WINTER 2021

ISSUE NO. 141

MAGAZINE DISCLAIMER This is the official Magazine of the 48-FJ Holden Club of S.A. Inc. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the correctness and accuracy of the information contained herein, be it of a general or technical nature, no responsibility can be accepted by the 48-FJ Holden Club of S.A. Inc. as a result of such information. The views expressed in the articles in this publication are the views of the author/s and are not necessarily the views of the Committee, Editors or Club Members.

2020-2021 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

LIFE MEMBERS: Craig Price Don Lines +

Adrian Mander + Peter Papageorgiou

PRESIDENT: Bob Wilkeson 0414 384 716

SECRETARY: Simon Brewer 0404 855 774

TREASURER: John Nitschke 0407 400 326

VICE PRESIDENT: Tony Hitchin 0418 818 789

PUBLIC OFFICER: John Nitschke 0407 400 326

AUDITOR: Gavin Woolford 0438 804 321

MEET & GREET: Don Loffler 0408 612 738

SPARES: Steve Gehlken 0421 852 451

Peter Papageorgiou 0401 121 368

SOCIAL COMMITTEE: Debbi & Steve Gehlken Deb & Rob Seidel

Simon Brewer Leanne & Malcolm Caire

Debra & Wayne West

A.E.H.F. DELEGATES: Kym Gregory/Tony Hitchin Don Loffler (reserve)

F.H.M.C. DELEGATE: Tony Hitchin 0418 818 789

HISTORIC REGISTRAR: Peter Papageorgiou 0401 121 368

CLUB VEHICLE INSPECTORS: Frank McHugh Peter Papageorgiou

Owen Smith Bob Wilkeson

LIBRARIAN: John Liersch 0417 854 322

DOCUMENT SECRETARY: Don Loffler 0408 612 738

PHOTO ALBUM: Wendy & Bruce Cussans 0458 302 550

MAGAZINE EDITORS: Deb & Rob Seidel 0424 048 215

KITCHEN MANAGER: Jeanette Hardy 0409 975 454

RISK MANAGEMENT: Daren Isemonger 0409 799 364

WEB MASTER / FACEBOOK: Simon Brewer 0404 855 774

48-FJ Holden Club of S.A. Inc. PO BOX 2590 KENT TOWN BUSINESS CENTRE S.A. 5071 Email: [email protected] Website: www.48fjholdenclubofsa.org.au 2 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

G’day again to all of our members. Winter is nearly upon us and I suspect quite a few of you will be tucking your vehicles away until we see sunshine again. For those of you who will still be exercising our treasures during the coming months, please give consideration to joining other like members partaking in the runs being organized by our hardworking social club committee.

We have the President’s run to the Birdwood Mill on 20th June and bowling in August.

Our club numbers and cars on Historic Registration continue to grow, and the club is in a very healthy financial position heading towards the AGM.

Finally, please think about participating in our various club committees – new faces are always welcome – and indicate any interest you may have before the AGM on July 13th.

Best wishes to you all,

Bob Wilkeson ______

MANDER MEANDER 2021 ERN 19/21

BURRA and CLARE

Friday October 1ST to Monday October 4TH

Join us on a great Meander visiting Burra, Clare, Blyth and Kapunda

Staying at the Paxton Square cottages in Burra

Visiting Bungaree Station, historical Kapunda, catching up with country members in Blyth, Clare and Peterborough

Exploring the beautiful Clare Valley

More information to come. Expressions of interest are now invited

For any enquiries call Debbi 0413 902 181 or Steve 0421 852 451

3 FROM THE EDITORS

This time last year, who would have thought that Covid would still be affecting our lives? Thankfully in Australia, and particularly here in South Australia, we continue to remain much less impacted than many other countries around the world. So far…let’s hope that remains the case. However, we all certainly have a great deal of sympathy for our Victorian neighbours for all the lockdowns they have endured.

As we write this, we’ve not long returned from a wonderful club weekend in Kadina, with one of the highlights being our participation in the Copper Coast Classic Cavalcade. Huge thanks to Simon and Nina Brewer for organizing such a fabulous trip. Other social events since last magazine include: Classics on the Park, and All GM Day at Gawler. Read all the great reports and enjoy the photos!

A very noteworthy event has only just occurred as we go to print. Our highly esteemed member, Don Loffler, has been awarded an immensely well-deserved Life Long Historian Award from the History Council of SA for his 30 years of dedicated research, culminating in the publication of numerous books that are such a valuable and comprehensive record of the Holden car from its inception. Thanks to the members who alerted us to this in time for an article and photo to be included here in the Winter issue.

Other items we know you will find of interest in this magazine: • A photo gallery of before and after pictures (or then and now) of some members’ cars – thanks to those who were able to dig out their “before” photos in particular – some great shots! • An article written following a wonderful interview with Liz Gibson about her magnificent FX that has had a very significant history. An absorbing read! • A feature about Ron and Karen Brock who we visited at their property in Waikerie – plus some photos and descriptions of FX and FJ car bodies and parts that they are putting up for sale. • An introduction to Mark Wakefield by Don Loffler. • Also by Don, a behind the scenes exposé of Cos Monterosso’s FX restoration. • “Behind the Wheel” from Simon Brewer.

That’s just a sample of what awaits you! There are of course all the usual inclusions, plus a list of duties of committee members in preparation for the upcoming AGM. Please also note the inclusion of nomination forms for the AGM. Do have a think about nominating for a position. Plenty of helpful advice and support is available for those new to a position – and it’s a great way to meet other people in the Club and to feel like you are making a contribution.

As usual, we hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Keep warm and well!

