NOJ 393 “The silent witness”healeyvic.com.au/1203.pdfPast President Bill Vaughan, with his...

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• PatricK Quinn’s Story: NOJ 393 •SideExhaust •ComingEvents •AussieRacers

The official newsletter of the Austin-Healey Owners Club of Victoria incorporated.

NOJ 393 “The silent witness”

Coming Up “Phillip Island Historics”........

Hundreds & Thousands March 2012 1

This Club is affiliated to the Confederation of Australian Motor Sports (CAMS), a member of the Marque Sports Car Association (MSCA) and the Association of Motoring Clubs (AOMC).

We are dedicated to the maintenance, preservation and enjoyment of the Austin Healey motor car.

OFFICE BEARERS

President Paul McPherson 0418 123 925 president@healeyvic.com.au Vice President Bill Metcalf 0447 010 145 or 9876 2167 vicepresident@healeyvic.com.au Secretary Brian Aitken 0419 025 858 or 9775 3699 secretary@healeyvic.com.au Treasurer Mike Snelgrove 0418 320 524 or 9379 2836 treasurer@healeyvic.com.au Membership Peter Heading 0413 769 068 or 9025 6702 membership@healeyvic.com.au Clubrooms & CMC Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 clubrooms@healeyvic.com.au

GENERAL COMMITTEE

Social social@healeyvic.com.au Librarian Mick Smith 0419 553 840 or 9789 7698 librarian@healeyvic.com.au Communications Gordon Lindner 0418 540 920 or 9707 1294 webmanager@healeyvic.com.au Competition-MSCA Rod Vogt 0408 395 240 or 5962 1915 competition-MSCA@healeyvic.com.au Regalia Arthur Tuckett 0418 105 627 or 9571 8324 regalia@healeyvic.com.au AOMC-VicRoads Ken Styles 0431 481 082 or 9809 4382 AOMC-vicroads@healeyvic.com.au CAMS Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 CAMS@healeyvic.com.au Registrar Iain McPherson 9850 3267 registrar@healeyvic.com.au Magazine Editor Harvey Pearce 0419 108 532 or 9836 7596 editor@healeyvic.com.au

HUNDREDS & THOUSANDS IS THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF VICTORIA INC ABN 21 230 686 083

The statements of opinion or fact appearing within are those of the individual contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Club or its members

Registered by Australia Post. Publication No. VBH 1552

CORRESPONDENCE: P.O. Box 97 Mulgrave, Victoria. 3170. INTERNET ADDRESS www.healeyvic.com.au

GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the first Thursday of the month at the Clubrooms, 19-23 Rosalie Street, Springvale. Meetings commence at 8.00pm.

CONTRIBUTIONS: Items of interest, articles, technical information, correspondence, constructive criticism, photographs etc., are constantly being sought. Any material for inclusion to the magazine should be sent directly to the Editor, by 13

of the month

The Next Meeting will be held in the Clubhouse, Rosalie Ave Springvale On Thursday 1st March commencing at 8 pm

Our “Guest” Speaker will be immediate past president Bill Vaghan who will tell us about his Sprite love affair

He will have with him his Green Bug-Eye Sprite

THIS MONTH’S COVER

“THE MILLION DOLLAR BABY” - 393 “THE OTHER NOJ”

England, France, USA and Mexico now coming to Australia

Cover design production W & M Ingham Cover Story by Patrick Quinn

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A PHOTOGRAPHER? How about entering our photo competition

“Side Exhaust” is always trying to think up ways to add different content to Hundreds and Thousands and the concept is his idea. The Committee has given us its blessing and we get under way next month so dig into your albums,or go out and be creative. It’s another good excuse to get out in your Healey All the details are in “Side Exhaust’s” column. We will accept prints but prefer electronic files (preferably jpeg) Email your entries to editor@healeyvic,com,au or post your prints to The Editor, 3/52 Spencer Road, Camberwell 3124

Printed by GPD Digital 14/9 Elite Way Carrum Downs Vic

CONTENTS Coming events Page 2 President’s Report Page 4 For Sale and Wanted Page 5 Peninsula Lunch Page 5 Meeting Minutes Page 6 Cover Story - Page 9 Side Exhaust Page 11 Healeys That Raced in Australia - More from Iain McPherson Page 13 Competition Report Page 15 ROF’s February Page 17 2011 AGM Minutes Page 20 Geelong Group Page 21

BACK BURBLES

Remember our series of articles on NOJ392? This month we feature her sister car NOJ393, perhaps the most famous racer of all. Like Lucky Starr, she’s been almost everywhere. We were lucky enough to get Patrick Quinn to write about her history and as we all now know, she’s coming to Victoria to be restored. Quite a feather in our caps and a great coup for Marsh Restorations too. . With a bit of luck we may get to see her at one of our monthly meetings in the future. Perhaps twice if we twist arms – for before and after photos. We can but ask!

Our series of committee member’s profiles started off well with President Paul answering the call. I tapped on a couple shoulders for this month and got nowhere so I guess it’s my turn. Brian, you’re up next month!

If you read the introduction page you’ll see we are running a photo contest. It’s all about getting something different into the magazine and you, the members, having some input. Your photos must have a caption or they won’t be judged. We certainly hope to be overwhelmed by the response! As for the choice of judges, we haven’t even asked Barb yet but I know she won’t say no.

The minutes of the AGM last December are published in this issue. At the next AGM they will be taken as circulated so make sure you file this edition somewhere handy so you can refer to them in December.

Once again we have articles from the usual sources. Iain McPherson just keeps coming up with more material and “Side Exhaust” hasn’t run out of ideas yet. On top of that we have reports on the Peninsula Lunch and the ROF’s East drive from Anne Kruger and a report on the inaugural South West meeting. Keep up the good works folks.

Your editor has been conspicuous by his absence at lots of events. We just have too much on. We can’t even get to the Flinders breakfast even though it’s just around the corner. What would you do on the morning after a late afternoon wedding in your garden with lots of the guests staying over? We have to feed them breakfast! With luck we will make more appearances as our life slows down a little.

Happy Healying

Harvey and Marion

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

MARCH Thursday 1

st General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm

Sunday 4th *Sandown to be confirmed Wednesday 7

th Committee meeting

Thursday 8th ROF's North

10th-12th *VHRR Phillip Island Historics

15th – 18th Melbourne Grand Prix

17th – 23

rd RACV Fly the Flag Tour 2012

Full details including application Form www.abccc.com.au/FTF/index.php Saturday 31

st Great Macedon Grand Tour

APRIL Thursday 5

th General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm

6th – 9

th 41st National Austin Healey Rally, Queensland www.austinhealeyqld.com.au

Wednesday 11th Committee Meeting

Thursday 12th ROF’s East

Sunday 15th Myrniong Historic Car Sprints

Sunday 29th AOMC/RACV Classic Showcase Flemington Racecourse. Concours

presentation and judging of Road and Show classes.

MAY Thurs 3

rd General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm

Wed 9th Committee Meeting

Thurs 10th ROF's West

Sunday 13th National Motoring Heritage Day Venue - Yarra Glen Racecourse.

26th - 27th *HSRCA Historic Eastern Creek, Sydney *Historic Winton (short course)

Wed 30th Frankston R.S.L., 183 Cranbourne Road, Frankston. 9783 2288

PENINSULA RUN VENUES – JANUARY TO MAY 2012

Wednesday 29th February Peninsula Run to Sportsman Club, South Gippsland Highway, Tooradin. 59 983265 (Please phone two days before or miss out on Lunch) Wednesday 28th March Flinders Hotel, Cook Street, Flinders. 5989 0201 Wednesday 25th April Dava Hotel, 614 The Esplanade. Mt Martha. please ask for Bronwyn. 5975 1555 Wednesday 30th May Frankston R.S.L., 183 Cranbourne Road, Frankston. 9783 2288 (Please phone the Venues two days before or miss out on Lunch)

NOTE: These venues are different from those notified in the February issue

SUPPER ROSTER

MARCH Marjorie Swales and Kathy Saul

APRIL Jill Tuckett and Annette Aitken

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – MARCH 2012

A busy first nine days of the month for many of us – our bbq and general meeting were very well attended and, it was good to see some new members and members who are unable to get to many of our meetings through the year. Bill Ingham’s movie and talk on the 2

nd European

Healey Meeting in St. Moritz - with a significant Australian contingent – was excellent in content and inspirational for everyone planning or contemplating taking the Healey to Europe or the UK. We appreciated all the work Bill went to in preparing his talk. Many thanks to everyone who pitched in to make this meeting a success.

Sunday Feb. 5 was the David Calleja Memorial Car Show at Bacchus Marsh, with approximately 850 vehicles (cars / trucks / motorcycles) being judged in various classes – presenting an amazing variety of mechanical propulsion – including, of course, Steve Pike’s streamliner. Plenty of dust around but, everyone avoided the rain in the south, before the storms hit Melbourne. A very large crowd attended which, would have given a good return to the charity organizers.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the Jaguar Car Club of Vic. held the first function of their 50

th Anniversary year, at the

clubrooms – just a ring of chairs in the auditorium with four Jags, old and new – the evening took the form of a cocktail party with caterers in, serving finger food – dress was purportedly, “after 5”. Many of our AHOC members who are members of the JCCV enjoyed a very well put together evening, along with approx. 300 other members and guests.

