“You can love me, if you try” · hard, on your behalf! May General Meeting – our guest...

May

201

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e #3

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Inside: • Rat your ride. Peter Rowlands special Healbilly ratrod. •NationalRallyreportandpics. •SideExhaust. •HealeyRacers. •Coming events and parts for sale.

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

“Love me, Love my Rat.”

“You can love me, if you try”

Hundreds & Thousands May 2013 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 [email protected] Vice President Bill Metcalf 9876 2167 [email protected] Secretary Brian Aitken 0419 025 858 or 9775 3699 [email protected] Treasurer Mike Snelgrove 0418 320 524 or 9379 2836 [email protected] Membership Peter Heading 0413 769 068 or 9025 6702 [email protected] Clubrooms & CMC Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 [email protected]

GENERAL COMMITTEE

Social Mick Smith & Others [email protected] Librarian Mick Smith 0419 553 840 or 9789 7698 [email protected] Communications Gordon Lindner 0418 540 920 or 9707 1294 [email protected] Competition-MSCA Rod Vogt 0408 395 240 or 5962 1915 [email protected] Regalia Arthur Tuckett 0418 105 627 or 9571 8324 [email protected] AOMC-VicRoads Ken Styles 0431 481 082 or 9809 4382 [email protected] CAMS Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 [email protected] Registrar Iain McPherson 9850 3267 [email protected] Magazine Editor Harvey Pearce 0419 108 532 or 9836 7596 [email protected]

VICROADS CLUB PERMIT SCHEME Please address all enquiries and applications to Ken Styles, 9A Morey Street, Camberwell 3124

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

th of the

month

The Next General Meeting will be held in the Clubhouse, Rosalie Street, Springvale On Thursday May 2nd commencing at 8 pm

Our guest speaker is AHOC and AHSDC Member, Simon Gardiner, Director-Engineer, at PowerPlay Automotive. Simon is very well known to our race and rally enthusiasts as a go-to engine builder

for top-of-the-line performance engines. His achievements with motors and the racecars his company supports are well documented and we look forward to sharing some of Simon’s

anecdotes

.

THIS MONTH'S COVER

And in The Nation’s Capital the People Spoke Against Conformity and They Chose

The “RatRod”

Cover design and production W & M Ingham

Printed by Galaxy Print & Design 76 Reid Road Hastings 1300 137573


CONTENTS Coming events Page 3 President’s Report Meeting Minutes Page 5 Healeys That Raced in Australia - More from Iain McPherson Page 7 Peter Rowland’s RATROD Page 9 National Rally Page 10 “The Plough” Page 11 AOMC/RACV Classic Showcase Page 12 Side Exhaust- Page 14 Competition Report Page 16 Eastern ROF’s Run Page 19 Peninsula Run Page 21 For Sale and Wanted Page 23

BACK BURBLES

By the time you receive this edition the RACV/AOMC Showcase will be “done and dusted” and the winners of the Show and Shine announced.

What a pity there were no entries in the Concours. Perhaps it’s an indication that nowadays owners are choosing drivability and comfort instead of originality. Let’s face it, telescopic shockers, rack and pinion steering, and alternators and modern ignition systems are now the norm. You can even purchase a brand new replica that looks authentic from the outside but has modern running gear. The saving grace is the retention of the classic Healey lines. No one could improve on those!

In the February edition we featured Brian and Sheryl Drew’s BN1, a now rare “nuts and bolts” restoration. Steve Pike has completed restoring NOJ 393 but it won’t be staying in Australia. We’ll wait and see if Concours survives.

In this issue there is a report and photos from the Canberra Rally and as usual “Side Exhaust” and Iain McPherson, have provided articles. The cover story is by Peter Rowland.

Marion and I will be away next month and Gordon Lindner has again agreed to step in and fill the breech. I’m sure he will provide something of interest.

Happy Healeying. See you in June.

Harvey Pearce


WHAT’S ON

MAY Thursday 2nd General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00 pm Wed 8th Committee Meeting Thurs 9th Western Run with Mike Snelgrove 0418 320 524 Sunday 20th Haunted Hills Hillclimb 25th - 26th Historic Winton (short circuit) Wed 29th Peninsula Run to Heronswood, 105 Latrobe Parade, Dromana 5984 7318

JUNE Thursday 6th General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm Wed 12th Committee Meeting Thurs 13th Southern Run organised by Arthur Tuckett 0418 105 627 Sunday 16th MSCA Sandown (to be confirmed) Wed 26th Peninsula Run to Barmah Park Winery, 945 Moorooduc Hwy, Moorooduc 5978

8049

JULY Thursday 4th General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm Wed 10th Committee Meeting Thurs 11th Northern Run Sunday 21st MSCA Phillip Island (to be confirmed) Wed 31st Peninsula Run venue TBA

It was hard getting over my addiction to the Hokey Pokey. But I’ve turned myself around and that’s what it’s all about


PRESIDENT’S REPORT – MAY 2013 National Rally Canberra – While the numbers were down, 132 AHOC members from NSW, VIC, SA, QLD and WA, journeyed to the national capital for three days of happy Healeying! The NSW organizing committee did a great job with the weekend’s program, regalia and, in attracting significant sponsorship to assist with rally costs.

The National Delegates meeting resolved to:

Accept the new concours standards, throughout Australia and, to ensure that all our Healey restorers were attuned to the requirements, bringing us into line with European and US standards, for Healey owners wishing to restore their models to the original specifications; Remind all states that their National Delegates must enjoy a Committee Position, commensurate with their responsibility.

Accept Patrick Quinn’s (editor of AHOC NSW “Flat Chat”) offer of producing a quotation for the production of a quarterly national Austin Healey magazine, to be self-supporting, and the fourth edition of the year, becoming our national “Year Book”, thus negating the perennial problem of uncompleted year books and the resultant gaps in our Healey history!

National Rallies – the question of reducing attendances at Easter rallies is of much concern and, is due to many circumstances, not the least being the increasing family commitments of our nations members. Discussions ensued re the possible moving of national rally dates to one week prior to Easter, or other dates, where applicable. All states are to seek member response to this issue.

National Association of Healey Clubs – the general view was that the meeting supported the concept of a National Council but, felt that the benefits identified, did not justify the proposed costs.

Unfortunately WA and QLD had no representation at the Delegates Meeting. Queensland delegate, Ernie Clark, suffered a heart attack in the week prior to the rally and, expectedly, was unable to attend. We convey the wishes of all Victorian members, that Ernie regains full health and that both Ernie and Merle are back in action soon.

The Alan Jones Trophy was awarded to Anne Read – a hardworking contributor of AHOC NSW for decades and the 2013 National Rally Convenor. Like all the hardest workers, Anne never expected any thanks. A very well deserved achievement, Anne, congratulations from all in AHOC Vic.

The food at the Rydges resort was very good and the run to Bungendore, together with the show & shine at old Parliament House on the Sunday, and the launching of Bill and Wendy Ingham’s Healey Boat, on lake Burley Griffin were highlights.

The People’s Choice at the Show & Shine was Peter Rowland’s “Rat Rod”. Bob Symons lovely BRG 100M was the runner-up and, was rewarded by the Managing Director of major sponsor, Frederique Constant, with a unique “Healey Watch and Stopwatch” valued around $3700, for their award of “Car of Show”. Understandably, Bob was chuffed!

RACV/AOMC Classic Showcase

Some members had prior commitments for April 21and there was also an MSCA meeting at Phillip Island and a number of cars “on the Water” en-route to Europe but a very large

number who could have made an effort to join in with 58 big Healeys, nine Sprites, the Healey boat and a lovely day to boot, missed the opportunity to participate in this, the premier display day for the AHOC.

Many thanks to all attendees (Gordon’s pics are on Healeyvic), the social team, chefs, judges, set-up and take-down team (under Bill Metcalf) for contributing to a well acknowledged presentation on behalf of our club. We are indebted to the Healey Factory, (Healeys and a large market umbrella), Peter Jackson and Bill and Wendy Ingham for their significant input. In the four years of our participation, the AHOC display has become one of the centerpieces and attractions of the classic showcase. It is your event, too! A lack of support impacts on the committee members who toil hard, on your behalf!

May General Meeting – our guest speaker and display vehicle owner will be AHOC/AHSDC Member Simon Gardiner. Director-Engineer at PowerPlay Automotive. Simon is very well known to our race and rally enthusiasts for many years as a go-to engine builder for top-of-the-line performance engines. His achievements with motors and the racecars his company supports are well documented and we look forward to sharing some of Simon’s anecdotes.

May 15 is the date for the nucleus of our committee to review and revise our AHOC Constitution in order to bring it up to date and comply with the new Consumer Affairs Incorporated Assocations Act, 2012. The revised constitution will be presented to our members for ratification, prior to adoption by our club.

The Austin Seven Club’s Historic Winton, will be held on May 25-26. We shall gauge the interest in doing a run up to the track on the Sunday. Further details at the May General Meeting.

June General Meeting - Our guest speaker will be member and, most competent photographer Pascale Turvey who encapsulated the spirit of the Healey Group tour of Tasmania in February. Pascale will be assisted by Ralph Fletcher in this presentation. This will be a very good and enjoyable journey through some sublime terrain!

In finishing, I am much appreciative of the efforts of those committee members who deputized for me while I was away in Canberra and Japan, over Easter and the first two weeks of April.

We have a busy schedule over the next six months.