Deb and Rob Seidel

Deb: Ph: 0404 804 326 Rob: Ph: 0424 048 215 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

LIST OF CONTENTS:

Social Calendar ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Classics on the Park …………………...... …...... 8

All GM Day……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..12

Short Weekend to Kadina…………………………………………………………………………………………..15

Behind the Wheel……………………………………………………………………………………………………..24

Liz Gibson’s Black Beauty…………………………………………………………………………………………..27

A Waikerie Experience……………………………………………………………………………………………….30

Before & After or Then & Now………………………………………………………………………………………32

Brocks’ Cars and Parts Sale………………………………………………………………………………………..44

Dictionary of Lost (Holden) Words………………………………………………………………………………...47

4

ERN 12/21

PRESIDENT’S RUN

Sunday 20th June

National Motor Museum Birdwood

Meet at 8:45am for a 9:00am departure. Park cars surrounding the small reserve on the corner of Gill Terrace and Jikara Drive. (Gill Tce. is the second on the left after heading up onto the South Eastern Freeway. It is just before the Tollgate.)

We will initially be visiting Gerrie and Kevin Ratsch’s residence and workshop in Woodside to view their Holden ute collection. Morning tea will be provided.

We are then booked in to the Birdwood Museum carpark at 12:00pm, with lunch to be either BYO, or purchase from the two bakeries across the road from the museum and eaten on the lawns near our cars. Dining at the Blumberg (Birdwood) Hotel is also an option.

We will then meet at the museum entrance at 1:00pm.

Entry to the museum is free to all club members so please wear your badges for ID. Viewing time in the museum is unlimited.

5

SOCIAL CALENDAR - CLUB EVENTS 2021

Debbi Gehlken, Social Committee Reporter

JUNE: Monday 14th Club Meeting 8.00pm, Club Rooms, Port Rd ERN 11/21 Sunday 20th President’s Run ERN 12/21

JULY: Monday 12th Club Meeting 8.00pm, Club Rooms, Port Rd ERN 13/21 Saturday 17th Pie/Pasty/Soup Night at Club Rooms ERN 14/21

AUGUST: Monday 9th Club Meeting 8.00pm, Club Rooms, Port Rd ERN 15/21 Sunday 15th Ten Pin Bowling Day and Lunch ERN 16/21

SEPTEMBER: Monday 13th Club Meeting 8.00pm, Club Rooms, Port Rd ERN 17/21 Saturday 18th Run to Langhorne Creek ERN 18/21

OCTOBER: Fri 1st – Mon 4th Mander Meander to Burra and Clare ERN 19/21 Monday 11th Club Meeting 8.00pm, Club Rooms, Port Rd ERN 20/21

NOVEMBER: Monday 8th Club Meeting 8.00pm, Club Rooms, Port Rd ERN 21/21 Sunday 28th Holden Anniversary Cruise ERN 22/21

DECEMBER: Saturday 4th Club Christmas BBQ ERN 23/21 Monday 13th Club Meeting 8.00pm, Club Rooms, Port Rd ERN 24/21 Bring a plate of supper to share

Please Note: All events are subject to change.

For more information please contact Debbi : 0413 902 181 or a Social Committee Member ______

IN MEMORY OF ANDREW SOAR

It was with sadness that I announced the death of Andrew at our March meeting. Andrew had been a member with his wife Janice since 2005 and passed away on 5th March aged 72 years.

Andrew was a well known and respected member of our club and we had at least two club visits to his home at Strathalbyn during that time, most recently at a short weekend when he and Janice hosted a barbeque for the participating members. Andrew was very pleased to show his collection of memorabilia, his cars and Janice’s wonderful fabric works.

Janice has advised she will continue her membership and keep the FX ute on our Historic Registration scheme.

CONDOLENCES

With sadness we have also heard of Peter Papageorgiou’s mother passing away on May 25th 2021. The club sends condolences to Peter and his family.

Bob Wilkeson 6 FORTHCOMING CELEBRATIONS

BIRTHDAYS

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

4th Liz Sleep 1st Russell Franklin 1st Neville Shugg

5th Cory Shillabeer 8th Cos Monterosso 3rd Ben Shadgett

5th Janice Soar 9th Max Freeman 4th Sandy Shugg

13th Bruce Robertson 11th David Sutcliffe 6th Mick Bowyer

15th Janine Greenshields 13th John Nitschke 6th Barbara Rosser

16th Colin Gore 14th John Hams 8th Nina Brewer

17th Dino Mazzocato 18th Tom Turbill 10th Con Markos

19th Bruce Cussans 19th Lynton Schwark 10th Dennis Southern

21st Julie Gaghan 27th Meryn Lang 13th Vera Moyle

28th Ron Brock 14th Rob Seidel

16th Liz Gibson

19th Karen Brock

19th Maria Monterosso

27th Geoffrey Asher

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

AUGUST

John & Pauline Nitschke: 56th Anniversary on 28th August

SEPTEMBER

Ken & Pat Symons: 60th Anniversary on 2nd September (1961)

Ron & Karen Brock: 51st Anniversary on 19th September

APOLOGIES to Con and Athen Markos for omitting their anniversary in May.

EDITORS’ NOTE:

If we have omitted your birthday or anniversary date, or have recorded the wrong information, please advise us so that these special occasions can be listed correctly in the next relevant issue.

7 THORNDON PARK – CLASSICS ON THE PARK Sunday 28th March 2021

A perfect March day greeted us as 11 member cars gathered at Thorndon Park, Paradise for the 2nd "Classics on the Park" event. Everyone was right on time so we assembled together with all chrome gleaming towards the sun in a pretty good line. In fact, it was a real showpiece and I reckon a true highlight of the show. Glen Nalty left his car at home and instead drove Heather Mander's car there (with Heather of course!). It was a true delight to see both Heather and her beautiful FJ joining us for this event.

Breaking slightly from club traditions, Daren Isemonger brought his stunning EJ sedan out on a club run. We all know his exceptional FJ sedan and his high standards, so this car fitted in perfectly and we were all glad he could join us. And yes, he's been busy collecting EJ keepsakes of the era and had them out for display too. I guess his next purchase will be a pristine HJ!

After settling in we headed across to The Rezz Hotel for a casual breakfast. Since the 2019 event, The Rezz has had a severe case of "wrecking ballitis" as they perform a major rebuild, but they still have a small café operating that was comfortable enough and the food and coffee were a great start to the day. We were very glad to be joined by some other club members at this stage who weren't showing their cars, including Trevor & Cheryl Wingard

Luckily we scored the same position at Thorndon Park as last time, which meant we had some nice shade areas behind our cars where we could settle in with our chairs. Debbi & Steve Gehlken used the ample space in the back of their outstanding FJ baker's van to bring the club banners, so we were well branded

8 too for our display. During the day many people came along to admire the cars and take numerous photos, which always makes for great conversation and a great day.

