1 Web site http://www.narc.org.au OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTHERN AUTOMOTIVE RESTORATION CLUB S.A. INC. NARC was formed in 1974 to encourage the regular use, restoration and preservation of veteran , vintage and classic motor vehicles, tractors and engines.

July/August 2013 PATRON JOHN HUNT 8664 1590 PRESIDENT MORANNE COOMBS 8825 3766 coomo@bigpond.com

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT JOHN BIRRELL 8636 2333 jbirrell@activ8.net.au VICE-PRESIDENT GRAHAM BURGESS 8632 4293 gramarb@internode.on.net SECRETARY PAT FIEDLER 3 Wearn St., Kadina 5554 8821 1075 ASSISTANT SECRETARY GRAHAM BURGESS 8632 4293 TREASURER MERV ROBINSON 31 Gloucester Rd. Jamestown 5491

Ph/fax ah 8664 1838 0417 863 450 mervynnaileen@bigpond.com.au EDITORS DEAN & SUE MANDERSON 8842 3407 Box 667 Clare 5453 Email deansue2@tpg.com.au CONDITIONAL REGISTRATION DAVID KENT 21 Fitzgerald St., Port Pirie SA 5540

8632 5200 or 0417 802 134 piriebus@westnet.com.au COND. REG. ASSISTANT HARVY MATTHEWS 8632 3922, GRAHAM BURGESS 8632 4293 VEHICLE INSPECTORS BRETT COLLIVER, GRAHAM GOODE, MERV ROBINSON, BRIAN HAINES, DAVID KENT AND PETER COSTELLO PROPERTY OFFICER BERYL BUTTON 8635 2621 AUDITORS IAN DENTON AND FERG MAHON SWAP MEET CO-ORDINATORS GRAHAM GOODE 8842 3731,ah 8842 2417, FERG MAHON 8842 2107 PUBLIC OFFICER BRETT COLLIVER 8835 1215 FEDERATION REPRESENTATIVE ROB LEANEY 54 McDonald Grove, West Lakes. 8249 9997

0408 859 129 robndot@live.com.au PROXY FEDERATION REP BRIAN HAINES 44 Adelaide Rd, Kapunda 8566 3216 COMMITTEE PETER EATON 8842 3835 BRIAN BEYER 8663 2555 KELVIN STRINGER 8635 4218 DARYLE JOHNS 8634 2222 Whilst every care is taken, the Editors of this Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors in written material or advertisements

CONTENTS

The ‘CON-ROD’

2. President’s Report 3. Narc Calendar 5. Kapunda Chapter 6. Rusty Ridge 8. Old men, old cars 9. NARC campout

11. NARC campout 2 12. Smitham Pavilion invite 13. Show your colours (FB Holden) 14. Longest owned Rolls Royce 15. Buick ad. 16. Classifieds

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13:

A year has gone and I thank the Committee and members for their support and advice. The Committee had planned a programme of interesting Guest Speakers, Events and Outings for the year. The new rules for Conditional Registration caused some confusion to members so I hope by now you all have an understanding of the changes necessary for you to legally use your vehicle. Presentation Lunch at Clare was friendly and enjoyable. Awards were received by Keith and June Napper, Eleanore Beyer, Graham and Rosemary Goode, and John and Fran Birrell. All well deserved. Meetings have been well attended with speakers covering many interesting subjects. An interesting film show on Packard and Auburn cars also ‘Old Mary’ John Dutton’s 1927 Vauxhall rescued from the Blue Lake, Mount Gambier. Thanks to Ian Denton we had a wonderful presentation on the Titanic prepared by David Chantrell. Supper and Birthday Cake was enjoyed by all. Jan and Kevin French spoke on their Ford Life and showed a film of Swap Meet in the grounds of Hershey’s Factory, Pennsylvania, Steven Langman gave members an insight into computer mapping and tracing outback tracks. In January, many members enjoyed a meal at Blythe before viewing a film “The Sapphires”. February, thanks to Graham and Family and good weather at Clare, we enjoyed a great night learning about the history of bikes, tricycles and motor bikes. Peter Eaton told members of his trip to China and problems getting the “Whippet” through Customs. He showed many photos of the trip from Beijing to Shanghai, and many cars from various countries. April meeting, Brian Beyer showed a comical film of Craig Thomas at ‘Power of the Past’. Also Daryle Johns and Kelvin Stringer gave an interesting presentation of Lake Goldsmith showing vehicles and machinery, all shapes and sizes, driven by steam. In May, Dr Stephen Holmes demonstrated his love for motor bikes, he has been involved for 13 years in racing and is a racetrack Medic. Following June meeting we viewed “The Ride”, the story of 4 quadriplegics conquering the Outback on quad bikes, On the President’s Run members enjoyed Christmas Lunch at Wallaroo then visited Allan Pitchers and Claire’s collection at Kadina. March Swap Meet at Clare was again a successful event. Thank you to the Committee and members for their hard work, you all did a great job. The Burra to Morgan Run again was a success thanks to Roger Cross and Merv Matthews, it is always a well organised event attracting many participants from various Car Clubs. NARC Members have participated and displayed vehicles at Crystal Brook, Jamestown and Clare Shows, Gladstone Country Fair, Bay to Birdwood, Mundoora Centenary, Laura Folk Fair, Cavalcade of Cars and Booleroo Steam & Traction Rally, Walter Duncan’s Open Garden at Clare, Australia Day at Auburn and Old Car Day at Bethany. Members supported ‘Power of the Past’ at Mount Barker and NARC members were successful with displays. June Camp Out at Peterborough was a friendly weekend, visited places of interest and shopped. Thank you to Pat for organising the Sound and Light Show depicting the Steamtown’s history over two centuries. NARC has welcomed a number or new members this year, I hope they enjoy the Club’s activities and we see them at many events. I have attended many Kapunda Chapter events at which I was always most welcome, Thank you. My sincere thanks must go to Secretary Pat Fiedler, Treasurer Merv Robinson, Dean and Sue Manderson for the Con-Rod, Registrar David Kent who has coped with the changes, Graham Goode for his help and advice, and the work they all do for the Club. To the Committee and Members thank you all for your support and friendship throughout the year. I wish the incoming Committee every success in the year ahead. Moranne Coombs. New member NARC welcomes to the club :- Ally Hean from Gulnare.