As you are aware, so far we have at least four members of committee retiring at the end of November. We will have vacancies for Editor, Membership Officer, Webmaster and President, to start with. It behoves any members who can, to take the opportunity to become a part of our club’s management team. Please speak with myself or Brian Aitken if you have the capacity to come on board in the next few months. The mentoring team is ready to assist with a few months training before the committee elections in December.

Please check out the Club Calendar for upcoming events, for inclusion in your diary.

Cheers,

Paul McPherson, President


AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF VICTORIA INC.

Minutes of “General Meeting” held on Thursday, 4 April 2013

at 19 – 23 ROSALIE STREET, SPRINGVALE

Meeting opened at 8.16 pm

Present: 59 Financial Members 1 Visitor – Caroline Begbie (accompanying Greg and Elaine Provan)

Apologies: Carole Vaughan, Greg and Phil Howe, Paul and Julianne McPherson, Mick and Ron Smith, Terry Grigg and Gayle Minter, Harvey Pierce, Alan and Kathy Saul, John and Heather Curtis, Mike and Ros Sinclair, Annette Aitken, Terry and Helen Apps.

New Members: Adrian and Lorain Newman – ’55 BN2

Welfare: Ralph Fletcher reported that Norma Keogh is under the weather and back in Hospital presently.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: Motion that the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 6 December 2012, be accepted. Moved; John Raisbeck Seconded; Rod Vogt Carried Matters Arising: Nil. Correspondence In: Flyers None this month. E Mail Invitation to 2013 Steam Rally Echuca to be held 8/9 June 2013-04-03 Offer of discounted tickets to 2013 Leadfoot Festival E Mail from Veloce Publishing with “On The Grid - March 2013” E Mail from CAMS with April Speed Read E Mail from Veloce Publishing offering 50% off 25 SELECTED Veloce books!* E Mail from CAMS with details of April Event Administration Officials Training course E Mail from CAMS with April Speed Read E Mail from Tony Barrett recommending an excellent article re the figment and use of seat belts for drivers and passengers who intend to use their cars for Speed events in the March edition of CAMS Speed Read. E Mail from CAMS with Victorian State Council Minutes from the meeting held on Tuesday 11

th February, 2013.

MAGAZINES April 2013 “Crankhandle” SPCHCC (Southern Peninsula Classic and Historic Car Club) magazine. March 2013 “Flat Chat” magazine from NSW AHOC April 2013 HRA News (Historic Rally Association) April 2013 Catalog – Jaguar Club magazine March 2013 “Healey Torque” magazine from Queensland AHOC March “Slipstream” magazine of the Bolwell Car Club LETTERS Letter from Australia Post re mail transfer 1. CORRESPONDENCE OUT: None this month

PRESIDENTS REPORT Paul sends his apologies – he is presently visiting Japan, partly as a tourist and mostly to catch up with his daughter who has recently relocated from China to Japan – ah – the joys of the corporate world! Paul did send a message through to say that Brian Froelich and Peter Jackson would talk about the Show and Shine to be held at Flemington on 21 April.

Bill Metcalf sat in for Paul and chaired the meeting. Bill spoke about events at the National Rally. Bill noted that the Victorian’s acquitted themselves admirably, with Bill Ingham operating the Healey Boat in fine style on Lake Burley Griffin (first time a Healey Boat has been seen at an Australian Rally) and John Olsen taking equal first prize for the best car at the Display. Bob Symons however won the prestigious Frederic Constantine award for best car on display and was presented with a lovely boxed set of a Healey monogrammed wrist watch and similar stop watch – a wonderful prize which Bob was displaying at the meeting.

FINANCIAL Mike Snelgrove submitted the following AHOC financial report: April 2013 Operating Account for February 2013 Opening Balance 31st January 2013 $34,872.52 Deposits $ 5,900.80 Payments $ 4,250.60 Closing Balance 28th February 2013 $36,522.72

Term Deposit Account As of 24th October 2012 $61,393.68 Interest of $1,392.88 is payable 17thApril 2013. Building Maintenance Account As of 31st October 2012 $10,099.45


MEMBERSHIP: Peter reported that we presently have 594 members with around 20 families who have not renewed their subscriptions. Recent new members include Christine McLeod (red BJ8), Adrian Newman (BRG BN2) and Shane O’Brien with a white BN1.

SOCIAL:

Unfortunately Mick’s leg did not allow her to be present to talk about upcoming social activities, but Ralph Fletcher was able to expand on the cancellation of the planned trip and lunch at Aireys Inlet and to speak about the run to the Plough on 14 April which will start at Chateau Fletcher – details in magazine and on web site. Bill Metcalf also outlined the Eastern Run on 11th April organised himself & Barry Barnes, (much to Barry’s amazement!) - meeting point is Coldstream Brewery.

EDITOR: Harvey wished to thank Pat Quinn of the NSW Club for permission to re print his excellent article on the Healey Boats and their history. He also tendered his personal thanks to Keith and Enid Nankervis for their years of work packaging and mailing the Club’s magazine to members – well done Keith and Enid!

REGALIA: Arthur apologised for the lamentable efforts of his laundry lady and regretted that the shirt he was wearing was not fit to be modelled. Notwithstanding, these shirts are available in pristine condition for the paltry sum of $35.00 and he is taking orders for BBQ aprons – had he been wearing one of those aprons, we may have been able to view the shirt!

COMPETITION / MSCA: Rod gave the following report: Nothing much to talk about this month.

Next comp event is MSCA Phillip Island on Sunday 21st April. This unfortunately clashes with our display day at Flemington. Entries are not yet open so we have no idea how many may compete.

MSCA news The excessive noise crackdown continues to be an issue at Sandown and particularly at Phillip Island but MSCA have been granted their April and July dates at Phillip Island.

There have been a couple of date changes made to the competition calendar. The December Sandown event was not available so MSCA have secured Sunday October 6th instead and this will become the last round of the 2013 season. Winton on November 3rd will be Round 1 for 2014 MSCA season. The calendar will be updated in the Club magazine next month. Unfortunately, the Easter meeting at Mallala was not well supported with few Group Sa and Sb entries. Rod also reported that Geoff and Wandy Leake escaped the worst of the mini cyclone recently and will tell of their escape in the magazine!

Finally, Rod also advised members that he will be on holidays for 6 weeks coming up and will miss the next 2 meetings – he offered his apologies.

COMMUNICATION MANAGER: Gordon noted that some folk were having difficulties reading the web site on their smart ‘phones – this seems to be caused by not having a PDF app on the phone – see him if still having difficulty.

CMC / CLUB ROOMS Tony Barrett and John Raisbeck both thanked Shane Mackintosh for taking over John’s CMC position – Shane will be a great asset to the Clubs. Bill also added his thanks to John for the years of service he has put in.

CAMS: Tony recommended an excellent article on the CAMS website regarding seat belts and the correct wearing of…

CARS, PARTS, BUY/SELL Steve Pike may have a buyer for a BN1 or 2 if anyone has one to sell. Ralph reported that NOJ393 restoration by Steve has been completed and the car sent back to the UK.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Brian Froelich spoke about the up coming road car Show and Shine to be held at the RACV – AOMC Classic Showcase at Flemington on 21 April next. In particular, Brian wanted potential entrants to understand that any car entered MUST be properly cleaned including the engine bay. Awards will be presented on the day and members should aim to arrive by 9.00am.

Bill then asked Bob Symons to talk about his experience at the National Rally and thoughts about winning the Frederic Constantine award. Bob talked about building the car and in particular thanked Bruce Dixon for his assistance throughout the project.

Meeting closed at 9.02pm.

Next meeting, Thursday 2 May, 2013.

Brian Aitken Secretary

MEMBERSHIP Welcome to the following new members

Christine McLeod (red BJ8) Adrian Newman (BRG BN2) Shane O’Brien with a white BN1 we presently have 594 members Peter Heading Membership Secretary


AUSTIN-HEALEYS THAT RACED IN AUSTRALIA

Aub Melrose was born in 1900 and crammed more into his life than most could even dream of. He was a man of many talents and his life of adventure started as a lad of 12 when he used to sell papers and chocolates at Fremantle. He became a choir boy, and at 13 his soprano voice was discovered. At the Silver Chain Festival he was the first person in Australia to sing, ”Just a little love, a little kiss” in public. He became a Drum Major and at 15 he embarked on a world tour with the Young Australia League. It was in America that he saw Art Smith break the world record of 15 consecutive loops in a plane, and where he was taught to drive a car.

Back in Perth at the age of 16 he got the job of driving a 3-wheel van for a spare parts company.

He was the first motorcyclist to travel from Perth to Kalgoorlie in a day, managing to do it in 12 hours 4 minutes, in spite of many falls. He also completed the first lone crossing of the Nullarbor on a motorcycle.

He started the Harley Scramble, of which he won the first four.

He went to England to ride for the Sunbeam factory and raced in the Isle of Man TT, the Ulster Grand Prix and the Scottish 6 Day Trial. He was the first Australian to finish a race at the Isle of Man.

He was a foundation member of the Western Australia Sporting Car Club, and in 1932 he was the prime mover in forming the Western Australia Car Club which promoted on-road competitions such as the “Around the Houses” events.

He was one of the first trained surf lifesavers and one of the first local lads to take to surf skis. At the age of 48 he trained and skippered the first Cottlesloe crew to win a surf boat championship. He was also a boxer, an athlete, and a gymnast.

In 1950 it was reported that a man of Aub’s talents would eventually be interested in the air where he achieved distinction in Aero Club competitions.

He ran a garage in Claremont, specializing in Austin and Morris cars, and became a by-name in the automotive

industry. He became Chairman of the WA Division of the Institute of Automotive and Aeronautical Engineers.