One attendee showing a car near us was Mick Monterosso, brother of new member Cos. He attended a meeting recently and had a membership application ready for us to take away at the show too. Cos was also at the show and both he and Mick are restoring old humpies that we can't wait to see join our family.

More than 200 cars were on show including a 1924 Rolls Royce 20HP, a very rare Fairmile Railton from the 1930s, a Buckle Mini Monaco (a sleek Australian built version of the Cooper S; only a few survive) and several Ferraris including a Testarossa. Lots of carefully modified cars for the rev heads, but plenty of lovely original condition vehicles to admire too. The show literally had something for every taste.

In the end around $10,000 was raised by the Campbelltown Rotary Club to support the CFS, so it was for a very worthy cause. Thanks to everyone who supported the show and maybe we'll consider doing it again next year!

Simon Brewer, Event Organiser

Members relaxing Ernie Lacey's bonnet jewellery Wayne gets a cut

9

... OTHER UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS ...

ERN 14/21

PIE/PASTY/SOUP NIGHT

SATURDAY 17TH JULY 2021

AT THE CLUBROOMS

Doors open 5:30pm

Pies/pasties/soup served from 6:00pm

Gold coin donation at the door

Followed by a PowerPoint Presentation of Untold Stories of the first Holden utilities presented by Don Loffler

Followed by coin toss game so bring plenty of gold coins

Tea, coffee and light supper provided by club.

Enquires to Debbi Gehlken 0413 902 181 or Debra West 0411 749 766

______

ERN 16/21 TEN PIN BOWLING DAY

SUNDAY 15TH AUGUST 2021

10:00am AT ZONE BOWLING

Corner of Goodwood & Cross Road Westbourne Park

Lunch at 1:00pm at the Earl of Leicester Hotel, 85 Leicester St. Parkside

Loads of off-street parking if you are bringing your old car

Enquiries: Debra West 0411 749 766

10 CONGRATULATIONS TO DON LOFFLER !

Most of us know that since Don Loffler was a boy he has had a passion for the Holden car. From the moment he visited the local showroom, saw the new Holden, and was given a sales brochure, he was hooked! He subsequently memorised and recited the contents of the same brochure to his primary school class, though his teacher, who also happened to be his father, was not so impressed.

Move forward many decades to the present time and we see that his passion has developed into a comprehensive study of rigour and duteous detail. Specifically, we then come to May 30th 2021 to:

THE HISTORY COUNCIL OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2021 AWARDS

The History Council of South Australia, The History Trust of South Australia, and the State Library of South Australia celebrated the end of SA's History Festival with the SA Historians' Awards for 2021.

Awards were given in the following categories: Historian of the Year; Emerging Historian; Life Long Historian; Digital Technologies Award; Contribution to Regional or Community History (Individual or Group).

Receiving the award for Life Long Historian was our very own Don Loffler!

During the ceremony at the State Library of SA, Don was commended for having conducted extensive and thorough research, and compiling accumulated knowledge in all aspects of the history of the Holden car in Australia. It was mentioned that he had achieved this over a period of 30 years and he is now recognised as the foremost authority of the Holden car in the country. Mention was given to the seven comprehensive books which he has published with Wakefield Press - with yet still more books planned for release in the not too distant future.

Finally, Don was also commended for the many years he has generously given of his time to deliver historical talks to various organisations and groups, as well as conducting annual tours of historical sites relevant to the Holden car in and around Adelaide.

Photo courtesy of the History Council of SA

Note that prior to the ceremony Don had just completed his annual history tour, and that in the photo with the other award recipients he is wearing his club jacket. We are very proud of him!

11 ALL GM DAY GAWLER SUNDAY 11TH APRIL 2021

The “All GM Day” was finally here. After having been cancelled twice in 2020 we were finally able to attend at Gawler Oval in the beautiful historic town of Gawler. Gates opened at 8:00am for entrants and they all started pouring in soon after. General Motors cars of all shapes, sizes, makes and age, from the classic 48 Holden to the latest models of Camaros.

The sky was overcast and the morning was quite brisk, but no rain came and no scorching hot sun either. It was a good day for a car show. The cars were put in categories such as 48-FJ sedans, 48-FJ commercial, EH to EJ, HD to HR etc. right through to Chevies, Camaros, and late model Commodores. There was an amazing range and so many beautiful cars.

We were treated to some good music, and plenty of coffee and food was available. A large turn out of public spectators came to admire all the hard work the owners had spent in presenting their vehicles.

We had 12 of our club cars there, including Daren Isemonger’s FJ and EJ sedans and Kevin and Gerrie Ratsch’s EJ utility. As always, our club was well represented. There were a great deal of other 48s and FJs on display making for an incredible exhibition of these wonderful classics.

We also had other club members attend as spectators too, including Ron and Karen Brock who came from Waikerie just for the day, and it was great to see other members as well. As usual Deb West came dressed for the occasion in her wonderful outfit – fit for the Queen!!!

Wayne & Debra's FX, Gerrie Ratsch next to their EJ, Club members who admired the cars

12 At 3:00pm the procession started with many trophies the reward for the best vehicles. Our club walked away with 6 trophies as follows:

Best in Show 48 to FJ 1st prize to Daren Isemonger 2nd prize to Wayne and Debra West 4th prize to Barry and Julie Gaghan

Best in Show EH to EJ 1st prize to Kevin and Gerrie Ratsch

Best in Show 48 to FJ, commercial 1st prize to Steve and Debbi Gehlken

Best in Show Chevrolet 1st prize to Mick Monterosso

It’s great to see Mick take this prize as he just recently joined the club as a new member. (Mick is also working on restoring an FX. Watch future editions to see his progress. Eds)

So, it was not a bad effort for our members. We are not “trophy hunters” and we enjoy showing our cars to the public and are proud of displaying them wherever we go. So much work goes into these cars and it’s wonderful to see that others can appreciate the blood sweat and tears that go into keeping them “alive”!

