For Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts PRÆCLARVM The National Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia No. 2-20 April 2020

AX201 finds a New Owner

Quidvis recte factvm quamvis hvmile præclarvm Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble. Royce, 1924 PRÆCLARVM The National Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia No. 2-20 April 2020 Issue 307 Regular Items Features Events Calendar 7779 From the Editor 7780 From the Federal President 7781 News from the Registers 7802 Book Reviews 7807 Market Place 7809 Articles and Features From the Sir Henry Royce Foundation: Russell Rolls, Chairman of Trustees, 7782 SHRF, gives the details of the recent loan and refurbishment of a Rolls-Royce diesel 'Eagle' truck engine for display at to the SHRF's Coolum, Qld, Museum. Photo: Gil Fuqua Gil (USA) Fuqua Photo:

Rolls-Royce’s most iconic car, AX201, fi nds an enthusiastic new owner: 7783 Præclarvm is pleased to advise that Sir Michael After a period of mistaken rumours, David Berthon (NSW) is able to let Kadoorie of Hong Kong is the mystery buyer of Præclarvm lead with the news that Sir Michael Kadoorie, of Hong Kong, is the Rolls-Royce AX201 "Silver Ghost". Read David excited to have purchased the iconic AX201, "Silver Ghost". Berthon's story of the sale on page 7783. Oscar Asche, the 1910 Silver Ghost, 1237, and Two Versions of Chu Chin 7786 Chow. Ian Irwin (ACT) has been searching the Country's various Archives to present a story that centres around early Rolls-Royce motoring history. 1975 Silver Shadow Saloon (SRH22160) Successfully Completes the 2019 7788 Peking to Paris Rally (Part 4): Brothers, Steve and Alan Maden (Vic) fulfi lled a long-term desire and completed the 2019 Rally. Alan here tells Part 4, the penultimate part of this epic story. Sydney Harbour Concours d'Elegance: Held in early March this year David 7791 Berthon (NSW) details this special, invitation only Concours event and the number of Rolls-Royce vehicles, including his, that did so well in it. Silver Shadow SRH8370's 50th Birthday: Paul Blank (WA) details some of the 7793 history and shares photos of his Silver Shadow as it attends a party in its honour, for its 50th Birthday. From the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archives - A Selection of 7794 Photographs from the Fred Engish Collection: Gilbert Ralph (Vic), Hon. Archivist of the SHRF shows a selection of photos taken by Fred at the Federal

Rallies in 1962, 1965 and 1968, held in Mildura Vic. Kazina (Rus) Svetlana Photo: The Provenance of Bentley MkVI, B365GT: Greg Johnston (Vic) tells the full 7796 The Maden Brothers' Silver Shadow (SRH22160) story of his "treasure" found in very good condition in a dry and well-ventilated at speed through the Altai Mountains in Siberia on the Peking to Paris Rally in 2019. garage in Melbourne in 2000. . See the continuing story of their For my sins, I am the owner of a 1977, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II 7801 adventure on page 7788. (SRH32112): Murray Turner (WA) loves his Shadow, but recently his wife fell out of love of it when it had an intermitent fault Murray had to fix. Twenty Topics No 85 - NRMA and Plates: David Davis (NSW) thinks on and 7802 describes the development ideas and colours of NSW Registration Plates.

Front Cover: AX201 finds a New Owner. The original 'Silver Ghost" has been confi rmed as having been acquired by Sir Michael Kadoorie, who is well known in collector car circles as a prolifi c collector of the Rolls- Royce and Bentley marques and a true enthusiast in every sense. Here it is shown at the start of the Rest and be Thankful hill-climb during the 2007 Centenary re-enactment of the Scottish Reliability Trial. See the story on page 7785 of this edition of Præclarvm. (Photo: 20-Ghost Club)

Club Website: www.rroc.org.au The mid-1950 Bentley Mark VI (B365GT) was Back Issues of Præclarvm: http://praeclarum.rroc.org.au/ found by its present owner, Greg Johnston (Vic) in Views expressed in Præclarvm are those of the individual writers. a garage in pretty good condition. See the history of the car on page 7796. The deadline for the June 2020 issue is 15 May 2020.

7778 Præclarvm 2-20 Præclarvm (ISSN 0159-4583) is published six times per year by the Federal Council of the Events Calendar Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia. Whilst Federal, Register & Overseas Events every care is taken to check information published, no responsibility can be accepted Jun 2020 RREC (UK) 2019 Annual Rally, Burleigh House, Stamford Alisa Plain + 44-1327-810784 for errors. Views expressed by the Editor Deferred to 25-27 June 2021 and contributors are their own and do 24-28 Jun RROC National Meet, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA RROC + 1-717-697-4671 not necessarily refl ect the policies of the Club. Nothing in this journal, including any 18-21 Sep 2020 Dawn Patrol - In and Around Yass, NSW Robyn Henderson 0427-490-557 advertisement, should be construed as 25-28 Oct 2020 SMART Tour - Mudgee, NSW Bruce Duncan 0447-242-371 endorsement by the Editor or the Club of the quality or suitability of any product, service or Australian Capital Territory Branch - President: Martin Bennett procedure. Change of Address: Members should notify New South Wales Branch - President: Jeanne Eve their Branch Secretary (address below), not Queensland Branch - President: Frank Carroll the Editor, in the fi rst instance to advise change of address or non-receipt of an issue. South Australian Branch - President: Michael Henningsen Contributions: Articles, letters and/or Victoria Branch - President: Greg Wayman illustrations for publication should be sent to the Editor, address below. Articles should Western Australia Branch - President: Diane Magrath preferably be sent as a text fi le, emailed to the [email protected] (otherwise as typed hard At the time of going to Press: Due to the response of Branches to the unprecedented, copy to the Editor’s address below). declared COVID-19 emergency, all up-coming Australian Events have been cancelled Federal Executive or postponed. Please contact your Branch Secretary, details below to the left, to President: Joe Quattrocchi, ascertain when normal Events will commence again. PO Box 787, Bowral, NSW, 2576 0416-304-027 Email: [email protected] 4 photos to right Secretary: Stephen Peoples, and down: As the PO Box 21, Kew, Vic, 3101 Coronavirus threat 0408-672-222 Email: [email protected] took hold of the UK and the world, both Treasurer: Bruce Duncan, Companies announced 5 Fadden Place, Wahroonga, NSW, 2076 the indefinite closure 0447-242-371 Email: [email protected] of their manufacturing The Sir Henry Royce Foundation plants in March 2020, Russell Rolls, until they are advised PO Box 140, South Yarra Vic, 3141. by the UK Government 0418-325-086 that the perceived risk Email: [email protected] has been resolved. Federal Publications Præclarvm Editor: Tim Dean, aboveabo and left: Before 1630 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, VIC, 3146. announcingann their closure, 0401-987-808 Email: [email protected] Rolls-RoyceRol Motor Cars Registrar (Chassis Plate): David Neely, announcedann their first 23/1 Bay Drive, Meadowbank, NSW, 2114. CollectionCol Car of the new 02-8084-8465 Email: [email protected] decadedec which embodies the spirit of the 1920s; the Branch Secretaries DawnDaw Silver Bullet Collection Australian Capital Territory: Peter Hyland, is an ode to decadence, to PO Box 773, Mawson, ACT, 2606. frivolity,frivol to heady heydays and 02-6286-4265 irreverentirreve past times of 100 Email: [email protected] yearsyea ago. (courtesy:(co Rolls-Royce Motor Cars) New South Wales: Danielle Harland, Box 2754, Sydney, NSW, 2001. 0422-055-012 Email: [email protected] Queensland: Glenn Cuff e, 87 Kauri Road, Ashgrove, QLD, 4060 07-3366-6306 Email: [email protected] South Australia: Peter Forbes, PO Box 355, Welland, SA 5007 0411-246-841 Email: [email protected] Victoria: Brian Williams, PO Box 21, Kew, VIC, 3101. 0458-888-767 Email: [email protected] Western Australia: Alan Dickson, PO Box 590, Kalamunda, WA, 6926. above and right: before 08-9246-3295 their temporary closure Email: [email protected] Bentley revealed 12 cars, the Section Contacts rarest two-door Bentleys of the modern era, named Northern Territory: Keith Preston, Bacalar that mark return to PO Box 1066, Palmerston, NT, 0831. bespoke coach building for 08-8983-1029 Bentley Mulliner – the oldest Tasmania: Mike Williams coachbuilding company in the 5 Caroda Court, Howrah, TAS, 7018 world. 0418-478-947 (courtesy: Bentley Motors)

Præclarvm 2-20 77779779 From the Editor Who Could Have Imagined?: LATE NEWS - re 2020 and 2021 Federal Rallies: itting back to write this second editorial Sof 2020 who would have thought that As this edition of Præclarvm was being prepared, Australia and each State's we all would be engaged in fi ghting, in an response to the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic was being modifi ed almost daily, resulting unprecedented way, to eliminate the threat in dramatic changes being forced on the Club re its 2020 and 2021 Federal Rallies. of a virus taking lives world-wide. Further, Firstly, the NSW Branch were forced to cancel the 2020 Rally in Leura as meetings who could have imagined the enormous eventually were limited to only 2 persons and, despite trying, they could not postpone repercussions that fi ght has had on our daily their arrangements until 2021. Secondly, although the on-going sequence had the lives? WA Branch next in-line, they too were unable to achieve traction on holding a Rally in But here we are; nearly 4 months into the 2021, due to logistical challenges in the current environment. year, staring down a further possible 6 of self isolation all to deal with the dreaded risk curve. Lastly, as Præclarvm goes to press, the Victoria Branch have volunteered to host the 2021 Federal Rally; to be known as The Recovery Rally, to be held in Mildura, As you will read to the right of this, our th th Club has been proactive in doing our best to Vic, from Thursday, June 17 , to Sunday, June 20 , 2021. This later than usual date help as we can in this crisis and I am pleased is to give time to prepare the event given social distancing maybe with us for many to record the Club's reaction to the issue as months to come and it will also be a slightly shorter and fi nancially modest Rally, noted in this panel. given Australia may be coming out of a recession then with an associated lower Not only is our Club feeling an eff ect, number of attendees. but you will have also seen that this edition Please look for more details in the next edition of Præclarvm. is missing the Rolls-Royce Dealers from Melbourne and Sydney advertising, due to The 2021 Federal 'Recovery Rally' - Mildura, Victoria, the Rolls-Royce factory being closed due to Thursday, June 17th to Sunday, June 20th 2021 the virus. There are many of our members who are magnifi cent magazine during that time, even advertiser in Præclarvm. identifi ed as being in the highest risk category winning awards for editorial and production David advises that he has just commenced to suff er if they contract the virus and I speak standards along the way. operating from a new, larger premise at 4 for all members, I believe, in wishing our older Sabu has also been a great help to me as Wandarri Court, Cheltenham, Vic, 3192, and members good fortune over the coming Editor and his help extended back to Martin he and his staff would welcome members months in not succumbing to the virus and Bennett and David Neely's days as Editors, interested in purchasing a Rolls-Royce or its potentially deadly outcomes. as for many years he generously allowed us Bentley motor car to please come and visit Farewell to a Friend of Præclarvm: to reprint articles and often gave us leads to his offi ce. other stories. Your Editor has recently been advised by As a a long time supporter of Præclarvm the RROC in the USA that the Editor of their Præclarvm wishes him well in his future we wish him well in his new premises. magazine, The Flying Lady, and his editorial endeavours. Margie and I wish all members and their staff are to leave the magazine after the A Local Supported Moves: families a safe time in this fi ght against circulation of their 3-20 edition. David Ekberg has been a member and Covid-19, Sabu Advani has been the Flying Lady's supporter of the Club for many years and his Stay Well: Tim Dean (Vic) Editor for 21 years and has produced a most Company, David Ekberg Pty Ltd is a regular GBK58, BSH20044

2020 DAWN PATROL XVIII All things being equal, the tradition of the Dawn Patrol will continue in 2020, so please lock away the dates of Friday, 18th to Monday, 21st September 2020 As we all now know, the Great Gatsby Rally fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been cancelled. The Dawn/Mark VI Register invites all Register vehicles The Rally Committee wishes to thank all 335 of you who registered, our Sponsors and all Club Members and Friends and advertisers, all the venues and local community bodies especially the staff at to its annual weekend together. Blue Mountains Grammar School and Leura Village Association. Also, particular thanks to Shay Gillings who designed the magnifi cent website, This year to be held in Yass, NSW www.2020rally.com.au and our Facebook page. Shay was also Rally Registrar and staying at the Swaggers Motor Inn. much more. To Nick Illek, as Rally Treasurer; to Phantom2Media, who was the Michael Matheson & Anne Baker team for the video, promotional graphics and rally Register vehicles are welcome, but not required, book, to the Editors, Tim Dean and Margaret Gillings, for Præclarvm's and London All Club vehicles are welcome, but not required, & Derby's assistance while keeping everything together was Rally Director Mark Glanville: we thank you all. Coming to enjoy yourself though is “essential”. It takes a small village to prepare and produce a Federal Rally and several Rooms from $120/night to $150/night members of NSW need special thanks; Bob Doyle for rally plates and leather goods, Robyn Henderson for rally shirts, David Marshall-Martin for trophies, Kim Stapleton including continental breakfast. as Chief Judge, David and Nancy Axe for the Spares table, LeRoy Anderson for books and Brian Crump for the SHRF Phantom V. Thank you to the technical session Swaggers Motor Inn presenters who were prepared to give talks; Mal Henderson, Rex Vincent, John Phone: 02-6226-9900. Harriman, Alan Maden and Ralph Plarre. Also special thanks to Peter Moran for his swaggersmotorinn@gmail,com support. And to those I've accidentally omitted, you may not be named, but you are truly appreciated. Essential that you indicate you’re booking from the RROCA then We were fundraising for Beyond Blue charity. There is a special Great Gatsby please advise Robyn of your booking. Rally page you can donate online to receive your tax deductible receipt. https:// workplace-fundraiser.everydayhero.com/au/rroca-2020-great-gatsby-carclub-rally- Contact Robyn Henderson, and-display. There will be many in our community with much more stress on their 0427-490-557 or [email protected] mental health than ourselves. Jeanne Eve, NSW Branch President All Club Members are Welcome!