3 NARC Calendar 2013 – 2014

August 8th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club. 8 pm Mystery item Identification Night. 10th. Crystal Brook Show 25th NARC Presentation Lunch Port Broughton Noon. Usual a-la-carte menu Names to Pat by Wed. 22nd August 8821 1075

September 12th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club. 8pm 8th Ivan Venning open day. 11-3pm BYO lunch. 8th 2 pm Balaklava Museum Smitham Pavilion opening. See page 12

29th Bay To Birdwood Classic Vehicles manufactured after 31 December 1955 Shirley Tonkin ph / Fax 8258 6547 sec2012@baytobirdwood.com.au Note new route via Freeway, Oakbank, Mount Torrens.

October 1st Con-Rod .. deadline for article submission. 7th Jamestown Show 10th Meeting Pt Broughton Golf Club 8 pm – Film night (David Kent) 13th Bowman Park Fun Day. via Crystal Brook. 10.30 - 3.30. Family outing & entertainment for all ages, games-rides, market/craft stalls, displays, garden & ruins walks, music groups-dancers. BBQ, soft drinks, ice-creams. Ideal shaded park setting for a picnic day. Please come along and put your car on display. Steve 8636 2973. 19th Clare Show November 3rd Hobbies Alive and Walter Duncan’s garden at Clare 7th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club 8 pm Member Profile .. Bevan Spencer

December 1st President’s Run

4th Con-Rod .. deadline for article submission 2014 January 9th Blyth Cinema Night Tea provided. February 4th Con-Rod - deadline for article submission

13th Meeting at Goode Restorations, New Road, Clare 8 pm – Workshop night March 1st & 2nd Power of the Past – Mt. Barker 13th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club. 8 pm Speaker Kip Newbold 16th Clare Swap Meet 30th Booleroo Steam & Traction Rally