Thank you to The Tri Five Classics for allowing us to attend this event, for all their hard work, members who had their cars on display, members who visited, and a big thank you to Julie Gaghan who provided us with some wonderful cakes to finish off our lunch!

Debbi Gehlken

They look new! Steve gives his approval

Authenticity!

13 DO YOU KNOW WHO THIS PERSON IS?

Clues: • On this occasion she was crowned “Miss Telethon Charity Queen” • The year was 1968 • One of her prizes was a new car. (It was a Hilman Imp) • She is now a current club member See page 41 to see who it is ______

DID YOU KNOW THE CLUB IS ON FACEBOOK?

www.facebook.com/48FJHoldenClubOfSA 14

SHORT WEEKEND 22nd to 23rd MAY 2021 KERNEWEK LOWENDER CORNISH FESTIVAL, COPPER TRIANGLE

Many people would not know how much effort goes into researching and planning our club events no matter how large or small they are. That effort is paid off completely when you are greeted by so many happy smiling faces and beautiful vehicles as we were on the morning of Saturday 22nd May.

We could not have picked a better day of weather and everyone arrived promptly at BP Bolivar so we could make a rapid get away right on time. However, with such a large convoy and such busy roads, it didn't take long until we lost our tail enders to a wrong turn at Two Wells. The magic of mobile phones really does come into play in cases like this, so we were soon back together and had only lost about 10 minutes.

The rest of the drive through the freshly ploughed fields and lovely roads to Mallala and Balaklava was quite uneventful and we arrived at our first destination, the Urlwin Park Museum. What a gem this place is! We were very fortunate to have the assistance of local member Trevor Greenshields who put us in touch with this place as we surely could not have found them without his help given its fairly obscure location. The museum has a massive collection of mainly agricultural and country town memorabilia, particularly from the Balaklava district, housed in 11 buildings on a huge site.

The museum folk served us a superb morning tea and we then spent the next hour or so looking through the collection. A few stationary motors and old tractors were cranked up, plus we found the few hidden Holden gems tucked around the museum, including an old Chev truck that had been dressed up specially with a Holden badge for our visit. I'm sure several young Commodore owners who've swapped their Holden badges for Chev badges would be horrified to see that!

After our fill of pioneering spirit, we travelled a short distance to the old Balaklava Motors site. Balaklava Motors was started by Albert Underwood in 1914 and became a GM dealer in 1930. It was an original Holden dealer all the way through until it closed as an official Holden dealer on 31st December 2008. Now it's a small mechanical workshop run by Albert's grandson Scott, who gladly welcomed us into the former car yard where we set up an impressive mock sales yard, the likes of which that site had not seen for many years. Townsfolk started gathering around to witness this activity, which was as spectacular as it was curious. It was certainly a sight to behold and we are deeply thankful to Scott for allowing us this privilege.

15 Many photos in hand, we then headed north again through glorious countryside and forgotten places such as Whitwarta and Nantawarra to Lochiel, where we parked up on the shores of Lake Bumbunga. Just about everyone has driven through this town and probably admired the often pink coloured lake, but not many stop to actually enjoy the location. The lake itself is a relic of St Vincents Gulf from when it used to stretch much farther inland than it now does, so has become a highly concentrated salt lake. It has a few "Lochiel Ness Monsters" that look suspiciously like old tyres and ag pipe dotted around, which is a testament to the character of the inhabitants. It was a pleasant enough place to enjoy a nice lunch.

Unless you live in that part of the world, you may not know the quite spectacular road up the hill from Lochiel that goes through to Kadina. The views from the top through to Port Wakefield and the Gulf beyond, or back to Lochiel, are equally splendid. As too were the road conditions, as we barely saw another car until we joined the Copper Coast Highway at Paskeville and headed into Kadina, arriving mid-afternoon.

There was no relaxing though as some took to the huge markets being held in the town centre. And Glen Nalty and Barry Gaghan were getting their hands dirty trying to fix some curious problems in Leanne & Malcolm Caire's FJ sedan around the distributor and timing.

John Liersch had also advised of a friend who was considering selling a 1949 built sedan, so a sizeable contingent set off around there for a squiz too. Later on we all got together at The Bellagio restaurant in Kadina to share each other’s company over dinner.

Sunday morning was an early start as we turned towards Wallaroo for the start of the Copper Coast Classic Cavalcade of cars, which was the last event and highlight of the week-long Kernewek Lowender Cornish Festival and the main reason for our visit. We found our way to the grain silo marshalling yards by 8am where booking in was quite easy. It was an expansive place and there were already about 200 cars present, which we all thought was an impressive sight. However, over the next two hours the classic cars 16 just kept on coming and coming, and coming, and coming. Almost every vehicle you could think of was represented there. In the end there were easily over 800 cars of every make, shape, colour and variant. There are not enough superlatives to describe how amazing this looked, and no camera could capture it properly. So many of our members commented that they had never seen anything like it!

Around 10am the convoy started and circled around Wallaroo, before heading to Moonta Bay, Port Hughes, Moonta and through to Kadina. Thousands lined the route and the reception was stunning. As I sit here typing this my arm is literally cramping because of the amount of waving I did on the way. Honestly, one of the most unforgettable experiences ever! Sadly, we received a call from the Caire's, whose sick car had suffered a relapse despite the good work done by Glen and Barry, so were stranded and could not take part. They sought assistance from the RAA and were well looked after, to the great relief of all of us.

Overall the day had run like clockwork to the great credit of the organisers, but we struck a big hiccup when we arrived at the Kadina Oval for the final show & shine where there was a huge holdup. In the warmish afternoon and going nowhere fast, it wasn't long before the heat affected the old Humpies. First Kevin and Gerrie Ratsch's superb FX ute started making some very weird sounds and had to pull out for a cool down. Then Barry and Julie Gaghan's and Geoff and Di Lines’, then ours! Four cars down. Fortunately the former three got going again, while ours remained resting under a tree for the afternoon.

It was Cornish pasties all round at the oval. Cheers erupted when the Ratsch's were announced as winners of the Classic category. Very well deserved given that their beautifully restored ute sparkles in every way.