He developed a love of Austins. In 1929 he won the State Centenary Reliability Trial in his Austin Seven. In 1936 he and his wife drove the same Austin 7 across the Nullarbor – won the South Australian Centennial Trial and drove it home again. In total he made 52 trips across the Nullarbor and led a Delegation to Canberra in 1935 to petition the need for a proper road. He was the first person to officially use the new Eyre Highway.

After he had been driving his Austin 7 in all sorts of competition, in both supercharged and un- supercharged form over 21 years, he created a petrol consumption record of 117.8 mpg with it.

He became the only man to drive across Australia in a car without a carburettor using a gas producer he designed himself.

He competed in several Round Australia Trials, firstly in an A40, then an A70 and an A95.

He commenced racing an Austin-Healey late in 1954. This was a blue car which was later sold to the cartoonist Paul Rigby. His first appearance was at the Byford Hillclimb in October where he engaged in an intense battle with Syd Anderson in his Austin-Healey. Aub had the measure of Syd on the first two runs, but on the last run Syd pulled out all stops to produce a 0.03 second quicker time.

He then bought a red BN2. Both cars were fitted with a LeMans kit which was sometimes removed and fitted to his Austin A90 Atlantic which he used in Trials. Don Hall who established the Don Hall Speed Shop was a well known racing mechanic and driver, and he developed and maintained both Austin-Healeys and sometimes drove them.

At the 1956 Six Hour Le Mans Meeting at Caversham Aub finished 2

nd , two laps behind Syd Anderson in his Austin-

Healey, but rapidly gaining on the leader after suffering fuel problems.

At the 1957 Australian Grand Prix Meeting held at Caversham, Aub won the 10 lap Sports Car Handicap beating Ron Phillips in the 100/S. In the 70 lap Grand Prix the following day he recorded a DNF, but finished second behind Noel Aldous driving Syd Anderson’s Austin-Healey in the 45 lap Handicap Section which was run concurrently with the main race.

He teamed with Noel Aldous to drive a Renault 750 in the 1957 Six Hour race to finish 12

th outright.

When men were men - Aub at a Hillclimb at Kelmscott, a Perth suburb, in

1955


For the 1958 Six Hour Race he entered his Austin-Healey and teamed with Dick Blythe, coming third and winning the Teams Trophy in conjunction with Vin Smith in an Austin-Healey and Dick Blythe, who had cross-entered an Austin Lancer, with Syd Taylor. Aub completed 175 laps compared to the winner Jim Harwood, who completed 181 laps in his TR2.

In the 1959 Six Hour Race Aub finished 10th in the Sports Car

category, well down on the total number of laps.

For the 1960 Six Hour race he drove a Porsche 1600 to finish 6

th outright, and 1

st in Class. He finished 4

th in the Touring Car

Championship in the same year, which seems to be his last year in competition.

Aub passed away in 1978 and was held in the greatest of esteem by all who knew him.

Again, I must thank Terry Walker for some of the background information and his fabulous website which records all the West Australian race results. Also Ken Devine, who was a keen motor racing photographer at the time, and who has a good memory of people and events.

Iain McPherson

RACING RESULTS

Byford hillclimb October 1954 39.4 sec Busselton Derby 31 January 1955 Scratch Equal 2

nd with Mick Geneve in the Ballot

Production Car Handicap 2nd

0.01 sec behind Syd Anderson Racing Car Handicap 11

th

Le Mans Handicap 5th

Caversham Speed Classic 7 March1955 Racing car Scratch 5th

Production Car handicap 2nd

Labour Day Speed Classic DNF Caversham Six Hour 20 May 1955 2

nd

Busselton Derby January 1957 Production and Sports Cars 1st (fastest in the over 1500cc class)

Busselton Derby 4th

Caversham 4 March 1957 Sports Car Handicap 1st

Australian Grand Prix DNF Handicap Section 2

nd

Caversham January 1958 Standing/Flying ¼ mile 17.70 sec standing - 97.0 mph flying Caversham Six Hour 2 June 1958 3rd Caversham March 1958 Standing/Flying1/4 mile 18.55 sec standing - 99.95 mph flying Albany 28 March 1959 Hillclimb Championship equal 6

th

TT Handicap 3rd

- Scratch 3rd

Caversham Six Hour June 1959 19th

Caversham 8 August 1959 Standing/Flying ¼ mile 17.26 sec standing - 95.23 mph flying

ul

Bill Ingham with Barry & Jan Barnes at The Canberra Rally


THE RATROD Finally after years of moaning that Healey owners are too old to enjoy themselves and the cars to are too expensive for the young people that do, the future of Healeying was decided and on display at the Canberra national rally where the assembled multitude agreed and voted it the “people’s choice” by a large majority.

Naturally the builder of the World’s First Purpose Built Austin Healey RATROD (who is now better known as ‘Ratbag”) spent many hours trying to explain that a RATROD is not a barn find, not part restored, not awaiting further funds, not a rug rat a hot rod or a rad rod. It’s a bloody RAT ROD mate!

The young people said it was “fully sick mate” and the ladies saw it immediately as the “just plain good fun car” that it so obviously is. The purists pooh poohed loudly, stamped their feet till their arthritis hurt, and snivelled off to berate their grandchildren when told: ”Google it Pops! If I have to explain it, you wouldn’t understand!”

So why is this new style vehicle so popular? Put simply - fun and finances. RATRODs are cheap and fun to build as they don’t need bumpers, glass, interior trimming, heater, wipers, roof, doors, chrome or paint. In fact the less you have the better!, It’s the real “less is more” act that makes assembly fun and the finished product attractive.

The “finish” is the most fun as the choices are so numerous. Instead of Connolly leather you can have Hereford, Angus, sugar bags, denim or any other material you have lying around. Old number plates, street signs, ID plates, stickers, or even graffiti all add character, or for those more conservative you can stick with good old rust. The snobs call it patina but it’s just rust to us. Rust is a real colour you know. The options are endless, cheap and can easily be changed to keep up with modern trends.

The aim in building your RATROD is to do all the work yourself for as little as possible and never be seen as a “rat with a gold tooth”. If you can achieve that “abandoned in a paddock for thirty years” look then you are a truly awesome dude.

A going reliable Healey for well under $10,000, that draws a crowd wherever it goes has the same popularity as a sandman panel van birthday present had in 1972. The lucky owner is seen as young, virile, cool and even sexy (Remember how that felt in your Healey fifty years ago?) and when coupled with a healthy devil may care attitude or a lot of alcohol will undoubtedly lead to much bigger things.

Rumour has it that a Hells Angel on his chopped Harley pulled up beside Ratbag in his RATROD Healey and coolly remarked “hey, nice sleigh Santa”. Compliments just don’t get much better than that.

Naturally this is the start of a huge worldwide trend in Healeying, and we are very lucky to be able to enjoy now what many old “stick in the muds” will only see when their grandchildren get their hands on the old man’s Healey.

So join the Rat attack now, get an old wreck or rat the one you've got and if you aren’t that young anymore - start bloody acting like you are!

Peter Rowland

AHOC VIC in JAPAN

A small travel group of AHOC members met with Mr. Hiroshi Takemori, President of the Austin Healey Club of Japan (AHCJ), for a few hours, a couple of weeks ago.

Meeting in the world heritage listed area of Kamakura, close to Yokohama, Hiroshi gave us the benefit of his 30 year presidency of the Japanese club, in addition to his local area knowledge.

Paul McPherson presented Hiroshi with a AHOC Vic. T-shirt, Healey car badge, and, assorted regalia items. Hiroshi, in return presented messrs. Cant, Howe, Saul and McPherson with AHCJ towels, keyrings and rally badges.

Hiroshi is well known to many of our Australian Healeyites and, is looking forward to catching up with all of his friends at the European Rally, in Scotland.

Julianne McPherson, Maureen Cant, Alan Cant, Hiroshi Takemori, Greg Howe, Kathy Saul, Paul McPherson, Phyl Howe, Alan Sa


42nd AUSTIN HEALEY NATIONAL RALLY. CANBERRA EAGLEHAWK RESORT SUTTON CANBERRA

Thursday 28th

.March. Like others we decided to respect our age and make the drive part way on Thursday. Hindsight proved that 9.30 was the perfect time to leave from Bentleigh East. We followed the downpours all the way to Albury. Paul McPherson, the Aitkens along with Terry and Gayle all experienced very wet weather. We hope Paul had his car dried out before his trip to Japan.

Friday 29th

.March. We awoke to a beautiful sunny day to drive from our overnight stays. Many Vics. drove from Wagga, Albury, Holbrook, and Bombala into sunny Canberra.

The resort took some time to book us all in, many of us arriving early did not help. The rooms were comfortable, light and airy with comfy beds, and were set amongst beautiful native gardens along with their native habitat.

The afternoon was spent welcoming in our Victorian friends and renewing friendships with interstate members. As usual Victoria had a very large contingent compared with the other states.

The registration process brings out the children in us, busily looking for the goodies in the handy home made carry bags. I just loved my Lime Green Rally Shirt. (Sorry Bill). A surprise for the men who drove their Healeys, they were given a white sponsor shirt and cap by sponsor Frederique Constant Geneve. Terry Grigg described the cap as the best he has. The official magazine by Christine Lyttle was an outstanding resource for the weekend.

I enjoyed a relaxing swim and then joined the growing group of members enjoying the sun and refreshments in the bar area.