4 April 1st Con-Rod - deadline for article submission 11th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club, 8 pm Gary Butterfield ..Finke races. May 4th Shed Day Kelvin Stringer 9th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club, 8 pm Film Night June 3rd Con-Rod - deadline for article submission 7th & 9th Club weekend away. Adelaide … David Chantrell to act as guide. 12th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club, 8 pm speaker Peter Eaton July 10th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club, 8 pm AGM August 6th Con-Rod - deadline for article submission 9th & 10th Rally Crystal Brook & Clare, 40th birthday celebrations. Graham Goode and Craig Thomas organisers 14th Meeting Pt. Broughton Golf Club. 8 pm Mystery objects Identification Night. October 11th & 12th Burra to Morgan Run - Graham Goode and Craig Thomas organisers Swap Meets August 18th Willunga at Lions Reserve, Binney Road Sellers-7.00am, Buyers 8am, $5 Graham 0412 578 188 September 15th Gawler Sport And Community Centre Nixon Terrace 6-30 Sellers $20 .. buyers $5 Indoor sites $30 Trevor Bellchambers 8522 1864 Bob Perry 8396 1007 - - 0418 821 944 - - bob@perry.net.au 22nd Ute Muster Trash and Treasure Show n Shine National Military Vehicle Museum Sturton Road Edinburgh Parks Family Fun Day, Military Vehicle Rides cannon firings Kids Activities swap meet sellers before 7am, show n shine & ute muster entrants by 8am. $15 Ute muster campers 6pm Saturday Entry forms www.modifiedfordclub.com.au Trevor, trevload@bigpond.com 0418 829 320 October 6th Motorcycle Only, Balhanah Oval, strictly NO car or bric-a-brac related sites. camping available Saturday night All entry 7.00 am Sites $15 Entry $5 Peter Yates after 6.00 pm 8255 8856 20th Strathalbyn, Harness Racing Club Milne Road sellers 6am $15 camping $5 campers 5 pm to 9 pm Saturday. buyers 6.30am $5, Richard 0423 524 481 Dean 8552 1042 Box 610, Victor Harbor, 5211 November 14th Bendigo Other Events of Interest September 29th - 5 October National Model ' T ' Ford Rally Barossa Valley S. Aust.. Model T Ford Club box 91 Marden SA 5070 lizzies2013@esc.net.au Entry Forms www.modeltfordclubaustralia.org.au For more information on most of above… www.bevenyoung.com.au swap meets

5 FROM THE KAPUNDA CHAPTER

OFFICE BEARERS 2013-2014

Chairman Robert Parker 8842 1350, 0419 212 743 robert@woltawolta.com.au Box 785 Clare 5453 Vice Chairman Brian Woodcock 8566 3585 brianirene09@bigpond.com Secretary Malcolm Johncock 8566 2603 Treasurer Brian O’Loughlin 8566 3030 bandmoloughlin@bigpond.com Events Director Robert Stapley 8389 6176 inastapley123@hotmail.com Property Officer Mick Parker 8566 3782 Sub. Editor Terry Rule 8581 7229 tjsal@bigpond.com Chapter Reps. Chairman and Secretary CHAPTER CALENDAR General Meetings 7.30pm Lutheran Hall, South Terrace, Kapunda August 18th Sunday..SA Living artists Kapunda...meet Hill St 10am walk to coffee. Artists in Kapunda then Eudunda. Lunch Funky Junk, Dianne's for afternoon tea. Aug 23rd General Meeting 7.30.pm Sept 1st Sunday..Old car day Bethany. Meet Hill St at 10am..Leave 10.30am.. Open garden scheme...TBA. Sept 27th General Meeting....7.30pm Sept 29th Bay to Birdwood. Note new route Glen Osmond Road, S.E. Freeway, Verdun, Oakbank, Charleston, Mount Torrens, Birdwood Oct 2nd Wed..Wolta Wolta Homestead. Clare Museum Taminga Hotel for lunch. Oct 13th Sunday...Bowman Park, Crystal Brook note parent club calendar. Early start to be on site by 10.30. Oct 25th General Meeting..7.30pm. Nov..T.B.A. Nov 22nd General Meeting 7.30pm. Dec 8th Sunday Christmas Luncheon, The Company Store, Angaston. 12 to 12.30pm.till talked out. P.S.A

6 WELCOME BACK MALCOLM !!!!! A HUGE hand for Secretary Malc, who has overcome (& no doubt, is still overcoming) serious health issues to return to his old position (much to the delight of those who’ve had to try and fill his giant shoes in the meantime!). It’s marvellous to see his ruddy, smiling somewhat slimmer self “zipping” around on something not made by the Oakland “mob”. He has been missed. Malcolm, Mick and Trish at Rusty Ridge (see story below) THE LATEST FROM THE KAPUNDA CHAPTER AGM ETC. What a surprise. Despite close voting & clamouring for positions on the Board, all such were filled unopposed and there was only one change! Our hard-working and inventive Chairman Dale was replaced by a relative new comer to our little band, in the person of Robert Parker from Clare, whom we welcome most sincerely. His inaugural acceptance speech was impressive and called on us merely to continue the tone of our get-togethers which had so impressed him in his time with us, whilst emphasising the importance of the “together” aspect of any club as being the recipe for success (ah, if only our “pollies” could develop a similar style, how great could our country be again!) It would be remiss not to thank and congratulate past Chairman Dale on his time at the helm, during which he displayed the imagination and consideration for (not to mention the patience of Job with) others, which he is renowned for. A job superbly done and well supported by wife Di, particularly in the reports typing and photos sending areas which must cause the ever-patient Dean M, to look to the heavens on occasions, as many of us over 12 years old struggle with modern technology! Events co-ordinator Rob gave a brief summary of the past year’s outings, which revealed a surprisingly full and diverse list of places & people visited over this period. Well done indeed and most were quite well attended considering the average age of our group, and unavoidable attendant medical & family distractions. Finally, on “AGMs” I know all of us down under in Kapunda would like to congratulate Moranne on her re-appointment and wish her another successful year in and around the Northern areas (along with her Board members). Terry Rule RUSTY RIDGE On Sunday 16th June, members of the Kapunda Chapter met in Hill St at 10.15 a.m. It was a lovely sunny day but cold. "Winter has arrived" was a unanimous decision. Malcolm had a big smile on his face pleased to be part of the group again. We met for morning tea (where was Ross?) at Cudlee Creek. Coffee for most but some could not resist the menu. Grant and Jenny Harvey made us very welcome at Rusty Ridge. A secluded place. Grant operated some stationary engines, starting with a compressed air supply and there were plenty more tractors, earth moving equipment etc to amuse the visitors. Irene One of many garden ornaments of the rusty steel variety