7780 Præclarvm 2-20 From the Federal President s I begin to write my article for the April 2020 Further south, the tiny Aedition of Præclarvm, I can only surmise NSW rural community of that the past few months have been nothing Bungendore also welcomed short of the surreal. 18 NSW and ACT members In a short span of time, we saw a series of on the Gourmet Gadabout colossal infernos blaze across much of eastern run, which included a and southern Australia. In their wake, lives sumptuous French dinner were lost, many homes and businesses were at Le Tres Bon on Saturday, destroyed, and much of our land was reduced February 15, 2020. I'd like to ash. Even more profound was the saddening to extend a special nod to loss of wildlife; over 1.25 billion animals lost, Nick Illek [NSW] for staging a staggering number. Then, just as the first this great event and for rains fell and we to began to smile again, the supporting this tiny town, invasive Coronavirus [COVID-19] made its way which was hit hard by the to our shores and around the globe. Like the sudden downturn of tourists during the fire bushfires, the virus triggered another crisis of season. unprecedented magnitude. But never did we The following day, I joined the convoy of, believe that the pandemic would write a new the ACT and NSW Branches, Rolls-Royce and chapter in the history books and bring the entire Bentley motorcars including ACT President world's population to its knees. Martin Bennett, on a leisurely day-run Like any disaster, we have also seen the from Bungendore to Riversdale, where we good, the bad, and the ugly. Horrific outbursts visited the National Trust-listed Riversdale, a in supermarkets in the race to stockpile at homestead with roots that dates back to the home. The blame game with governments 1830s. Once a coach inn for travellers passing over their seemingly slow response to contain through Goulburn, NSW, members toured the spread of the virus. the historic house and Yet the reality is that enjoyed a light lunch everyone is grappling before a talk took place to make sense of what on the Rolls-Royce is unfolding every Heavy 20. Launched in hour of the day, not to Australia in February, mention an array of 1907, the Heavy 20 future scenarios, which was first showcased at many Australians will the Paris Salon (now undoubtedly face in the the Paris Motor Show) difficult months ahead. to great fanfare in When the annual RROCA Federal Rally was December 1904. My above: Three photos of the of the NSW cancelled for the first time in our 62-year history; thanks to the very active Jeanne Eve (NSW) Branch Technical Session on Spirit and members reached out to support the NSW once again, for organising an enjoyable day. Mulsanne and Derivatives Technical day with Committee in every aspect of their decision- NSW members continued with the Charlie Frew (NSW) sharing his knowledge. making. Our foremost priority was for the gatherings when 28 members participated below: The royal-blue Phantom VI (PRH4731) health and safety of all members - a direction in the 2nd technical session for Silver Spirits of the Queensland Governor beside the that I believe further strengthened our resolve and derivatives in Sydney on February 23rd. Governor's soon to be a classic Holden to honour the years of great friendships and the There were multiple talks on the preservation Caprice, no longer manufactured in Australia. journeys we have enjoyed together on our open of bodyworks and interiors as well as the left: President Joe Quattrocchi's photo in roads. mechanical components; especially helpful if front of Sir Michael Kadoorie's Pebble Beach you are presenting your car before a panel of Concours winning 1931 Bentley 8 litre Gurney And those great days will return. Nutting Sports Tourer. judges at a concours event. Thank you to Charlie I want to stand up and applaud rally Frew (NSW) for supplying the premises and organiser, Jeanne Eve (NSW) and the NSW hosting a great breakfast, and also to Andrew Committee for meticulously planning and Gibson (NSW) for sharing your knowledge. organising the Great Gatsby-themed Rally and the proactive measures they took by cancelling A good example of a superb restoration it with swiftness and grace. (Please refer to is the Governor of Queensland's 1972 Rolls the panel at the top of the opposite page for Royce Phantom VI (PRH4731), which recently information concerning The Recovery Rally to made an appearance to a new generation be held in Muldura next year). of fans on Facebook. Restored by Stephen Sparks (QLD) in 2018, this ageless beauty is Another example of our Club's spirit was mostly used in official ceremonies and on when 10 long-time NSW Branch members weekly trips to meet with the state premier hosted a welcome dinner on Wednesday, Coolum. A Rolls-Royce for all seasons. and cabinet ministers. One of the many February 5, 2020 for 13 new members who Though we won't know when we'll see outstanding finishes to this Phantom VI is its joined RROCA over the past three years. The each other in the coming months, Australia royal-blue duco; more so when the Governor's night not only saw new friendships forged over will need car groups like us to support local Standard flutters above the Crown plates. great food and wine at the Sydney Rowers' businesses more than ever than before. Club, but many also embraced the extensive During its near 50-year life, the Phantom I hope that everyone, including your Rolls-Royce chatter which went well into the VI has also transported many dignitaries families and friends, will remain safe and in evening. A special thanks to Jerome Miller including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who good health. (NSW) for organising the fabulous reception twice attended the opening ceremony of the Joe Quattrocchi (NSW & ACT) which I attended. Commonwealth Heads of Government in Federal President Præclarvm 2-20 7781 From the Sir Henry Royce Foundation

SHRF - Queensland Activities: right: The Rolls-Royce “Eagle” 12.2 litre ver the past six months or so, The diesel truck engine OFoundation’s activities in Queensland on delivery to the have escalated substantially. In recognition Geebung Museum, of this escalation, the Trustees decided, at seen here being their recent meeting in Queensland, to give welcomed by Barrie quite specifi c designations to the activities Sparks before at Geebung and Coolum. restoration. The Geebung activities are to be known below: The "Eagle" as The Sir Henry Royce Foundation – fully sandblasted Geebung Museum. The Coolum activities during restoration. are to be known as The Sir Henry Royce below right and Foundation – Coolum Showroom. bottom: The "Eagle" egine, now restored This refl ects the quite distinct activities is on permanent loan at Geebung and Coolum. Geebung is to the Foundation at essentially a “museum” where Rolls- Geebung. Royce and Bentley historical material is “curated, interpreted and exhibited”. Coolum is essentially a “showroom” where Rolls-Royce and Bentley technology is “preserved and exhibited” in more of a “showroom” environment. Both the Geebung Museum and the Coolum Showroom are an important public face for The Foundation. The Trustees congratulate Barry and Ann Sparks (Geebung) and Frank Carroll (Coolum) on the progress they have made with the development of these facilities. Geebung Museum: “The Eagle has landed”. A new addition at Geebung is a Rolls-Royce “Eagle” diesel engine. This engine is on permanent loan and has been restored by the Geebung volunteer group since being rescued from its former home in a paddock. The “Eagle” range was a modifi ed version of the “C” range of diesel engines and was for specifi c use in heavy vehicles. The engines were six cylinder in-line, capacity 740 cu. in. (12.17 litres) with 8 psi turbo fuel injection and were a monobloc cylinder head and crankcase (block) with replaceable wet liners. Power output was 190 BHP (140Kw) at 1800 rpm. Overall weight was 2450 lbs plus Turbo weight of 120 lbs. The Geebung volunteers have done an excellent job on the preparation of this interesting engine. It is well worth a visit to the Museum to hear its story. A recent donation to the Geebung Museum was a ten-shelf compactus unit. The compactus will be of signifi cant benefi t for the fi ling/storage of the extensive collection of documentation held at Geebung. Barry and Ann Sparks had in place an extensive programme of events and visits that, unfortunately, have had to be postponed due to the restrictions arising from COVID-19. The Trustees urge Members to support these activities when the restrictions on public gatherings are lifted. Donations of material for The Foundation’s “Archive”. Recently, the following have made donations to The Foundation’s principal archive at Bill Allsep House of a wide variety of interesting documentation and artefacts: Fred Engish, Eric Henderson and Kim Stapleton. A special mention must be made of the donation by Trustee Eric Henderson. Eric has presented to The Foundation a collection of 116 items of Rolls-Royce The 2019 F J Engish Photographic and Bentley material ranging from books to magazines and brochures. – an important Award: addition to the “Archive”. Donations such as this have resulted in The Foundation being An announcement concerning the the principal repository of Rolls-Royce and Bentley historical and research material in winner of these Award will be made in the Australia. next edition of Præclarvm. If you have spare material relating to Australia’s automotive history or are ‘down- Russell Rolls, sizing” please remember that The Foundation “Archive” is the logical repository for this Chairman of Trustees valuable documentation and artefacts.

7782 Præclarvm 2-20 Rolls-Royce’s most iconic car, AX201, fi nds an enthusiastic new owner David Berthon (NSW)

ast August I broke the news that the region of US$75 million, well over its above: AX201 on the grass during the 2004 Loriginal 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost insured value and eclipsing the previous Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of America Centenary AX201 had been sold by Volkswagen AG, collector car record held by a much Rally in Monterey. a story that understandably sent the old younger Ferrari 250 GT. Welcome news now to hand has Rolls-Royce movement around the world However, whilst I was able to confi rm confi rmed the new owner to be Sir into a spin. its actual sale confi rming the new owner Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of China Recognised as the most valuable proved far more elusive. Mystery also Light and Power and the Hong Kong and collector car in the world my well- surrounded the car's location, as it had Shanghai Hotels Group and well known connected source confi rmed the car had not been seen in public in the U.K. for in collector car circles, a prolifi c collector in fact been sold for an undisclosed sum, some time. of the marque, a Patron of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in the Carmel possibly to an American collector. Further, an application with the Valley during Pebble Beach week and a Reviewing Committee on the Export Early suggestions put its sale by the true enthusiast in every sense. cash strapped German company in the of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA) on This is simply a wonderful result for the 6th February 2019 the old Rolls-Royce movement and this was not formalised. historic Silver Ghost. Michael, one of the The committee most respected collectors in the old car concluded that the movement, has also indicated it will now vehicle satisfi ed the be far more visible at Rolls-Royce events fi rst Waverley criterion than it has been under VW ownership. and the application Also, as part of the package, he has for an export license also acquired the rare 1905 Rolls-Royce was subsequently 10HP 2-cylinder swing-seat Tonneau SU13 withdrawn. In short, that was also part of the Bentley heritage this historic car is collection. considered a British A regular Concours participant, national treasure. Michael last year gave Bentley their fi rst left: Georgina Wood from win at Pebble Beach since 1965 during P and A Wood driving Sir that marque's Centenary Year when his Michael Kadoorie in the 1931 8-Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer 1905 2-cyl.SU13 Tonneau. took Best of Show. Præclarvm 2-20 7783 Volkswagen had held AX201 since it and that of the Brooklands Circuit in 1957. above: AX201 on the judging ramp at Pebble Beach Concours in 2004. purchased the then ailing Rolls-Royce and In 1964 it would spend 23 days Bentley Company in July 1998. This iconic appearing in the production of the fi lm The visit to Australia and I fondly remember it Rolls-Royce, chassis 60551, was the 12th Magnifi cent Men in their Flying Machines. at Melbourne Motor Show in the March, chassis produced of the coveted 40/50HP At the end of that decade it was sent on not far from Donald Campbell’s Land six-cylinder model and was fi rst shown as the maiden voyage of QE2 to America Speed record breaker the Bluebird, which a chassis at the Olympia Motor Show in where it covered 1,931 kilometres over I had imported for exhibition. It would November 1906. several weeks before returning to Britain also travel to events in Brisbane, Sydney, Personally commissioned by Rolls- to make a top gear run from Glasgow to Adelaide and Perth before returning to Royce’s Managing Director, Claude London. attend the second Rolls-Royce pageant at Johnson, and fi nished in Aluminium paint Its worldwide travels continued in Duxford mid-year. with silver plated fi ttings it soon gained the 1970s to Brussels in January 1973 to In 1986 it would visit Canada for the the title of the ‘Silver Ghost’, a name that celebrate Britain’s entry into the Common fi rst time where as well as Rolls-Royce would eventually carry across all 40/50HP Market followed by the Rolls-Royce events it would be a feature of the British chassis. Enthusiast Clubs Austrian Alpine Rally in Pavillion at Expo 86 in Vancouver. The car left the works on the 13th April the June. On May 7, 1977 The Silver Ghost However, its proudest moment 1907 and the Barker-bodied Silver Ghost was reviewed by Her Majesty, The Queen perhaps would come on July 24, 1987 was quickly entered by Johnson in the in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle as when it transported Her Majesty the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trial winning the part of the Rolls-Royce Silver Jubilee Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on a Dewar Trophy for the offi cial Non-Stop Tribute. visit to the factory at Crewe. Early in 1988 Record of 14,731 miles (23,128km) without For the 75th Anniversary of Rolls- it would visit Japan for the opening of a an involuntary stop. Royce in 1979 it appeared at Geneva new showroom followed by the Rolls- It was subsequently sold in 1908 to a Motor Show, various dealer displays, the Royce Enthusiast Club re-enactment of private customer who used it extensively Duxford Wings and Wheels Pageant and the climb of the Rest and be Thankful at to travel to Switzerland for winter sports at a special tribute to Sir Henry Royce at the start of the Scottish Tour to celebrate and on his annual holiday to Italy. Little West Wittering. its gold medal in the 1907 trial. used after 1925 it was eventually off ered To celebrate its 75th birthday in 1982 1988 also saw it at the opening of new back to the company in 1948. At this time was a run from Glasgow to the RAC premises at S.C. Gordon coachbuilders the car had already covered over half a headquarters in London – held in very wet in Luton in the June followed by the million miles. weather it covered the 885km without impressive new facilities at P and A Wood The well-known early Rolls-Royce any mechanical problems. Later that year at Great Easton in the September. Both of enthusiast Stanley Sears had been it would make appearances in New York, these fi rms were then entrusted to carry instrumental in the company purchasing Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles out another refurbishment, which would this early Ghost and he initially loaned before starring at the RROC’s annual rally take AX201 off the road for 18 months. tyres to get it on the road for display in Florida. Following its refresh it would participate purposes. Back home on July 9, 1983, 75 years to in a promotional run from John O’Groats In the early 1950’s it was extensively the day after transporting guests to the to Land’s End and take centre stage at the restored before travelling the world over opening of the factory at Derby The Silver 1990 British Motor Show in Birmingham. the next 40 years as a promotion tool for Ghost would transport Lord Montagu to The sale in 1998 of the then ailing the company, its fi rst appearance at the the unveiling of a plaque to Number One Rolls-Royce and Bentley Company to Brussels Motor Show in 1952. On top of shop where Henry Royce’s offi ce had been the Volkswagen Group would also see many dealer displays it took part in 50 situated. BMW retain the rights to the Rolls-Royce years of Rolls-Royce celebrations in 1954 Early in 1984 it would make its fi rst name and logo for the brand through 7784 Præclarvm 2-20 left: Sir Michael and Lady Betty Kadoorie and family aboard the 1912 40/50HP 1958 London to Edinburgh Penny/Holmes Tourer after winning the pre-war Rolls-Royce Class at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. First owned by the Maharajah of Patiala in India this car came to Australia in 1916. shape trademarks while BMW would continue to supply Volkswagen with engines and components for Rolls-Royce until 2003 by which time its new factory at Goodwood would be ready for it to then fully build Rolls-Royce cars. Part of the complex sale saw Volkswagen gain the factory facility at Crewe where AX201 was housed. Volkswagen retained this highly desirable collector car along with the Bentley heritage collection however, it presented no real promotional benefi t to that company. For this reason over the past 20 years this prized and historic Silver Ghost has rarely been seen, allowed by Volkswagen to be used only sparingly by its German competitor. It was a feature at Pebble Beach in 2004 during Rolls- Royce’s Centenary year but only after my Australian colleague and now retired former head of Public Aff airs for Bentley North America John Crawford, had pleaded with Bentley’s Dr. Paefgen that the event was far too important historically for it not to be made available to Rolls-Royce. Fortunately, common sense prevailed and AX201 was centre stage during the RROC of America celebrations in Monterey and on the lawn at Pebble Beach From all accounts, in perhaps a case of German one-upmanship, Volkswagen AG’s then Chairman Dr. Piech had decreed early on that he would never sell the car to BMW under any circumstance. The car would also be made available for the Centenary celebration for the Scottish Reliability Trial in 2007. Thankfully, Volkswagen had always entrusted AX201’s care to marque specialist P and A Wood who have maintained it in top condition despite its restricted use over the last 20 years. above centre: Sir Michael's 1934 Phantom 11 its association with the Rolls-Royce PLC The company is currently fi tting starter Continental 60SK Gurney Nutting Sedanca - an aircraft division and in the supply of motors to both cars ready for their more Australian car formally owned by Melbourne's automotive engines to the car division. active use. Brian Healey. With the Rolls-Royce brand We should all be thankful that under above: Another Australian delivered R-R - Sir Sir Michael Kadoorie’s enthusiastic Michael's 1936 Phantom 111 3AZ158, a Gurney identifi cation marks split between the two German companies common sense ownership and mentoring that this Nutting three-position drophead. Previously historic car will now be maintained as a owned by Owen Bailey in Melbourne. prevailed and an agreement was fi nally reached whereby Volkswagen agreed to rolling sculpture for all enthusiasts of the sell BMW the Spirit of Ecstasy and grille Rolls-Royce marque to once again enjoy.