Thursday, Feb. 9 saw one of the largest selections of Healeys on weekday runs, for many years. The inaugural South Western Regional Healey Gathering was held at David and Rae Kelly’s Winchelsea property, “Toomwilloo”, with 50 members and guests – pics on Healeyvic.com.au. The day was a great success and the precursor to many years of activity for this region’s Healey owners and friends.

On the same day, Arthur Tuckett’s southern ROF run down to the Bass Valley Estate at Loch was a terrific little venue in a picturesque setting, good wines and ploughmans lunches for the 25 attendees – again, pics on Healeyvic.com.au for your perusal. Many thanks to David Kelly, Linda Fletcher, Brian Jose and Gordon Lindner, for the pics from both runs.

Sunday, February 26 is Annette Aitken’s Brekky Run to Flinders Golf Club – details in last month’s 100s & 1000s. Brian and Annette will lead the peninsula cars, from the

corner of Eramosa Road and Moorooduc Highway, at 9.00 am. I shall lead the other group, meeting at the Dandenong Indoor Basketball Stadium carpark, first driveway in, off Stud Road, heading towards Dandenong, at the same time. Please contact Annette if you intend to do the run.

Our guest speaker for the March general meeting will be Past President Bill Vaughan, with his lovely green Bugeye Sprite, telling us the stories about his Sprite love affair!

VHRR Phillip Island on March 9-12. We shall have a group down on turn one on the Saturday. For the Sunday, an area will be roped (flagged) off to take a large group of Healeys, together with our club marquees for shade. Please bring chairs, table if you have a folding one, food and drink. (Food and drink are available up near the pits, but, it is a fair walk). It is a top spot for the view of racing and, Bass Strait. When you arrive at the track, follow the gravel road around to the right and take the second last gate down onto the grassed parking area – you should be able to site the Healey enclosure from there. The first race starts around 9.15 am and, you need to aim for that, so that you see all the Healey races, before heading home. You have free access to all the pit and garage areas.

Reference our Concours day and the RACV AOMC British and European car show at Flemington on April 29 – the most important day in the Healey calendar, for your attendance in support of our club – we are hoping for a third year of success with the Best Club Display trophy. I spoke about having a panel of mentor judges (members who the committee shall approach to pass on their skill and experience) and a larger group of members – not necessarily experienced (in the beginning) who would like to participate in a vital role, helping spread the workload of judging our competitions. Having a large group of judges would certainly cut down the number of hours work required each year! I shall be asking for volunteers for the larger judging group, at the March general meeting.

Finally, we still have a vacancy for a Social Secretary, to co-ordinate all of our member helpers in organizing our social functions and runs. This necessary position is being covered at present by your current committee members and adds considerably to the workloads they already carry. Please take the opportunity to contribute!

See you at the general meeting ………….

Cheers,

Paul McPherson

NEW MEMBERS

We welcome to The Club Gary and Celia Lee 1957 BN4 Peter and Daniela Jensen-Muir 1964 BJ8 Ken and Maree Leigh 1961 BN7

Western Regional Healey run, April 19th 2012 Following the success of the Inaugural Western Region Gathering (see separate report) there will be a run to Bacchus Marsh with lunch at the home of Ralph and Linda Fletcher at 7 Ramsay Crescent Darley 3340 on Thursday 19

th April.

Members from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsular should meet on the Bacchus Marsh road at the Bacchus Marsh-Corio exit of the Geelong By-pass at 10.45am. Please bring salad, chair, glass, drink and $5 to cover cost of the meat. Ralph advises drivers to proceed down the driveway through to the rear of the property where ample parking is available.

Please RSVP to David Kelly by 16th April: dpkelly37@ozemail.com.au, 03 5267 2163, mob 0439872723.

FOR SALE 1958 BN6 100/6, (3000 mark 1 engine ) coupe, Royal Blue over Silver, requires some restoration, drives well, asking price 30,000.00 ONO. Registration number UVM 551, registered untill June 2012. Regretful sale - unfortunately I will be moving interstate to NSW. Michael Hogan 03 5966 2493 (Warburton) Mobile : 0409 277235

Brand new 6 cyl Aluminium Head Fully assembled , lead–free valve seats, top quality valves, guides, springs & top caps $4170.00 Bill Metcalf 03 9876 2167

100/4 parts A70 Head with valves and springs Gear box casings with some gears and attachments and 1x Laygears new never used Crankshaft with mains bearing caps and matched conrods and gudgeon pins Original 100/ 4 rocker cover Front suspension components upper wishbones and shockers lower wish bones springs and plates 4.1 diff with 4 stud rear axles Horn rod New Kilmartin 6 volt battery support with clamp holders Bonnet catch 4 wire wheels Dynamo John Stearne 98171052 or 0418 549 620

AHBN1 - Peter Watt’s BRG BN1 Lots of modifications and of course it has a Peter Watt engine. Peter Watt 0260433556 or 0409147428

100/4 crankshaft 10 thou under standard size and has been machined for the Denis Welch rear seal, ready to use $1800.00 ono. Mark Ingham 0411259229

Pair of HS6 1-3/4” SU carbies $350.00 ONO Ralph Fletcher 0418 567218

BN2 Gear box serial Number I 4690 casting Number AEO 3174 the disc on the top is stamped Type C26A The bell housing is off a BN4 with linkage to convert to Hydraulic clutch. The gear box came with a BN1 I purchase and restored using the BN1 gear box and is not required by me. I was advised the gear box had been reconditioned. There is no Over Drive $1200.00 Keith Bailey on 07 3351 5362 or keithbailey5@bigpond.com

C/Over Reconditioned clutch bell housing fitted with modified First Motion Shaft seal & re-bushed clutch fork. Suits BN4, BN6, BN7,BT7 ( allside shift Healey’s )Price $180.00 Bruce Dixon on 9511-6097

WANTED

BN1 rear springs and hood frame Bill Ingham 98999033 or 0438195748

Healey luncheon, Baxter Tavern, 25th January 2012

When Victoria puts on great weather she does it with aplomb! So it was on the first Healey luncheon for 2012 at the Baxter Tavern. As with most clubs of this kind much is made of the facilities such as ample parking, bistro, comfortable decor and many other attributes. This Tavern in no way disappointed.

So, with great enthusiasm over 30 attended the luncheon. There were many Healeys this time, well supported by other classics and moderns. The seafood platters were in demand and a great selection to enjoy on the lunch menu. Unfortunately some of the future venues require a ‘deposit’ for such luncheons and after a straw poll it was decided to change next month’s venue and reconsider others.

Words and photos by Anne Kruger

AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF VICTORIA INC Minutes of “General Meeting” held on Thursday, 2

nd February 2012

at 19 – 23 ROSALIE STREET, SPRINGVALE

Meeting opened at 9.00pm following a sausage sizzle and a presentation by Bill Ingham who spoke about his experiences in previous international rallies held in Europe. Bill’s talk was supported by an excellent video and was well received. Present: 104 Financial Members 1 Visitor – Ken Sadler from Warrnambool

2 New Members in attendance – Frank Cassar and Stan Hudson – welcome! Apologies: Sue Raverty, Rex and Deanne Hall, John and Mary Birdsey, Bill and Carole Vaughan, Peter and Ann Stanley Jill and Travis Smith, Yvonne Thomson, Harvey Pearce.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: Motion that the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 1 December 2011, be accepted. Moved; Andrew Goad Seconded; Rod Vogt Carried Matters Arising: Nil. Correspondence In: Flyers Flyer from Hastings Ostrich Farms. Flyers for 2012 Great Macedon Grand Tour – run 31 March 2012 Flyer for Shannons 2011 Summer auction.

E Mail Advice from Brian Dermott re Broadford Fun Day and Sprint on Feb 5. Invitation from CAMS to participate in 2012 Young Officials Program running at the Australian Grand Prix. Reminder from CAMS about CARnival to be held on the 1

nd of December 2012

Invitation from the MG Car Club to participate in the "Inter-club Challenge" rounds at Rob Roy Hill Climb this year on Feb-12, Jul-15, and Oct-7. E Mail from new member, Tim Jenkinson, re membership fee payment method. E Mail from CAMS with dates for the 2012 CAMS Victorian Officials Training Calendar Reminder from CAMS re the February State Council Meeting E Mail from Graeme John White promoting his new book - TRIUMPH Sidescreen TRs E Mail from InfroPro Services Pty Ltd promoting new software called “RUNACLUB” E Mail promoting www.convertiblecarsales.com.au E Mail from David R. Koch in USA with parts for BT7 for sale. E Mail advertising number plate “MINT 68” for sale - $6K. E Mail from Membership Secretary with copy of resignation letter from Tony and Lauris Clota. E Mail advertising a charity run called “Kruze 4 Kids” to be run on 6 April with proceeds going to the Good Friday Appeal.