7 Grant Harvey with a very large, very noisy engine. A shed full of engines two wide two high and about eight deep.

Roller fitted with Austin 803 cc motor and gearbox hanging out the left side over rear wheel. Lots of reduction drive to rh rear wheel. They must have been hard up to use that.

Assorted tractors etc in the far paddock. Stobie pole retaining wall .

8 ‘OLD’ MEN & EVEN OLDER (SOMETIMES) CARS! I got to thinking what is it about cars of a past era that produces such fascination? (many would label it an obsession and for some, to be honest, it is! ).What is it that turns grown, logical-thinking men into wide-eyed boys as if confronted for the first time with Page 3 of the “Truth”? (the very popular publication of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s that I for one stole furtive peeks at just to read the articles !). Whilst it is of course not peculiar to men alone, I think it fair to say we would be in the majority passion-wise and most (not all of course) female partners go along for companionship, to keep the peace and to meet other spouses whose partners are like-wise afflicted (for those of you who have not seen that wonderful English movie “Genevieve” from1953 with Kenneth More, John Gregson etc., I thoroughly recommend a viewing a.s.a.p. It’s all there and is hilarious in its “close to the bone” humour for those of us who are besotted with these mechanical creatures which seemingly take on a personality and individuality all their own!). Now, whilst I do admire the skill of those who have rejuvenated, rebuilt and cared for stationary monsters and helped preserve a part of our past personally I prefer to dabble in something mobile that might do a 100mph(or 160kph to the “moderns” out there) or close thereto. Here I should point out quickly that I don’t ever drive that speed (just in case “Big Brother” in the Dept., of Transport gets a copy of this !).I just like to think that I could if I wanted/needed to. The thing about the fore-going I guess is that one can thoroughly enjoy the wonderful array of “classic” cars almost as much when they’re standing still and revealing to the world the glorious variety of design and colour (can we get more silver cars on the road today do you think?!) that was so common in an era where appearance and individuality of shape was more important than “wind resistance quotients” and distracting over-the-top gadgetry which give a dangerous feeling of invulnerability. In fact if I’m feeling down I just need to go out to the shed, have a few moments alone with my resting “Cat” and somehow the world seems just a little less angry and complicated (I hope that puts Sally’s mind at rest!).This could be just a momentary recapturing of long lost youth of course and there’s a certain pleasure in being able to purchase something that we’d lusted after a long time ago (unfortunately, quite often if we buy whilst completely driven by passion we may end up with something that looks marvellous, but is almost unusable because of the physical limiting effects of the passing years – ah, such is life!). I guess in a world so regimented, administered, over-ruled and officiated we like to think there’s still a spirit of adventure flickering deep down- the thrill of the unknown and will we be going home in the same trusted old friend we started out in? (it’s just a little hard to sell that to a partner who’s shivering under a torn hood lining with a winter wind whistling and rain teeming down!). I saw an ad some weeks ago for a Grand Tourer starting @ $231,800 with a 4.4litre V8 engine coupled to an 8-speed auto (like 330kws of power needs 8 speeds!).This, in a country where 110kph is the max. speed anywhere and mostly these vehicles and the like spend the majority of life pottering around a city @ 60,50 or 40! And not long ago there was a similar story announcing the most powerful car ever built in Australia selling for near $90,000 and capable of 0-100 in around 3.5 seconds. Is it just me or do our manufacturers, importers and relative Government bodies seem a little misguided?! That’s all for now folks – RRTJ from “Down-under Kapunda”