Præclarvm 2-20 7785 Oscar Asche, the 1910 Silver Ghost, 1237, and Two Versions of Chu Chin Chow Ian Irwin (ACT) Canberra contributor, Ian Irwin presented a short illustrated history of Oscar Asche’s 1910 Silver Ghost, Chassis 1237, in Praeclarvm 6-14, October 2014, pages 6634-5. From additional research in the National Library, Ian now gives us a most unusual insight into the man and his extraordinary invention. Here we have a fascinating diversion from the routine reports of these early cars and their owners. or once, we begin a Silver Ghost story He had a passion for Eastern theatre, Tyrone Power Fwith a lesson in culture. The Geelong- and starred in Kismet. But despite massing Snr., took the born Oscar Asche (1871-1936) commenced of colour, elaborate scenery and daring lead role in his stage career in the Vaudeville era in dressings that caused a sensation, Kismet the Broadway Melbourne. did not rise to the heights of his next production Asche performed in theatre under production. w h i c h contracts to the J.C. Williamson theatre Few will know that it was this Australian, c o m m e n c e d in the 1890s, working under contract owner of the 1910 Silver Ghost, Chassis on 22 October, with various promoters. With a profound 1237, that wrote, produced and directed 1917. personal belief in his ability, he began the international hit musical comedy, At the fi rst an itinerant life travelling to the UK in Chu Chin Chow. This work was based, anniversary particular, for experience. In between he with minor embellishments, on the story of the returned to Australia for performances in of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. On 3 London stage Sydney and Melbourne, and occasionally August 1916, it premiered at His Majesty’s production, The in New Zealand. He began his London Theatre in London, and ran for a record Tatler (London) stage career by playing no fewer than 200 2238 performances, more than twice as produced images of the elaborate costumes Shakespearean characters in his fi rst eight many, as any previous production. And yes, of six of the houris, but sadly not in colour. It years. It was here he met, and later married Asche played the role of Abu Hasan, the commented ‘Mr Asche is one of the greatest Lily Brayton. leader of the forty thieves. The main stage manufacturers of Eastern atmosphere that By 1910 he had his own theatre company, competition in London during those war the stage has ever seen, and fanciful as some and had enjoyed exceptional success. On 4 years was The Maid of the Mountains which of his colour schemes may appear [they are August, 1910 Asche departed for England achieved 1232 performances. Asche was very close to] that which can be seen today aboard the liner S.S. Orsova, (of the Orient the producer of The Maid simultaneously in any of the large cities of Ajmere and Steam Navigation Company,) with his wife, with Chu Chin Chow. Rajputana.’ Several of the costumes are Lily Brayton, along with his manager, A.R. Asche brought the production to reproduced here. Myer and other members of his theatrical Melbourne where it played to packed But the focus of this article continues to troupe. It was a bold and inspirational move houses from 1921 through 1922. Later be vastly diff erent from the usual work of that launched exceptionally successful revivals occurred in 1928-9 at London’s the writer. It is probably a very little known international careers. Regent Theatre, in 1940-41 (238 fact that Oscar Asche possessed culinary performances) and in London skills beyond the norm for the male of the and New York in 1953 with ice- species. He was indeed a portly gentleman, rink productions. by the time he returned to Australia. It was at fi rst thought that Oscar had a passion for food, which can Asche had acquired his 1910 be seen clearly when one compares the Rolls-Royce and brought it to 1910 photo with that of 1924. Australia in 1921. While that And amazingly ‘it has been left to a man may be so, it is more likely to have been brought here in 1924, for it was registered in mid-1924, in Victoria. No doubt for Britons needing a little comedy in their lives during the Great War, Chu Chin Chow provided a welcome above: Oscar Asche (wearing diversion and relief from the bowler hat on left) with his wife Lily Brayton (seated) depart hardships of life in wartime Australia aboard the SS Orsova, Britain. That this was so, is surely for the UK with the principals of his evidenced by the fact that the theatrical troupe, 4 August 1910. marathon stage performance Photo: Punch. (Melb) 4 August, record stood for over forty years, 1910, p.13. until it was eclipsed by Salad left and 3 other places on this Days. While it was in full swing in and opposite page: New Dresses London, it opened concurrently prepared for the Chu CHin Chow in New York, running for 208 Performance in the Sultry Climate performances. Along with of Old Bagdad, worn as costumes Oscar Asche as the lead role, his of the lovely houris which were charming wife, Lily Brayton also introduced upon the anniversary of the famous play in 1927. starred in the London production. right: A signed photo of Oscar Asche in Chu Chin Chow in 1916. (Wikipedia: Oscar Asche.) 7786 Præclarvm 2-20 The Chu Chin Chow was clearly the forerunner of the modern portable barbeque and Esky, or Chilly Bin, (for our New Zealand readers), and opened a pathway that has done much to serve the needs of those who love the great outdoors. But, by now, readers will have surely taken a few moments to glance at the cooker. Asche seemed to have no concerns that the outfi t was mounted on the luggage rack of his 1910 Silver Ghost, Chassis 1237, (see the author’s earlier article on this car in above: With no concern that his invention sits instant appeal. Then when perfected, Præclarvm 6-2014). The car seems to have above the fuel tank, Oscar Asche poses with the he sold the idea to Fosters Ltd, of Mary- suff ered no ill-eff ects from the location of Chu Chin Chow cooker and outdoor kitchen, Ann St, Ultimo, near the Sydney CBD and the milestone facility. Ironically however, on the luggage rack of 1237. The occasion was patented it all over the world. It was soon the car was incinerated in a fi erce fi re south to impress media representatives of Sydney’s to be a prime exhibit at the British Empire of Cooma, that commenced in the brake Sunday Times, in the Blue Mountains on 24 drum mounted at the back of the gearbox, January, 1924. (Photo: Sunday Times, (Sydney) Exhibition opened at the Empire Stadium 27.1.1924, p.12) in London by King George V and Queen in 1934. Mary on 23 April, 1924 The speed and effi ciency of the cooker whose profession is one of entertaining and Variants were manufactured to be was demonstrated for a group of staff from educating this world in a manner altogether the Sunday Times press. Asche catered and dissimilar from cooking, to invent a cooker carried in the smallest of cars, to larger versions for the seven-seater. Mr Asche’s cooked a meal of oysters, lobster, celery and that is calculated to revolutionise the tomato soup (his own creation), fried Murray home, and to supply a long-felt want in personal cooker is the largest made, and measures 12 inches (30cms) in width by 32 Cod, grilled cutlets, potatoes and peas, and the enjoyment of outdoor life. It is an iced trifl e. The cooking, from beginning to invention of amazing ingenuity, and at the inches (85 cms) in length. The exterior was of polished cedar. Fosters had commenced the closing up of the chest, was completed same time, of remarkable simplicity which in exactly one hour. is going to create a great deal of world- making the cooker with various species wide interest because it is characterised by of timber highly polished. ‘The edges ------almost countless advantages. are bound in brass or nickel, and the Acknowledgements: Sunday Times, whole cooker, when closed, resembles 27.1.1924. p.12. Wikipedia: Oscar Asche, Oscar invented a cooker that he named a handsome bedroom chest …. In which Obituary, Oscar Asche. The internet: Chu the Chu Chin Chow, after the stage show you might expect to fi nd an assortment of Chin Chow; British Empire Exhibition. Punch. that launched him to international stardom. jewellery or refi nery.’ August 4, 1913. The Tatler, 12 September, He had travelled hundreds of thousands of 1917. P.331. miles around the world, in Britain, Europe, During a few days of travelling in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, he carried Thanks also to Rick McDonough for a little Australia and New Zealand, and seemingly Photoshopping of the 1924 press images. always experienced frustration in the poor the cooker and served quality of meals from antiquated cooking cooked meals to a procedures. Touring in the countryside, party of fourteen. camping and spending idle hours at race On the left end, the tracks he dreamed that preparing and built-in insulated ice- cooking one’s food would give a marvellous box carried selected feeling of independence. To be free of hotel provisions, and after meals, eating houses and hampers where three days, the chest cold food still had ice in it. of unknown quality was a concern. above: Placed conveniently on the Then one luggage rack of his Rolls- day, while in Royce, the concise chest Wellington, is closed and ready again New Zealand, for the road. he formulated For the number plate the idea and observers, the number i n v e n t e d plate 55-966 is from the portable Victoria, Oscar Asche’s home state, and was cooker. He issued in mid-1924. trialled it, (Sunday Times. and it gained Sydney. 27.1.1924, p.12) Præclarvm 2-20 7787 1975 Silver Shadow Saloon (SRH22160) Successfully Completes the 2019 Peking to Paris Rally Part 4 Alan Maden (Vic) Photos: Steve and Alan Maden (Vic) Day 19: Kostanay to Bannoe Lake RUSSIA e had 540km to go today, including a Wborder crossing into Russia. We were held up at the border and the car began to boil over. The fan was not engaging as it was supposed to when the engine temperature rose. Once across into Russia we had already used our spare 8 litres of water at the border and the car was still boiling so we had to fi nd a new supply. A few kilometres down the road was a bridge, so I went down the steep banks to fi ll our containers from a mosquito infested pond running back to the car, up the side of the hill and over a railway line, to fi ll the radiator. We were able to then reach Lake Bannoe resort which was a very nice place. Dinner remove the shock absorber and send it to into the night and at least 5 hours the next was buff et style on the banks of the lake. a specialist for rebuilding. Steve had to day. The bill at the end was $500 USD. Can Day 20: Bannoe Lake to Ufa, cut a steel section out of the parcel shelf you imagine what that would have cost in Bashkortostan, RUSSIA with an angle grinder, to facilitate the It was Friday morning and we headed access and removal/refi tting. We had some above: The famous chassis bash plate is visible off at our designated time of 9.41am. Our overheating issues after the mud destroyed under the car, at speed, through the Russian plan for today was to head straight to the thermatic properties of our fan. There country side (see Præclarvm 1-20 p. 7752). Ufa, missing the test sections, so that we were no Rolls-Royce parts available, so below - clockwise from top left: Overnight could get straight into a workshop and the Russian mechanics made up a frame and on rest days cars were positioned to allow beat the rush, fi x our shock absorber and and mounted two electric fans onto the access to them for repairs to minor rattles and overheating issues. The plan was sound and radiator. One mechanic welded the frame leaks: Steve Maden had to lift the boot lid to utilising Google Translate again, explained without goggles and with his eyes shut. get at a rear strut; a Peugeot 504 was laid on its the issues and time frame. Tomorrow was Naturally the quality of the welding was side to facilitate access to its broken exhaust; a a non-driving day helping enormously with refl ected in this method, but the fan frame group of cars line up behind the Swiss entered our goal to make it on time to the start stayed together for the rest of the rally. 1970 Volvo 142S to undertake repairs while the line every day. The workshop had time to There were 4-5 guys working on our car late 1931 Bentley Speed 8 of Belgium entrants had adjustments made to its steering gear.

7788 Præclarvm 2-20 Melbourne? When we asked ‘how did you Once again the scenery was great, I took repair the shock absorber’? They wouldn’t some GoPro footage, crossing a pontoon above and below: A staging area around a tell us and they said it was a secret. bridge and on various sections of road. We statue of Lenin in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. At pulled into the compulsory display at town this stage area all the Rally cars took position Day 21: Non driving day. Ufa RUSSIA. and attempted to align their maps so as to Generally assisted the Russian guys in Square in NIZHNY NOVGOROD and we ascertain the direction of Lenin's statue's hand the workshop. Washed the car and got are obliged to spend 10 minutes there for signal. ready for tomorrow. photos with the crowd. (Photo above: Noele Illien) Day 22: Ufa to Kazan, Tatarstan, We then headed to Marini Park RUSSIA. Hotel, which was only 5 kilometres away, but once We were unsure about how good again in peak hour traffi c the quality of the shock absorber repair took 30 minutes to get would be, so we stuck to the main route there. of 616km and avoided the 2 off -road race track test sessions in the morning. I took a great Bolshevik This attracted many penalty points and style photo of the Rolls- possibly our position on the ladder, but Royce with huge statues we were in survival mode at this stage and of Russian heroes in the kept our focus on the main goal of getting background. to Paris. Our fears of a dodgy repair were The Rolls put in another unfounded, as whatever they did stood up stellar performance today to incredible punishment for the rest of the and we fi lled up with 90 rally and still remains intact today. By the litres of fuel prior to going afternoon, I was feeling more confi dent to the City Square, all and when we arrived at the Kazan race ready for tomorrow. circuit, we completed our 2 timed laps. We We were looking were mid-fi eld in the timed sessions. forward to a beer, which Day 23: Kazan to Nizhny Novgorod, is unusual for me as Volga Federal District, RUSSIA I’m not much of a beer Today was said to be a straightforward drinker, however the 500 kilometre with only two passage length of time behind the controls and no time controls. The theory wheel and the constant was straightforward, but the delivery was concentration, together on very poor back-roads and after leaving with the heat of the day Kazan in peak hour traffi c, it took two makes one very thirsty. We hours to do only 50 km. So we just had to retired that night feeling put in the hours and slowly whittle away too full in the stomach. the kilometres. Reminder to self: You can do without the beer. Præclarvm 2-20 7789 we could retire happy, knowing that the 600 Day 27: Saint Petersburg to Hyvinkaa: kilometre tomorrow FINLAND will be a lot easier We noted that the Saint Petersburg's with the engine in fi ne highway system engineering of bridges fettle. and modern architecture was amazing as Day 25: Zavidovo to we use the ring-road around the city. When Saint Petersburg, leaving the freeway system, we took the RUSSIA. wrong tollgate. Once through the boom We checked out at we realised our mistake but there was no 9:48 am and headed way of crossing over to the correct lane. for a lengthy trip to So I said to Steve just go back and tell the Saint Petersburg. The booth operator what we have done as I fi rst 400 kilometres would turn on the hazard lights and reverse was on fantastic through the toll gates. After he left to freeways, the best talk to the Toll Operator I began reversing roads we have seen and noticed Steve running back from the since arriving in Asia tollbooth to the car just in time to lift the four weeks ago. We boom enough for me to fi t underneath it. had two passage By now, cars were swerving either side of controls and then us as they came off the freeway at high- a diversion to the speed and when Steve got back in the car, township of Veliky I asked what happened with the booth Novgorod, 100 operator. He replied "All she screamed at kilometre out of St. me was NYET NYET." Petersburg where We made good time for the next 200 the Rally Organisers, kilometres to the Russia-Finland border. To ERA, had made a cross the border, there were 4 stages, over commitment to two hours before you actually got through display the Peking to to Finland. Even in no man’s land, between Paris rally cars. Russia and Finland, there was spectacular From here it was scenery. around 80 kilometres Once through to the Finland side, the Day 24: Nizhny Novgorod to Zavidovo, to the race circuit where we put in a ERA diverted us onto gravel roads to pick Konakovsky District of Tver Oblast, creditable performance for the two up secret passwords on the way through, to RUSSIA. times. We then fi lled the fuel tanks and prove that we had been there. Once again, We left at 8 am to go directly to the unfortunately took a wrong turn onto a spectacular scenery and I managed to catch Nizhny Novgorod race track for two timed fi ve-lane freeway going the wrong way. a few areas on the GoPro. Towards the end laps. We wanted to put in a respectable We lost a good 30 minutes on the way back of the day we caught up and travelled with performance, but to take care of the to the hotel but managed to get in before the three wheeler Contal for a while. machinery at the same time. It all went off the maximum time penalty was applied. to be fi nalised in the next edition of Præclarvm...... without a hitch; it was great fun. We put in Day 26 Non-driving day Saint a respectable mid fi eld time of 5 minutes Petersburg, RUSSIA above left top: 1934 Bentley Speed Six making 45 seconds. There was only minor maintenance speed on the Russian plains. above left: The oldest Rolls-Royce on the Rally, The remainder of the day was driving to do today, so I caught a taxi down to the French/Swiss entered 1929 relentlessly to achieve our goal of reaching the local shopping centre and bought Rolls-Royce New Phantom. Zavidovo. We only stopped for passage some memory cards for the GoPro and below: the "oldest" car on the Rally, a replica controls and fuel. As we skirted Moscow some vitamins, while Steve did the minor of the 3-wheeled 1907, Contal Mototri Tricycle the truck traffi c became very busy 8 maintenance on the Rolls-Royce. from the initial 1907 Rally, with not much kilometres out of Zavidovo; the trucks protection from the elements or other traffi c. were stationary lined up going both ways. (Photos - Svetlana Kazina) There was one intersection with a 1 kilometre line of trucks waiting to turn right. Other competitors reported waiting for 90 minute at this intersection. I exercised some form of expertise gained in a former life as an emergency services truck driver during my time in the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade; going down the wrong side of the road past all the trucks and completing a right hand turn against a red light at the end of the line. Defi nitely not the wisest move, but it saved us 90 minutes. We arrived at the Sheraton, unpacked and after dinner investigation showed that we were running on seven cylinders with a spark plug needing to be replaced at the front of the passenger side bank. The engine began to run well again and 7790 Præclarvm 2-20 Sydney Harbour Concours d'Elegance March 5th-7th, 2020 David Berthon (NSW) fter gaining worldwide recognition in Aits fi rst year and being listed as a fi nalist in the Historic Motoring Awards for 2019 the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance stepped up to a new level this year. With a stunning new location at the historic 1875 Swifts mansion at Darling Point and with new fi nancial support from the French fi nancial group AXA the event took on a prestigious new face to world standards. With an increased inventory of 30 classics and two motorcycles this year the three-day event got off to a damp start on the opening day but the sun fi nally surfaced to produce two very enjoyable days for Concours competitors and over 600 invited guests. Rolls-Royce and Bentley were well represented – along with my 1913 40/50HP London to Edinburgh Continental Torpedo Tourer was Chris Meany’s (NSW) 1931 P11 Continental Sports Saloon and Glen Drysdale’s 1979 Corniche Drophead. Ken Jacobs' 1968 Bentley T Drophead was the sole Bentley entry. On top of that was an eclectic mix of immaculate collector cars of all ages and origins. Judging was carried out by Andrew Bagley, the Chairman of Salon Prive Concours in the U.K. along with Wilheim Schmidt, CEO of the watchmakers A. Lange and Sohne, both of whom had travelled from Europe, and Jacquie Hayes, from Madam Wheels local website. As the oldest entry I was pleased my Silver Ghost was voted People’s Choice, won its class in Class Four – ICBM, and was runner-up to the AXA Best of Show, a superb 1970 Lamborghini Miura S. What does ICBM stand for? Would you believe Intercontinental British Motors or Ballistic Missiles. I must admit my Ghost is powerful but I’ve never thought of it as a Ballistic Missile. The heritage-listed Victorian castellated Gothic Revival mansion built for beer baron Sir Robert Lucas-Tooth was the perfect backdrop for an outdoor Concours, with its magnifi cent aged fi g trees and expansive manicured gardens providing the perfect feel for an event centred on elegance. right top: The winner of Best in Show was the 1970 Lamborghini Miura S. right centre upper: The 1964 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Lusso won the Cavallino Rampante award for best Ferrari right centre lower: A 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale stands before Chris Meany’s (NSW) 1931 Phantom II Continental Sports Saloon. right: The 30 cars in the Concours were presented in the gardens of the historic 1875 Swifts mansion at Darling Point. Præclarvm 2-20 7791 Owners, Shane and Penelope Moran, were so delighted with the event they have agreed to hold the prestigious Concours on an on-going basis - the Moran family having restored the mansion to its original 1870’s style in the late 90’s after it had fallen into disrepair a decade earlier. Ironically, the sight of my Ghost parked near the Porte-Cochere made me refl ect on a former owner. In 1900 Lucas-Tooth would sell The Swifts to another beer baron, Edmund Resch. Resch was a keen motorist and owned a 1912 40/50HP 2068E Barker Torpedo Tourer. He would later become a Cadillac fancier owning two 1930’s V16 Saloons, travelling regularly to the United States to buy the latest models. On top of the car elements the Concours included a cocktail party at the Intercontinental Hotel in Double Bay on the Friday night followed by a black-tie presentation dinner at the historic Royal Automobile Club of Australia in the city on the Saturday. All in all, a great three days of classic motoring camaraderie that everybody agreed was most deserving of being an annual event on the world Concours Calendar. Trophies • Class one - wind in your hair: 1949 Jaguar XK120 • Class two - pushing the envelope: 1954 Muntz Jet • Class three - power & speed: 1987 Porsche 959 • Class four - ICBM: 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost • Class fi ve - Mambo Italiano: 1970 Lamborghini Miura S • Cavallino Rampante award for best Ferrari: 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso • Women’s choice: 1949 Jaguar XK120 • Preservation Award: 1949 Singer Roadster • People’s choice presented by A Lange & Söhne: 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost • AXA Best in Show: 1970 Lamborghini Miura S o Runner up: 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost o Third place: 1964 Alfa Giulia Sprint Speciale.