Around 3pm, we headed off on the long road back to Adelaide, arriving just after dark. Luckily there were no more dramas and all arrived home safe and well. Interestingly, the Caire's car made it back before any of us as a truck sailed past us before we got to Port Wakefield with their humpy strapped on its back.

Thanks again to member Trevor Greenshields who hooked us up with Norma Schott and the Urlwin Park Museum. To Scott Underwood from Balaklava Motors for allowing us to visit his premises and have some fun. Peter Biermann and friend Kat accompanied us in their very nice VW Kombi and it was great to have them join us for the event. Also Bruce and Liz Sleep who came down from Peterborough in their well kept LX Torana adding a bit more colour. Finally it was such a delight to have Max Freeman along with his daughter Gail and their wonderful two-tone FJ sedan.

Special thanks to all who took part. As per my opening, it's you who make the work that goes into these events diminish when it's so well supported. There are so many new things to discover out there, so all members owe it to themselves to try something new with the club. We're so much more than a car club!

Simon & Nina Brewer

17 PHOTO GALLERY – SHORT WEEKEND 2021

Cars at Urlwin Park Museum, Balaklava. Blacksmith shop at Urlwin Park Museum.

Above are the cars parked in the premises of the previous Holden Dealership, Balaklave Motors “awaiting sale”.

Left is the gifted Don Loffler rehearsing for “Australia’s Got Talent” at Balaklava!

Peter Biermann’s Kombi at Lochiel. John and Denise Liersch’s FJ.

18

Left, Geoff and Di Lines about to lead off the club’s contingent at the Classic Cavalcade, Wallaroo.

Above, Bruce and Liz Sleep heading off in their Torana.

Roger Pfeiffer, being narrowly avoided by an RAA vehicle! Barry and Julie Gaghan’s car cooling down under a tree.

Kevin and Gerrie Ratsch’s trophy winning 48-215 utility. A lovely finishing touch to the weekend.

19 POSTSCRIPTS TO THE SHORT WEEKEND AS TOLD BY MAGGIE SMITH & JULIE GAGHAN

A group of about a dozen or so members were relaxing at the Kadina oval as Maggie regaled them with an event that occurred the previous day...

Maggie and Owen were in the lead group of drivers who took the correct turn off the Pt Wakefield Highway at Two Wells on the very first leg of our travels. Unfortunately a following group of cars had taken the wrong turn.

There was nothing for it but for the lead group to wait until the others caught up. It was taking longer than expected and Owen was struck by a call of nature. The only thing for him to do was to find a discreet spot on the side of the road to relieve himself, which he did.

While this was happening, Owen’s mobile phone started ringing – in his pocket. Not wanting to break his action in mid-stream he called to Glen Nalty, “Here, will you hold this for me?” as he gestured down in the direction of his pocket. (Maggie was in tears of laughter at this point.)

In discussion with Glen after Maggie’s tale, he said that there was no way he was going near “that thing”!

Needless to say, the phone rang out unanswered.

-oOo-

Hearing of poor Owen’s dilemma, Julie Gaghan set out to embarrass Barry with her own story...

While living in rural Queensland, Julie, Barry and other folk were visiting a wildlife park. Apparently it was an open park where all visitors could wander around the kangaroos, emus and other native animals and feed them if they wanted to.

This was going well, and Julie was so intent on feeding the animals that someone eventually said, “Hey, where’s Barry?” The group back-tracked the way they had come only to see the following sight:

Barry holding an emu by the neck at full arm’s length while trying to back away from the bird who was advancing upon him while making thrusting mating-type gestures with its body. Apparently this bird had become very attracted to Barry in a very particular way!

Like Maggie, Julie had great difficulty telling the latter part of the story as the details of the scene were replayed in her mind.

A good tale – although we didn’t find out how Barry escaped the bird’s intentions ... ______

JUST FOR A LAUGH:

A moth goes into a dentist’s surgery. The dentist asks, “How can I help you?” The moth replies, “I wish you could. So much bad stuff has happened just recently. First, my wife told me she didn’t love me anymore and decided to run off with my best mate. The kids have been misbehaving, getting into all sorts of trouble at school, and one of them borrowed my FX Holden and pranged it into a stobie pole. I’ve been made redundant at work, without any severance pay and the rent is due this week. I tell you – it’s enough to do my head in!” The dentist says to the moth, “It sounds like you need a psychiatrist. Why did you come in here?” The moth replies, “Because I saw your light was on.”

20 THE RESTORATION OF THE EARLIEST SURVIVING SA HOLDEN Behind the scenes at the start of the story – Don Loffler

February 2010 “Oh dear,” I thought, “Here we go again. Some poor guy thinks he has a really early Holden, and I’m going to have to be the bearer of bad news yet again and tell someone that their car isn’t early at all.” So, when it was arranged for me to visit Cos Monterosso in February 2010 and see the car, I was wondering what I would actually find.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the body plate and found that the car, with body number 872 and ACC month date of 1, was indeed a January 1949 model. Then it was Cos’s turn to be surprised when I told him that his car was the earliest known surviving, South Australian-assembled Holden that was still in our state and wasn’t a total wreck. I said that it just had to be restored.

Easier said than done! The engine bay presented a daunting sight. The radiator was jacked up high so that a crank handle could be pushed through underneath it. The battery had been relocated to an enclosure that had been created in the fender skirt, and the body plate had been removed and screwed onto the firewall, high up on the driver’s side. There were other modifications, too.

“It’s a miracle that the body plate hasn’t been stolen. It’s worth a fortune,” I said to Cos. “I beg you to take it off and guard it with your life!” It was screwed on, not riveted like all Holden plates were from March 1949 on. There and then, Cos got a screwdriver and removed the plate. Good man!

We both wondered what the background of the car had been. There was a mystery plate screwed onto the firewall, stating gaps for spark plugs, points and valves. Who would have needed that information? On the driver’s side of the firewall, “M F HOLDEN” had been pressed into the metal. What did that mean? Cos later discovered that M F stood for engineer Maurice Fenton, the one-time owner of the car. It is possible that he had modified the engine bay so that he could drive the car in rallies.