9 NARC CAMPOUT

Over the long weekend in June the Club Camp Out was held in Peterborough. Eighteen people stayed at the Motel and two at the Caravan Park. Over the weekend six more people joined us for a short time. Arriving at different times on Friday afternoon, there was much greeting and catching up with each new arrival - Rosemary & Graham Goode arrived after tea. Our accommodation was good and we appreciated the restaurant being on site. Our evening meal, which was tasty and self serve, meant all appetites were satisfied. While waiting for our meal Peter Spooner called in and offered an invitation to inspect his collection of Rover cars. First thing Saturday morning the men visited Peter Spooner’s place & viewed his many Rovers. He has a very strong passion for Rovers and says he has kept every nut bolt and washer that he has removed from the numerous cars he has dismantled. All panels are neatly stored in racks along the walls while the floor space is occupied by cars, about 18 or so in total. He lives in the same building so is never far from his beloved cars. Across the street from Peter’s was a closed down car showroom now owned by Munga Developments and it Pat Weckert, Pauleen Thomas, Marie Burgess contained some interesting restored Fran Birrell and Rosemary Goode enjoying a drop. vehicles including trucks, cars, ute and motor bikes. There was also an abstract map on the window with three points marked, Challenger, Broken Hill and BUM. Only one person knew anything about the locality BUM. Cossie disclosed that he was a member of the BUM club. The answer was simple really, Beverley Uranium Mine. The women did not visit the Rover depot, instead they became rovers of the shops, (those that were open) then a visit to the coffee shop where the men joined in for a long morning tea. After lunch, some at the coffee shop & some at a Cafe further down the road, the men went to the motor bike museum for a while and the women went in different directions - walking, the supermarket and other displays in the town then finally back to the Motel. That night our meal was again in the Motel restaurant & we were joined by Barry & Judy, staying at the Caravan Park also Peter & his friend Raelene (Kapunda member). Another good meal accompanied by much chatter. The garden at the Motel is a very pleasant place to relax in. The Motel was full so the staff had plenty to do. Sunday morning saw people moving in different directions. Some went off to Orroroo to have some lunch then go to the Black Rock car racing - 2 days of racing for the State Championships. Some went to Black Rock after Burgess burglar team?? lunch in Peterborough - all those who went to the racing enjoyed the activities there. Some of the racers & their crew were staying at the Motel in Peterborough

10 Six people went to Dragon’s Rest garden on the outskirts of Peterborough - this began 32 years ago as a market garden eventually being changed into a dry land garden. Barbara & Brian Parry have worked hard to transform this land into a pleasant area, with work still in progress as ideas develop. We had a one & a half hour guided tour which was very interesting - there is a lush area under cover by the house then away from there we saw many dry land natives flourishing in the Parry’s care. Well worth the visit. The name Dragon’s Rest comes from the number of Bearded Dragons who have made their home in the habitat offered by the garden. Again we enjoyed lunch in the coffee shop, the women returned to the Motel while the 3 men who had remained in Peterborough went to Black Rock to watch the afternoon’s racing. Because we were booked into the Sound & Light Show at Steamtown we needed to have an early tea. Some ideas were discussed finally deciding on a sausage sizzle outside our rooms - all being cooked on Craig’s Baby Weber. We were all impressed with Craig’s prowess as a BBQ cook. Everyone was adequately fed with sausages, bread, cakes & other nibbles. By the time we arrived at Steamtown the number of people in our group had increased by 5 with Barry & Judy from the caravan park and Jan & Ken also Colin were The cheerful cook part time visitors. At the Steamtown complex we proceeded to the carriage used for the audience. This had good seating & was air-conditioned which on this cold night was very welcome. For the next hour we saw, heard & learnt about the development of a railway system north of Adelaide then east & west across Australia. This was an excellent show - viewing various engines in the roundhouse, lit up at the appropriate time during the programme while we heard the story of those engines, also hearing problems they had to overcome to ensure a successful railway system. There were pictures & stories of the development of the town and we heard how the whistles from the workshop warned the women that it was lunchtime or knock off time & the men would soon be home. We heard about the changes from steam to diesel then eventually this led to lack of employment & the decrease of population in the town. Now, with some energetic & dedicated volunteers working hard & some Government grants this great complex has emerged providing an attraction for visitors & locals to see & hear about the very important railway Craig Thomas, John & Fran Birrell, Cossie & system of South Australia as well as cross Graham Burgess also enjoying a drop or two country railway. Monday morning after pack-up time, 4 people decided to go to Dragons Rest after hearing how good it was & others had plans of their own, we left the town in our own time. There was a suggestion we meet at Jamestown Bakery for morning tea - when we arrived the Bakery was closed but a coffee shop was open so we went there. Four went to visit John & Audrey Hunt afterwards - they had hoped to join us in Peterborough for a while but unfortunately John’s health did not allow that to happen, however on Monday John was feeling better so enjoyed the visitors. We had a great weekend and many thanks to those who contributed to the planning also those who helped through the weekend with food & cooking (especially BBQ cook Craig, great job - he cooks as well as irons) (hopefully without similar results?? Ed) Eleanore Beyer