left top: David Berthon's 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost London to Edinburgh Continental was the oldest car in the event. left centre upper: A 1954 Muntz Jet one of 400 made between 1949 and 1954. left centre lower: A rare 1950 Bristol 402 drophead. left: At the Royal Automobile Club rooms later that night were (l-r): Andrew Bagley, Chief Judge and Chairman of Salon Prive, David Berthon receiving the Runner up - Best in Show Award, and Simon Griffi n, CEO AXA Australia, who were the major sponsors for the event. 7792 Præclarvm 2-20 Silver Shadow SRH8370's 50th Birthday Paul Blank (WA)

aving been completed at the factory Hin Crewe on March 23 1970, two months later Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow SRH8370 was delivered new in Perth by Winterbottom Motors to Mr J M Joice of Riverside Drive, Mosman Park, WA. It was fi nished in Seychelles Blue and was among the fi rst Australian-delivered cars with the larger 6750cc engine. It was registered UAE370. From what I have been able to fi nd, James Matthew Joice appears to have been in the exploration and mining business. This is probably no surprise as 1969-1970 was the peak of Western Australia’s famous Nickel Boom, which saw record orders for Silver Shadows and Mercedes-Benz 600s in the state, their numbers becoming proportionately higher than anywhere else in Australia for a time as a result. The car’s second owner was successful master builder Tom Fernihough, who lived in Warratah Avenue, Dalkeith. Mr John McEntee owned the car in the 1980s. McEntee’s business was a specialist automotive panel and paint company, which was appointed by the local dealership to handle Rolls-Royce repairs. In his ownership the Silver Shadow was comprehensively restored. This included having the RH2992 Suspension Handling Kit supplied by Rolls-Royce installed by the WA dealer Winterfaulls in 1989. By this time, the car wore registration 7HN711. The car was then owned by Robert Berkavicius from 1992 for a decade. In September 2006 I purchased SRH8370 and have enjoyed using the car ever since. Its registration is now 1DLH999. The car has appeared in newspaper and magazine stories and it’s even been on television. It has been driven a lot, I’m pleased to say, including in many WA motoring events and shows, probably the highlight being participating in the Bay to Birdwood run in South Australia in 2017. It was the fi rst car my son drove and my daughter came home in it after being born. With most cars, it is impossible to fi nd the date they were completed at the factory - not so with a Rolls-Royce. With the car’s 50th birthday approaching, I was keen to fi nd out. The records held by the Sir Henry Royce Foundation do not include sales of cars in Western Australia. I contacted the Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club in the UK and they were able to assist. March 23 is my car’s birthday - and when does anyone get the chance to celebrate their car’s important anniversary? With this in mind I arranged a 50th for a party. A special cake was made in Photos above are various views of SRH8370 in her life: birthday party for the car in a lovely park the shape of a Rolls-Royce radiator grille, in West Perth, named after one of the complete with Spirit of Ecstasy. It turned state’s earliest motorists, Harold Boas. out to be the last Sunday that groups of a lot in its fi fty years and I’m sure it will With the car resplendent in the sunshine people could assemble in Australia before provide pleasurable motoring for a long and Rolls-Royce fl ag fl uttering alongside, a restrictive social distancing regulations of time to come. small group of people enjoyed the reason the Coronavirus began. SRH8370 has seen Præclarvm 2-20 7793 The Sir Henry Royce Foundation A Selection of Photographs from the Fred Engish Collection Gilbert M Ralph (Vic) HLM, Hon. Only three Federal Rallies have been held in Mildura (196 by the South Australian Branch in an eff ort to attract support from the Eastern States. Fred Engish attended the latter two and I have selected a few representative examples to illustrate some of the cars which attracted his attention. Would members wishing to contact me please note my new address: 23/450 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell Rd, Vic 3124 or gilralph@bigond

left: Percy Markham, Founding President of the Western Australian Branch of RROCA brought this 1925 20hp Windovers open-drive limousine, GLK62 to the Mildura Rally in 1968. It was originally imported for J C Simmons of ‘Nareeb Estate’ in Toorak. In 1964 the 20hp was bought by Campbell Hughston and later Terry Bruce. Percy Markham acquired it in the 1960s to add to his signifi cant car collection in Perth. The car was shipped to Mildura in 1968 when Percy made a successful bid to hold the 1969 Federal Rally in Perth. WA members Andrew Brownell (left) and Bob Lambkin (right) accompanied Percy. Most of Percy Markham’s collection was donated to the WA Museum. Following a change in policy the collection was sold with this car going to Kelvin Ferris of Perth.

left: Victoria Branch member Alexander Tolmer (right) owned this 1965 SCIII SHS225 saloon when he joined the Club in that year. It was so immaculate that he won the Silver Cloud trophy at Mildura in 1965 and again in 1968. He also owned a 1951 Silver Wraith WOF49 which won the above: Parked in front of the Grand Hotel in Mildura in June 196 Victorian Branch Post-War Rolls- Salamanca cabriolet coachwork which had been fashioned in ply-wood during the preceding year by its then owner Royce trophy in 1973 and again Stamp of Melbourne. The car was originally imported into Victoria for Ernest M Michaelis as a tourer but was later fi in 1976. The Silver Cloud was with close-coupled saloon by Supreme in the 1930s. It passed through a suc later owned by Charlie Pirotta, Wally Vears in July 1959 for 10. In 1982 John Stamp sold it to St John Herbert in Canberra and he moved to Queensland Bruce Terry, and John Gordon in about 1998 and the car is no longer in our R and is currently registered to Bob Brewer in Victoria.

above: Newly wed Russell and Heather Rolls drove this 1939 Wraith WMB38 to Mildura to attend the Rally. This car is quite rare being one of only three produced by James Young with body design No 4564. It was originally owned by Mrs L H Gault in UK and was imported to Australia in the late 1950s. Russell and Heather moved to UK in 1969 and WMB38 was stored. After returning he began a total restoration of WMB38 which is nearing completion. Russell is a Past-President of the Victoria Branch and later served three terms as Federal President. He is currently Chairman of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation. right: This 1910 Silver Ghost 1388 with replica Barker Tulip Tonneau won the Overall, Age & Authenticity and Silver Ghost trophies at the 1968 Mildura Rally for its proud owner-restorer Laurie Vinall of Adelaide. Its fi rst owner was Thomas E Barr Smith of Adelaide when it carried an elegant landaulette body by Salmons. It passed to his grandson, Jim Gosse, who entered it in a veteran car run from Adelaide to Glenelg in 1934. After a couple of owners in the Barossa Valley the Angas family bought it and used it as a farm hack until 1946 when it was sold to a farmer on Kangaroo Island. Laurie Vinall rescued it in 1958 and restored it using sections of bodywork from a variety of other cars. His son David sold 1388 to Bill and Jacqui Hall in Sydney. 7794 Præclarvm 2-20 Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archives A Selection of Photographs from the Fred Engish Collection Gilbert M Ralph (Vic) HLM, Hon. Archivist SHRF Only three Federal Rallies have been held in Mildura (1962, 1965 and 1968) each being organised ort to attract support from the Eastern States. Fred Engish attended the latter two and I have selected a few representative examples to illustrate some of the cars which attracted his attention. Would members wishing to contact me please note my new address: 23/450 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell Vic 3124 or [email protected]

above: H J Mulliner of Chiswick, London produced a number of striking designs in the Post-War period and this 1954 LWB Silver Wraith CLW10 was amongst the most striking. It had been imported to Brisbane for W J Park of New Farm and subsequent owners were; Dr J Heath and Ralph H Samuel in Melbourne and later Raymond C Neely, Frank Close and his son Paul Close in NSW. It last appeared in RROC Register in 2005.

Grand Hotel in Mildura in June 1965 was this 1923 Silver Ghost 20HG with replica Salamanca cabriolet coachwork which had been fashioned in ply-wood during the preceding year by its then owner John The car was originally imported into Victoria for Ernest M Michaelis as a tourer but was later fi tted Supreme in the 1930s. It passed through a succession of owners before being purchased by above: The car on the right is a 1909 Silver Ghost 60922 owned by Harry Markoff of Melbourne. SA pastoralist, 2 John Stamp sold it to St John Herbert in Canberra and he moved to Queensland Charles H Angas, took delivery of it new in UK and spent some time there before shipping it to Adelaide. He named in about 1998 and the car is no longer in our Register. it ‘Silver Dawn’. It had numerous owners in NSW until 1963 when purchased by Fred Miller Robinson in Melbourne and fi tted with wire wheels. Harry Markoff then restored the car and had Horner of Melbourne build this landaulette body. It won the ladies Choice Award at Mildura in 1965 and three years later was sold to R C Adams in USA and it has since been rebodied. The car on the left is a 1914 Silver Ghost 40YB which was owned Victorian member James D Cooper. It was formerly owned by Mrs Walter Hall in Sydney before being sold to F G Connibere in Melbourne where a saloon body was fi tted. It passed through more owners, was rebodied and used as a taxi in the 1930s. Jim Cooper bought it in 1958 and it was he who restored the car. It was sold to a collector in USA in 1971.

left: In 1964 Eric Rainsford of Adelaide found this 1912 Silver Ghost 1853E on a farm at Cobdogla in SA where it had been converted to a tractor. It was originally imported as a Hooper tourer for Sol Green, the legendary Melbourne bookmaker. In 1914 he gave it to the Army for use as an ambulance in the Middle East. When it was returned in 1919 he had a Martin & King roadster body fi tted. It had a succession of owners in Victoria and SA and fi nished up with a Mr Cook at Cobdogla. Eric Rainsford created this replica Edwardian tourer and entered it in the 1967 RROCA Rally in Albury where it won the Overall Concours trophy. It has more recently been rebodied by Roger Fry & Sons for Peter Moran of Sydney.

below: At the time of the Rally this Silver Cloud III SCX819 was owned by Victorian member Owen Bailey. It was one of at least 15 ‘proper cars’ he owned after joining the RROCA in 1961. There were 2555 Silver Cloud IIIs built of which a few hundred bore coach-built bodies. They had a 6300cc V8 engine and a very robust boxed section cruciform chassis. The SC range was superseded by the chassis-less Silver Shadow in 1965. .