The engine had been replaced with an FE version, but luckily, the serial tag was still in place, indicating that the car was the 46th Holden to be assembled at the GMH plant in Birkenhead.

The car was originally painted black, but there had been colour changes, with green in the engine bay and blue on the exterior paintwork.

The interior was trimmed originally in grey Bedford cord cloth, which is so difficult to replicate that most restorers decide to have their cars retrimmed in leather. Cos wasn’t sure what he would do. 21

In spite of all the modifications to the bodywork, the bonnet catch was still the original one, with the tongue at the front. At body number 2350 in April 1949, the catch plate was redesigned, with the tongue at the rear, to prevent the bonnet from flying open if the car hit a spoon drain at speed, as had happened on a few occasions. The red circle on the photo above left indicates the location of the bonnet number stamped into the metal. On the right, you can see the number stamped upside-down. It is the same as the body number.

The more Cos and I discussed the car, the more I could see him in a dilemma. His heart said, “Go on, restore it. His head said, “Far too difficult, far too expensive.” He therefore resolved to keep the car securely locked in the shipping container until such time as he could make a decision on its fate – either restore it or just keep it or sell it to someone else to restore.

The months and years passed, and as I’d heard nothing from Cos, I began to wonder if he had made any move to restore the car. Perhaps it was all too hard to undertake. 22 June 2014 Out of the blue, I received an excited phone call from my friend, David Heuzenroeder, who was down from the country, having his BMW repaired at Australian Crash Repairs on Port Road. In the workshop, he had spotted a Holden body, which the manager, Mario, said was a genuine 1948 Holden. “In that case,” David said, “You had better speak to Don Loffler on my phone and find out if it really is!”

The more Mario described the car, the more it sounded familiar, and soon I realised that it was Cos’s Holden. I told David and Mario about my visit to Cos in 2010 and verified for them that this was indeed a very early Holden. They were intrigued to hear the details, and I was delighted to think that Cos had taken his courage in both hands and decided on a faithful restoration of the car.

November 2017 Cos invited me to come and see the body now that the paint had been stripped, and the surface was protected from rust by black etch primer. Typical of the earliest Holdens, the body number was stamped not only onto the underside of the bonnet, but also on the radiator support panel and each mudguard. Cos discovered that the body number had also been scratched onto the underside of the bonnet. Interestingly, Peter Papageorgiou discovered that very same thing for his March 1949 Holden, body number 1307. No- one else has ever alerted me to such a practice.

It is thrilling to anticipate the completion of Cos’s ambitious project. I congratulate him on his preparedness to undertake such an expensive and painstaking restoration of this historic car.

First photo, Cos Monterosso; remaining photos, Don Loffler

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CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS OBJECT?

(It was photographed at the Balaklava Urlwin Park Museum during the club’s recent Short Weekend away)

See page 49 for the answer

23 BEHIND THE WHEEL

Simon Brewer

SUBURB YOU NOW LIVE IN: Athelstone

OTHER PLACES LIVED: Wattle Park to age 4, then Rostrevor, then Athelstone. Seems I like this part of Adelaide!

CURRENT WORK OR INTERESTS: I'm an IT veteran of 37 years now working in the aged care industry, but most of my career was spent in manufacturing for Kelvinator Australia and Seeley International. I've done lots of different community volunteer work over the years, but now mainly as a member of Magill Rotary Club. I'm also a Board Director for another small aged care organisation. Apart from playing with cars I have a lot of interests; a bit of photography, a manic interest in the Murray River and paddle steamers in particular, tragic Port Adelaide supporter, Holden fanatic (particularly Supercars - when they had Holdens!), I love growing orchids and my own fruit and vegies, love a vino, and a whole lot more!

PREVIOUS WORK LIFE: Although I passed Matric, I didn't head off to uni as nothing there really interested me. Unfortunately that was in the early 80s when a recession hit, so I was unemployed for a while and did a number of jobs, from picking fruit to washing cars. Then I snared a job on the production line at Kelvinator putting fridges together as a temporary summer job. After about 4 or 5 months, one of the guys I was working with asked me "did you pass maths in your Year 12 exams?". I had, so I asked why he was interested and he said there was a trainee job going in the computer department and all you needed was Year 12 maths. I'd never seen a computer before, but thought "why not?" and put in an application. I didn't get the job, but about a month later my Foreman came over and said "if you're still interested in that computer job, they want to talk to you again". Another position had come up and the rest was history.

HOW LONG A MEMBER OF THE CLUB: Coming up on 7 years

WHAT DO I LIKE ABOUT BEING IN THE CLUB: I love the social activities and club runs, plus the amazing depth of knowledge held by so many people in the club. Although I never worked for Holden, my manufacturing experience with some really iconic SA companies has made me even more of a Holden fanatic nowadays and I lament the loss of that company - in the club I suspect I'm not alone with that.

FIRST FX OR FJ OWNED: In about 1986 I was heading to a friend's place in Athelstone and drove past a house with a cream FJ out the front for sale. It was in pretty ordinary condition, but complete so I grabbed it for $200. There was a second one wrecked out the back, so they said "grab any parts you want from that one too". The next trick was to get it started. There was a Mobil servo across the road, so I grabbed a 6V battery, which every servo had on the shelf in those days. A bit of fuel down the throat and she burst into life without too much trouble.

Never having driven an FJ before, the next problem was "what to do with it?". I had convinced my brother to hold it in his carport for me, so may have driven it unregistered to his place, or so the rumour goes. The car had a huge rust hole in the floor and no brakes, so worried about safety I asked a friend of mine to drive my other car in front stating, "If I need to stop suddenly then I may as well hit my own car than something else". Flawless logic! When we arrived at my brother's place we had to negotiate his steep, curved driveway with no brakes, so we decided the best way was to roll it down with foot on the clutch and first gear selected as a brake option along with the handbrake. Fortunately all went well! 24

Anyhow, there it remained for about 11 years until part of his carport collapsed and he needed it moved. By this time I was living a few streets away, so I managed to get it going again and drove it to my place - still without brakes of course! With kids and other pressures I figured I would never be able to restore it, so I decided to sell it around 1999. I asked $400, but took $250 from some people who said they wanted to restore it. I said to them (half joking) "when it's done, bring it around and show me". Sure enough, about 3 years later this sparkling light grey FJ rolls up out the front. They changed the colour from cream to grey, but other than that it was pristine. They had done all of the work themselves as a family affair, even grandma stitched the new upholstery. She was a beauty and I was very pleased to see her again and so grateful they hadn't scrapped it. (Simon has had a recent bit of information possibly about this very car. We wish him well in discovering what happened to it. Eds.)