Magazines: December 2011 “Healey Torque” mag from Qld December 2011“Healeys West” magazine from WA AHOC December / January “Flat Chat” magazine from NSW AHOC December 2011 “Goblin Gazette” from Sprite Driver’s Club December 2011“Cat-A-Log” magazine from Jag Car Club January / February 2012“Open Topics” magazine from Riverina Sports Car Association December 2011 “Slipstream” magazine of the Bolwell Car Club January / February 2012 “Slipstream” magazine of the Bolwell Car Club February edition of HRA News (Historic Rally Association) January edition of “Crankhandle” SPCHCC magazine

Letters Letter from NSW Morris Register inviting participation in Canberra Rally between 19 and 22 April 2012. Letter from Garage Classics of Williamstown with invitation for another visit Letter from MSCA seeking nomination for 2012 committee membership.

Correspondence Out Sympathy card to Chris Holmes Letter to MSCA nominating Rod Vogt as our Club Delegate Various e mailed responses to e mails received. REPORTS: Financial: Mike Snelgrove submitted the following report: OPERATING ACCOUNT - November 2011 Opening balance 31st Oct 2011 $14,972.28 Deposits $15,075.00 Payments $8,387.57 Closing balance 30th November 2011 $21,659.71

OPERATING ACCOUNT - December 2011 Opening Balance 30th November 2011 $21,659.71 Deposits $8,197.20 Payments $1,172.89 Closing balance 31st December 2011 $28,684.02

TERM DEPOSIT ACCOUNT As of 17

th January 2012 $51,393.68

Interest Rate 5.50% Gross interest $704.73 for 3 month term Membership: Peter Heading reported that we have 451 paid up members with around 100 still outstanding he is chasing. New members will be listed in the magazine. Members with cars on the Club Permit Scheme were reminded that they must have payed by 31

st December or their cars would be un-registered and without TAC Insurance.

Social: Paul McPherson reported that the opening event of the year – the Natter Day at Geoff and Ann Neagle’s Warrandyte property was both well attended (53 members despite the clash with the RACV Classic Showcase) as well as most enjoyable. The run prepared by Bill Metcalf and Geoff was also excellent and the Club is indebted to Geoff and Ann for their hospitality. Paul then mentioned the following upcoming events: David Calleja Car Show at Bacchus Marsh on 5 February, Southern ROF run on February 9, Western Regional Members run and lunch also 9 February and also reminded members who attend the Peninsula Lunches that there is a change of venue for February 29 – now to be Tooradin Sports Club – see web site for details. The Peninsula lunches are running into trouble with venues now demanding a deposit – Maureen Cant is working through a solution and any future changes will be noted in the magazine, however in the mean time, it will be essential for members to provide 2 days prior notice of attendance to the venues if they wish to attend! Finally, Paul reminded members about the Breakfast Run to Flinders Golf Club on 26 February and asked that folk planning to attend contact Annette Aitken on 9775 3699 a couple of days prior.

Regalia: Arthur Tuckett reported that he is learning that there is a vast difference between fashion items and tyres – at least tyres are all the same shape and colour! He is endeavouring to source a new range of items that may interest members and would appreciate any advice / input. To date, he has been asked for overalls, gloves, scarves and umbrellas – these are all being followed up. Arthur also reminded members that those all important (for originality!) items such as Lucas wiring labels, air cleaner stickers etc are ALL IN STOCK!

Competition / MSCA: Sunday 29

th January saw the first round of the 2012 MSCA Series. Despite a very hot 36 degrees and being held on what

many regard as a “long weekend” to celebrate Australia Day the event saw 70 competitors experience a very successful day. AHOC Vic was represented by Bill Vaughan and Rod Vogt in Bug-eye Sprites in Sprint Class A/Classic, Tim Westover in the big Healey in regularity (Hugh purse was a last minute withdrawal) and Peter Kaiser in his modern Mini – full details in the March magazine.

Brian Duffy is currently competing in a series of Historic meetings in New Zealand but will have the 3000 shipped back in time for the Phillip Island Historic races. We look forward to a run down of his activities. Coming Events 1. MSCA Round 2 at Sandown on Sunday March 4

th. We expect a large entry from Team Healey. Hopefully Russ

Baker, Mark Bird and Brian Aitken will have finished repairs to their cars and other regulars such as Rob Raverty, Leon O’Brien and Cary Helenius will begin their seasons. Bill V, Tim W and myself will be there. There is a strong chance that two members will make their debut to MSCA at Sandown in Big Healeys. No names at this stage – we don’t want to frighten them away. Please come and support the boys. 2. A reminder to put March 9-11

th in your diaries for the Phillip Island Historic Races. A world class event with over

500 cars (with some coming from USA, UK and New Zealand) and many of our Healeys and Sprites in Group S production sports car races and in the Regularity events. The club will claim our usual spot at Turn One on the Sunday for our gathering of Healeys. Next month we will confirm if a group run to the track will happen on the Sunday or whether we will just meet at Turn One as many members are now attending for the full weekend.

Exciting News You may have read that the famous/infamous Le Mans Healey 100S, commonly referred to by it’s registration number NOJ 393, recently sold at auction in the U.K. for $1.3 million. This Healey was involved in the crash that claimed more than 80 lives and led to Mercedes Benz withdrawing from motorsport. The new Swiss owner is shipping the car to Steve Pike of Marsh Classic Restorations for a full restoration. What a coup for Australia and for Steve. Hopefully we will be able to see this famous Healey at some stage before it returns to Europe.

Library: Mick Smith thanked all the helpers for the work done to improve the library, particularly painters extraordinary Paul McPherson and Bill Metcalf! She also mentioned that she holds every magazine published since the Club’s inception except 46 editions. Gordon will advertise for these via a group e mail and Mick will be grateful to anyone who can help fill those gaps. Mick then asked if anyone who has library material – books, tapes etc then could they please return them ASAP. Finally, the library is well advanced and Mick expects to be able to open for business very shortly.

CMC /CLUB ROOMS / CAMS: Tony Barrett reported discounted F1 tickets (10%) through CAMS were available but opportunities will close tomorrow! He also drew member’s attention to the new frosted glass panels with Club logos installed in the entry corridor.

CARS / PARTS: Bill Ingham needs BN1 rear springs and hood frame if anyone can help.

PRESENTATION OF 2011 CONCOURS CERTIFICATES Paul McPherson presented the following certificates to class winners of the 2011 Concours: Phil Aitken – 100/6 class Malcolm McGregor – 3000 class John Scott – Masters Award Certificates will be mailed to Keith Louie, winner of the 100/4Class, Terry and Sue Wade – winner of the Most Original Car and Ken and Pauline Tame – winners of the Special Interest Vehicle awards.

GENERAL BUSINESS: Paul McPherson raised the following matters under General Business:

We urgently need a volunteer(s) for Social Secretary for the co ordination and reporting of events. Please talk to any of the Committee and give this serious consideration.

Concours display at Flemington - awards for Road & Show event winners - April 29, 2012 – keep this date free! Actual concours judging will be done prior to April 29 and the Club urgently needs volunteers for the judging panel – training will be provided by expert mentors so no prior experience is necessary – please speak to Paul or Brain if you would like to be involved.

The Phillip Island Historics are on between 9 and 11 March – the Healey’s will establish a display enclosure as usual adjacent to Turn 1.

PM reported that Chris Coughlin has donated some early photos of racing Healeys and Barb Meredith also turned up some old Healey snaps as well. As sub committee is to be formed to choose best photos for blow up and mounting in the Club Rooms.

A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities) analysis day attended by Committee members was hosted by Bridgett and Peter Heading on January 21. This was a excellent afternoon (delicious lunch provided by Bridgett and Peter – thankyou!) with much serious participation. Results have been written up by Peter and issues identified prioritised by PM before a second session at the Club rooms on 19 February.

Ralph Fletcher spoke about his planned 2013 “Tasmanian Grand Tour” between 17 February and 2 March and reported that he has 15 confirmed starters so far with numbers capped at 20 – if you want to take part – act quickly! Deposits will be required in April. Brian Aitken asked if the owner of a 2010 Creswick Rally cap left behind at the Natter day (complete with cap retainer) could contact him. Finally, a raffle of workshop items very kindly donated by Peter Cockburn as well as beautiful hand made paint brushes donated by Simon Seear was held, raising almost $400 for Club funds – much appreciated. Meeting closed at 9.50 pm. Next meeting, March 1, 2012. Brian Aitken Secretary

Austin-Healey 100S NOJ 393 By Patrick Quinn

In anyone’s language it was a lot of money. By now I suspect that most Austin-Healey enthusiasts would be well aware that at a Bonham’s auction held in England on 1 December last year, an ex Works Austin-Healey 100S registered NOJ 393 sold for £843,000. Or in real money that you could spend at Coles or Woolies, close to Aus$1,240,000.