Præclarvm 2-20 7795 The Provenance of Bentley MkVI, B365GT Greg Johnston (Vic)

1. An Adventurer ’s Choice. increasing its transmission range from Bentley Mark VI (B365GT) with a 200 to 900 miles. In recognition of his Standard Steel Saloon body No 3351 outstanding contribution he was awarded was delivered to the Rolls-Royce service the Polar Medal and made member of the depot at Lillie Hall, Seagrave Rd, Fulham famous Antarctic Club. on 29 June 1950. Communication of this On his return from Antarctic in 1915 information to the car’s eager purchaser he was commissioned in the Royal Navy would have certainly elicited a sigh of relief Volunteer Reserve and sent to England for the simple reason that demand for the where he served as a deck offi cer on a company’s fi rst post-war model was such submarine chaser. Subsequently he was that by the time of the Earls Court motor appointed to command of armed rescue show in 1948 delivery times were at least patrol tugs in the Irish Sea and later he 24 months from time of order to delivery became a pilot for the Royal Naval, having of the car to Australia. the distinction of being one of a handful of While the customer is listed in the pilots to fl y an airship. Order Book as Amalgamated Wireless Returning to Melbourne in 1919 (Australia) Ltd of 47 York St Sydney, the the 24 year old Lionel Hooke was car was made to the specifi cation of its appointed AWA’s Melbourne manager and promptly showed himself to Managing Director, Sir Lionel Hooke, who above: Sir Lionel Hooke’s “offi ce” - the ordered it via York Motors, the Company’s be a true innovator in the fi eld of AWA headquarters and tower at 47 York St Authorised Dealer of William Street, international telecommunications being in Sydney. When constructed, this Art Deco Sydney. responsible for, among other things, masterpiece was Australia’s tallest building, the establishment of live parliamentary and it dominated the Sydney skyline from broadcasts, mobile police telephones and 1939 until the 1960s. B365GT would have international wireless communications. certainly looked at home parked in front of By 1926 he was in Sydney as Deputy such a landmark building. General Manager and within 20 years, Sir Lionel augmented his collection of having guided AWA through the war years, company products through the purchase he was appointed Managing Director. from Sydney dealer George Sevenoaks During the post-war years his vision and (NSW)of his fi rst Rolls-Royce – a drive cemented AWA as an Australian magnifi cently-restored 1936 Phantom III, household name, being at the front of chassis 3AZ56. the full spectrum of telecommunications Sir Lionel requested that B365GT be in Australia including television, printed fi nished in the non-standard colour of circuit boards and space tracking Lime Green with a single red line and grey technology. He was knighted in 1957 for upholstery. When the author contacted the his services to the telecommunications family in 2000 to inform them that he had industry and made Chairman of AWA in acquired the car after it had disappeared 1962, remaining in that position until his from view for 20 years, the fi rst question death. asked was ”has it been repainted?” One above: Lionel George Alfred Hooke (1895-1974)

Lionel George Alfred Hooke (1895-1974) had an exciting life, best summarized as: Antarctic adventurer, Naval commander, airship aviator, telecommunications pioneer and business titan who in 1913 joined Marconi Company as a marine- wireless operator. That same year saw the amalgamation of the Marconi and Telefunken companies in Australia to form Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd and he was a foundation member of the fi rm he later lead as Chairman of Directors. In 1914 he was sent to accompany Sir Ernest Shackleton ’s Imperial Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole as radio operator on board the support ship Aurora Whilst the purchase of B365GT was Sir above: Lionel Hooke’s 1936 Phantom III, , where he survived the grim experience Lionel’s fi rst purchase of a motor car from (3AZ56), sadly no longer resident in Australia. of being marooned and cut off from the the famous factory at Crewe, it was not can presume from the question that Sir outside world for six months. During his last. B365GT was replaced in October Lionel’s choice of colour was not met with that time the Auroa’s radio antenna 1956 by a Bentley S, B151CM, with power enthusiasm by his family. became severely damaged and the 18 steering in Shell Grey over Black. This As one would expect in a car ordered year old Lionel won high praise for not was then replaced in 1966 by one of the for the chairman of Australia’s largest only repairing the equipment, but also fi rst Bentley T series, SBH1288. In 1973 telecommunications company, a high- 7796 Præclarvm 2-20 specifi cation radio was fi tted at the terminology). owner’s instruction. Unlike the standard Service Bulletin Radiomobile fi tment, the radio “J/13 7448 ” #68 was issued noted on the chassis card is a Radiomobile containing detailed Model 4050 which off ered 7 short wave instructions for the bands and one medium wave band. location and fi tment This particular model did not have an of the switch and integrated speaker like its standard cousin B365GT remains the but instead had a separate speaker which only known example was mounted in the right-hand cubby of of this retrospective the dashboard. fi tting to a Mark An elegant solution: the speaker for VI exported to Radiomobile Model 4050 seamlessly Australia. Over the next 5½ years York Motors above: Petrol pump switch as fi tted by York Motors in 1951. To the right is the radio speaker cared for in matching veneer, occupying the right-hand B365GT on a cubby space. Below is the charging socket with regular basis. original plug in position. Apart from the scheduled and gearbox mounting rubbers and the s e r v i c e s , ride control pipe replaced . attention was All of the foregoing however was merely given to the the prelude for the service records of 2 April brakes, rear 1965 (78,703): “Car towed to workshop. axle (twice), Sump cracked (!), ran without engine oil. gearbox, clutch, Remove engine from chassis frame…..” This valves and time barely an item in the entire engine bay tappets. On escaped the attention of the York Motors above: The better installation for the speaker two occasions (1952 & 1953) the car was mechanics. Another ominous entry read: of the Radiomobile Model 4050, behind a in the hands of Kellow-Falkiner, the Rolls- “Weld engine mounting brackets to chassis grille in B365GT to the right of the steering Royce agents in Melbourne, where Lionel frame…” The circumstances which led to wheel. Hooke’s parents and in-laws lived. In June this repair being deemed necessary do not 1956 Sir Lionel disposed of B365GT to take bear thinking about. On the other hand, integrated into the dashboard of B365GT the opportunity was taken to replace in lieu of the normal right-hand cubby. delivery of a new Bentley S and the car is shown as having an odometer reading of the original (and ineff ective) “bypass” oil Another departure from standard 15,627 miles on 11 June, 1956. fi ltration system with the vastly improved specifi cation is the order of “Extra kit of “full-fl ow” system which had been 2. In which our Hero’s Fortunes fall Very tools and spares”. This refers to the very introduced at the time of the launch of the Low. rare Isolated Territories Touring Kit which Mark VI 4 ½ Litre in 1951. sadly is no longer with the car. Where will York Motors sold B365GT to Amalgamated Timbers Pty Ltd of Mascot Having been given a new lease of life the author fi nd another? B365GT continued to visit York Motors on Apart from these features, the rest for the use of its Managing Director, Mr Woods. an irregular basis although being used a of the specifi cation is as expected for little less harshly. By 17 October 1966 it had an Export Model, Mark VI Bentley being He obviously relished using his new covered only 5149 miles in the 18 months shipped to Sydney. purchase as York Motors did not see the car since its last adventure when it came in On 10 July 1950 the SS Arawa (Maori for until they serviced it over a year later on 14 with a reading of 83,852 miles for a front “Big Canoe”) departed London for Sydney August 1957 by which time it had covered wheel alignment but no service! Much to with B365GT safely stowed on board. The 28,108 miles – some 12,481 miles in 14 the surprise of the Repair Department the invoice to York Motors shows that the months. The car remained in constant use car returned 5 months later (84,547 miles) cost of delivery and freight to Sydney was and 12 months later on 22nd September and the entire front end and steering £173/8/0 - halcyon days! 1958 it was time for more than just a mechanism were completely overhauled routine service. A new clutch was installed Arawa docked in Sydney with B365GT Having rebuilt most of the car forward of twice before being handed back to Mr the windscreen whilst racking up no less on 7 September 1950 and York Motors Woods and there was attention given to eventually delivered the car to Sir Lionel than 69,000 miles in 11 years of ownership. the gearbox as well. By this time the car’s Mr Woods sold B365GT in the May-June on 20 October, with the guarantee issued odometer was showing 39,563 miles. on 11th November. period of 1967. By October 1959 the car was in need 3. B365GT takes a Breather. On 3 January, 1951 with the odometer of a major overhaul, unsurprising given showing 538 miles, B365GT was given a full its irregular servicing and high mileage. Mr Louis Cahn was a gentleman dealer 1000 mile service. Then on 10th October, So with 47,212 miles York Motors did a of Bellevue Hill who acquired B365GT for 1951 with 2426 miles showing, York motors top-end engine rebuild and carburetter $1500. In his hands the car covered only collected the car from Sir Lionel’s home overhaul. The sobering (and dare one 500 miles during his 12 month ownership, and it was given a full service and most say expensive) experience of having but he still managed to lavish some signifi cantly the records show “fi t petrol such a major engine overhaul does not attention on his new purchase, with a York pump switch”. This innocuous entry is a appear to have daunted our intrepid Mr Motors Repair Invoice (21st December, reference t o the 3 way petrol pump switch Woods who continued to rack up the 1967) reading: “Remove and refi t 4 door, so beloved of owners of pre-War Phantom miles without troubling the York Motors sunshine roof, rear glass and windscreen IIIs, Wraiths and 4¼ litre Bentleys. With the service department. Naturally there were wood mouldings. Repair and polish resumption of production after the War, consequences: May 1962 (65,141 miles) mouldings.” The car was given a check- these were deleted from the specifi cation saw new timing gears and in July 1963 over and service at the same time. of the company’s cars, but after protests (70,803 miles) no4 bearing was replaced In May 1968 Mr Cahn sold B365GT to its was reinstated as a “chargeable item” and the fl ywheel was dressed up, a next keeper and recalled the transaction (to use the company’s endearing complete new clutch assembly installed thus in a note to me in 2000: Præclarvm 2-20 7797 “Mr Johnston Readers of the Age Epicurean Enclosures as mentioned. Bentley section were frequently regaled with purchased for $1500 - Sold for $2000 advertisements such as that for The “The Deal of the Decade.” Great Clambake and Reef and Beef Regards and best wishes for continued extravaganzas. In August 1979, renowned enjoyable motoring. Age food critic Stephen Downes – clearly Louis Cahn”. unable to resist such exuberant advertising 4. In the hands of another Adventurer. - visited the establishment with his family Mr Julian Thirlwall MBE (1938-2001) of with very poor service and food on off er Mosman, New South Wales was the next and as one can imagine, the end followed custodian, purchasing the car from Louis swiftly: A notice in the paper, dated 5 April, 1980. Announces that a liquidation sale of above: Colin and Peggy Russell-Jones pictured had been arranged distributed among the together in 1974, the last year of custodianship creditors. B365GT probably escaped such of B365GT. the more pedestrian life of a Canberra GP. Having settled down in Canberra after service with the RFDS, Dr Russell-Jones and his wife Peggy quickly acclimatised themselves to life in the capital, with its conferences, balls and galas - a colourful change after above: A youthful Julian Thirlwall pictured life in the Outback . whilst on duty as a groomsman in 1963 In Canberra, B365GT was Cahn in 1968 with the odometer reading notable for its rarity, with 85,556. Thirlwall had migrated to Australia a contemporary report in after spending decades practising law in the Canberra Times by its Papua New Guinea He counted Papua social columnist Gang Gang New Guinea Prime Minister, Sir Julian (!) noting: “…there are fi ve Chan, amongst his more prominent clients Bentleys – the Prime Minister’s; and was awarded an MBE in 1993. a Mark VI belonging to Dr He did not keep B365GT long, selling above: Pat Byrden’s receipt – wrong year, Russell-Jones; Dr Paterson has one; and wrong model, but chassis and engine numbers it in less than 12 months after almost Ian McKillop the estate agent has one. The are correct. Note the purchase price. 9,000 miles had been added and the car’s other is the magnifi cent white steed driven an ignominious fate as it was already at a stolen mascot replaced. As a footnote, it by Group Captain Carey the Rolls-Royce restorer’s premises. is interesting to note that Thirlwall’s fi nal representative in Canberra….” 7. A Rescue from an Uncertain Fate. experience as a Mark VI owner, was when Although B365GT certainly worked for he purchased B213JN in 1998, three years its living, covering 50,000 miles in 5 ½ Mr Pat Byrden acquired B365GT in 1981 before his untimely death from cancer. years of motoring with Dr Russell-Jones, in a most unusual way: his brother owned a 5. Yet another larger than life Owner. it was regularly serviced and a sheaf of small factory in Dandenong and its tenant, Dr Colin Russell-Jones (1925-1985) was invoices refl ect attention being paid to a car restorer, leased the premises. The in General Practice in Canberra when he almost every major component of the restorer fell into substantial arrears with purchased B365GT just as it was serviced running gear including one-shot, exhaust, the rent and eventually Pat acquired the by York Motors on 18 April 1969. This front suspension, steering, braking car to settle the arrears of rent owing to occasion also recorded the colour of the system, gearbox and servo. his brother. The car had been involved in a minor accident and had been purchased by car as being light blue. It appears that the 6. The Mystery Years – and another the restorer who had subsequently repaired car had acquired yet another larger than colourful Owner! life custodian as Dr Russell-Jones had the accident damage at the time of the B365GT was fi rst registered in Victoria transaction. previously served with the Royal Flying with the plate ITC192. According to Pat had left the car with the restorer Doctor Service before settling down to AOMC records, this would date the car’s to fi nish the repaint but soon received a below: The picture above shows Dr Russell- fi rst registration in January 1977 so there call from his brother warning him that the Jones and his wife being presented to The is a two year provenance gap if the car Sheriff was on his way to change the locks Queen and Prince Phillip at Broken Hill in 1954. had been sold in 1975. The owner was on the factory doors! In Victoria if your car is registered at the time on a premises when the locks are changed as Luke ’s Gourmet by the Sheriff , you lose possession of it until Barbeque Pty Ltd and all debts owed by the business proprietor the registration lapsed are settled, hence the need for frantic in January 1980. activity. The author recalls Pat arrived at the premises with a truck that in the 1970s Luke’s where a chaotic scene greeted him, with Gourmet Barbeque was owners running around trying to gather up a prolifi c advertiser in parts of several cars. No time was wasted in The Age, so it was only a loading the still-intact B365GT and removing moment’s work to access it to Pat’s home where it stayed for the next the archives of The nineteen years with Pat carefully tending to Age with the following it, until my arrival on the scene. result: 7798 Præclarvm 2-20 I arrived at the and to conduct a more thorough owner’s house inspection of my purchase. Firstly an to be greeted by inspection of the fi rewall-mounted an extraordinary chassis plate revealed the car to bear sight. Instead chassis number B365GT, showing it to be of yet another a 1950 model and close to my B102HR of neglected bucket many years’ ownership. of trouble, I found Most importantly, this chassis number a carefully-stored denoted the fact that the car was fi tted and preserved with the Company’s most signifi cant later-series 4¼ chassis improvement since the Mark VI litre Mark VI was fi rst produced – a completely revised (immediately front suspension geometry. Secondly, distinguishable by a number of intriguing and delightful its wheel trims). features, which had escaped my notice First task was to during my initial awestruck inspection, inspect all the now presented themselves. First to catch my eye was the fact that the right-hand cubby was fi lled in with a beautiful walnut veneer speaker grille which matched the rest of the dashboard perfectly. Now I had seen this before as it was identical to my B102HR and signifi ed the installation of a higher-specifi cation radio by the Company. Whilst not a common fi tment to UK delivered cars, it was occasionally seen on cars sent to Australia and the author knows of a Silver Dawn in Victoria boasting the same specifi cation. The second charming addition was the discovery of the 3-position fuel switch referred to previously – a rare fi tment indeed. above top Pat Bryden, now 95, reunited with usual trouble spots: completely rust-free, The third item was the presence of B365GT in 2019. Back behind the wheel of the trusty Smiths, 8 day mechanical B365GT after almost two decades, Pat was no slop in the brass door slides, all 1-shot thrilled at the car’s transformation. points looking reassuringly moist, no clock fi tted to the glovebox lid rather than the unreliable electric version which above: Love at fi rst sight: a grainy photo evidence of accident damage, all fi xtures showing B365GT sitting on blocks blinking and fi ttings present and correct. superseded it in the HR series of cars. in the morning sun in April 2000, clean and An article by well-known motoring It didn’t take long to fi gure out that amazingly sound and complete. The eagle- journalist Chris de Fraga and published whilst the 200 cars in the GT series eyed will spot the brass horn grille casting. in the October 2000 edition of the RACV were the fi rst to have the revised front suspension, they were the last to be fi tted 8. Phoenix Arises. monthly Royalauto completes the narrative: “What impressed Greg even with the 8 day clock, so I had purchased By the time an article celebrating the one of the very few! 50th birthday of my fi rst Bentley Mark VI, more was that, despite the fact that the The recesses of the boot yielded more B102HR, appeared in a Melbourne daily car had been on blocks for 22 years, it riches in the form of the original radio and newspaper in December 1999, I had already took a minimum of work to get the car oil bath fi lter assembly, whilst under the been a happy custodian for 21 years during running well enough for him to take off spare tyre were a full set of tyre levers, which time - and many readers will relate up the coast to Sydney. Greg said: “You to this - I had rebuilt most mechanical can imagine my surprise to fi nd the car above: A beaming purchaser holding his components at vast expense, usually owing on blocks with tyres pumped up, sound treasured Smiths 8 day clock, removed for a to decades of neglect from previous owners. bodywork, and in a spacious and well- service and still giving perfect performance One day in early April 2000 I received a ventilated garage. “The fuel tank had been many years later. phone call from an elderly gentleman who drained and fi lled with had obviously kept a copy of the article and oil to prevent corrosion, had tracked me down. He told me that he the cooling system had had a Mark VI Bentley which had lain in been drained and the storage for many years and was wondering engine was turned over whether I could spare the time to look at the by hand monthly.”The car and give an idea of its value. Over the rarity of the fi nd still has years since my purchase of B102HR I had Greg impressed. “It was seen many Mark VIs for sale, unsurprising an enthusiast’s dream. It given that Australia had been the Company’s was all there, the lot.” largest export market for the model. I can It will not surprise also say that they were as sad a collection those readers who have of unloved/fl ogged-out/moth-eaten/rusty had or have dreamed of old bangers as one was ever likely to see, As a similar experience that most I had seen were in very poor condition I bought the car on the so I barely raised an eyebrow given the spot. numerous disappointments and dead ends I returned later to that had wasted my time. complete the transaction Præclarvm 2-20 7799 jack and handle, tyre pump and wheel disc spanner. All was present and correct too under the bonnet, with torch, crank handle, grease gun, oil gun and large oil syringe all clipped into their correct positions. A stern reality check appeared when inspecting the interior: whilst the door cards and seat backs remained in their original Connolly Vaumol hide, all seat facings had shed their original leather now bore the hardest, most lurid heavy,industrial-grade grey vinyl imaginable. Donning my rose-coloured enthusiast-issue spectacles, I decided that this optical aff ront would be temporary and I imagined a day when all would be put right in this department. The reality turned out to be a little to a top-end rebuild to remedy damage By far the most important improvement diff erent and for eight long years the caused by a broken piston ring. Since has been the fi tting of a 14:41 crown wheel interior shouted at me every time I that time attention has been given to a and pinion (one tooth taller than the fabled opened a door. However, fate and new crankshaft vibration damper, new R Type Continental!) in 2009 which has timing intervened to deliver a complete radiator core, braking system and shock ensured totally relaxed cruising at the leather and matching Wilton carpet absorber reconditioning, electronic maximum legal speed: the car is now what interior from a very low-mileage 1950 ignition and a new clutch as the old one, it should always have been to capitalise on Mark VI. whilst perfectly serviceable, had not modern Australian road conditions, ensuring Following its recommissioning in been installed correctly, resulting in an that the Mark VI Bentley, as embodied by April 2000, that great enthusiast of all irritating judder felt when reversing. B365GT, remains a car for the ages. things Rolls-Royce and Bentley, Denis Deasey (Vic), accompanied me on the car’s trouble-free maiden excursion to above: 60mph at Sydney and back for the Olympics, the 2000rpm, a near-empty story behind that journey will be found road somewhere near in Præclarvm 5-20, page 3618. Gunnamatta with Bass The intervening years have seen a Strait providing an program of steady improvement to evocative backdrop. Mark VI owners live for days like B365GT with the objective of returning this. the car as close as possible to that which was delivered to Sir Lionel Hooke. Many right B365GT with its years have been spent in tracking down gorgeous new/old interior the contents of the envelope which looking as it should. The was handed over to every owner upon rear blind now works too! delivery by the company. After the trip to the Barossa for the below:B365GT ready for 2001 Federal Rally the car was treated the next 70 years.

