
most uncooperative conking out at the gate
15
On the Road Again.!!!! ...... Mick Ward's JJOOVF2 Pickup.
The 1 00 1 fmal fiddly jobs done and
everything up & running and it was time
for its first MoT since 20 1 1. Once a bad
connection to a rear light was sorted ... It
had a 'clean bill of health' and was taxed.
Time to try out nearly twice the power??
The 1442 engine on twin carbs runs OK
but not quite as it should. It seems to run
on 3 and a bit cylinders a lot of the time
and it is noisy even by usual transverse
S IMCA/Talbot engine standards. It will
do as a temporary measure and will
probably be replaced by a low mileage
1442 Kev has in stock.. All in all it feels
more rigid as well it should after the
massive 'weldathon' it's suffered.
Odd 'teething troubles' cropped up
including intermittent indicator faults
which I put down to bad earthing rather
than a faulty flasher unit. The dash
warning lights were sorted out with some
new bulbs and cleaning up their contacts.
A brake calliper working loose was down
to me not checking everything again after
re-assembly.
First event it went to it caused quite some
interest parked next to Kev's Bagheera,
which, of course uses much of the same
structure and mechanicals. The guy who
was doing a commentary of sorts was
looking round the field and correctly
identified the MATRA-SIMCA
Bagheera but suggested the pickup next
to it was a cut down SIMCA car. I was
going to go over to correct him armed
with a VF 1 & 2 brochure but ended up
diving for cover when one of this
summer's regular downpours intervened.
Last Wednesday evening of every month
at Rotherham in nearby South Yorkshire,
the
Motornutz club meet at the Waverley
pub near the M 1 junction 33. First time
there for the pickup and it won
'Car of the
Meet' award more for its quirkiness and
rarity than for its fmish.
It has since proved useful in collecting
parts and taking up transport of large
objects now the Espace has 'died;.
One day I'll get all the bottom half
painted in the same shade of green ...!!
Earning its keep...hauling .engines, engine crane
and trailer .
Mille Time
...
The Sting in the tail
... .
Rear engined round up
•••••••••
Daniel Burrowes' 'lefty' project is well
on the
to
As shiny underneath as it is on top
...
!!!!
Daniel's Dad, Peter with his 1000 Special
l7
Mille Time
...
The Sting in the tail... Rear engined round up.........
.
Wayne Parkinson and his 1000 bought from Mark
Reilly.
Peter Burrowes suggests they may need a
bigger garden to fit all the SIMCAs in .
.
Has your garden started growing
SIMCAs and Talbots ... ????
Photo
Looking through the pages of French
motorsport mag. Echappement, S IMCA
1 OOos and SIM CA-CGs still often figure
well in the hillclimb and Slalom results.
IS
Baglleera Restoratioa coaaplete.....
Paul acquired this Bagheera last year. It
is a very late model which, despite
retaining MATRA- SIMCA on the orange
reflective rear panel, was referred to in the
brochures as Talbot-MATRA Bagheera.
The distinguishing feature of these
'79/'80 cars was the adoption of door
handles as opposed to the cut out at the
back of the door.
The car had been in storage for years
after the previous owner had fitted a
factory replacement 1442 engine, had hit
problems and lost interest.
It came with'ERA' decals and was
described as an'ERA Sport' although
information on this link has proved
elusive so far..
.
Any ideas????
It is the basic Bagheera model which
featured the 1 442 engine just on a single
carb and black and tartan .trim.
After
listening to warnings about the MATRA
Bagheera's ability to'rust for France'
Paul was amazed when the fibreglass
panels were removed and the structure
was really sound. Just needing a slight
repair where a cracked windscreen had let
in the moisture.
Earlier this year he set about getting it
ready for spraying, choosing a local man
whose excellent work he's seen around..
All in all some 22 litres of paint and
lacquer went into the near mirror finish
and Paul has refurbed a set of alloys for it
(the basic Bagheera and the 200 or so'S'
models sold new in the UK came with
steel wheels and plastic hub caps).
The interior received a thorough clean
just needing very minor repairs.
Mechanically, we were able to supply
Paul with NOS clutch, starter, filters,
pumps advice and various other bits. Roy
Gillard also added his vast experience.
It's now Mot'd and taxed and is believed
to be the only Bagheera in the UK from
this last batch before the launch of the
Murena.
Sadly, Paul finds himself forced to sell
the car now as a result of health issues.
I'm sure it will fmd a good home with a
UK enthusiast.
Mick
t9
Photos Lord Paul Love.
Bagheerca Restorcatioa coD'Iplete
•••••
photos Lord Paul Love
Series 1 Bagheera to compare with the
last of the line .......
I was recently reading the excellent book
I 'irresistible panthere de
MATRA-SIMCA by Andre Dewael
Bagheera..
The section on the Bagheera U8
prototypes explained how the managed to
link two 1294 SIMCA engines to work
side by side. One would have to be turned
around so the exhausts pointed outwards
of the 'U8' engine. Simca had the answer
'in house' ... one engine was from an
1 100 Ti (clockwise rotation), the other
from a 1000 Rallye 2 (anticlockwise).