The Rowland brothers. We are used to seeing the Rob Rowland transporter arriving at functions but to see Peter Rowlands arrive in the BIG RARE PETER built semi trailer with 3 Healeys as freight certainly caught our attention. One car for Cheryl, a car for Laura and of course the rust bucket - ooops - Peter’s Rat Rod.

The kangaroos around the Resort were huge in body and in numbers, especially near our unit. Time for a quick change and a brush of the Healey Hair and we were off to the Welcome Party. Drinks a plenty to partner the delicious food from the Buffet. The room looked great with the Healey race cars of Ross Bond and Peter Jackson parked up front along with other memorabilia. Thanks to John and Judy Sherman no-one went thirsty or hungry. If the noise from the excited members is any indication of success a great time was had by all.

Saturday 30th

. March.

Following breakfast we were given the option of a car run or a visit to The Australian War Memorial or the Museum Of Australia. We chose the drive to Bugendore. A short enjoyable drive in beautiful sunshine. The destination, a typically quaint NSW country town. The highlight being “The Bugendore Woodwork Gallery.” Woodworkers who do the most exquisite woodwork small and large display their craft here for sale. There were also some interesting art pieces and the finest of embroidery enhancing some.

Following our own choice of morning tea we left for Gundaroo. We were tootalling along merrily when cars started pulling off the road and then burbling off again. The MacGregor’s car had decided to STOP. Heads under the bonnet and bums up. Many heads make light work with Simon Gardner heading the way with all of his testing gear. Another knowledgeable head disconnected the anti theft earthing wire with immediate results, the car was purring again. You can imagine that all the ladies were bemused to know that we were stopped for 30

minutes. because of a wire that was now disconnected and really wasn’t needed anyway. As you can imagine it gave the men a talking point for the next few hours (As if they needed one).

Gunaroo is a very old town. Everyone found somewhere to spend their lunch allowance. From all reports other attendees, enjoyed their chosen outing for the day.

7.00 pm Out with the leathers, bobby socks, dancing shoes, swirling skirts and hair slicked we were off to the Eaglehawk Rock. Our hosts Gordan and Louise had done a great job in transforming the room into a rock and roll scene. Their task not finished they had to work hard to get the dancing happening. Everyone was able to enjoy the night talking, dancing, eating or drinking.

Sunday 31st

. March. An early start was the order of the day ready for the “Show and Shine.” The New South Welshmen were excellent guides making sure that we all arrived safely at Parkes Place,

The Healey drivers looked resplendent in their sponsor shirts and caps. Many of us took the opportunity to visit the Galleries, Old Parliament House etc. There is so much to do in Canberra.

Bill Ingham and The Healey Boat were a great hit. Those lucky enough to have a ride were thrilled to be on Lake Burley Griffin in a Healey Boat. Well Keith was! Great job Bill.

Peter Rowland’s RatRod certainly attracted many interested visitors, in fact he won the “People’s Choice.” The Coffee Vendor had a busy day, coffees are not easy to find in the city parks. We would have loved to have had a ride on a Segway. Perhaps next time.

Back to Eaglehawk. Canberra is certainly a city of traffic lights, roundabouts, circular on and off ramps - a GPS almost essential. On our return to the unit, the kangaroos were replaced by the largest rabbits I have ever seen.

Time to glitz up ready for ”The 100 Sparkles Dinner Dance.” We had fun. The Vic crew looked fantastic. Christine had transformed the room into a glitzy affair and I am sure that she was thrilled with the trouble everyone had gone to. To say that we had the best night is an understatement. Ask Keith or Gavin Williams about “The Stilettos.” Marlene might never leave Gavin alone again. The Stilettos did a fantastic job of involving everyone in a room that is extremely difficult to work in. The girls had everyone dancing and singing.

The Frederique Constant Geneve products created much interest. What a great surprise for John Olsen. The NSW. club chose his black car as the best in the Show and Shine and he was presented with a Chronograph and Stoptimer from the sponsors. A truly beautiful timepiece.

Congratulations to Anne Read, winner of the Alan Jones Award. I was amazed that she hadn’t won the award before this. Anne has been a stalwart of the NSW Club for as long as I can remember. As a friend of the late Alan Jones she was particularly thrilled.

Monday 1st

. April. The farewell breakfast for some is rushed. For others a lingering affair. Many Victorian and NSW Members stayed around for a quiet day in Canberra.

About 40 people attended the Eaglehawk Hotel for dinner.

Mick was chauffeured to dinner by Neil Plunkett. It was her thrill for the year a flying 400 metres.

Some Healey Torque Terry Wade was lucky, when his car broke down on the Hume Hwy. some Healeys went past. Bad. Luckily the two John’s from S.A. came along and stopped to assist. He made it to the rally.


We loved seeing the young drivers in the Healeys some with P plates. Thanks Laura, Lauren and Andrew.

Red Wine. On returning to our room Saturday we noticed the red wine from the bar was missing, maybe stolen. Keith reported it to reception. When returning he met Bill Vaughan, another bottle missing, these were not the only ones. Mystery solved, the members had drunk so much on Friday night that it necessitated the Bar Staff to raid the rooms.

We hope Neil’s worrying was in vain. He didn’t realize NSW had working point to point cameras. He also lost some

precious bling.

I am pleased to say that we were able to tuck the hood away early Friday at Gundagai and we left it tucked away until Tuesday at Lakes Entrance. I have evidence that it was Keith who wimped. The only way to enjoy our cars.

Thankyou, organisers, for a very relaxed, friendly and enjoyable rally. We had a great time. I think some one noticed my enjoyment hence I was asked to write the report.

Enid Nankervis.

Sunday April 14th

– Run to The Plough Bistro and Bar, Myrniong

Despite the forecast for showers and maximum of only 21 degrees, 53 members turned out for the run to The Plough Bistro and Bar Myrniong. Maybe it was because it was a run on the weekend or quite simply it was a chance to get out and celebrate our cars. Whatever the motivation they came from near and far – Berwick, Ferntree Gully, Dingley, Frankston, Woodend, Geelong, Warranwood, even as far as Molesworth to join in the day.

Morning tea was held at the Fletcher’s in Darley (a suburb of Bacchus Marsh). Yes folks the city has caught up with the country we even have suburbs out here. With a combination of a few tin tops and lots of Austin-Healeys the back lawn soon resembled a million dollar car park. Coffee, tea, scones and cakes baked by both Linda and Ralph refreshed everyone. And just in case we needed more sustenance, Eric Patterson slipped packs of Jelly Beans into each car.

Steve and Helen Pike lead the charge out of the driveway and pretty soon we had a conga line of 25 plus cars enjoying a leisurely run out of Bacchus Marsh through the Rowsley Valley, up a series of bends over a very steep incline before joining up with the Ballan – Geelong Road. Then off again with a detour into the scenic bush via Mount Egerton to Gordon, then into Ballan. From Ballan we headed to Greendale before turning towards Melbourne and more importantly our destination, Myrniong, with the run on both excellent and quiet roads taking just over an hour.

Once settled at the table we had a selection of dips and grilled Ciabatta, followed by shared Charcuterie boards with alternate mains of Slow Cooked Beef and Chicken Kiev’s. Warren Gartner thought the baked chocolate pot dessert was actually a coffee and tried to drink it! The other dessert was a Golden Gaytime with honeycomb and caramelized tart. Mark Mills and the team at the Plough did an outstanding job on getting our food out given they had 140 patrons on the day.

It is the little things in life. Find food, fine wine, cars and friendship. We all had a great time and maybe we should include a run out west on the weekend as an annual event.

Ralph

************************************************************************************************************************************************* A slave call girl from Sardinia named Gedophamee was attending a great but as yet unnamed athletic festival 2500 years ago in Greece.

In those days, believe it or not, the athletes performed naked. To prevent unwanted arousal while competing, the men imbibed freely on drink containing saltpeter before and throughout the variety of events.

At the opening ceremonial parade, Gedophamee observed the first wave of naked magnificent males marching toward her and she exclaimed: "OH!! Limp pricks!"

Over the next two and a half millennia that morphed into "Olympics".

*************************************************************************************************************************************************


APRIL 21 - THE CLASSIC SHOWCASE Have to be there early to help project manager Bill’s team finish the set-up. The alarm finally wakes me and I lie in bed as the sparrows inhale and build up pressure. Shower, brekky (in bed for her remaining at home) and emerge into what promises to be a beautiful day. Healey starts 1

st try and the neighbours all miss out on their Sunday sleep-in as that magnificent Healey roar

under full choke resonates from the garage and reverberates off the surrounding walls.

Up the steep drive and, as usual, the exhaust scrapes over the lip at the top (must do something about that one day) and off through what were, just before, quiet tree-lined streets. The top is up (afternoon rain forecast but doesn’t eventuate) and that built in Healey heater (AKA the exhaust) keeps me warm in the chilly early morning air. Blow the cobwebs out on the Eastern freeway and in Parkville slip past the Peter Jackson rig to be one of the early arrivals. Best time to drive through Melbourne is early Sunday morning.

Not too much to do - the Saturday crew saw to that. Just the finishing touches to what was to be another great advertisement for the marque.

Display areas have been allocated for all the different models. 100/4s here, 100/6s there, 3000s in a group, a spot under the signboard for the sprites, racers front and centre, modified cars and restorations in progress over there and of course pride of place for the Healey boat right opposite PJ’s racer.

Arthur sets up the regalia stand, the BBQ is moved into position and the hordes begin to arrive. Step back and have a look - yep we’re satisfied.