HOLDENS CURRENTLY OWNED: From about 2012 I had come into a little money after mum passed, so I started thinking it was time again to look at a classic Holden. I've owned and loved many Holdens - in fact, I've never owned a car not made in Australia - so I had an open mind, but the old humpies have probably always been my favourites as they have a special place in Australian history. A rather nice looking burgundy coloured FJ ute came up for a good price in NSW in late 2013, so I decided this was the one. The owners were in the Hunter Valley, but they said they'd happily bring it down to Broken Hill if I really wanted it. So, one stinking hot day we hired a car trailer early and headed off to fetch it. What a day! Took a nice pic of it on the trailer outside the "Midnight Oil House" near Burra on the way home. That car was about 90% complete, but had some mods that I didn't like, so I started fixing them. Then you find another thing, and another thing, so it's still being worked on. Meantime, in late 2017 I decided it might be good to have a car I could actually drive - maybe I was a little caught up in the Holden closure nostalgia at the time too. I spotted John Rigg's black FX sedan for sale online and popped. That car has been great and is now a regular part of our club events.

WHAT DO I LOVE ABOUT OLD HOLDENS: Everything! It makes you really feel proud and I think Rob Seidel summed it up perfectly recently when he described all of us as being "custodians of history" by keeping these old girls alive. It's a great feeling.

MOST FRUSTRATING THING ABOUT OWNING OLD HOLDENS: Touch wood, my cars have been pretty good. I'm lucky I've been a self-taught mechanic for so long that I can see most things going wrong and fix them before they get out of hand, so nothing worries me too much

SOMETHING INTERESTING SOMEONE HAS SAID: The most common thing is "I/we/dad used to own one of them!"

SOMETHING ABOUT ME OTHER MEMBERS MAY NOT KNOW: My dark side is that I was the Mayor of a local Council for 12 years.

I COLLECT: All sorts of things - just ask Nina; she hates it! I can't throw anything away that can be fixed

I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT: My family

ON MY WISH LIST IS: Probably losing weight!

25 AN INTRODUCTION TO MARK WAKEFIELD’S 1952 HOLDEN

At the Club meeting last October, Mark was welcomed as a new member. Not long before that, I met Mark for the first time, but I’ve been familiar with his Glacier Green Holden ever since Holden’s 50th anniversary, when his mother, Margaret Wakefield, brought the car to Port Adelaide for a gathering of FX and FJ Holdens on Fishermen’s Wharf on 29 November 1998.

As I was in Melbourne at the time for the Holden celebrations in Victoria, I missed out on the Port Adelaide event, but when I was given a photograph that included Margaret’s car, I was able to include it in the colour pages of Still Holden Together.

My first sighting of the car came at a Tanunda GM Day on 11 April 2010. At the time Mark’s uncle, Kevin Meade, was taking care of the car. I was impressed by the vivid Glacier Green paintwork and fascinated by the bonnet mascot. Door handle scratch plates and chrome wheel trims added to the attractive appearance of the car.

The imposing lion mascot is one of the largest, and certainly the heaviest mascot known to have been made for a 48-215. As far as I know, it was a South Australian specialty, but I have not been able to find out who the manufacturer was.

When Kevin brought the car to the GM Day in 2012, he fitted the spats to the rear guards that had been on the car at Fishermen’s Wharf in 1998.

Spats are a matter of taste. People either love them or hate them. The green leather interior trim is original.

The following pages from Holden Snapshots are reproduced by kind permission of Wakefield Press. They feature Mark’s uncle Kevin’s story of the twists and turns in the car’s history. There is a mistake in the caption for the top photo on page 33, stating that Perce Meade (Mark’s grandfather) is leaning on his 1951 Glacier Green 48-215. At the time of writing, I thought that that was the colour of the car, but that the photo had faded. It is only since meeting Mark that I discovered that the car was originally a lighter 1952 colour, Sorrento Green, which is why the colour of the car on the photo is so light. When Mark’s mother had the car repainted, she chose the vivid 1951 colour, Glacier Green, as can be seen on the photo at the bottom of page 33, and the photos on this page. Since acquiring the car, Mark has made detail improvements. He hopes that he will soon be able to bring the car to one of our club’s Saturday or Sunday events. Don Loffler

26 LIZ GIBSON’S BLACK BEAUTY: “THE BEAST”

For ages we’d been itching to meet with Liz to find out more about her beautiful black FX. We’d heard so many little intriguing stories about this car and we wanted to be able to put them all together for our readers. We finally managed to catch up with her to assemble some of the anecdotes which we’re delighted to be able to present to you now.

It is common knowledge that this car had been in the National Motor Museum at Birdwood for a number of years and we wondered how that had eventuated. Liz told us that in 2007 the No.1 Holden had been there but it had been sent to Melbourne. Don Loffler contacted Liz’s dad, John Harris and said, “Would you mind lending your car to the Birdwood Museum for the 60th Anniversary of the Holden?” And of course Liz’s dad agreed. It was only going to be there for a short time. So John took it there in December 2007. And there it remained until 2019! Sadly John passed away in 2009 and Liz inherited the car at that time. She was happy for it to continue to be looked after by the museum. Then, unexpectedly, they rang in 2019 and said they didn’t want the car any more. They again had the No.1 Holden and also a Holden family’s ‘48’. Liz was taken aback – she hadn’t thought she would ever have the car – she’d built a house with a single garage to house her stunning red SS. No room for the FX! However, as we now all know, Liz does have the car – it is residing with her…in the garage… with the SS having been relegated to the driveway.