So what did the lucky buyer get for that sort of coin of the realm?

Yes it was a 100S; perhaps the most desirable of all Austin-Healeys, however there are some 100Ss that are more equal than others. There is a lot more to NOJ 393 than first meets the eye.

Austin-Healey 100 NOJ 393 started life as one of four ‘Special Test Cars’ prepared in 1953 at the Donald Healey Motor Company. Those four cars are among the twenty Warwick built pre-production cars and were numbered SPL 224 B, SPL 225 B, SPL 226 B and SPL 227 B. Some of us may know of these cars by their registration numbers – NOJ 391, NOJ 392 and NOJ 393 respectively. The last of these four cars was a record breaking car and never registered.

These four cars may have looked like a standard 100 of the time, but each was subtly modified for improved performance and endurance. Each received alloy panels, lightened/strengthened chassis and alloy floors. Mechanically the cars were fitted with a standard Austin engine, but prepared by the Austin Experimental Department with a nitrited crankshaft and carefully assembled. Drive to the read wheels was through modified taxi gearboxes and specially built overdrive units. Clutch and brakes, as you would imagine were prepared for competition.

Ready for action, the first competition outing for two of these cars was the 1953 Mille Miglia. The cars were NOJ 391 and NOJ 392, but success eluded them through throttle linkage problems.

Le Mans 1953 Then and now, the 24 Heures du Mans was household knowledge and success at the Circuit de la Sarthe over the weekend would normally lead to increased showroom sales. So it was important for the still relatively new Austin-Healey to put up a good showing. Two cars were entered, but the Healey team took along the three cars with NOJ 393 listed as reserve. Two Nash Healeys roadsters were also entered.

Both 391 and 392 sailed through the French scrutineering, but through what could only be called a quirk of faith, NOJ 391 was badly damaged on the way back to the hotel prior to the event. So badly damaged that Roger Menadue decided that it could not run and the team burnt the midnight oil as NOJ 393 was then fitted with the stamped and sealed components from the damaged car and masqueraded as NOJ 391.

The French organisers were not aware of the swap and NOJ 392 and NOJ 393 (looking like NOJ 391) ran the whole 24 hours and finished 12

th and 14

th place

respectively. One of the Nash Healeys finished in 11th

place, while the other retired.

US Market While we might all admire Donald Healey’s taste in motor vehicle design, we should also be well aware of his

business acumen and especially what we know of today as marketing.

DMH was well aware that for the Austin-Healey to achieve any real sales success it had to sell well in the burgeoning US market.

Advertising a pretty car with equally pretty girls either behind the wheel or standing alongside does work, but combine that with an appropriate message at how quick it is or add how successful it has been on the circuit is sure to lead to the required sales. This also is equally pertinent today as it was during the early 1950s.

September 1953 saw the Healey team at Bonneville where it achieved considerable success with SPL 227B running out to 142.636 mph allowing appropriate advertising on both sides of the Atlantic.

By mid-1953 work was moving well ahead on producing more power from the Austin engine. The engine fitted to SPL 227B was equipped with a new Harry Weslake designed four port cylinder head and below, the bottom end had a stronger crank, conrods and bearings.

The next opportunity to market the new Austin-Healey was at the Sebring 12-hour scheduled for March 1954. While the 1954 Sebring was only the third running of the event, it had captured the imagination of the American sports car buying public and a good show by the Austin-Healey was vital.

Sebring 1954 The Donald Healey Motor Company entered one car for the 1954 Sebring 12-hour to be driven by Englishman Lance Macklin and American George Huntoon. Macklin was the son of Noel Macklin the founder of Invicta and Railton, who was also a personal friend of DMH. George Huntoon was a moderately well known East Coast driver, which again showed how marketing clever DMH was.

Except for the Jaguar D-type style knock-on style wheels, the 1954 Sebring car looked like any other Austin-Healey 100. Indeed there were three privately entered 100s in the event, but each failed to finish. While the Works car sported the standard 100 grille, under the skin it was somewhat akin to its sister car that achieved 142+mph at Bonneville plus four wheel disc brakes.

History tells us that the Macklin/Huntoon was running in second place behind the Taruffi/Manzon Lancia D-24 until it went on to three cylinders due to a broken rocker arm. The 100 eventually finished in third place, much to the excitement of the Healey camp. So excited, that the new range of competition centred Austin-Healey 100s were named the 100S with the ‘S’ in commemoration of the success at Sebring.

For some time there was doubt as to the identity of the ’54 Sebring Austin-Healey. However that doyen on 100S history, Joe Jarick has stated that “I am confident 'NOJ 393' was the 1954 Sebring entry. Additional to the DHMC documentation, close scrutiny of the photographic evidence of the entries for Sebring and the next year at Le Mans (ignoring the re-grilled front centre sections), supports this view.” This is backed up at page 119 of Bill Piggott’s book “Austin-Healey 100 - In Detail”, published in 2005 by Herridge & Sons.

The next big event on the international stage was Le Mans scheduled for June in 1954, and two cars were being prepared for the event.

However it wasn’t to be, as DMH very publically withdrew the entry as a way of protesting against the increasing entry of prototype cars bearing little resemblance to what was available to the public.

No doubt the withdrawal from international motor sport was undertaken with all the right reasons, but it does make one think about the comparisons between the 100S and the standard 100 of the time. Sure they looked very similar, but that’s about where the similarities finished.

La Carrera Healey’s withdrawal was very short lived, as November 1954 saw the fourth and last La Carrera Panamericana held the south to north length of Mexico. For this amazing five day event the Donald Healey Motor Company entered two 100Ss, NOJ 391 and NOJ 393. The event had a reputation as being tough, as it was more of a five day 2,000 mile road race on less than perfect roads through countryside that was less than hospitable.

Just prior in October 1954 the production 100S was released and in between Sebring and the Carrera both NOJ 391 and NOJ 393 were rebuilt in 100S guise. Given that Sebring was in March and the Carrera was in November, plus assumedly the car had to be taken across the Atlantic to Warwick, rebuilt and then back to Mexico, the staff at the DHMC must have been very busy indeed.

In Mexico, NOJ 393 was once again driven by Lance Macklin, while Carroll Shelby and Roy Jackson-Moore shared the driving of NOJ 391. Early on Macklin retired due to ignition problems, but Shelby was performing exceptionally until he hit a stone milepost causing heavy damage to the car and a broken arm for Shelby.

Less than a month later NOJ 393 was taken to the Bahamas to run in the inaugural Bahamas Speed Week. For the Healey team it was probably more of a holiday than a serious attempt at bringing home the silver. The driving force behind the Bahamas Speed Week was Sir Sydney Oakes a friend of DMH who also entered the meeting in his own 100.

According to “The Bahamas Speed Weeks” by Terry O’Neil published in 2006 by Veloce Publishing, there were in addition to NOJ 393 (listed as a 100S) also six 100s running as well and what’s listed as a 100M driven by Roy Jackson-Moore. This car is shown as chassis SPL 256BN which is shown in Austin-Healey 100 - In Detail as Works number AHR 21 carrying UK registration OON 439. In the ten lap race for production sports cars it was driven by Lady Greta Oakes, wife of Sir Sydney.

Le Mans 1955 Officially the Donald Healey Motor Company did not return to Le Mans in 1955 as DMH remained concerned as to the entry regulations. However that didn’t stop Macklin, in conjunction with French Austin importer AFIVA, from entering NOJ 393 for himself and Les Leston to drive. Of course the car had the full backing and support of the DHMC and in addition, the pit crew manager was Marcus Chambers, the BMC Competitions Manager. Under the guidance of Eddie Maher, BMC engine specialist the engine was developing a reliable 140bhp through the use of a special camshaft and twin HD8 SU carburettors.

Despite NOJ 393 running at peak performance, the DHMC knew that the car had no hope of winning against the likes of the Jaguar D-type and the Mercedes Benz 300SLR, but by using the reliability of a well known vehicle a high placing was expected.

At 2hours 27minutes 52.1seconds into the race the Mercedes Benz of French driver Pierre Levegh hit the left rear of Macklin’s Austin-Healey. In doing so it launched itself into the air, hit an earth bank and in flames broke up and went into the spectators. Over 80 people died as a result including Levegh.

An lengthy investigation followed of which the findings included “Mr Hawthorn, driver of Jaguar car No. 6 … overtook on the left the car No 26 driven by Lance Macklin, then suddenly came back on the right and braked; Macklin, surprised by such driving inclined to the left just as he was joined by car No. 20 driven by Levegh who, trying to pass on the extreme left of the track, happened to collide with the left side of car No. 26 and ran against the safety banking.”

Understandably NOJ 393 was impounded and it was to be 18 months before it was returned blame free to the Donald Healey Motor Company. On its return it was clear that the worse damage was confined to the left rear/side where it had been hit by the Mercedes and subsequently hit the pit wall.

By this stage to the DHMC the Austin-Healey 100S had become yesterday’s race car as they had moved on to the six-cylinder model which was released in August 1956. Consequently NOJ 393 was quickly repaired with steel panels in place of the original alloy which were no longer available.