We count the cars - 58 big Healeys and 9 Sprites - and a boat. A bit down on previous years but there are several cars on their way to Europe and an MSCA meeting at “The Island”.

Brian Froelich and PJ rustle up judges for the Show and Shine, the AOMC judges give our display the once over, the caffeine deficient queue up and Ralph fires up the BBQ. Lots of lovely snags free to Club Members. Beats the prices at the food stalls.

Then it’s off through the show to see what the other clubs have done. Hundreds of Mercs take up almost half the display area, Rollers abound, Aston Martins are right over on one side parked like Brown’s cows, there are rows of Minis, lots of Wolsleys, a plethora of Triumphs and heaps of MGs just to mention a few. We are the only ones to angle park our cars. Makes for much better photos and Gordon is snapping away as usual.

There’s live music, an animal farm and train rides for the kids, President Paul gets interviewed by the roving reporter.

Under some difficulty due to the PA system being fairly loud, Paul announces the Shown and Shine winners:

4 cylinder class John Olsen 6 cylinder roadster Bruce van Twest Convertible Paul McPherson Modified Garry Whitrod Special Interest Tim Ward John Hope Trophy for most original Eric Patterson

Then the wait for presentation of “best club display”. Fingers crossed, breath held! Disappointment once again as the Mercedes Benz Club is announced the winner.

Finally the clean-up. Thanks to those who helped to pull down and pack up. I noticed Barry Barnes and Phil Aitken, amongst others, give freely of their time.

The drive home is a lot more congested and less enjoyable than the morning trip. The top’s been up and the inside of the car is HOT and the exhaust heat, so welcome in the morning, is now a curse.

Decide against going through Flemington and cut through to Maribyrnong Road and go via West Brunswick. Bit heavy through Parkville, Carlton and Fitzroy. Exit the Eastern at Chandler Highway and turn from Harp in Burke Road. Cough, splutter “oh shit!” Look at the odometer - 190 miles since the last fill. Lucky I squeezed in that last 50ml. Running on fumes. Just make it to the top of the hill. OK on the flat but won’t cut the mustard uphill. Coast into the Shell in Camberwell and avoid the ultimate embarrassment.

Long day, tired feet, sunburn and a raging thirst but home safely to a hug and kiss and a glass of red. A great Healey day.

Too many cooks?

The Saturday Crew Not Now Gordon! I’m busy Bruce van Twest Applies the “Shine

Good to see past treasurer Ken Tame along on the day even though his car is on the way to Europe. Thanks to the Healey factory for the use of the bistro umbrella.

Project manager Bill Metcalf swears this was his swansong and a great deal of credit goes to PJ too. He forsook MSCA to bring his racer along. Brian F did his usual thing with the laptop as well as co-ordinating the judges along with PJ.


It’s not here Not here either Nope! I think it’s lost forever

Where’s the water?

Let’s see! 9+2=11 Carry the 1..............

To those of you who didn’t or couldn’t come, you missed a great day of fun in the sun and Healey fellowship. We’ll be back again next year. Photos by Gordon Lindner and the anonymous author. More of Gordon’s photos on the website.

Oh I do like a nice rear end


SENSELESS

The dog was sitting in the drivers seat, right arm on the door top, left paw on the wheel, tongue lolling out. But instead of sidestepping the clutch at 3,500 rpm and snaking down the track in a fog of tyre smoke, the mutt eased away with the human (owner?) jogging alongside. No wonder the ABC news was reporting this - dog drives, owner walks, this is big news for the inner city.

Now, instead of getting his dog to jump in the tray for the drive home after work, the tradey can now pile into the passenger side and crack a tinny while the healer grabs the wheel.

A few months later, still on ABC, there was more news about non-driving. Here were a bunch of cars driving around a track and no one was driving - all were passengers chatting and reading as the technology (a huge great ugly thingy on the front bumper) looked after the transport. Apparently, it was impossible for the cars to collide but since a human has to do things to the computer before setting off, you can disregard that. Before long eBay will be selling go faster dongles .

Anyway, here is all this effort and research money going into helping people not have to drive. Driving is apparently something hideous, evil and bad. You can die from it. And there are some criminals who actually enjoy going fast and buy fast cars and they should all be banned and their wealth confiscated. Baseball caps will be banned (anyone wearing one backwards will be arrested) and car clubs outlawed.

The last decade has seen a revolution in ‘driver aids’ - as they are known. Buttons, bongs, bings, beeps and buzzers that nag you stupid - you’ve left the lights on, got a door open, not put your belt on, going too fast etc. etc. On the net, you can usually find the magic combination to turn them off - hold down this button, press this one three times in 2 secs etc.

But some of them are really useful for everyday driving in a modern shit box. Automatic is the word. This used to mean ‘slush box’ - the awful 3 speed with torque converter which had the wrong gear for every occasion. But now it can mean 8 speed wonders which sense your mood and respond to your thought let alone your movements. Beyond transmissions there are now automatic wipers (always the right amount of wipe for the water) and lights (turn on and off for you - saves a massive amount of finger muscle).

Back then, when we used our Big Healeys as our only cars, such services were never in mind. Our goal then was to get the thing started in the morning after a night out in the cold, hope the brake pads which we had not got round to changing would hold out just one more commute and spreading a fresh

bin bag over the seat which had copped a drenching from the hole in the hood. Electronic driver aids were starter motors which worked, batteries which stayed charged and overdrives which went clickety click.

These days, when our old sports cars are pampered and preened and purely through their survival become stand-ins for real motoring exotica, their reliability is less often tested. Instead, we can enjoy them like we used to only rarely - when the sun shone brightly on a weekend trip to the in laws, or when the late night drive home after a long work session coincided with a crisp moonlit sky. These days, we can choose when we use the Healey, pick the best occasions.

Which is why Side Exhaust is so flummoxed by developments in the realm of modern sports cars, which are also often not used everyday and are presumably there for driving enjoyment on the right occasions.

It seems that there is a race on between the Japanese, Italians and Germans (not the Brits, who gave us the Mclaren F1 which did not even have power steering and still give us the Caterham 7 and Ariel Atom) to be the first to completely remove driver involvement in the driving process. Their proposition seems to be that the greatest thrill from your sports car is to be obtained from having the car do all the driving.

All you have to do is point in a rough direction. It will do everything else better than you. Get off the line (launch control with active differential), change the gears (PDK twin clutch with paddle shifts), find the apex and the best corner line (automatic damper sensing with torque vectoring) and stop better (ABS with radar overide).

The reason ? Apparently the supercar makers’ research shows that increasingly those that can afford to own the fastest and flashiest sports cars are not really into driving. They are often not the slimmest and fittest cohort either, many having excessively eaten and drunk of their success. What they want is the pose value, to impress others with the promise of skills and daring which they do not possess. Jeremy Clarkson and the Stig show everyone what the car can do - so obviously they, as owners, can do that too. Obviously. Wow, they must be good.

If your fun car is a Big Healey, you won’t get any help from Jeremy (who was reported by a club member who met him at the Top Gear race meeting at Eastern Creek as having become ‘seriously overweight’) or the electronics. You have to rely on your four driver aids - your vision, your hands and feet and your bum.

Your eyes mark out the line ahead, sense the apex and aim for it, know when to stay wide for longer sight or keep tight to shorten the radius, change up for an opening downhill or change down for a rising hairpin. Your hands feel the grip of the front tyres on the road, whether or not the slip angles are building and understeer is coming or the reverse, guide the Healey into the apex and swiftly unwind if oversteer is felt. And that’s the bum feeling it - the human yaw sensor which electronics nerds in car makers try so hard to reproduce.


The lack of non human intervention is what makes a Healey so rewarding for a driver totally involved in the driving. The immediacy of the feel, the quality of feedback about road conditions from a raw old steering box and suspension which

is fixed with plain bushes, the meaty, oily slide and slot of that wonderful box of gears, the magic grip as the overdrive bites another hunk of torque, the balance of the chassis as steering and power overcomes grip and launches one of those thrilling drifts - or allows you to get the most out of those long, long, tightening corners which abound along Victoria’s better driving roads, especially out there in The Wild.

We even found a picture of this happening, to remind you of the last occasion when you indulged in a bit of power sliding - here the nose is turned in well before this long apex, a smidge of oppo is applied and the power is drifting the car through that long tightening, rising corner. Hands, feet and bum all working as a team, Healey style.

Actually, we should all be happy that dogs are being taught to drive and electronics are taking over control of modern cars. It means that our old things have more of an active and relevant role in modern life, as a refuge for people who want to know what it’s like to personally drive a real (not virtual) car as fast as it’ll really go on a real (not virtual) road.

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************************************************************************************************************************************************* Ray & Sue Lodder, Elaine & I entered into the "Great Macedon Ranges Grand Tour" last weekend with 100 vehicles of all makes/models 25 plus years old. Ray Lodder picked up 2 Trophy's, the first awarded at Saturday's Dinner in Kyneton was for his 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster (Best Vehicle chosen by participants) and the second was awarded at the Show-n-shine on Sunday which was the "President's Award" for his Mercedes Benz 280 SE driven by a friend. Regards Gordon

Letter to the Editor

For some time I have had a vibration in the front end of my 100/4. In the past I purchased new tyres and twice had the front end geometry checked. In last month's magazine,(in cars/parts/buy/sell) Brian Aitkin sang the praises of Wheel Alignment Centre’s Pete Tisdell, so I had to check him out. He tells me for the best balancing of spoked wheels they should be balanced on a splined hub, something most tyre suppliers don’t have. He balanced my wheels on the car up to a speed of 120 kph. The result was perfect except for a very slight vibration at 93 kph (as measured on my GPS) which he feels was due to the back wheels which were not balanced. I cannot speak too highly of Pete’s work.