The U8 project never went ahead on
grounds of cost and the fuel crisis at the
time .....
.
Chrysler-Talbot photo album...
from Colin Hill's collection of press launch photos
7215
More photos from the Chrysler-Talbot range on the following pages. . .. . ..
Thanks to Colin for the loan of his photos .. . . . . . .
.
.
Alpines.....
CHRYSLER ALPINE
"SUNSfFKrR"
ALPINE GLS
II
,
' it.
82/.09/2
'79 Chrysler Alpine
Sunseeker,'83 Talbot
Alpine GLS and
. . . ..
Workers at the Ryton
�
.
Factory celebratmg the
Millionth Alpine.
·
Sa�a collection
............... .
SAMBA ROLLER
2.035/1
Larger Saloon range
.••.•.•
CHRYSLER 2 LITRE
Not for Publication Before
TALaOT
®TALBOT
M.onday, Septemb«
TALBOT SOLARA GLS
TAGORA
SX
R.
67182
6th, 1976.
R67461
82/425/8
Chrysler-Talbot Photo album
Above:
Left:
Horizon Special
Total Economy
Drive where 'works'
drivers Bernard Unett
and Colin Francis won
the Drivers' award and
achieved 45.2 1 mpg in
their �hrysler Alpine S
Editor's Note .....
For future issues of
L'Aronde I'm looking
For articles on any
restorations that are
in progress, with
Photos please ... the
results of all that work
the finished article. At
The other end of the
scale 'barn fmds' always
intrigue readers.
Older members could
perhaps pass on stories
of SIMCAs and Talbots
in their heyday
•••.
Anything however loosely
related to the cars. In fact,
I've not had any recent
contributions to the ....
'Members' other interests'
Thread ..... Any offers???
Mick
25
Fat Lamb weekend........... 31st July to �d August 2015
Mick Ward
Back in 20 14, Kev and Lesley spotted an
area in front of the main entrance in the
advert in
courtyard connecting with the Campbell
Practical Classics for a hotel at
Ravenstonedale near Kirkby Stephen that
offered car club based weekend deals.
This was the
Fat Lamb. Paul, the owner
display ... pride of place indeed.
The Museum itself had more than just
cars ... all aspects of life from the eras the
is a classic car enthusiast and he enjoys
cars depicted were catered for ... .toys,
combining this with his business.
aspects of various trades, manufacturing,
September 20 14, we were in the Lake
District and drove to the
Fat Lamb to
slot machines, aviation, bikes, motor
bikes and scooters. Added to that there
investigate. Paul's enthusiasm was
was a building dedicated to the Campbell
obvious and we decided it would be ideal
record breaking on land and water. .
for the MATRA club who were looking
Kev, Lesley and I, confirmed Lake
for a Northern event for 20 15. Their
District addicts, went on afterwards for a
events are always open to our members so
few nights at our usual Hotel., the White
Lodge, At Bowness on Windermere.
there was the chance to treat the
Yorkshire dales lanes to a superb convoy
of 'club' cars.
While there, we had to dig into the stock
of spare parts we had brought along. The
Paul offered to plan an extensive tour for
the Saturday.
clutch master cylinder gave up on the
1 100 after gear crunching became worse
By the Friday evening there was an
& worse.. Still half an hour's work fittinll
imnressive arrav of MATRA and a counle
a new cvlinder and bleeding it saw
oi- SliviCAs in me car nark. Tne majority
cleaner gear changes than I've known
of the hotel was taken over bv members
since I first drove the car.
from our clubs. The rooms were soot on
1-\ll
m
au
me wav we were IOoKea an:er
ana an eveninll meal was enioved bv alL
bv Paul and his staff made for a superb
the bar beinll kent busv until late.
weekend. The MA TRA club are already
Next morning at breakfast Paul handed
U.U.J"'-LLJ.5
about a
return visit.
out the fmely detailed route for the day.
After a photo shoot in front of the Hotel
taking in two Ranchos, 5 or 6 Murenas,
two series 1 Bagheeras and My 1 100 and
Jill Ewan's 1000, we set off in convoy.
Paul accompanied us at times in his Mk2
Jaguar, passing us in places and then
appearing parked up at a suitable spot for
some great photos. (Seen on the colour
pages of this issue). After about 40 miles
through spectacular countryside in the
morning we stopped off at the
sister hotel, the
Fat lamb's
King's Arms at Temple
Sowerby where a buffet was awaiting us.
The Afternoon drive of about 60 miles
took in more spectacular scenery with a
stop off at the High Force waterfall. All
this and the sun kept on shining
The following day some rain and duller
skies accompanied our drive to the
Lakeland Motor Museum. We had been
promised a reserved spot in the car park
but on arriving we were directed to an
26
Photosfrom Fat lamb & Lakeland Motor Museum July 31 to August 2"d 2015
27
Photos from Fat lamb & Lakeland Motor Museum July 31 to August J:Ul 2015
We all thought the Museum was great with more
than just cars ... all sorts of displays relating to
work & play from the very early days of motoring.