11

NARC Peterborough weekend - Club Event Long Weekend June 8th -10th June 2013

Barry Treloar and Judy O’Shaughnessy We attended the Club weekend away and decided to book into the Peterborough Caravan Park towing our Jayco Penguin camp trailer behind our Classic 1977 Mercedes Benz 280SE. We arrived at the park at around 1.30 p.m. Saturday and proceeded to set up including annex and all the other bits and pieces needed for camping. We noted on moving around and discussion with the owners of the Park that we were the lone ducks of the Club camping. Not knowing where the bulk of the group where we proceeded to ring the motels to locate them. We holed in one, found out the group was at the Peterborough Motor Inn and we were all booked in for the evening meal. On arriving at about 6.30 p.m. to the Motel we mingled with members on the veranda outside of their rooms. We then proceeded to the dining room and had a very enjoyable 3-course meal and the evening concluded. We returned back to the Caravan Park where everything was saturated due to the heavy dew and was it COLD or what… thank heavens for the powered site and our heater. Sunday morning we cruised around the town sightseeing and decided to visit the ghost town of Terowie that we understood to be a good prelude to the Sound & Light Show at the Peterborough Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre & Train Museum. Whilst in Terowie I recalled travelling through Terowie when I was a jackeroo on Mulyungarie and Mutooroo sheep stations via Cockburn when I was 17 – 19 years of age around 1959 – 1961 as the road to Peterborough had extended bitumen (rather than via Burra) and then we met the corrugated dirt to Cockburn driving my 1949 series Holden ex-army ute which was an exercise on it’s own. Terowie and Peterborough were then thriving railway towns and it was sad to see the difference on these towns now in decline. We again met club members at 6.45 p.m. at the Steamtown Museum and according to the receptionist Tania there was a booking for around 24 of us. We think the description of the Sound & Light Show understates the programme that in fact shows the history of the steam train era up until diesel arrived. We were seated in a longitudinal way in a heated deluxe historic railway carriage with quite a history of the past. We viewed the trains in the roundhouse by peering through the carriage windows with an explanation of some of the history of trains. Then a large movie screen appeared from nowhere in front of the trains, which were on the other side of the turntable where our carriage was situated. The film started, talking of course, and narrated by a uniformed previous railway porter dressed accordingly and gave a history of the railway and the demise through government decisions of the towns. It was very descriptive and included historic movies of the railways a fabulous documentary and an absolute credit to the town with the initiative to attract tourism and keep their town afloat. The tickets were $20 each and the show ran for about an hour. The funds would be well used on restoration etc. that we think was fabulous value and a great cause. We returned home to Port Pirie Monday at about 1.30 p.m. and unpacked, dried out annex still wet due to the heavy dew and washed the RV and Merc ready for next time. The photo shows our set-up at the Peterborough Caravan Park where we would be very happy to stay in the future with hosts Neil & Robyn Walker.

12

The members of Balaklava Museum Inc. are pleased to invite you to join with us as we celebrate a very special event:

The Opening of SMITHAM PAVILION

A Memorial to Sharon Ann Hoepner Sunday, 8th SEPTEMBER 2013 at 2:00 pm

at Urlwin Park Agricultural Museum

34a Short Terrace, Balaklava

Balaklava Primary School students will provide musical entertainment, honouring the years Sharon spent as a school staff member.