David Kisby


COMPETITION REPORT MAY 2013 and MSCA NEWS

COMPETITION REPORT 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) VICTORIA Round 5 Sunday 19th May Haunted Hills Hillclimb (not for points) Round 6 Sunday 16th June *SANDOWN Round 7 Sunday 21st July *PHILLIP ISLAND Round 8 Sunday 18th August *WINTON Round 9 Sunday 6

th October Sandown Now the last MSCA round for 2013

2014 MSCA season 2014 MSCA SEASON Round 1 Sunday 3

rd November *Winton - now first MSCA round for 2014

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 [email protected] . Spectators are encouraged. Entry is free and you are welcome in our pit garage. Competition starts at approximately 9 am.

2 HISTORIC RACES and SIX HOUR RELAYS (Victorian events highlighted) April 27/28th *Morgan Park Historic Races, Warwick, QLD May 25/26th *Historic Winton short circuit www.historicwinton.org

2 OTHER EVENTS (major Victorian events highlighted) May 18/19th *Vic State Race Series inc MG and Invited British Sports Cars May 25/26th *Historic Winton short circuit www.historicwinton.org Peter Jackson and Peter Kaiser are entered. We may see Steve Pike? There is no post war regularity. Make your own way to Winton or as a self organised group and enjoy the older cars and motor bikes. Follow the website for all details. Monday June 10th *Rd 3 Vic Supersprint Championship, Sandown www.ffcc.com.au June 29/30th *Historic Races, Eastern Creek, Sydney www.hsrca.com.au

COMPETITION REPORTS VHRR PHILLIP ISLAND CLASSIC HISTORIC RACES March 8/9/10th March

I am a procrastinator. Instead of writing this report immediately I am now right up against the editor’s deadline and five weeks after the event. Like a Sunday morning after a really good party - I know I had a good time but the details are fuzzy. Luckily I alluded to a theme last month which should jog the memory - “Oh so close. Millimetres, milliseconds and millilitres”

This is a three day meeting with two practice/qualifying sessions on Friday and two races on each of Saturday and Sunday for each class. It is a big ask for three consecutive fine days of weather in Southern Victoria but we got it in spades. Man it was hot for March! Well over 30 degrees each day, peaking at 37.5 degrees on Saturday. Some cars struggled with overheating and all drivers suffered during the 20 minute wait in dummy grid, fully suited and helmets on.

You can pay nearly $300 for a garage/marquee spot or park on the grass. Bill Vaughan, David Kelly and Hamish MacLennan opted to camp and enjoyed a lovely sea breeze while the rest of us sweltered in breathless structures with sun reflecting in off concrete and bitumen. The great weather was ideal for our Healey supporters under the gazebo tents inside Turn One on Sunday - thank you all for your support. I hope we all gave you a wave AFTER each run.

GROUP Sa/Sb PRODUCTION SPORTS CARS

Plenty for Healey fans to watch here. Four AHOC Vic. members in the field, being Peter Jackson in #1 white 3000, Brian Duffy in #34 green 3000, Peter Kaiser in #37 green/yellow Sprite and Rod Vogt in #81 blue MGB. Also in Donald Healey cars were Colin Goldsmith (NSW) in the dark blue 3000 and nine indecently quick Sprites/Midgets including Peter Kaiser. Did you feel any pressure PK? I certainly did with nine MGB’s entered. I did not expect to be the fastest MGB but I definitely did not want to be the slowest.

Practice/qualifying on Friday

There was some confusion among the drivers caused by conflicting descriptions in the programme and our official documents as to whether the morning session was just practice or was a qualifying session like the afternoon session. A rolling start from dummy grid in random order had PK and I side by side AGAIN in an evenly matched group which remained frantically close for the entire fifteen minutes. If this was practice I wondered what the race would be like. It was no surprise that PK and I had achieved near identical fastest laps with Peter pipping me 2.02.17 to my 2.02.26. Bugger! But then we realised with some disbelief that we had practiced (or was that qualified?) 6th and 7th in a forty car field! And BEHIND us were Peter Jackson, Brian Duffy and Colin Goldsmith in the big Healeys. WE made the most of it, even planning to have the time sheet laminated, signed and available for sale at the next club meeting. Then the spoilsports started, claiming it was only practice not qualifying, they were just getting familiar with the newly resurfaced track etc. It transpired that it WAS a qualifying session with the best time from the two sessions used to determine grid positions. PJ also had a mechanical problem and a new condenser fitted just before Q2 got him going properly. Our moment of glory passed and PK and I did not improve our times in the afternoon, others did, and our grid positions were 17th for Peter and 18th for me which was still very pleasing. We had both improved our best lap time by about 2 seconds also. Meanwhile PJ and Brian had got serious and qualified 7th (PJ) and 8th (Brian) with 1.59.75 and 2.00.30 respectively. Brian’s time was a new best time for him.

Racing on Saturday was a combined field of Group Sa and Sb up to 3000cc. The over 3 litre cars ran with the newer Group Sc cars to provide two even numbered fields.


Race One Saturday

The start procedure caught many by surprise with no arm or board raised to indicate 10 seconds to start time and when the red lights went on they were extinguished VERY quickly and some drivers were caught napping. Peter Jackson made a great start as usual but coming through from 7th on the grid had to negotiate some bedlam at turn one. He was 4th at end of lap one, 2nd at end of lap 3 and finished 2nd at the end, just failing to catch the very quick Porsche 911 of Alex Webster. Milliseconds! Race time for Alex and PJ after 6 laps was 11.50.7303 to 11.50.7372! I drive like Mark Webber - at the start that is. I get away cleanly but seem to lose a couple of places in the jumble at turn one, usually to Peter Kaiser. This time I saw the lights and reacted, swerved around a stationary MGB on the grid and had moved from 18th to 14th after one lap. I gradually improved positions and finished 11th with many cars behind me which are usually ahead. A bonus was a fastest lap of 2.00 64, milliseconds away from breaking the magic 2 minute mark and four seconds better than my best time here in 2012. Brian Duffy also started well to be 5th at end of lap one, but struggled with getting the best out of the Healey with new final drive ratios fitted and fell back several places before stopping on the track on the last lap and getting towed back to the pit garage. What disaster had befallen the Healey? A sigh of relief to find that it had run out of fuel - or at least failed to pick up the fuel in the bottom of the tank. Foiled by millilitres!

Peter Kaiser held position on lap one and moved through to 16th with one lap to go only to be re-passed by two cars (a little enthusiastic I believe PK) on the last lap to finish 18th. Before race two PK had the Sprite up on jacks making adjustments to the clutch, I think. All I saw were PK’s legs under the Sprite for half an hour.

Race Two Saturday

A progressive grid saw us starting from the finishing positions in race one. With PJ on the front line this time he had a fantastic battle with the very fast red Sprite of South Australian Troy Ryan, PJ in front after one lap, Troy after two laps and then PJ getting the upper hand right to the finish line when the Healey spluttered and momentarily died and Troy flashed passed.

Jacko reducing the drag - looking for that millisecond

Peter lost by just one tenth of a second. Problem - out of fuel. Milliseconds AND millilitrers! PJ did get his fastest lap down to 1.57.00 I had another Mark webber moment off the start in the MGB. Starting a heady 11th on the grid the MG bogged down at the start and I was swamped. Peter K came through

from 18th and after one lap I was way down in 17th and 2 spots behind PK. I was watching my mirrors for Brian Duffy who had started at the back - he was already up 10 places to 24th. My excuse? Before the first race on Saturday the starter motor failed on first try for the day so it was a push start from the garage, arrive at dummy grid as late as possible and keep the MG running while watching the temperature guage climb. The MG was pretty hot at the start of both races and I think a plug was fouled. Good story anyway. So I concentrated on improving, made up two more places and plenty of ground on those I did not catch and finished 15th. On the 6th and last lap I improved my fastest lap to 2.00.21. Oh so close now to sub two minutes, just milliseconds. I caught Peter K and passed him on lap two but the cheeky bugger passed me again next lap. Back to our usual battle for a while I got him on lap three and PK finished 17th at the end. While dicing, PK set a new best lap of 2.01.48 well under his best set in 2012 of 2.04.19! Brian Duffy did not quite catch us, finishing 20th, clearly struggling with the new car set up with a fastest lap of 2.03.01

Race Three Sunday morning

To confuse everyone, Sunday saw Group S split in to two new groups. We were now in “Division One” which was effectively all Group S cars under 2 Litres but with all the Sa cars (even though Healeys are 3 litre) and the 4 Group Sa Bug-eye Sprites were running with the 1940-1960 Group J,K and L Sports and Racing Cars. Follow that? Basically, the Triumph TR6’s and older Porsche 911’s went up to Division Two and a horde of 2 litre Alfas came down with us. It made for variety BUT to get a starting grid they reverted to Friday qualifying times and Peter Kaiser and I were pushed back to 21st and 22nd respectively for the start. Brian Duffy benefited by moving forward and I can’t find Peter Jackson’s start position in my notes. At this point I would like to thank Peter Kaiser and his friend Geoff for removing the MG starter motor, finding the broken wire and fixing it on Saturday afternoon. My contribution? Passing tools and staying out of the way.