7800 Præclarvm 2-20 For my sins, I am the owner of a 1977, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II (SRH32112) Murray Turner (WA)

We have been friends for over fi ve manifest itself while the car was in his years. During that time I had to make workshop. He felt the problem could allowances for a my car’s previous life in still be with the relay. It tested OK on the the Wedding Hire Industry, where vehicle gauges, but then would not work. service was almost nil and repairs were Not being satisfi ed with this unfortunately a bit ‘Heath Robinson’. inconclusive state of aff airs, I decided I have had to take the Shadow from to examine the relay myself. I took the commercial plates to private ownership, old relay (a sealed unit) and opened it and in so doing, had to jump all the up. The short circuit was found OK. But hurdles the motor registration people when I stripped the base plate it became could throw at me, including having to evident that heat and corrosion had return some of the car’s functions to taken their toll, causing the unit to fail original Rolls-Royce standard. under load. This small part had been the My wife and I have enjoyed countless cause of so much grief. I showed it to my trips together in the Shadow including wife explaining how this small electrical several with the Rolls Royce Owners’ component had given 43 years of service. Club of WA, but - and there is always a Most people go through 4-6 cars in that ‘but’ …. time frame. During a recent drive, I noticed our All is well, now. We ride in cool comfort Shadow's air conditioning was not in hot days and my wife has fallen back in working to capacity. I decided a service love with our Silver Shadow. would be required and took the car to above: The Turners’ car has been fully re-painted. The original Rolls Royce White was showing my trusty Rolls-Royce specialist to be signs of wear and tear after 40 years in the West Australian heat such that it looked like ‘a faded checked. The following day I collected her, ice-cream truck’. For the re-paint a slightly creamier colour (U8014400) was chosen. pleased the air conditioning was working again. However, just as I was turning into below - clockwise from top left: - Starting to move in on the possibly troublesome wiring located my home street it cut out suddenly. Of on the fi rewall, under the heater duct, above the driver's feet under the car's bonnet; course, back to the specialist I returned - A closer view of the open wiring loom terminations common on the very next day. Research through Rolls- cars built before the 1980s; Royce manuals, indicated the problem was - The style of relay installed in Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars since WWII, an intermittent short circuit in the leads to in this case giving service for 43 years. the relay. These were duly replaced and heavenly ice-cold air permeated the car - The installed replacement modern rally to DIN 72552, which is a German automotive industry standard that has been widely adopted for this application since the 1980s. interior. That weekend, my wife and I took the Shadow on a run with our car club. The weather forecast was for a hot 39 degrees, and I felt quite confi dent we would enjoy a comfortable run to the Perth Hills. With a fl ourish I turned on the air conditioning and it worked brilliantly - for the fi rst ten minutes of the trip. Then it faded to nothing. My wife and I wound down the windows, but this only made matters worse, as there was a very warm breeze blowing outside the car. Frustration set in and some less than complimentary comments were made from the passenger seat, as the temperature inside the car rose to become decidedly unbearable. In any case we arrived at our destination, ready for a long, cold drink over a lunch in the good company of fellow Club members. Afterwards we were dreading the homeward trip in the hot car, but we were pleasantly surprised by the early arrival of the 'Fremantle Doctor', a cooling westerly sea breeze that provides relief to the inhabitants of Perth on hot afternoons and evenings. Back I went to the Rolls-Royce air conditioning specialist the next day. This man was equipped and well-qualifi ed to help, but again, the issue would not Præclarvm 2-20 7801 News from the Registers

Going Electric: Twenty Topics No. 85 The January Edition of Practical Classics has a discussion on the electrification of classic cars! NRMA and Plates: It reports that the Federation Internationale des Most of us are interested in number plates. Vehicules Anciens (FIVA) states that vehicles The NRMA, NSW’s motorists' association, modified to run on electricity cannot be classed celebrates its Centenary this year and has as “historic”. The Federation of British Historic published a Centenary Edition of its magazine, Vehicle Clubs supports the stance of FIVA but its The Open Road. Of particular interest are the Chairman welcomes electrification of classics as different number plates issued over the period a positive development for the classic industry! illustrated by the photographs published. Some clubs are reported as not objecting Bob Clarke (ACT), who worked at the to electrification and many conversions are Department of Main Roads for many years, available for: the Mini and VW Beetle through told me that prior to 1923, number plates were to the E type and Aston Martins! white with black letters fitted to the rear of the There is a firm in England that has a proposal car. Those plates were withdrawn in 1923 and to fit a Phantom V with all electric propulsion. above: Geof Harrison has discovered that these black plates with white figures were issued The idea sounds like a lot of expense to devalue numbers, stamped on the tongues of his 20HP's having the same numerals as before. Very early the car. The Daily Mail in England of February bonnet locks, are for the lock's keys!. plates were quite large; whilst the white plates 5th has the line that “the latest eco-edict is for all motor so I have some first-hand experience. of the early 1920s were similar in appearance to new cars to be electric in just 15 years” followed The setup works fine in the yacht, indeed those issued currently. The dread yellow plates by an article by John Naish who comments, “We under motor, one would swear that one was issued in the 1950s and still the base plate for require massive amounts of new infrastructure to sailing. If I use the motor for about 3 hours, NSW, were the only alternative with earlier be built to support electric cars. We will need at which is about the limit of the batteries, the issues being recalled. least 25 million new roadside charging stations… solar panels take three days to recharge them. The Powerhouse Museum’s Burdekin Twenty and where will the electricity come from?” He That’s fine for the boat as I don’t use it every which was fitted with the black and white quotes The Engineer Magazine which says that day, but it highlights the fundamental problem number 4402 plate was required to surrender “charging an electric car at home with a medium with electric vehicles; the endurance is just it, but by agreeing to rivet the plate to the car, speed charger is like leaving the electric shower not there yet, especially in a country as big the Museum was permitted to keep it. That on all night. If just a few people in a street decided as ours. Batteries have a long way to improve resulted in the original attractive mounting to do that, it’d blow the local distribution fuse”. their range as has the ability to quickly and being scrapped so to keep the flame alive, I It is a case of a Government making a decision efficiently recharge them. Until electric is as fitted my Twenty’s plates in the same manner without considering the consequences. convenient as petrol, motorists will not buy it. as originally fitted to the Burdekin Twenty. It One can visualise city transport, such as Investors have bid up the price of Tesla was RROC member and father of David, Ray delivery trucks and buses, being electric as Shares to US917 and the Company has Neely (both NSW), who took court action to Thomas Edison did in 1914 which would be a never paid a dividend, so either they know retain the numbered plate fitted to his Duck step in the right direction and while Sydney something, or nothing! A recent Times article Back Alvis. I am sure that it was Ray’s success should never have ditched its trams, perhaps by Graham Ruddick states that the reason in that action that persuaded the Government trolley buses may be a good substitute. the shares have soared ”is the recognition that to drop its silly policy. Now motorists may have I have mentioned before that I have fitted an the skill of developing an internal combustion any plate they wish, all at a cost of course. electric motor to my small yacht as an auxiliary engine and managing a traditional automotive supply chain is different from building an electric Registrars computer on wheels”. Ruddick quoted Carlos Tavares, CEO of PSA Group (Peugeot Citroen), Bryan Inder, Registrar, Unit 27, The Pines, mob: 0414-665-563 as saying that the only people buying electric Silver Ghost Register 51-53 The Crescent, [email protected] cars were “green addicts”. The article continues Manly, NSW, 2095 ”change is happening, it’s just that predicting John Rowney, Registrar, PO Box 296, tel: 07-5554-6508 much else about the revolution is foolhardy.” Small Horsepower Register Broadbeach, QLD, 4218 [email protected] On the other hand, E-scooters are the coming mode of personal transport being Frank Carroll, Registrar, P.O. Box 6007, tel: 07-5446-6881 used for short trips in a number of European Derby Phantom Register Upper Mt Gravatt, QLD, 4122 [email protected] and US cities. In the UK, 60% of 18 to 24 year- Mal Henderson, Registrar, PO Box 150, tel: 02-9542-8401 olds would like to see them legalised. I hope Derby Bentley Register Caringbah, NSW, 1495 [email protected] that the riders are more responsible than the bike couriers in the 1980s. I was nearly skittled John Harriman, Registrar, 5 Moor Street, tel: 03-9598-6702 several times as they rode up O’Connell Street, Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn, Bentley Sandringham, VIC, 3191 [email protected] Sydney CBD, the wrong way. MkVI and R-Type Register I think it will be a while before we have to Geoffrey May, Registrar, 38 Gordon Street, tel: 03-5985-4774 line up at the pharmacy for bottles of petrol for Silver Cloud, Bentley S Series, Rye, VIC, 3941 [email protected] our Twentys! Phantom V and VI Register History in the Sheets of Rolls-Royce: Gareth Bryant, Registrar, 10 Heritage Court, mob: 0421-122-126 The Depot Sheets contain a wealth of Silver Shadow, Bentley T Series Macleod VIC, 3085 [email protected] fascinating information. Sheet 540(a) of and Derivatives Register 9/7/1926 and Hm.73 of 28/4/1928 relate to well base rims which were fitted to the Twenty from Bruce Duncan, Registrar, 5 Fadden Place, tel: 02-9487-3095 1926. Silver Spirit, Bentley Mulsanne and Wahroonga NSW, 2076 [email protected] Related Types (SMART) Register Sheet 540(a) states; “medium pressure tyres 31” x 5 ¼ with Well base rims have now Ralph Plarre, Registrar, 14 Riverview Road, mob: 0419-352-948 been approved. The actual tyre size is 32.45” All Rolls-Royce and Bentlley Essendon, VIC, 3040 [email protected] x 5.37” suitable for 21 “x 4 ½” wheels.” Why models - Post 2003 Register then did RR supply 21 x 3 ¼” Dunlop wheels 78027802 Præclarvm 2-20 News from the Registers