Mr. Merv. Smitham has generously donated a significant heritage collection to Balaklava Museum, together with an impressive new pavilion in which to house the collection. Because his late daughter, Sharon, took a very keen interest in the family and its farming history, Mr. Smitham requested that the new Museum pavilion and display be established as a memorial to Sharon. The members of Balaklava Museum are delighted to embrace this request. Sharon was a driving force behind the local Pink Ladies Cancer Research Fundraising Team and we are pleased that they will be sharing this day with us. All funds received on the day (from visitor donations, afternoon tea etc.) will be given to the Pink Ladies for Cancer Research. RSVP: August 26th 2013 (for catering purposes) Norma Schopp (President) Sarah Tiller (Secretary) 41 Short Terrace, Balaklava 5461 ph. 8862 1854 ph. 8862 1119 e: rnschopp@rbe.net.au

Peking to Paris Rally In the last edition mention was made of this Rally. One of the entrants was listed as a 1973, 48-215 FX Holden with a 5.7 litre engine. Pictured is the vehicle concerned. Did they mean HX? However HX series was built from 1976-78. 1973 was the HQ and the tail lights look right for a HQ. Any other ideas? The largest engine available then was the 5.0litre V8 so this one must be fitted with the Chev 350. It came 16th in its class and was beaten by an EH in 15th. Equal Winners of the class

(pre 1975) were a P76 Leyland and a Porsche, second was a Datsun 1600. Apart from the P76 that sounds like a really good result to me. But then I could be biased. Ed.

13 SHOW YOUR COLOURS! (In memory of the FB Holden)

Car colours reflect the mood of the time. During the Depression, most cars were black or navy blue, or some other sombre shade. Before World War I, on the other hand, the veterans were finished in colours as bright as the paint technology of the time allowed, fitting in well with the exuberant red-and-white striped verandas of the era. In the fabulous fifties, colours ranged from cheerful pastel shades to outrageous, contrasting two-tones, the

pink over purple Cadillacs and the unforgettable lemon-and-lime 1955 Studebaker coupes being the best remembered of these. It’s discouraging to note that most cars today are painted dull, sorrowful colours, ranging from sombre silver-grey to funereal anthracite and black. It seems that many modern drivers are not only depressed, but also have a death wish: those with the least visible colours, like metallic grey-brown or dark blue, are often the last to switch on their lights at dusk. In the fifties, Australia followed the world trends at a distance. FJ Holden Specials had a different colour on the roof, usually a darker shade of blue, green or grey than the lower body. This was continued on the FE model, though some interesting combinations were added: maroon or caramel brown, with white roofs, were the prettiest. The FC finally caught up with the American trend, with flamboyant chrome trim splitting the body into lower body and front and upper body and back. In addition to the usual two-tone blues, greys and greens there were some original combinations, like beige and salad green, or beige and cyclamen. It was, however, in 1960, with the ill-starred FB, that GMH tried to catch up with the fifties in earnest. Strangely, it was a Ford– the Customline, Australia’s status car of the fifties, that seemed to have inspired its styling. The roof-line, wrap-around windscreen, tailfins and taillights all looked like they had been copied directly from the much-admired Ford. However, whereas the Customline had had almost perfect proportions, the Holden was too high and too narrow for its length, giving it a rather awkward look. Modern Motor magazine summed up the disappointment with a feature article, “Second thoughts on the FB Holden”, suggesting that the styling was retrograde and that many needed improvements had not been made. Compared with the sleek, low Falcon, the competitor with which it was suddenly faced, the FB looked rather outmoded. However, the FB had one big attraction: with its new Magic Mirror paint finishes in a wide range of bright, attractive shades, it offered Australians a choice of colourful self-expression such as they have never had before or since. The keynote colour schemes were mustard yellow with a white side flash, or a lovely bright blue, also with a white side flash. Conservative types could continue to choose light blue, green or grey with a darker side-flash, while those who reversed the colour scheme – for instance, darker green with a pale green side flash, got more attractive cars. There was no denying that the FB looked better with the lighter colour in the side flash. That didn’t stop many buyers from choosing white, with a different colour in the side flash: red, yellow, blue or black were popular choices. These combinations looked fresh and youthful, as well as being practical in such a hot country.