NOJ 393 was sold in March 1957 and was raced through the late ‘50s and ‘60s until it was purchased in 1969 for £155 by an enthusiast who kept it until last year when it was sold through the Bonhams auction.

Interestingly it was offered for sale in a ‘barn find’ condition, which means to many that it had been stored away, unbeknownst to everyone. In fact the whereabouts and condition of NOJ 393 has been known for many years to those of us who have kept in touch on matters 100S. It is however, in a condition that indicates it may have been stored in a barn for many years. Yes woeful! However as an individual car, it has experienced more Healey History than probably any other single car and such provenance does not come cheap.

The gentleman who bought NOJ 393 is an Austin-Healey enthusiast and domiciled in Europe, but he does have others of the marque and has had two four-cylinder cars previously restored in Australia.

He is doing likewise with NOJ 393 and it is current en route to Australia where it will be restored by Marsh Classic Restorations which as we know is run by long term Austin-Healey enthusiasts Steve and Helen Pike.

How would you restore NOJ 393? Well if my numbers lined up, I think it has to be as it stood on the Le Mans straight at 4pm on Saturday 11

th June 1955 when the

drivers sprinted across the track.

Editor’s Note On behalf AHOC Victoria I would like to thank Patrick for this well written and researched article. Patrick is the editor of the AHOC NSW magazine “Flat Chat” and the evolution of 100’s and 1000’s has been influenced by my reading of that publication. For those who haven’t seen the LeMans disaster here is link to the video www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEk85gKJN6k

YOUR FANTASY FORMULA

Regular readers of this column know the formula:- Decent Healey + Good road + Favourite Girl = Happiness.

So when you flick through the pages of ‘Hundreds and Thousands’, and you see many photos of Club members tucking into a decent lunch, you wonder if the Fantasy Formula is alive and well.

The news from Gordon that the trip to Tassie was oversubscribed came as a big relief. 25 Healeys attacking Cethana at maximum revs in overdrive top across the top and being thrilled by that dizzy plunge down the roller coaster to massive braking for the bridge. Then steep uphill to do it all again. What an opportunity for 25 Club Members to enjoy their Fantasy Formula.

And don’t forget that when adrenaline is pumping, you don’t feel hungry.

Whether your Healey is your second stab at being 25 again or you’ve had one all your life, as the years roll by the opportunities to realise those fantasies seem to become less frequent.

Side Exhaust thought it was time to give everyone a chance to get out and do something fantastic - and also give a boost to the visual back drop of our Club magazine, especially now we have so many colour pages.

Welcome to the AHOC ‘Fantasy-Formula Pin-up Competition’, where you get to photograph your particular fantasy of Healey, road and girl in the tradition of those wonderful 60’s pin-ups.

The history of the pin-up photo is long and glorious, from the Gibson Girls symbolising the New Woman to the patriotic Vargas Girls painted on the noses of WW2 RAF Lancasters heading into the dusk over Germany and USAAF B25’s flying into the sunrise on their deadly missions.

Pin-ups provided the human element of much post war American hot rod and rock culture and because GI’s were the mainstay of the Austin Healey Motor Company, the seductive shape of the Healey was often blended with the idealised female shape of the 50’s and 60’s.

In the 70’s, Aussie surf culture adapted its version for the side of panel vans (sometimes with a bumper sticker “Don’t laugh, it could be your daughter inside”). The essence of all these pin-ups was that idealised girls would be doing something very ordinary in a just achievable fantasy setting.

Now AHOC Vic is going to add its own interpretation to this movement. We are going to take some pin-up photos.

All you need is your iPhone (although a proper camera will have better lenses for the job), your Healey, your favourite bit of road and a favourite girl. You don’t have to take the photos, it doesn’t have to be your Healey (or even your girl) but it does have to be your creation (but not a photoshop creation!)

We will have four themes:

RELAX, where we see a calm and peaceful setting being enjoyed by car and girl at rest

WORKSHOP, an opportunity to contrast the brutal shapes and textures of benches and tools and machinery with the soft shapes of car and girl

RACE, where excitement and tension flows, it’s hot and adrenaline is the vibe.

ORIGINAL where we’ll expect to see some old original photos from the 50’s or 60’s

“PADDOCK PASSION” Tre Croce Pass in the Dolomites, September 1966

In each one, except WORKSHOP, we’ll be looking for a Healey, a road and a girl.

The competition starts now and will run for three months - until 13th June 2012, when the winner of each theme and an overall podium will be judged by The President (who knows what’s best for the Club), The Editor (who knows what's best for the magazine) and Barbara Meredith (who knows what members will enjoy most).

The best entries each month will be printed in the magazine and the overall winner will appear on the front cover of the July edition of Hundreds and Thousands.

You can send as many as you like to The Editor, either as hard copies (no

returns) or digitally as jpg files. Each one must have a caption and the caption will judged as part of the art.

Now have look at the pictures displayed here, and their captions - and get inspired !

For anyone anxious about revealing skin and curves, note that none of these amazing period photos are anything more than glamorous. If you want to let the good times roll and shed some years and show some skin - go for it. But it’s your choice.

An expert on the topic, no less a person than Ms Joye McLaughlin who is Miss Classic Pin-Up Australia, recently offered some advice to would-be models and photographers: “Red lips” she said, “are very important; curls are a constant and curves are a must for a pin-up girl.” “I think that’s what’s really great about pinup, it embraces women of all shapes,” Ms McLaughlin, of Moonee Ponds, continued, ”It’s all about being glamorous, but not necessarily revealing.”

And for us lot, more than a touch of nostalgia as well.

Let your imagination and fantasies flow and sketch out some ideas. Think about settings and the feelings you want to evoke.Plan a trip with Healey and Girl - see, the fantasy is starting to happen already - to a place where you can create undisturbed. Talk through the ideas, assemble any props you’ll need and make sure batteries are charged up. Or if you still have an SLR, stock up on ASA 400 film. Make sure its negatives though, we need hard copies or digital files. Look through those old boxes which have not been opened for years to hunt out your entry for the ‘original’ theme.

To be in next month’s magazine, Mr Editor needs your offerings by March 13th.

Party Time

AUSTIN-HEALEYS THAT RACED IN AUSTRALIA An article in the August-October 2011 issue of MotorSport Legends about Bryan Thomson and his BN1 prompted me to do a little more research into the Austin-Healey he raced, as from my point of view, it has always been a bit of a mystery as to which car this was.

I had always thought Bryan raced a BN2 as I had seen a photo of a red/black BN2 towing Bryans Monza Special and assumed that it was the car he had raced. Some years ago I had spoken to Bryan about the car, but in the context that it was a BN2. Armed with a little more information it was time to make contact with him again.

The car he raced started life as a white car BN1 222614, first registered GGT 632 on the 28 March 1955 by a Shepparton doctor.

Bryan bought the Austin-Healey at the end of 1958 and he was the third owner. He bought it from his friend Bruce Moncrief and paid it off by installments. He obviously practiced what he preached because at the AHOC 21st Birthday Celebrations in 1989, where Bryan was one of the Guest Speakers, I remember him saying that it is always best to find a car you want, and then worry about how to pay for it.

At that time there were about ten Austin-Healeys in Shepparton. The Owners were all mates and swapped parts amongst themselves. Bryan admitted that it would be difficult to keep track of things and it was not until he got a girlfriend Loel, who later became his wife, that he became more organised.

In April 1959 he entered the car in the first meeting run by the Benalla Auto Club at Barjarg for the Hall Reserve Committee and which was conducted under the Code of CAMS. Also at that Meeting was Graeme North in a BN1 and Laurie Knight in his 5 month old 100/6. Bryan managed a 1

st in one race and Laurie a 2

nd in another race.

The Program advised that Bryan held the unofficial lap record of 1 minute 13 seconds, indicating there must have been an earlier practice event. Encouraged by this experience he had the engine bored out to 3 litre with some other improvements to the car. It is probably at this time that he painted the car black/red and it was in this guise that it appeared at Templestowe.

In October of 1959 Bryan took the car to Bathurst and entered it in the Sports Car Scratch Race over 6 laps and the 1959 NSW Road Racing Championship for Sports cars over 13 laps where he managed a third row position on the grid. Also in these events was R Bullock in a 100 and Sam Miller and John Cleary in 100/S’s.

At this Meeting Bryan’s car was red/black, which could partially explain my confusion over the identity of the car.

Bryan alongside Sam Miller in the 100/S on the third row of

the grid at Bathurst

A week later he entered the car in the Meeting at Fishermans Bend. The other cars in the photo in MotorSport Legends and included here, are the BN2 of Frank Hook and the 100/6 of Peter Mitchell.

A month later he gave the car a run at Hume Weir where he achieved 3 wins, however after the Sports Car Handicap it was reported that, “Things got hot for Bryan Thomson when the Austin-Healey landed on a hay bale with the rear wheels spinning off the ground. Immediately, smoke began to rise from the bale through contact with the hot exhaust. After much bumping Thomson was on his way unharmed”.