Despite improving his fastest lap to 1.56.38 (his previous best was milliseconds slower at 1.56.66 set in 2012), Peter Jackson came in 3rd, behind the Sc Lotus Super Seven of Michael Byrne and his now arch rival Troy Ryan in the red Sprite. They were down in to the 1.54’s and 1.55’s respectively. There was daylight to fourth. Brian Duffy ran solidly to finish 9th with his best lap down to a new best 2.00.09 - milliseconds off going sub two minutes which he had yet to achieve. Oh so close. I maintained my unpredictable starts and nailed it this time, making up a lot of places by turn two with Peter Kaiser right behind in our familiar close battle. From 21st I was up to 12th after 3 laps and I didn’t notice that PK had disappeared from my mirrors. The Sprite had done a water pump and PK’s weekend was over. So past another car in Turn one at the start of lap 4, look up and the Duffy Healey is just two cars but some one hundred metres ahead. A bloody good pass in the difficult Turn 4 where I am in full view of the Healey supporters at Turn one and get on the gas on exit to chase Duffy and.......what a turkey I am! A BIG spin in front of the field, who all have the skill to miss the MGB by millimeteres, get off on the grass to let a couple more past, plenty of time before the next group of cars arrive, gun it in first to get back on the track and catch up but SPIN again on the grass in my haste and end up facing backwards again and a lot more go past. In full view of our supporters I am chastened. Eleventh and possibly moving forward I end up 20th.


Race Four Sunday

Peter Kaiser and Colin Goldsmith have their cars on the trailer. My confidence is dented a little and I now start way back in 20th. Brian is still struggling a little with his Healey with it’s new ratios and PJ could be excused for settling with a cruise in the last race.

Well we know them better than that. Brian didn’t medal in the Commonwealth games in weightlifting by giving up and PJ just hates to be beaten even if his old Healey should have no chance. I wish I could have seen that last race but I have seen the in car video from PJ’s Healey and it was very exciting. PJ and Troy Ryan in the Sprite battled side by side and nose to tail to the line. Troy can sometimes charge a little too hard but in the little Sprite he has to keep his speed up at all times to keep up with the more torquey cars like the Healey. He backs off for nothing and PJ wore the scars - a dent in the back and a big black circle and dent in the passenger side door of the immaculate Healey when a desperate and impossible lunge by Troy came undone in the tight MG corner. PJ would have preferred a few more millimetres separation. Peter held on to finish just two seconds behind the Lotus and .06 seconds in front of the red Sprite. Milliseconds right to the end.

He was delighted to set a new Sa lap record of 1.54.9977. I saw Rob Rowland in earnest conversation with Brian before the race and I want to hear what he had to say because Brian was flying to post his first sub two minute lap at 1.59.07, a big leap forward. Meanwhile I am battling away from near the rear of the grid. A tough couple of laps trying to pass a wildly driven Alfa after a very good start held me up a little, but the weekend finished well with a 15th place from 20th but no sub 2 minute lap. I caught my benchmark MGB competitor, Robert Hayward, after giving him seven places start and failed by milliseconds (.03 sec) as we crossed the line side by side millimetres apart. I needed another 50 metres.

In summary, great close racing (the best of ALL the classes at this international race meeting?) and new levels achieved by our Team Healey competitors.

I have concentrated on Group S racing because I knew most about what happened there. No less important was Team Healey participation in other events.

HISTORIC REGULARITY DIVISION ONE AND TWO

You know the rules - practice twice on Friday and set a target lap time for event one on Saturday. Starting with 50 points, penalty points are deducted for not achieving that target time - 1 point for every 0.50 seconds over time and 5 points for every 0.50 seconds under time (that is, too fast!) Each of the four events is run as a separate event - a winner for each event.

We had the great pleasure of meeting Sam Cassells and his 100M. Sam has been a member for a while but based in Singapore with work and when back in Melbourne had not found the chance to attend any Club meetings. He will be spending more time in Australia now and we look forward to seeing him often. Sam’s Healey has been in Steve Pike’s care and Sam was unable to drive after a sailing accident left him with nasty rib injuries. Steve Pike was then to drive the Healey so Sam could at least watch it run. Steve had to pull out with work commitments and Peter Jackson kindly stepped in at the last minute. PJ was pretty busy driving both Healeys and I don’t think he has seen how the other half live in Regularity. PJ enjoyed the experience after some initial reservations and enjoyed meeting Sam, but did not do the final event at 4.45 pm on Sunday afternoon - I think he was exhausted.

Peter Jackson & Sam Cassells

Shane O’Brien drove Hugh Purse’s 100/4 because Hugh currently has a dispute with CAMS over his licence renewal due to a (resolved) health issue. A Jag Club member and good friend of Hugh, Shane had never driven the Healey before OR driven at PI but settled right in and by the end of the weekend had bettered Hugh’s best lap times. Stretching the friendship Shane? For some reason the organisers put Shane in the much faster Division Two just to add to his stress. A highlight was Shane WINNING the 4th Run on Sunday, a great result. 18th, 11th and 10th in a 40 car field in the first three events was impressive. While Hugh is unable to compete for a while, Shane has joined the Club and will run the Healy regularly for Hugh. Welcome Shane. You are in the Competition Championship.

David Kelly competed in the red/black 100/4 with the car going beautifully and the driver on song too with a WIN in Run 2 on Saturday afternoon after placing 13th of 38 in the morning. It all came unstuck with drive-train failure on Sunday morning and a tow back to the pits. Perhaps another consultation with gearbox specialist Doctor Bruce Dixon?

Bill Vaughan (Sprite), John Goodall (100/6) and Hamish MacLennan (MGB) ran well all weekend, finishing the last event after 5pm on Sunday afternoon to the applause of many Healey supporters who stayed to the end. Bill achieved 7th, 8th, 20th and 5th places. John placed 11th, 2nd to David Kelly, 19th and 4th. Hamish came in 33rd, 31st, 26th and 9th. Big penalties for driving quicker than the nominated time! Unfortunately I cannot “dig up the dirt” on these three, so they must have behaved themselves. Of interest on the track were Tim Hook in Frank Hook’s 100/4 (can someone please get Frank to join the Club!), Chris Komor down from NSW in his 100/4, Raymond Peter “Ossie” Osbourne in his Alfa (NSW ex Healey owner, Winton 6 Hour Team Healey member and generally a friend of us all), Ross McKinnon (TR3A), Louis Raper (Healey Silverstone) and MSCA regulars Barry Pritchett, Ed Ferguson and teenager Grant Kelly in his Formula Vee.

GROUP J,K &L RACING AND SPORTS 1940 -1960

Geoff McInnes (a smiling face behind the spare parts counter at the Healey Factory) was flying in his Riley Special and Graeme Marks was in the Mac Healey in the same Class, Group Lb 1501-3000cc. A mixed field that featured many Aussie Specials. Geoff qualified 5th and Graeme 11th, near the front of the 40 car field which also included 4 Bug-eye Sprites from Group Sa who regularly run with J,K &L.


Geoff ran well with four second Class placings which was 4th or 5th outright in each race

For a 1948 Riley 2500cc Special Geoff’s lap times were very impressive - a best of 1.58.96 and consistently on or below 2 minutes. Geoff would give Peter Jackson some concern and Brian Duffy someone to chase. Graeme Marks started the weekend well, coming 3rd in class behind Geoff McInnes in Race One but had a DNF in Race Two and his weekend was over. When I asked what was wrong he said the Mac Healey had turned into a “Cappucino machine” - lot’s of steam!

GROUP M & O SPORTS AND RACING 1961-1969

Larry Varley finally got the chance to RACE the Williams Special at Phillip Island Historics as it was not included as a group in 2012 - every year the VHRR has to roster out a

Group due to too many categories looking for a run. Larry seized his chance and the 2500cc Grey Holden motor powered special ran well all weekend. I have to admire Larry’s pluck because this Class had an enormous speed differential between slowest and fastest cars. Larry won his class - M Sports - should I mention he was the only one in the class ? He must have scared off the competition. In a racing field of 32 Larry had to contend with Brabham, Cooper, Lotus and Elfin open wheelers, Elfin, Renmax, Chevron and Clubman sports cars. Fastest car was a Brabham at 1.37. The Williams Special did a 2.06. Larry said he had to watch his mirrors as the leaders started lapping the field and when passed on the straight was amazed at the speed differential. A fantastic experience I reckon.

POINTS TOWARD COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP and 4 fastest laps (* new PB) Peter Jackson (3000) 938 pts * 1.54.99, 1.55.09, 1.55.39, 1.55.62 Peter Kaiser (Sprite) 937 * 2.01.49, 2.01.53, 2.01.68, 2.02.12 Shane O’Brien (100/4) 924 * 2.13.25, 2.13.77, 2.13.92, 2.14.01 Brian Duffy (3000) 899 * 1.59.07, 1.59.17, 1.59.37, 2.00.08 P Jackson (Cassell 100M) 884 2.19.15, 2.19.68, 2.19.89, 2.20.31 David Kelly (100/4) 863 2.17.28, 2.18.01, 2.18.26, 2.18.65 John Goodall (100/6) 852 2.10.61, 2.11.71, 2.11.84, 2.12.09 Bill Vaughan (Sprite) 811 2.18.63, 2.19.14, 2.19.83, 2.20.52 ASSOCIATE CLASS Rod Vogt (MGB) 951 pts *2.00.21, 2.00.55, 2.00.65, 2.00.70 Geoff McInnes (Riley Spcl) 875 *1.58.96, 1.59.84, 1.59.99, 2.00.21 Larry Varley (Williams Sp) 850 2.06.70, 2.07.48, 2.07.69, 2.08.20 Graeme Marks (Mac Healey) 790 2.03.82, 2.04.06, 2.04.84, 2.05.92 Hamish MacLennan (MGB) 609 2.21.07, 2.24.76, 2.24.81, 2.24.98

I’m off for a holiday until early June so no report for the June magazine unless someone else reports on activities. A CLOSING THOUGHT Being “over the hill” is better than being under it.