as standard? Those narrower wheels no Pierre Paulin. He was the nephew of Georges motoring is not allowed to be exported? doubt, lead to Sheet no Hm.73 which stated Paulin who designed the Bentley V Corniche Many years ago, the UK government passed that straight sided tyres, the only type being (1938). Georges also designed the first laws making it diffi cult to export items from available shortly before and after WWII, should mechanical retractable top. He was executed by the UK that were considered to be items of not be fitted to well base wheels; “The reason the Nazis as a member of the French Resistance importance. If an overseas purchaser bought for this is that the inner edges of the beading in 1941. Pierre was born in 1927, trained as an item, then it was required to be off ered on SS tyres is relatively sharp….when the tyre a sculptor, became an Interior Designer and to a local UK buyer at the same price. If no is fitted to the well base rim however, the sharp redecorated the private apartments of the UK buyer came forward with the rumoured edge of the beading overhangs the radius of Elysée Palace for President Pompidou in 1971. US$75 million and there was no hue and cry the rim where it dips down to form the well, During 1983, he furnished the office of President from the UK public then an export licence thus forming a recess where the tube is trapped Mitterrand. He died in 2009 and is remembered might be issued. and very rapidly becomes seriously damaged.” today for his chair designs. This vehicle has always been a great The dread pinch. Should the well base wheels Sparking ideas! ambassador for Rolls-Royce and the United supplied been 4½ inches wide as stated in In the last Twenty Topics, I mentioned that Kingdom touring the world and being Sheet 540(a) the trouble would not have arisen! Geof Harrison was trying out long-reach spark displayed at many motoring events. Over I have fitted the wider rims and have had no plugs in GPK42. He. has reported that the car many years it has been on show at the such trouble since, in addition the original scrub ran well on them. Whether there is a saving in Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club annual meet radius has been restored leading to lighter slow fuel consumption remains to be established. at various venues throughout England. The speed steering. Clearly there was a breakdown He has discovered that the key number to the fi rst photo with this article was taken in in communication somewhere at Rolls-Royce! bonnet locks is stamped on the tongues of the 1982 at Stanford Hall, near Loughborough, Depot Sheet no 486 of 6th November 1925, locks themselves. The number should be the at the annual RREC annual meet. The addresses the complaint of oil being flung same as that stamped inside the switch box biggest problem now is AX201 is in the from the Universal Joints. The quantity of oil to as the key to both was common. Should the custodianship of Bentley Motors and in be inserted in the joints was cut to half a gun numbers be different, that would indicate that truth is of no advantage to their marketing. I every 500 miles. Even so, due to wear, most cars either the switch box or the bonnet locks have did enquire as to the whereabouts of AX201 end up with a dreadful mess underneath. Duct been changed. It would be surprising, after all from the English Club but so far have not tape wound around the joint reduces the mess. these years for a car to have all its part numbers heard anything. (See the full story of its Though the joints go on forever, most are really correspond with those listed on the chassis recent sale on page 7785 of this edition of worn out. Replacements are no longer available cards as Rolls-Royce usually replaced worn or Præclarvm.) and it is pleasing to know that Hardy Spicer damaged parts with new. The store of spare The second photo of a Rolls-Royce joints are perfectly satisfactory, do not require parts, even in Australia was enormous. lubrication as they are sealed for life and do not below: Bryan Inder in 'The Silver Ghost' AX201 at Buyer beware: make any sort of mess. No one need ever know! Stanford Hall, near Loughborough, England in 1982. Buying second- hand vehicles has always below lower: The "mutton bird man" of Surfers Visiting the Gillings: been risky. Three weeks after I bought the Paradise Beach and his Rolls-Royce c1950s, but I recently visited Barrie and Margaret Twenty in 1959, a piston broke. A story told which model? Gillings (NSW) and among other discussions recently was about a single cylinder motorcycle. Barrie showed me their Twenty GZK12 (1926) It just would not start. Spark and compression which was a late arrival probably imported by were good, there was plenty of petrol. On Maurice Shmith who was behind York Motors, pulling it apart, it became clear that the the Sydney Rolls-Royce agents for many years. compression it had was due to the large spring It was rebodied by Martin and King in 1934. inserted between the head and the piston! The These bodies are going through a re-appraisal motor was completely worn out. and seen for what they are i.e. well-built, From: Concerning the 20 H.P. Rolls-Royce Car: comfortable saloons which have held up well. This particular car has a camping interior which “The 20 H.P. Rolls-Royce is a wonder car is tidy and the interior wood capping is first of supreme appeal to anyone capable of class. I have driven the car and it runs well, is discrimination.” Daily Chronicle 27/12/1922 silent and would appear to be comparatively David Davis (NSW) 42G1 low mileage. Alan Kelso, Jim’s brother, bought it in 1954 and didn’t use it a lot. Barrie and Margaret bought it some years ago and have not used it a lot either. Silver Ghost Register Another similar car is 1927 GAJ26 owned for many years by Bob Clarke (ACT). It is still fitted with its original saloon body by the Melbourne Where are they Motor Body and Assembling Company. It has a now? true vintage appearance especially viewed from ‘The Silver the front. Again, the bodywork has held up well. Ghost’ AX201 It has an attractive interior, is very comfortable Chassis # 60551 and drives well. It has not covered a large was rumoured mileage either. Both cars are representative to be sold for an of their time and therefore are well-worthy of astronomical sum preservation. The four speed Twenty gearing of money but I was designed to handle the heavier bodywork have heard nothing generally fitted. The three speed cars were since! setup for lighter bodies and were adapted Is it possible that to cope by lowering their differential ratio ‘The Silver Ghost’ which spoiled the gearbox. Fitted as originally AX201 because of designed, they are a delight. its valuable historic Pierre Paulin: interest to the UK A recent article on French design mentioned and their early Præclarvm 2-20 7803 News from the Registers

known to many from the 1950s, was owned As word spreads about the Coolum vehicles retained and circulate again - call by the “mutton bird man”. This Rolls-Royce Showroom of The Sir Henry Royce me if you could assist, as new custodians. was parked adjacent to the beach at Surfers Foundation, now barely 15 months old, I With Queensland Branch outings Paradise, Queensland. The owner was there receive phone calls and visits from older folk cancelled for two months, we'll be using the to provide beach goers with a spray of sun asking about "that Rolls-Royce museum.." time 'in isolation' to work on older motor tan oil from the back of his Rolls-Royce. His and I hear all sorts of stories about interesting cars! secret story, told to all, was that the spray vintage and veteran motor cars. Recently we I hope you and your family stay well! originated from the protective oil secreted added one more rare car to the 30 already on Frank Carroll (QLD) 39LF from the glands which protected mutton display - a rare 1924 Chevrolet "Superior F" bird’s beak. So you too could be protected Holden-bodied roadster, expertly restored on from the sun with this oil? He did a roaring the Sunshine Coast to 'Concours condition'. Derby Bentley Register trade! Almost as bad a story as the medicine I also heard of a very interesting 1926 Rolls- men in the wild west of the USA? Each year Royce 20 hp, GUK7, with replica body built the Rolls-Royce deteriorated slowly by rust by the late William Turner. This car has been Not much Derby stuff to report. from the salt air until it fi nally disappeared. undergoing recommissioning at Cooroibah ex Vincent, John Harriman and myself Can any Club Member determine the model on Queensland's Sunshine Coast by a friend of Rwere going to give a talk on the general of this Rolls-Royce or perhaps provide more the deceased owner and I saw it recently (as topic of “Buying and Owning a Pre-war to the story? it is for sale), in its eye-catching 'bright wattle' Company Car” at our Annual Rally. Looking forward to catching up with our livery. There were signifi cant numbers Register members when the world returns to The same estate has for sale a 1926 Rolls- expressing an interest for the seminar so normal and wishing everyone well Royce New Phantom 64LC tourer, again Bryan Inder (NSW) 12HG with body built by Mr Turner. The second vehicle (photos shown below) is stored at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsular. Derby Phantom Register Both are interesting cars and I encourage Club Members to consider acquiring these, really enjoy the Derby Phantoms and which have not been seen at Club events for I had pleasure in retuning to Coolum from many years. Brisbane in 39LF on 20th March, with new I am keen to see such important vintage Michelin tyres - she is a diff erent car! We were preparing for the three-day drive to right below: 2 views of the 926 Rolls-Royce Leura for the National Rally, unfortunately 20HP, GUK7, with replica body also built by the now cancelled. late William Turner. left and below lower: 3 views of the 1926 New Phantom, 64LC,with body by Mr Turner.

78047804 Præclarvm 2-20 News from the Registers

our rally made the decision that they couldn’t come and advised us when they made the decision. Luckily, he didn’t advise the airline and so when the airline cancelled his fl ight they had to refund the fare. I’m not sure if that applies elsewhere but its interesting. Consequentially, we haven’t cancelled our fl ights to Europe yet and don’t plan to do this until a few days prior to the actual day. Taking credit to fl y in 9 months’ time really is not of benefi t because their may be no event to attend. On work we are moving ahead and taking precautions. I am concerned for those who have lost their income and will do the best to support our guys with work for as long as the government allows us to. Being outside a country town helps us to meet the recommended precautions. The next year 2021 has had to be medical professor who lives next door said cancelled because the lead this is more dangerous than realized so be time for a European rally is very careful. close to 2 years. No one can Robyn and I wish everyone a long and guarantee there will be the healthy future. possibility of doing a rally in Mal Henderson (NSW) 2021. Payment of booking B111EJ, B201HM fees are signifi cant and are normally paid more that 12 months in advance, and Small Horsepower Register that is not economically wise nor practical at this point in time. Because WXA68 Progress: the 2021 20HP was well t is almost 12 months since I started to into planning the 2020 take the motor out of WXA68, which I rally couldn’t simply be I subsequently sent to Garth Selig at Repair postponed for a year. and Restorations Pty Ltd in Sydney for above top: The 2019 Pebble Beach Concours This probably means that the next 20HP repair. Previously, I have given a few details winning Derby Bentley looking very special in rally will be 2022, and that is obviously subject of what was progressing with this project, but the Californian sunshine. to key people surviving that long. Certainly a it looks like the work will not be completed above: A new ash frame of a drop head huge impact on our events worldwide. in time to get the engine reinstalled and get displayed at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours One thing to come out of it all is that the WXA68 ready for the Great Gatsby Rally. prior to being attached to the vehicle's chassis. only thing that moves more rapidly than the Maybe someone with a bit of competence virus is stupidity. could do the job in the limited time available, obviously lots of people thought Rex would One earlier discussion that has been had but it looks a little beyond me at this stage. be very interesting. Either that or they were within the club is the age of our membership. However, I have had off ers of help from looking forward to me stirring them up! With No details or statistics have been available fellow RROCA Qld Branch members – much that, all off it saved me actually planning until now. appreciated and they will be the reason if how I was going to do it. It also means we WXA68 surfaces at the Rally. won't see all the people whom we so look The registration form for the NSW rally forward to seeing every year, very sad but had a box for applicants to fi ll re age and while I also have some other items apart from the unavoidable. not all registrations were completed with engine rebuild to be fi nalised before I fi nish off this, over 87% included the details of the 320 the Wraith. I have a number of timber panels Given the almost certain business crisis people registered. that have been sent off for refurbishment, that the shut down is causing (and I think it but unfortunately, a source of a replacement will get worse) we cannot even be certain 72% were over 60. 89% were over 50. Only 2% in the 40 to 50 age group which was a veneer is yet to be found. Also, leather work that the various venues will still be in and other trimming needs to be completed. business (in their current form) in a year's surprise. time, or even open for business. 9.4% were over 80. 10.1% were under 50. I have been trying to repair the original Given that 2% were under driving age the 80 wind-up clock behind the division for two On cancelled events, the RREC 20 HP rally years. It worked well before being mounted to Austria was cancelled, so Robyn and I will year old’s outnumbered the under 50 driving group. in the timber panel, but would not work when not be able to attend that event and several mounted. I have given the clock to the clock The largest age group was 60 to 69 with others we had planned to attend in Britain. repairer, with the clock still installed in its 35% of the registrations, not surprisingly. That is ignoring that we probably would original timber section. Hopefully he will sort not be allowed to fl y and it would not be The information does provide some the problem out soon. Currently the movement wise. background if the club’s decision makers wish mechanism is not connected to the main body I know nothing about COVID-19 (unlike to consider it. and the clock hands are looking like orphans all the “personalities” who are now experts, On cancellations and refund of bookings fl oating around the dial as shown in the photo. and copies of secret emails with “verifi able” and travel payments there are some interesting I have had the electric Smith clock on advice), but its impact on events is very reactions. Generally travel insurance doesn’t the front dashboard restored by Lionel Otto signifi cant. cover cancellations due to pandemics. Instruments in Brisbane and it is now running As an example the 20 HP rally planned for One English Gentleman who was coming to faultlessly. This clock is electric powered, but Præclarvm 2-20 7805 News from the Registers

Small HP Crankshaft HP crankshaft by hand and he has measured Comparisons a .002” to .003” defl ection, which is not really When I fi rst sent the possible for a crankshaft from the SG or the engine of my Wraith Wraith. WXA68 to Garth for a total Wraith Owners Handbook on the Net overhaul, he gave me some With much help from Margaret and very considered advice. He Chris Gillings, we have now got the Wraith said that with engines like Owners Handbook on the RROCA website. those in Small Horsepower The link is https://rroc.org.au/wiki/index. vehicles, I would need to php?title=Technical:Wraith and it can be be very cautious when I printed out if needed. ran the motor in after it There are still some gaps in the Owners was restored. He said that Handbook on-line library. If you have a copy I would need to ensure of a Handbook which hasn’t been listed, that I never laboured the please let me know and I can arrange to get engine while running it copied and posted on the website. it in. In his experience, the crankshafts of the Keep well in this time of Coronavirus small HP engines were restrictions. not suffi ciently robust John Rowney (Qld) to undertake labouring WXA68, B25KL, DRH32489. during running-in in particular. However, when Garth Silver Cloud, Bentley S Series, stripped WXA68’s engine down, he saw that the Phantom V and VI Register crankshaft was basically the same as a Mk VI Bentley. In fact, as I have Latest Information on the Combined Silver Cloud and Silver Shadow Registers Getaway drive to Merimbula and the Candelo Show : he joint weekend away with the Shadow TRegister to Merimbula and Candelo in January had to be postponed because of the tragic fi res destroying much of the Eden Valley and consequently the closure of the Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance. The directors of the Candelo Show ,which was to have been on the 18-19th January, are keeping in touch with us as they are excited to have us attend the Show as their Guests, so we hope to be motoring to Merimbula about mid year, subject to COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. Gareth Bryant, Registrar of the Shadow Register, has put a great deal of eff ort in organising this event and it has been an absolute pleasure working with him. Cloud and S Series talks in Melbourne: On March 1st I presented an overview to above top: The division clock from John members on the Silver Cloud & derivatives mentioned previously, Wraiths need to have Rowney's WXA68, showing its floating hands at Bill Allsep House: “Facts, Figures and the conrods replaced with Mk VI Bentley now being repaired Fraternity”. Following the talk we enjoyed conrods and use the appropriate Mk VI big an inspection of John Baker's 1955 S, above centre: The electrically powered dash end bearings, since original big end bearings clock from WXA68 that you can hear as you B424AN, and Rodd Levy’s S3 Continental, are no longer available. It looks like I won’t BC114XA, on the hoist at Lionel Gell School drive along. have to be so meticulous ensuring that I don’t above: A comparison of the 3 crankshafts of Instruction, and the fun continued with a labour the engine when I run it in. Whew! great barbecue ably prepared by Stephen mentioned in the Small Horsepower Register To illustrate the diff erence between Report: the top one is from a 20HP, the middle Young. crankshafts, the photo shows the crankshafts from a Wraith and lowest one from a Silver Following requests from members unable Ghost. of three particular examples. In the foreground to attend my talk, it will be published in is a Silver Ghost crankshaft partially installed Præclarvm in the near future. unlike modern clocks, the electric motor in its crankcase. In the middle is Wraith winds up a main spring every now and then, WXA68’s crankshaft, while at the rear is the Going forward, I would like to hear more and the clock continually ticks over to keep crankshaft from a 20 HP engine. Clearly, the snippets of Cloud/S/PV&VI anecdotes from excellent time. Yes, you can hear the clock Silver Ghost crankshaft is extremely robust, members for the Registrar's Report. ticking in this Rolls-Royce despite it being and the Wraith’s crankshaft also has a robust I look forward to continuing the Registrar's electrically powered! The photo shows design. The 20 HP crankshaft, in comparison, role for the next 12 months. what a chunky device this clock is, with a has a comparatively less robust construction. Geoff rey May (Vic) deceptively small dial and a large body. Garth tells me that he can readily bend a 20 SWA148 78067806 Præclarvm 2-20 News from the Registers