The following week he entered the car at Tarrawingee where he achieved 4 wins from 4 races.

He broke the lap record, only to have it equally by John Bruderlin in an MG TC Special in a later event.

Back at Barjarg a month later Bryan had to borrow an Austin-Healey as his car had blown a head gasket. He managed a 2

nd place, but at one stage he took the lead,

only to get into trouble negotiating the reverse camber sweeper.

A week later on the 13 December 1959 he was down at Phillip Island where he managed a 2

nd place in the Racing

and Sports Handicap. In the 8 lap Scratch Race for Sports Cars he was forced out with loose exhaust on lap 4.

The next outing was again at Phillip Island on 1 February 1960 where he entered 3 events.

While all the competition had been going on the Austin-Healey served as Bryans only mode of transport.

Bryan was hoping to do deal on a 100/S which was the Terry Valmorbida car, but this fell through. The probable reason for the sale not going ahead is that Terry changed his mind, as he kept the car for another 12 months. Bryan went and saw Lou Molina and after a quick drive around the streets of Middle Park he was the new owner of the Monza Holden Special and he drove it back to Shepparton.

The BN2 at work

Bryan bought a BN2 from Graeme North, who was also from Shepparton, and it was this car, GMR 697, that was used to tow the Monza to race Meetings. Originally it was also a white car, but was then painted red/black

The next Meeting at Phillip Island was on 13/14 March 1960 which was the first time he had a run in the Monza.

Bryan went on to race all sorts of cars, including open wheelers and he had a number of entries in the Bathurst 1000. He also spent a period in England racing the ex Norm Beechey Mustang. On his return to Australia he was a crowd pleaser with his fearsome Sports Sedans.

During the period immediately after Bryan sold the BN1 its history is uncertain. It had a change of engine in 1961 and was reregistered JHH 591 in 1965. It eventually appeared for sale at Emanuel Car Sales still as a red/black car, but then it was repainted white and then white/blue.

The next two owners were Members of the Club. The first was Archie Mann in 1968, who as a result of owning this car, started to manufacture fibreglass panels and hardtops for Austin-Healeys. The first thing he did was to fit the car with fibreglass doors. From memory he was planning to install windup windows. The next owner joined the Club but was not an active Member.

The car later passed into the hands of Terry Cleary. Terry will be remembered by some as the owner of a highly modified MG TC which was more a “work of art” than just another modified car. Then in 1978 Terry worked his magic on a BN1. At about the same time he bought the ex Bryan Thomson car. I recall being told that Terry’s favorite pastime was to hitchhike and his preferred route was the Great Ocean Road. He would only accept lifts in sports cars and would then write a critical review of the car and its performance. His diaries would make interesting reading these days. Sadly he was killed in a road accident in the early 1980’s, and it was not in a sports car.

The car then passed into the hands of Simon Robson, brother of F5000 historic racer Andrew soon after Terry was killed. He bought it sight unseen, stored it for 15 years, then found it was very rough and decided he really didn’t want an Austin-Healey after all, so sold it in 1996. He had the feeling that it may have previously been used as a donor car as there were a lot of parts missing from it. This probably explains the reason why Terry bought the second Austin-Healey while he was rebuilding the first.

The next owner was Clive Broad who started to fit a Chev V8 engine, but sold it half completed in about 2001. He recalls that the person he sold the car to came from the northern suburbs and he feels that it could now be in the process of being restored back to original.

RACING RESULTS – BRYAN THOMSON 26 April 1959 Barjarg Bucklands Motors Trophy for Sports Cars 6 laps 1

Benalla Car Panel Works Trophy Sports Car Handicap 6 laps Templestowe 1959 4 October 1959 Bathurst Sports Car Scratch Race for Sports cars 6 laps 5

1959 NSW Road Racing Championship for Sports cars 13 laps 10/11 October 1959 Fishermans Bend 2 November 1959 Hume Weir Sports Car Scratch Race 1

st Lap record

Sports Car Final 1st Fastest Four Cars of the Day 1

8 November 1959 Tarrawingee NECC Feature Race 1st Handicap for Local Cars 1st Final for Sports cars 1st Handicap for Sports Cars 1st

6 December 1959 Barjarg Sports car Scratch Race (borrowed car) 1st 12 December 1959 Phillip Island Racing and Sports Car Scratch Race

Scratch Race for Sports Cars Racing and Sports Car Handicap 2

1 February 1960 Phillip Island Division 2 and 3 Racing and Sports Car Scratch Race Division 3 and 4 Racing and Sports Car Scratch Race Division 3 and 4 racing and Sports Car Handicap

I must acknowledge the assistance Bryan Thomson gave me in clarifying the identity of the car and for providing the photos. Iain McPherson

COMPETITION REPORT FEBRUARY 2012

COMPETITION REPORT

TEAM HEALEY and MSCA NEWS

COMING EVENTS Events marked with * count towards the Competition Championship. Sprint and Regularity events require a basic CAMS level 2S licence only. (contact Rod Vogt)

1 MARQUE SPORTS CAR ASSOCIATION (MSCA)

CALENDAR FOR 2012 Rd 2 Sunday 4

th March *Sandown

Rd 3 Sunday 29th April *Winton

Rd 4 Sunday 1st July *Sandown Rd 5 Sunday 22

nd July *Phillip Is

Rd 6 Sunday 19th Aug Haunted Hills

Rd 7 Sunday 16th Sept *Phillip Is

Rd 8 Sunday 18th Nov *Phillip Island

Rd 9 Sunday 2nd

Dec *Sandown to be confirmed

ENTRY FORMS for these events will be sent to all on the Team Healey email list and are available on the MSCA website www.msca.net.au . Ring Rod Vogt on 5962 1915 or 0408 395 240 or email competition-MSCA@healeyvic.com.au . Spectators are encouraged. Entry is free and you are welcome in our pit garage. Competition starts at approximately 9.15am

SANDOWN MSCA SPRINT and REGULARITY Sunday March 4th

We have two newcomers (no names/no pressure!) entering for their first MSCA event in their Healeys at Sandown so come along and give them some support. I expect total entries for Team Healey to be about 8 cars. We will hire garage space to park together and this will give our supporters some protection from the weather- hot, cold or wet.

2 OTHER EVENTS 2012 Some important events for your diary: 9-11

th March *VHRR Phillip Island Historics

Easter 6-8th April * Historic Mallala, Sth. Australia

15th April Myrniong Historic Car Sprint

21/22 April * MG and Invited British races Phillip Island 26/27

th May *HSRCA Historic Eastern Creek, Sydney

26/27th May * Historic Winton (short course)

14th October *Winton Six Hour Relay Race – 1 or 2 Teams from AHOC

PHILLIP ISLAND HISTORIC RACES Friday/Saturday/Sunday March 9-11th

This fantastic event was awarded runner up to the Goodwood Revival as best historic race event worldwide in 2011. Go to the VHRR website www.vhrr.com for full details. More than 500 cars will compete over all classes with many entries from the U.K., USA and New Zealand. Our members’ Healeys, Sprites and other marques will compete mainly in Group S Production Sports Car Races and in the Regularity events. The classic car displays put on by many Clubs in the Shannons Walk area, and the individual cars belonging to spectators in the general car park are worth the trip down! Our Club will rope off an area on the fence inside Turn One (end of main straight) as usual so come along and join in the fun. The Club tents will provide protection from the weather if needed. Bring a picnic or take advantage of onsite catering. There may be a group run to the track organized – look for information in the social section of the magazine. Cost for Sunday is $35/head, pit entry free.

COMPETITION REPORT

MSCA Round 1 at WINTON 29th

January 2012

Sunday 29th January saw the first round of the 2012 MSCA Series. Despite a very hot 36 degrees and being held on

what many regard as a “long weekend” to celebrate Australia Day, the event saw 70 competitors experience a very successful day. AHOC Vic was represented by Bill Vaughan and Rod Vogt in Bug-eye Sprites in Sprint Class A/Classic, Tim Westover in the big Healey in regularity (Hugh Purse was a last minute withdrawal) and Peter Kaiser in his modern Mini. By the end of the second regularity session Tim had virtually no brakes and wisely decided to call it a day. The brake pedal recovered somewhat when the Healey cooled down so boiling brake fluid was suspected. But zero brakes on persisting was a real possibility and no-one wanted to see that beautiful car damaged. As they say Tim, “someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world”. Bill and I ran four sessions for about 26 laps each and the only drama was that we are old buggers and it was very hot sitting around in the Sprites with helmet, race suit and gloves on, in the sun, for about 15 minutes waiting for our session to start. Red faces and sweat stained hair (well, what we have left) at the end of each session attested to our herculean efforts. Peter Kaiser at least had the shade of a roof and set what my records suggest is a new Personal Best fastest lap despite the heat, and no, the Mini Cooper S does not have air conditioning. Bill had the rebuilt 1310 cc motor back in the car for its first run and was very happy with Regularity at Phillip Island Historics not too far away. Bill is out of Regularity at MSCA and now running in the Sprint Class, and about time too – I am looking over my shoulder for sure. I was pleased and a little surprised to find that my fastest lap in the Sprite was only 0.3 secs off my best time at Winton. I had parked her after the Winton 6 Hour Relay in October and she had not turned a wheel since, although I do start her regularly to warm the oil and just listen to the sounds.