14 However, the most fashionable, most memorable combinations celebrated the just-ended fifties. The fashion colour of the fifties had indisputably been PINK. Film-stars like Elvis Presley and Jayne Mansfield had made the scene in pink Cadillacs or Thunderbirds, and trendy buyers around the world chose pink for their own cars. An Australian Chrysler Royal, an American Lincoln, a Czech Skoda or a German Lloyd, if ordered in pink, marked its buyer as someone at the forefront of fashion. Now, at last, Holden buyers could follow suit! A very pretty combination was light pink with a cyclamen (dark pink) flash, and looked even better if the colours were reversed. Pink with a grey flash also looked gorgeous, while cyclamen with a white flash looked quite lush. Australians could even order the famous Cadillac combination, purple with a pink flash – in which case the FB looked positively splendid! Almost as fashionable as pink was lilac. A lilac FB with a dark grey flash was a delight to the eyes of the colour connoisseur! The FB was followed by the more-prosaic EK, which limited a second colour (usually white) to the roof, and had as its main selling point the option of an automatic transmission. Never again would Holden buyers be offered such an attractive colour range as on the FB. Most surviving FBs seem to be white with a coloured flash, perhaps because the people who chose such unadventurous colours didn’t drive very far or fast. It’s a pity that there aren’t more of the really memorable FB combinations at old-car meets. If there were, they might awaken new-car buyers to protest against the boring ranges that manufacturers offer us now. “No, I don’t want silver-grey, black or dark blue. Give me lilac! Give me mustard yellow! Give me an exuberant colour! Bring back the fifties!” Marius Venz Longest Owned Rolls Royce Mr. Allen Swift of West Hartford who died in October 2005 at the age of 102, was a legend among Rolls-Royce collectors for owning his green Phantom I, S273 FP Rolls longer than anyone in the world had ever owned an individual Rolls Royce. He received this Roadster (manufactured in Springfield) from his father, brand new, as a graduation gift in 1928. In recognition of that fact, Rolls Royce Motors presented him with a crystal Spirit of Ecstasy award at the Rolls Royce Annual Meeting in 1994. The Rolls has 170,000 miles on it, still runs like a Swiss watch, dead silent at any speed and is in perfect cosmetic condition. ...That's approximately 2,200 miles per year... In 2002, when he was 99 years old, he approached the Springfield Museums to discuss finding a new home for his Rolls Royce. Confident in the Springfield Museums' ability to care for the automobile and to tell the story of Rolls-Royce manufacturing in Springfield, Swift indicated that he would donate his car if a building could be found to house it. In the summer of 2005, the Springfield Museums became aware that the Verizon building, adjacent to the Museums, was available for purchase. Swift donated $1,000,000 to purchase the building shortly before he died.

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Con-Rod Classifieds Wanted Goliath 1100 / Hansa 1100 1957 - 1960 (Same car, different production period) Parts, literature or any related leads. John Birrell 8636 2333 For sale 2 MGB Std. 4 speed gearboxes, Brian O’Loughlin 8566 3030 Kapunda For sale 4 speed Austin Lancer/Morris Major gearbox, stored since 1970. Mark III Cortina Heynes workshop manual, Offers for both. Peter 0409 031984 For sale Overdrive gearbox suit A95 Westminster $250. Brian Woodcock 8566 3585 For sale Jaguar Mark V sedan 3.5 litre. Historic reg.– $27,000 ono. WGM 844

Jaguar Mark V dismantled. Body on rotisserie, some work done, some new parts, chassis blasted, some body rust done, spares included. $7000 ono.

Austin A30 Sedan Running gear in, Engine bay painted. New chrome, $3500.

Dale Palamountain 8551 1071 0419 841 656 Eudunda Wanted 32v light globes & electrical appliances contact Brian on 8842 3770 For sale one Waymaster beaded edge tyre 810x90 & tube $400 – normally $475.00 Ensign beaded edge tyres & tubes (Dunlop pattern) 24 x 2 ½ $185.00; 26 x 2 ½ $165.00; 26 x 3 $165.00 and 28 x 3 $185.00, also Thailand 26x 2 ½ @ $65 each. Brian Forth ph 8251 4213, 0409 514 213 Banksia Park For sale Sunbeam-Talbot parts due to recent sale of car … Make an offer Panels: Bonnet, doors, sunroof, mudguards, bumper bars plus other bits. Radiator, fuel tank, windscreens, manifolds, tail shafts, shockers, Gearboxes, engine, front ends, complete back axle and separate diff centre Instruments, dist. wiring, harness plus other electrical bits. Interior metal door and window trim. Sunbeam Alpine or Humber Vogue or Hillman,4 sp. gearbox all synchro.$50 Be nice to get rid of the lot in one hit, have a look, make an offer, it all has to go. Brian Haines Kapunda 8566 3216, 0418 816 773 For sale 1977 Triumph Stag Hard & Soft top Auto 3ltre V8 needs some TLC Mech good new soft-top(not on frame) $3900, Gary 0458 896 888. Kapunda For sale 1926 Dodge Tourer- good wheels & runs. Needs full resto. $2800 ono Mick 0404 243 820 For sale D2 Caterpillar H4D , blade, manuals, spares, stick rake, new seat, serviced and in good cond. $19000 ono Mick 0404 243 820 For sale Ford Fairlane Ghia 1992 colour platinum, stripped to parts ….all available … doors, boot lid, engine & trans, LS diff., petrol tank, LP gas, exhaust, tail shaft and body parts. Joe Vander-Lee 8633 0483 Port Pirie