a whisk to turn Shadow & T Register the sanitizer into 2020 SMART RUN TO MUDGEE a gel. Following an enjoyable and pleasant few days of driving on quiet • Pour the back roads in and around Orange , NSW last year we are looking Register Trip to South East NSW. ingredients into to again enjoy our cars and the company of like-minded an empty bottle embers will be well aware of the members in late October 2020 around the Mudgee, NSW area. Mcancellation of our planned early 2020 for easy use, and trip to Merimbula. To avoid repeating the label it “hand Sunday October 25 to Wednesday 28, 2020 information, please see the Geoff rey May's sanitizer.” Our intent is to organise and plan a few days and book various Happy Motoring! Cloud Register Report for the latest on the interesting activities with a decision on 1 October if we can Gareth Bryant postponed trip. continue or should cancel due to the continuance of the Silver Shadow and Derivative owners: (Vic) SRH24334 insidious virus now raging across the world. Like many of you, as a business owner, we Loosely this is the plan so far: are facing unprecedented times. The last - Meet for lunch on Sunday 25, October, two weeks has probably been the most - Accommodation at Perry St Hotel, Mudgee, challenging and stressful time I have ever SMART https://www.perrystreethotel.com.au experienced in my career. We are faced Register - Evening visit to Mudgee Observatory, with making hard decisions on how best - Explore Hill End and its local mining museum October SMART to set up our businesses to ensure we do including a look underground, Weekend: come out on the other side when we beat - Visit the Turon Technology Museum, this invisible enemy. lease see the - Enjoy some of Mudgee’s quality restaurants for display ad for our interesting meals, Unfortunately, most of the decisions I P SMART weekend - Drive along sealed, quiet back roads, have had to make have been around the away in October, - Head for our respective homes on future of our people and their employment hopefully after the Wednesday 28 October. with our company, as they are the most world has returned important part of any organisation. Perry St Hotel is a boutique hotel with excellent accommodation. to near normal There is no diff erence to when it comes Currently we have a hold on all 13 of the hotel’s rooms. Already after everyone we have 8 room bookings so be quick - although if you ring to book to our wonderful car club. I have to say the has complied to support we are giving each other in the club and they are full, please ring me for recommended alternatives. the self isolation If you would like to join us in the hope the world will be more over the past weeks has been fantastic. requirements started sensible by late October, please book your accommodation Be it the odd phone call to see how we are in mid-March. going, or needing a box of Baby Wipes - a and let me know your plan to join us, and that your We are planning story for another day! accommodation has been booked. a weekend away in Like me, some of you possibly have not Mudgee NSW and For more information or to confi rm your booking please contact felt “right” about pulling your PMC out I am interested in Bruce Duncan, [email protected] of the garage and taking it for a spin. On knowing if more All members and cars welcome. Sunday last, I decided I needed to cheer members wish to myself up and went for a long drive. I can join us for the time. tell you, it was not only good for me, but A great tour is being organised. Please let Federal Rally cancelled. It is a good thing when I made a couple of stops along the me know at the email in the ad if you are we have our wonderful car club friends way I was reminded how our cars often put interested. and associated activities to keep us on the smiles on peoples’ faces. Bruce Duncan (NSW) go with at least a bit of cheer coming from Like its owner, my car has a drinking B255LH, ASK26816 cheaper fuel prices! problem and the fi rst stop was for petrol. It was with surprise that I learnt that the While fi lling up, I noticed the kids in the car normally huge Geneva motor show was next to me were smiling as they closely Post 03 Register cancelled due to the virus with the result admired my 'old girl'. Even in traffi c I noticed that all car companies are relying more on a few more smiles than usual and I even got their global media platforms to showcase a couple of thumbs up along the way. new models and technology, a trend that So let us all get out there and take the Greetings post ’03 enthusiasts – and all. will only accelerate with the recent events. time to enjoy what we have. hat a start to the year! First below: The new Bentley Continental GTC at the Please all stay safe, and help get the Wbushfi res, then fl oods and now the Bentley Drivers' Club run to a property on the “virus' curve” fl attened. hugely impactful Coronavirus with our Mornington Peninsular thanks to Lance Dixon Hand Sanitiser Recipe: Bentley. My daughter shared this recipe with me and I would like to share it with you all: What you’ll need: • 3/4 cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent) • 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel (to help keep your hands smooth and to counteract the harshness of alcohol) • 10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender oil, or you can use lemon juice instead Directions: • Pour all ingredients into a bowl, ideally one with a pouring spout like a glass measuring container. • Mix with a spoon and then beat with Præclarvm 2-20 7807 News from the Registers

As a result, I think that the lovely glossy our beloved companies which will will lining. The colour scheme is a light Selby- brochures and printed matter that Bentley be disturbed by the Coronavirus forcing grey top section with a dark metallic and Rolls-Royce produced so well, are now factory closures, aff ecting their supply Granite-grey lower section with a very light almost a thing of the past – so make sure chains. grey interior and some beautiful polished you hang on to any that you may have! In the meantime, our dear friends brass highlights. I was lucky enough to see So now onto things super positive and at Rolls-Royce have been busy in the the only one to come to Melbourne and exciting. First up is Bentley news and “bespoke department”. The most recent took some photos to show you. It is quite our thanks again must go to Dale Clency edition being the Wraith Eagle VIII, which is magnifi cent and found a new lucky owner and the team at Lance Dixon Bentley a limited run of 50 special Wraiths with an the night it was revealed! in Melbourne for allowing us to sample aeronautical theme. Some of the beautiful - as ever Go well! the new Bentley Continental GTC for a features include the “milky way” embossed Ralph Plarre (Vic) weekend. It was particularly appropriate onto the timber dash and a constellation (BE748571, AD907238, BAB15561) in that there were two very good Bentley with hand embroidered clouds in the roof car events on over the weekend we had the car. The Saturday involved a run with the Bentley Drivers Club to a lovely property on the Mornington Peninsula. The weather was spectacular, and I think the members were very happy to see the fabulous standard of open-air motoring that Bentley Motors is producing today. The following day was the annual “British and European” car display at the Yarra Glen racecourse. This event, organized by the RACV and AOMC is always a great day and as the weather was still fantastic (remember this is Melbourne!!) I decided to take my “new for me” 1935 Derby Bentley DHC as well as the new GTC. A quick phone call and a very excited extra driver was found without diffi culty! The drive across the Christmas Hills on that crisp cool morning with both cars was, as they say in the classics, “as good as it gets”! And, in answer to Mal Henderson’s query regarding the “chick pulling” properties of a Derby Drophead, I drove alone, undisturbed, in total peace and happiness – so the question must remain unanswered!! It is an interesting observation that the Derby Bentley DHC is the fi rst open topped Bentley built under the stewardship of Rolls-Royce, and the GTC is the fi rst open topped Bentley built under the stewardship of Audi-Volkswagen. Thankfully both excellent stewards! The car we had was the “launch edition” with all possible options and a magnifi cent colour scheme of Diamond White exterior with “cricket ball” pleated and embossed interior. A lovely combination and a magnifi cent sight to behold that quickly attracted a lot of attention. All who drove the car agreed that the new GTC combined amazing handling combined with lovely ride quality and stunning performance. A magnifi cent drophead for all occasions. The coming year is going to see an amazing array of new vehicles from right top: The Wraith Eagle VIII, one of a limited run of 50 with an aeronautical theme loaned thanks to Rolls-Royce Motorcars Melbourne. right centre: The constellations of the stars on the roof lining of the Wraith, including hand embroidered clouds. right: The golden “milky way” embossed into the timber dash of the Wraith. 7808 Præclarvm 2-20 Book Review

he took his Barker limousine Phantom III, 3AX195, as well as two Wraiths. The cars were maintained by Appleby and Ward. Steve Stuckey’s fi rst book was with Nick Whitaker, 'The Rolls-Royce Phantom II and Phantom III'. Nick Whitaker contributed the Phantom II section. It was published in 2000 by Bernard King as part of his magnifi cent Complete Classic series. This is the foundation work on the Phantom III. From the date the chassis was completed, to the coachbuilder and the style of coachwork the fi rst owner ordered, it is all recorded in meticulous detail. Next in 2015 came ‘The Spectre Arises’, the defi nitive tome on the Phantom III. It does sound like the title of a James Bond movie, as one reviewer quipped. In fact, ‘Spectre’ was the code name for the Phantom III ROLLS-ROYCE and ADVERTISING THE in its experimental stages. It is an elegant BENTLEY in the book by Davide Bassoli’s Nubes Argentea 80s and 90s ROLLS-ROYCE publishing company. Steve Stuckey has PHANTOM III teamed up again with Davide Bassoli by Richard Vaughan by Steve Stuckey for this book as part of ‘The Advertising Series’. Davide Bassoli has already written lulu.com, 2020 and published ‘Advertising the Rolls- 240 pages, color illustrations, Published by Davide Bassoli, Royce and Bentley S Series’. softcover Nubes Argentea, 2019. Steve Stuckey lives in Canberra and is a member of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club List Price: us$ 98 175 pages, 280 advertisments. of Australia. He joined the NSW Branch ISBN-13: 978-1794866829 Available, € 95.00 plus P&P by in 1972 and the ACT Branch in 1990. In any of these models are still on the road contacting email address: 2006 he generously contributed four Mand still looking sleek and stylish. Filled articles to Præclarvm to mark 70 years of with detailed information and attractive the sales production of the Phantom III. images, this book is a good resource for those teve Stuckey is passionate about They ran from the August 2006 issue to interested in them. Anyone considering the SRolls-Royce Phantom IIIs, all 727 of February 2007. I was the editor at the time purchase of one may be astounded by the them, though he does have a favourite, and it was a singular privilege to present many and expensive problems endemic to which we shall come to. He is the world 25 pages covering exterior and interior these cars. authority on this model, which was in colour schemes, advertising and original The last Rolls-Royce Silver Spur rolled off production from 1936 to 1940, with sales owners. We also found out which of the the line over twenty years ago, but these cars up until 1942. It was the Company’s fi rst 727 Phantom IIIs he would most like to still look regal and contemporary. Thumbing and only 12-cylinder pre-World War II car. own – a stunning Vanvooren drophead through auction catalogs and the like, we An historian by training and an archivist coupe on chassis 3CM81. fi nd these cars are readily available, often by profession, Steve Stuckey has pursued ‘Advertising the Rolls-Royce Phantom the prices are astoundingly low. Perhaps you this passion for over 30 years. Fortunately III’ is as much as anything a picture book are in the market. Perhaps you would just for Rolls-Royce enthusiasts this pursuit and great fun. The back cover with an like to know and understand the Silver Spirit has found its way into print and this is his advertisement of a chauff eur carrying a and its derivatives. Perhaps you are a keen third book on the Phantom IIIs. case of whiskey back to the Phantom III is Rolls-Royce enthusiast who wants as much The impressive total of 280 just delightful – the line is “Knowledgeable information as possible about the various advertisements are about half of the people buy ‘Imperial’ and they buy it by models, with their permutations, that the collection that Steve Stuckey has the case.” There are other gems. However, Rolls-Royce company has manufactured. amassed. The fi rst group are those the commentary with the advertisements This book, then, is for you. placed by the Advertising Committee of refl ects his eye for detail and drawings of the Company. Then the coachbuilders’ cars which were never made or number Richard Vaughan, a professional advertisements by Hooper, Park plates that were fi ctitious don’t escape automotive designer, is a long-time owner Ward, Barker and others. Dealers’ scrutiny. of a variety of Rolls-Royce and Bentley advertisements are represented notably There is an index of the advertisements. motorcars, and he is active in the Rolls- by Jack Barclay Ltd., which sold one Chassis numbers, advertisers, magazines/ Royce Owners’ Club. more Phantom III than Rolls-Royce itself. newspapers and dates of publication are This is his fi fth book on the modern Foreign advertisements include those listed. A nice example of the attention RR/B, and there is some repetition, but it from France and from the Sydney Rolls- to detail which is the hallmark of Steve includes much more. The book is generously Royce agents, Appleby and Ward. Stuckey’s research and writing. illustrated with individual car portraiture, The Company’s Advertising This is a book, not so much for the detail shots, advertisements, brochures, Committee frequently used the line “The bookcase, but rather for the coff ee table. and in-factory photos. We especially like Best Car in the World” though it was not Delve into it from time to time to be the beautifully rendered wash drawings coined by them, but by a journalist. At this transported to Phantom IIIs in the English reproduced from the marketing brochures. time Daimler still held the Royal Warrant countryside, in picturesque villages, There is a brief history of the development so the Advertising Committee was keen in front of crumbling ruins, in London of this series; a detailed, illustrated year- to capitalise when the Dukes of Kent and glittering by night or on the French by-year listing of the Silver Spirit and Silver Gloucester bought Phantom IIIs. When Riviera - before the world descended into Spur refi nements; a listing and description the Duke of Gloucester assumed the offi ce madness for a second time last century. of all the SZ models; and production fi gures. of Australian Governor-General in 1945 David Neely (NSW) Recommended. Bill Wolf (speedreaders.info) Præclarvm 2-20 7809 Market Place - Classifi ed Advertising

1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, Park Ward (SRH25222) considerable money spent on (SRH17475) In near perfect condition. I'm Limousine (WAB37) Been in our family since engine rebuild and new upholstery, overall in retiring and need to scale down. Looked after for 1976 and maintained by John Vawser Motors for good condition, drives well. However, small the last 10yrs by John Vawser. Price: $35,000.00. over 30 years. It is reliable and a pleasure to transmission leak and body would benefi t from Contact Bob on bob2dsrprestige.com.au drive. The body and back seat upholstery are attention to scratches and blemishes. Car would original. Price $60,000. Contact: Heather, 0431- suit new owner, to spend time on improving solid 067-994; email: [email protected]. car. Car in Tassie. Price: $20,000. Phone Andrew au 0419-221-147

1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche MPW DHC (DRH50551). New fully reconditioned motor has done minimal mileage with new carburettor 1972 Corniche FHC (CRH13134) Superb providing lively performance. Hood mounting at 1986 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit (ASG14361) Ivory coachwork (bare metal re-spray in 2015) rear perfectly as when new, after full restoration Striking colour. Interior in excellent condition with with dark burgundy interior. Body and paintwork by a skilled craftsman. Drives very well. A most lambs wool rugs Paint generally in good order. A in excellent condition, interior very good, attractive and eye catching vehicle commanding lovely vehicle to drive handles very well. Serviced mechanically very strong and no expense spared much attention. Price: $115,000 Phone John regularly and maintained in best order. Price: in regular servicing and maintenance. Concours 0418-818-588 $35,000 ono Phone John: 0418-818-588 potential with some minor tweaks. No tool kit. Price: $78,000 Club plates not transferable. 1987 Bentley Turbo R Contact Greg on 0402-009-901 (BRK25183) Attractive Silver with Grey leather piped in red, this Turbo R is in very good condition, 135,700km. Drives exceptionally well, mechanically very sound delivering smooth and effortless power. Carpets, upholstery and wood trim in Præclarvm excellent condition. Car is in Tassie. Price: $30,000, Phone Advertising Andrew: 0419-221-147 Information: Classified advertisements must be factual and accurate. Persons misrepresenting cars, parts or services will be denied further use of this space. Ads for cars for sale must include chassis number and asking price. Ads may be edited to optimise use of available space and to conform to a standard format, and may be rejected at the discretion of the Editor without discussion. Photographs: Digital prints are preferred, please forward by email or CD. Dealers: Parties dealing in motor cars must, where required by law, quote their dealer’s licence number and comply with all other statutory requirements relating to their advertising. 1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur LWB (ANK24563). 101000km, white (original)/beige Cost: Full Page: $600; Half Page $320; Quarter Page $160. Ads with photograph with picnic tables. Coveted 20000 series. Maintained are free to non-trade members and are placed in up to two consecutive issues. by John Vawser Motors. All major mechanicals Non-members are charged $38 (inc. GST) for ad and photograph. Trade ads at overhauled in recent years, but driver's seat leather commercial rates. Where applicable, cheques made payable to RROCA must requires attention. Includes heads-up speedo, CD/ accompany advertising copy. Send ads to the Editor at: DVD and reversing camera. Car in Sydney. Price: 1630 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, VIC, 3146. $35,000 ono. Contact Brett 0408-303-225 or email [email protected] Mob: 0401-987-808 Tel: 03-9886-9024. Email: [email protected] For Sale: 5 Lester 6.00/6.50 – 17” whitewall tyres, suit late-30s Wraith or Note: Præclarvm allows advertisements to support owners/enthusiasts and Bentley. Purchased 2019 while waiting to allow businesses to promote themselves and make people aware of the for Coker Firestone tyres which had services they off er. Præclarvm cannot and does not recommend or endorse production halt. Both sets arrived the advertising businesses or off er any comment on the quality of the services same time, so Lesters now available. provided. Anyone contacting these services should satisfy themselves in the Lester tyres have very similar look to normal way as to the standard of services off ered, by asking for references if Dunlops of the late 30s. $1250 for necessary. the 5, plus delivery from the Gold Coast. Phone John 0413-676-833 or Next deadline: 15 May 2020 for the June 2020 Edition. [email protected] 78107810 Præclarvm 2-20

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