A lower rev limit (6-6500rpm instead of 7,000) due to the rising engine temperature in the very hot conditions suggested slower lap times, but sometimes less frantic/smoother is actually faster and so it proved. Then again, Mario Andretti once famously said - “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough”. A big thank you to Selwyn Hall who turned up to support us on that very hot day in his immaculate Healey, as usual. No air conditioned tin top for Selwyn! He is our Number One supporter, not to mention the time he gives up for us as CAMS Clerk of Course or Steward at our MSCA meetings when asked. He deserves a trophy. POINTS TOWARD THE 2012 COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP and 4 fastest laps Bill Vaughan 952 pts 1.56.05, 1.56.11, 1.56.40, 1.56.53 Rod Vogt 945 pts 1 47.71, 1.47.95, 1.48.07, 1.48.26 Tim Westover 744 pts 1.59.32, 1.59.99, 2.00.60, 2.01.88 ASSOCIATE CLASS Peter Kaiser (Mini) 959 pts 1.43.44, 1.43.63, 1.43.66, 1.43.85

OTHER NEWS Brian Duffy competed in a series of Historic meetings in New Zealand in January but will have the 3000 shipped back in time for the Phillip Island Historic races. Perhaps Brian might write an article for the magazine? (PLEASE! Ed)

THE GOOD OLD DAYS First of an irregular series?

I am a car tragic, a Healey tragic and a motorsport tragic. As I get older I find my passion for motor sport growing in that “Golden Era” of the fifties and sixties when men were warriors and Healeys were to the forefront. So I will occasionally regale you with stories from the past, not necessarily about Healeys. Most will be quoting articles and books so hopefully you will find it interesting After all, YOU have chosen to buy a car from the Golden Era of Motorsport.

No sooner had the first car been invented than men strapped on leather helmets to race them. In the early 1900’s they

raced them across the winding open roads of France, through crowds of “mad people, insane and reckless, holding themselves in front of the bullet to be ploughed and cut and maimed to extinction” according to Charles Jarrot in 1903, who raced at the time. This was the generation of the horse and wagon. Jay Leno said in his Octane magazine column – “From the year 0 to 1900 people moved at about 5 mph. Now cars were soon doing over 100 mph. When they used to do city-to-city races, which they soon outlawed, people would stand on the side of the road and a car would be coming at them at 70 mph and they thought – “well, I’ve got plenty of time to move out of th….” BANG!. They’d get hit because the only thing they had seen going fast was a horse, and that’s maybe 30 mph at a sprint.”

A closed section of road seemed a sensible way forward to conduct competition and a town called Le Mans soon became a household name.

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges these early drivers had to overcome was the psychological one. At the turn of the century, when the automobile began seriously advancing in speed and technology, no human being had ever moved across the face of the earth at such speeds and lived to tell about it. The racing automobile was the fastest device on the planet and was beginning to hurl human guinea pigs into unknown territory. Doctors of the time theorized that the human body would be unable to travel any faster than 60 mph, because that was the speed with which one’s breath was exhaled! The theory proposed that any faster and a man would be unable to overcome the inward push of air and would suffocate to death. Despite these warnings, men continued to push these new-fangled contraptions to the very brink of scientific understanding and speed. I think about these brave and foolhardy men when I put on my Nomex fire proof suit and gloves, put on my modern crash helmet (most wore NO head protection in those days) and secure my six-point harness in my body hugging racing seat under the roll bar. Battling with an Historic sports car with restricted modifications allowed under Historic racing rules make it easy to still relate to these warriors of yesteryear, particularly in an Austin Healey or similar marque whose technology belongs to the 1950’s.

At least we now have strict safety measures in place at the tracks on which we race.

Froilan Gonzales won his, and Ferraris, first World Championship Grand Prix at Silverstone in July 1951 and said when interviewed recently: “I was always fast there. I remember they used to mark the course with big black and yellow 200 litre oil drums filled with sand. Believe me, you didn’t want to hit one! Behind the drums were the straw bales, and behind the straw bales were the people. There were no guard rails or anything. Attitudes to safety were different then. We never talked about it. Today if a driver dies it is a big tragedy, but in those days you had about a fifty per cent chance of surviving.“

A CLOSING THOUGHT Opportunities always look bigger after they have passed. ROD VOGT

A Short Story A married couple had been out shopping at the mall for most of the afternoon, suddenly, the wife realized that her husband had "disappeared".

The somewhat irate spouse called her mate's cell phone and demanded: “Where the hell are you?”

Husband: ”Darling you remember that Jewellery shop where you saw the diamond necklace and totally fell in love with it and I didn't have money that time and said Baby it'll be yours one day?”

Wife: With a smile blushing: “Yes, I remember that my Love.”

Husband: “Well, I'm in the Pub next to that shop.”

ROF’s Drive South 9th February 2012

Bass Valley Estate Winery.

On a lovely hot day, 13 Healeys and one Jag came from different areas to meet at Dalmore Road before the final leg of the ROF to the Bass Valley Estate Winery.

The unsealed road to the winery had the drivers on a go-slow as they edged their way to the destination.

The view of the valley was quite breathtaking as we trundled over the top of the rise. Before us lay the winery where we were to have wine tasting and a ploughman’s lunch.

Mouth-watering platters of home-made bread, fruit, cheeses and dips were brought to the tables some of which were inside

Healeys at the winery and barrels with umbrellas outside.

The rustic setting was such the dining area was quite unusual being in a cow shed with milking equipment around us.

The LPs of a bygone era added to the ambience.

A variety of whites and reds including a very nice vintage port were enthusiastically tasted and enjoyed.

After a relaxing lunch it was off Loch Village for coffee– as if the lunch hadn’t been enough! The Healeys were greatly

Meeting at Dalmore Road admired by the locals.

Clouds emerged which gave a reprieve to what had been a very hot day.Thanks are extended to Jill and Arthur Tuckett for a fantastic and successful ROF. Words and photos by Anne Kruger

Dead Horse Theory The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from generation to generation, says that "When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount." However, in government more advanced strategies are often employed, such as: 1. Buying a stronger whip. 2. Changing riders. 3. Appointing a committee to study the horse. 4. Arranging to visit other countries to see how other cultures ride dead horses. 5. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included. 6. Reclassifying the dead horse as living-impaired. 7. Hiring outside contractors to ride the dead horse. 8. Harnessing several dead horses together to increase speed. 9. Providing additional funding and/or training to increase the dead horse's performance. 10. Doing a productivity study to see if lighter riders would improve the dead horse's performance. 11. Declaring that as the dead horse does not have to be fed, it is less costly, carries lower overhead and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line of the economy than do some other horses. 12. Rewriting the expected performance requirements for all horses. And, of course 13. Promoting the dead horse to a supervisory position Ther Dakota Indians are very smart. The 13 points listed just doesn't apply to governments - it applies to our whole society in general.

Retired Old Farts & Wannabe's 2nd Thursday every Month - Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30 sharp departure

What you need to know;

This is an official AHOC activity. We drive on the 2nd Thursday of each month. We drive for about 1½ hours, plus lunch and other stops. We aim to drive North, East, West and South… turnabout. We use Free/Tollways whenever possible to get out of town - eTAG!

Meeting points; North - Excelsior Hotel Motel, Cnr Mahoneys & Edgars Rds Thomastown - meet at 10:15am for a 10:30 departure Northern runs arranged by Mike Snelgrove - 0418 320 524 East - Kilsyth Club car park, Cnr Canterbury & Colchester Rds - meet at 10:15am for a 10:30 departure Easterly runs arranged by Warren Gartner - 0418 536 350

West - McDonalds, Western Hwy & Westwood Dve (Melway 25 A6) - meet at 10:15am for a 10:30 departure Westerly runs - Mike Snelgrove - 0418 320 524.

South - Basketball Centre car park - Stud Rd and Monash F'way - meet at 10:15am for a 10:30 departure Southerly runs - Arthur Tuckett - 0418 105 627

Now…………..the "big picture" stuff; Visitors with "other" cars are welcome. If it's not Healey weather….bring a tin top! This is not just a boy's day out. Send drive suggestions to the appropriate organizer above. If you want to go a bit faster than the guy in front - overtake him and have fun. We obey the road laws……yet we still have fun!

AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF VICTORIA INC. Minutes of “Annual General Meeting” held on

Thursday 1st

December 2011 AT 19 – 23 ROSALIE STREET, SPRINGVALE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING COMMENCES: 8.45 pm Present: 89 financial members Apologies: Ralph and Linda Fletcher, Lyn Hope, Yvonne Thomson

Minutes of the Previous Meeting: President Bill Vaughan welcomed members present to the meeting and proposed that the minutes of the 2010 AGM held on 2 December 2010 be accepted. Moved: Harvey Pearce Seconded: Gordon Lindner Carried. Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes: Nil.