MSCA Phillip Island Sunday, April 21st, 2013

It was a great pity that the latest MSCA round at Phillip Island clashed with the AOMC/RACV Classic Showcase at Flemington. The number of competitors was down, no doubt because the British and European Clubs were also supporting the Showcase. Nevertheless, it was a great day with wonderful weather and a great track.

There were only three AHOC competitors, Ken Sadler came all the way from Warrnambool in his red 100/6, Russell Baker brought out his gorgeous SLS Gullwing and Bill Vaughan entered the trusty green Bugeye. We also had a guest competitor in Shane O'Brien driving Hugh Purse's BN1. Once again, David Kelly assisted as Clerk of Course.

Despite the perfect conditions, Healey's suffered a high attrition rate. Hugh Purse's car suffered overdrive problems on the second outing by which time three Sprites had also retired hurt. Fortunately, Ken and Bill continued without problems to uphold the Healey name.

Russell Baker attracted much attention in the pits and out on the track. Sounding glorious and looking spectacular, Russell had a fastest lap of 1 min, 51.7 sec. - some 6 seconds faster than his red 3000. The gps showed a top speed over 250km/hr and still under the 75 dB noise limit. As usual, Russell was well supported by Elaine, a wider family team and friends Martin, Pam, Phillip and Alan.

Ken Sadler nominated a faster time (2 min, 32 sec), stayed close to it and won the Regularity section with a personal best lap of 2 min, 33.1 sec. Shane O'Brien put in a best lap of 2 min 10.9 sec in Hugh's car. Our three competitors all did well in the Club Competition Championship scores and we await Rod Vogt's return from holidays to confirm the results.

Our thanks to David Kelly for running the meeting with his usual efficiency. Bill Vaughan

Barry & Bill’s Eastern Run 11April2013 I am writing this up bathed in Sunshine today - Yesterday was a bit different!

At 10.30 am 6 Healey’s set of from Coldstream with precipitation prevailing, a nice 1¼ hr run taking the back roads through Warburton to the Upper Yarra Reservoir lookout, a quick look around then back to the Reefton Hotel where we were met by the North East Chapter, 3 Healey’s & a BIG Porsche. Chris Lamrock said the run down from Alexander was like a dream - Misty at Tree top level & very still - of course they all arrive & NOW the weather clears. We enjoyed a very nice Lunch at the Reefton with appropriate liquid refreshments.

Back home by 3.00 pm washing the Car for Ralph’s Run on Sunday the 14th

Bill Metcalf


Peninsula luncheon, Dava Hotel, Mornington 27th March 2013 What a sight as the Healeys burbled into the car park of the Dava Hotel in Mornington for the monthly luncheon. Although it was a hot day, the tops were down. Parked nearby, but not too close, was a 4 wheel drive, and a sporty BMW. There were many of our club away so it was left to a hardy 16 to grace two tables reserved for our luncheon.

The talk was rapid; the recent Tasmania tour held everyone’s attention as did the Fly the Flag which finished just days before. Easter was very much on everyone’s agenda. Several were heading to Echuca, one couple to Mount Beauty, a group of Healey members heading off to Canberra for the Healey National Rally; whilst others would be visiting family and friends. There was the usual number lingering afterwards with a few going for ice creams - as if the luncheon hadn’t been enough!

Words and photos by Anne Kruger

David & Anne Maureen & Alan

COMEDY CORNER

Carol, a blonde city girl, marries a Cornish dairy farmer.

One morning, on his way out to check on the cows, farmer John says to Carol, 'The insemination man is coming over to impregnate one of our cows today. I drove a nail into the rail above the cow's stall in the barn. You show him where the cow is when he gets here, OK?'

So then the farmer leaves for the fields. After a while, the insemination man arrives and knocks on the front door. Carol takes him down to the barn. They walk along the row of cows and when she sees the nail, she tells him, 'This is the one...right here.'

Terribly impressed by what he seemed to think just might be another ditzy blonde, the man asks, 'Tell me lady, how did you know this is the cow to be bred?' 'That's simple; by the nail over its stall', Carol explains very confidently.

Then the man asks, 'What's the nail for?' She turns and starts to walk away and with complete confidence, says over her shoulder, ......'I assume it's to hang your trousers on.'

A father put his 3 year old daughter to bed, told her a story and listened to her prayers which ended by saying, "God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless Grandma and good-bye Grandpa."

The father asked, 'Why did you say good-bye Grandpa?' The little girl said, "I don't know daddy, it just seemed like the thing to do."

The next day grandpa died. The father thought it was a strange coincidence.

A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers which went like this, "God bless Mommy, God Bless Daddy and good-bye Grandma." The next day the grandmother died.

"Holy crap" thought the father, "this kid is in contact with the other side."

Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed, the dad heard her say, "God bless Mommy and good-bye Daddy."

He practically went into shock. He couldn't sleep all night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be okay. He felt safe in the office, so instead of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound. Finally midnight arrived; he breathed a sigh of relief and went home.

When he got home his wife said, "I've never seen you work so late. What's the matter?"

He said, "I don't want to talk about it, I've just spent the worst day of my life."

She said, "You think you had a bad day, you'll never believe what happened to me. This morning my golf pro dropped dead in the middle of my lesson!"

There was a bit of confusion at the Bunnings store this morning. When I was ready to pay for my purchases of gun powder and bullets, the cashier said, "Strip down, facing me."

Making a mental note to complain to the newspaper about the gun registry people running amok, I did just as she had instructed. When the hysterical shrieking had finally subsided, I found out that she was referring to my credit card.

I've been asked to shop elsewhere in the future.

They need to make their instructions to us seniors a little clearer!


FOR SALE

Complete supercharged Sprite motor package consisting of the following:- 1293cc motor built by Bryan Pope of Link Automotive, Melbourne Mini and Sprite Engine Specialist, Opcon autorotor SK1050S supercharger kit as supplied by Hans Pederson of HP High Performance Products, with adaptor to suit Sprite motor. Aluminium Sprite radiator fitted with electric water pump kit. Bosch (Scorcher) distributor with modified advance curve to suit supercharged engine. Long centre branch exhaust manifold 2.25” system with anti-reversion cones and Jet Hot coating. Yella Terra roller rocker set 1.5:1 ratio. Price: $8000.00 or best reasonable offer. This motor is ideally suited for everyday use, with extra power on tap when required. Detailed specification and description available to interested parties. This information is provided in good faith, but no warranty can be given. Fibreglass hardtop to suit Austin Healey 6 cyl. roadster. After market designmoulded from original unit. Unrestored. $150.00 100-4 cast iron cylinder head fully assembled and ready to fit. $1800.00 Four speed side-shift gearbox and overdrive assembly for 6 cylinder Austin Healey. Fitted with Dennis Welch straight cut gears with Tulip ratios. In good working order and has very little use. $4500.00 3 Webber carburettors to suit 6 cyl. Healey – needs chokes. $1500.00 1 set short manifolds to suit above – allows fitting of carburettors without modification to shroud $600.00 or 1 set long manifolds to suit above – requires modification to shroud. $600.00 or both sets manifolds. $1000.00. John Dowsett Work (02) 9627 1120 Mobile 0414 231934

Number Plates : I00-4 black & white, slimline & full size, new condition. $900.00 or near offer Geoff Neagle 0407 176347

5.1 – 1 gears in Quaife centre In as new condition ready to fit. Built by Simon Gardiner. Used in 2 events. Fastest ever Healey up Mt Buller $2000 or offer Brian Dermott 0419 381270

Aftermarket fibre glass hard top from the 1960's that fits my BN4/BT7 Lined and is in excellent condition. $1,500 . vinyl soft top, new (never fitted) also for the BN4/BT7 complete with all necessary small fittings $250. Trevor Clement Canberra 0411 102 759

Set of four 72 spoke silver painted wheels with part worn Michelin XZX 165 SR 15 tyres from BJ8. Tyres old, have been off car for ten years. Starter motor and original oil filter assembly any offer

Alan Saul 0397962442.

For Sale to suit 6 Cyl Cars 1 Generator 1 Radiator 1 12v Coil 1 Battery Isolation Switch 2 Gear Knobs 1 Pair Side screens Brackets New 4 2500Kg Tie Down Straps 1 8 Track Car Stereo with Tapes Also 1 100/4 Sway Bar !2 Door Refrigerator with Freeze on Top No reasonable off refused Ron Smith 9789 7698 Mob. 0419 553 840

3000 Mk1 side shift gearbox & overdrive. Travelled ~ 2000 miles since complete overhaul BN1 gears - 2

nd gear manufactured from V8 supercar material and new clusters, New 1

st gear assembly and new selectors

5 stud diff centres 3.5, 3.9 and 4.1 ratios 12 port head reconditioned Carburettors - 1.75 and 2 inch Set of five 72 spoke 15x6 wheels in VG condition with VG tyres $1000 Reconditioned side shift gearbox 12 port cast iron head fully reconditioned DMD alloy head fully reconditioned Bruce Dixon 95116097 0415968073

Wanted

1 3/4 inlet manifold for a 100/4 Mark Bird ph 0419995648

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