Financial Report from Treasurer: Mike Snelgrove tabled the 2011 Financial Performance Statement for the Club and answered a question from the floor. President Bill Vaughan then proposed that the 2011 financial performance statement be accepted. Moved: Tony Barrett Seconded: Selwyn Hall Carried.

Presentation of Trophies for 2011.

Competition Champion Presenter: Rod Vogt / Bill Vaughan Third place Brian Duffy Second place Rob Raverty First place Peter Jackson

Associate Champion Tony Rogers Donald Healey Memorial Trophy Presenter: Rod Vogt / Bill Vaughan

Awarded to Peter Jackson Club Champion Presenter: Bill Vaughan

Awarded to Brian Aitken Editor's Award Presenter: Harvey Pearce / Bill Vaughan

Awarded to Enid and Keith Nankervis President's Award Presenter: Bill Vaughan

Awarded to Gordon Lindner 25 year Membership Gold Badges Presenter: Peter Heading / Bill Vaughan

Awarded to Barbara and Bryan Meredith, Bill and Judy Aitken and Graeme Molony 50 year Austin Healey car Certificates presented by Peter Heading Peter presented framed certificates to 18 members whose cars were introduced in 1961.

Address from out - going President Bill thanked the members and committee who supported him throughout the year and helped make it a great success, briefly mentioning some of the highlights. In particular, Bill mentioned the assistance of Ralph Fletcher and Barbara Meredith as well as the members of the Concours Sub Committee who laboured long and hard to ensure the Club’s ongoing success. Bill also wished to thank those whose work in the background was so important – John Raisbeck, Enid and Keith Nankervis and Chris Coughlin. Finally, Bill acknowledged Carole’s unstinting support and tolerance to the endless e mails and telephone calls at all hours of the day and night! Bill wrapped up by saying that he has enjoyed his time as President and considers it an honour to have served such a great club. Bill then declared all Committee positions vacant and asked the secretary to list Nominations for the 2012 Committee. These were:

President: Paul McPherson Vice President: Bill Metcalf Secretary: Brian Aitken Treasurer: Mike Snelgrove Editor: Harvey Pearce Membership Secretary: Peter Heading Competition Secretary: Rod Vogt Web site and communications manager Gordon Lindner Club Rooms and CMC: Tony Barrett AOMC / Vic Roads representative Ken Styles CAMS representative Tony Barrett Regalia Manager; Arthur Tuckett Social Secretary: No nomination received

There being no other nominations Bill Vaughan declared the above members elected to the 2012 committee.

Address from Incoming President Bill introduced Paul McPherson as the incoming president. Paul stated that he has been a member for nine years and always enjoys participating in Club events in his Healey as well as the friendship of such a great Club. Paul concluded by saying that he looks forward to working with the members and the new committee to ensure an excellent 2012. Meeting closed at 9.22 pm. Brian Aitken – Secretary

Healeys in South Western Victoria

Fifty Healey folk attended in twenty Healeys and four ‘ hybrids’ to attend the Inaurgural Western Region day at ‘ Toomwilloo’ in Winchelsea on Thursday February 9

Groups from Bendigo, Ballarat and the Bellarine Peninsular areas were joined by others from Colac, Warnambool and ten members from Melbourne for a barbecue lunch under a spreading Golden Elm tree. Following test drives down Inverleigh road the food was served up by the owner of the BN2 test car and meat chef, Ralph Fletcher. It was good to meet so many members from the region who were enthusiastic about running more regular events. It was suggested that an overnight trip to Timboon and a lunch at Bacchus Marsh may be held over the next three months (see separate notice).

Healeys line the driveway

A small sub-committee comprising Ross Hodges, Terry Wills-Cooke and David Kelly was formed to co-ordinate activities in the South Western region.

The weather was cool and overcast at midday but by the time it came to say “goodbye” the sun was shining and a pleasant trip home was assured. Thank you to all who participated to make it such a good gathering and we look forward to the next event.

The alpha male always commandeers the BBQ

MEMBER PROFILE - HARVEY PEARCE - EDITOR

I grew up in South Gippsland and there were two brothers in town who had a series of TRs ranging through from 2’s to 4’s. My ambition was to one have one. It would be a long time coming - in fact it never did!

Mum had a Morris Oxford side valve.. It was a great first car, almost indestructible - except for number one big end bearing. “Morri” went to car heaven and Mum graduated to a black Mini. The Mini resulted in my first mechanical experience - a fan belt change. I still can’t work out how it was eventually achieved but it was with great difficulty, a lot of time and even more frustration.

The first car I owned was a “sporty” one. A Triumph. Not a TR but a Herald Coupe!

More hands on maintenance! Who remembers valve grinds using a suction cup on a stick and valve grind paste? The Herald was replaced by an EH Holden.

My then father in law was with GMH and with his connections the EH was replaced by an HT GTS Monaro - a 186 with the Opal 4 on the floor - and then an HQ Premier. The Monaro was a great car to drive but the Opal box was, to say the least, its biggest weakness and there were no parts or replacements for it. I could live without 3

rd gear but when reverse

went so did the car.

We became a two-car family and many cars came and went. An HQ, a 5 litre Commodore wagon, a GMC 4 door LWB twin cab with a big block, two “rice burners”, a series 1 RX7 (probably the most reliable car I’ve owned) and a series 4 RX7 (probably the least reliable). Somewhere in between there was a Nissan ET turbo hatch (not the EXA) and then as business improved and with the government subsidising the cost, a couple of BMWs the second of which was a limited edition 540i with a six speed manual and all the M5 goodies underneath. Now that was a car! No badges but lots of street cred. M5 throwing star wheels (18x8 on the front and 18x9 rears) gave it great presence. It went like manure off a shovel and pulled 140kph in 3

rd - still with 3 cogs to go! Only 70 of these were imported into Australia.

After waiting 40 years, that TR was finally affordable and I had been kicking a few tyres at the Healey factory. I drove a TR3 and a TR4 and decided that they weren’t for me and set my sights on a TR6. Let’s face it - I was getting older and loved the comforts of home. So in May 2002, off we went, cash in the bank and ready to buy.

It was a no-brainer - we came home with a Healey. A fully restored non Healey colour 1962 BT7 originally delivered to Boston then finding homes in Washington State and California before coming to Australia.

With the Healey in the garage I joined the AHOC and started to go to meetings and join in the events, especially the ROF’s drives.

I have always believed that as a member of any club or organisation the more you put in the more you get out and when the position of editor became vacant and there was reluctance from others to fill it I thought, “I can do that”. And I have, with a lot of help from a lot of people.

At Marysville October 2009

PHOTO COMPETITION

Here’s some inspiration for you

The winding roads of Austria – Healeying the Austrian Alps. Text & Photographs by Reinfried Marass for HEALEY MARQUE Magazine. A 6 page spread editorial road story for the ‘Healey Marque’ magazine published

by AHCA – Austin Healey Club of America. January 2009 issue

2013 TASMANIAN EXCURSION

Seeing Ralph in the photo on page 21 (he’s the one in the apron for those that haven’t met him yet) reminds me that he has advised that the Tassy trip is fully subscribed

THE TYRE

“He didn’t blow it up enough, tho’ garage air is free, He left it somewhat spongy and scooted off with glee; He skidded right and skidded left and raced thu’ dust and mire And when it bust He cusssed and fussed And blamed the bessed tyre!

He drove along the gutter with confidence superb; He rubbed it on the lamp post and he rubbed it on the kerb, He slammed it and he jammed it in any way he did desire, And when it popped, Right out he hopped, And blamed the blessed tyre.

He cut it on some broken glass and said it didn’t hurt; He drove right on thru’ mud and sand and bunged the cut with dirt, The cut spread here and then spread there and soon he howled in ire, For when it blew, Well he blew too, And blamed the blessed tyre

Who is this man? Go ask the lads who meet him every day, Go ask the lads who have to listen to what he has to say; He rushes in and bawls them out, with word of blood and fire, Tho’ he’s to blame, It’s just the same, He blames the blessed tyre

Thanks to “Mr Tyre”, Arthur Tuckett for this piece which appeared in a tyre industry journal some 30 years ago. Perhaps if it had been written today some of the expletives would be a bit stronger

646 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, Vic 3132 E-MAIL: healeyfactory@redcentre.com Fax:(03) 9872 4445Ph: (03) 9872 3900 WEBSITE: www.healeyfactory.com.au

CAR SALES SERVICE RESTORATION SPARE PARTS

EXTENSIVELY ENHANCED AND OPTIONED BN2SENT FROM USA, RESTORED AND DELIVERED BACK TO USA

DMD Australia manufactures high quality components for Austin Healey engines.The company’s range has been developed to extract performance improvements while maintaining

maximum reliability for both competition and road use. All new products are subjected to extensive dyno and competition testing prior to release.

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