John Harris bought the FX around 1980 after it had been sitting in a shed for 16 years. He restored it during 1981-1982 (with the help of John Chapman from the Early Model Holden Car Club). In 1982 it won Grand Champion in the Early Holden Expo! The photo shows Liz’s parents John and Kay Harris with the trophy.

The above photos show a 1953 FX ute that also featured in Liz’s family. Her dad restored that too, again with the help of John Chapman. The ute was finished a couple of years before Liz’s dad passed away. It is now owned by Liz’s brother Chris who lives in Hong Kong, and has been in storage since 2010. 27 Prior to the FX, Liz’s dad had restored an FJ (see FJ-0001 in the following photo gallery.) It was used as the family’s everyday car. When Liz was in the last years of her primary schooling, she used to make her mum drop her off up the road from school. Her brother was happy to get dropped off right in front!

Apart from its lengthy stint at the Birdwood Motor Museum, “The Beast”, as Liz now calls her car, has had a number of media and public appearances over the years. It featured in several TV commercials, one of which Liz recalls was for West End Beer. It was used by the SA Film Corporation for a film that was set in the Adelaide Hills around Piccadilly and also at Prince Alfred College (utilizing the beautiful old buildings there). This film was subsequently sent to England. The car also spent a couple of months in the atrium of the Tax Department which was then in Pulteney Street in the CBD – where Liz’s dad was working at the time. And when the Festival Theatre was quite new, it was the first car on centre stage there – as part of the display for an anniversary of the Salvo’s at the time.

The family used to be regular participants in the Bay to Birdwood. Liz recalls a particular occasion when she was about 14 and was made to dress up in 1950’s attire. She was worried about what other people would think – a common concern for young people around that age! We can see the less than impressed, stony-faced Liz with her mother and brother in this photo. She was also embarrassed about her parents waving to all the spectators as they drove past – she remembers slouching down in the back seat hoping not to be noticed.

But as the years passed, Liz came to value and appreciate the car and has now proudly driven it in several Bay to Birdwood runs herself.

A little bit of “black” history about The Beast also came to light...Liz said that it has been used for many weddings over the years, but any friends or family who used it as their wedding car are now all divorced. “Including me!” said Liz.

Towards the end of his life, Liz’s dad said to her: “While I’m alive I want you to keep the car, but when I die you can do what you want.” At that time Liz said to him: “No I’ll keep it.” It must have been a very happy moment for him to hear that.

Liz says, “I’m now the proud owner of an amazing piece of Holden history…thanks to my father.

Liz at Birdwood Motor Museum.

Liz driving in the 2020 Bay to Birdwood.

28

The above photos from top show: John Harris with car second from left in an historical re-enactment, the FX before restoration, FX and FJ as wedding cars, an aerial view in the ATO atrium, FX with film crew.

29 A WAIKERIE EXPERIENCE

We recently had a very pleasant experience visiting Ron and Karen Brock in Waikerie. Both grew up in the country, Ron in Waikerie, Karen initially in the Barossa, and then Waikerie. Ron’s dad built a house on a property on the outskirts of the town. Karen’s parents owned the Shell service station in the centre of town. When they became engaged, Ron started building their home around a small building next door to his parents’ home. Gradually over the years he has added onto it, and between them they have created a lovely home. As the years passed, Ron and Karen purchased adjacent acreages of land as it became available and planted it all out with mostly citrus and apricots and some grape vines.

Ron started collecting Holdens in the late 1960’s and 1970’s and had initially amassed many of them, in various stages of activity and inactivity, some littered amongst the scrub next to the fruit trees.

Karen’s parents also once owned a Holden FJ, which is still in Ron’s collection, and is now for sale. It was used for many trips all throughout Australia.

Ron's first FX

Though they weren’t aware of it at the time, Karen and Ron first encountered each other at the Waikerie drive-in. Aged about 14, she was in a 1947/48 Buick (with her parents). After the movie the cars were slowly leaving. Suddenly the Buick had to brake, and unfortunately Ron in his FB Holden hit it in the rear. But what was worse, an EK Holden crashed into the The Buick and Karen’s dad! back of his car! Ron didn’t actually meet Karen then – they met at a country dance some years later.

One night when Ron was visiting Karen at her parents’ home, he was so comfortable in their lounge after a long day at work, that he went to sleep, making loud sonorous noises. Karen’s mum said to her, “Are you going to put that out?” as she gestured for Karen to do something with the slumbering snorer.

Over the years Ron’s hobbies have included ‘mucking about’ (as he calls it) with old Holdens and enjoying the other pastime he had immersed himself into since the ripe old age of nine years of age – gliding! He recounts how as a young boy he was gazing one day at a man making preparations to winch his glider into the skies. The man saw him, came over and asked, “Would you like to come up with me?” Ron was excited and asked his father if he could. His father replied, “I suppose so.” It turned out that the man was a champion glider pilot from the UK and Ron’s infatuation with gliding had begun in earnest. The Waikerie airfield was literally just over his back fence and he quickly learnt some of the important procedures and skills needed to master gliding. You may recall from a “Behind the Wheel” article in the Spring 2018 magazine, that at 11 years of age Ron was the youngest pilot to fly solo in a glider!

30

Until fairly recently, Karen followed a different passion – as a highly regarded breeder of Quarter horses. At one stage she owned over twenty mares. And for many years she had a beautiful stallion named “Bar All”. Mares from all over Australia were brought to be mated with him. Bar All sired over 80 foals, with many of his progeny being successful in a wide range of events from camp drafts through to dressage. This pastime took place between working in the town at various jobs, as well as raising a family and working on the property.

Karen has had some nasty injuries from unpredictable mares, including being severely bitten on the face. And one surprised her once by biting her unexpectedly on the back! These days Karen continues another passion - collecting etched grape vine crystal glassware, a much safer pastime.

Life working and living on a fruit block has certainly not been easy for Ron and Karen, with long, hard days. But we were incredibly impressed with all their achievements – building their business up from scratch, but still making time for personal leisure pursuits. We saw so many things that Ron had designed and built: a huge apricot cutting machine, numerous outbuildings, a B’nB that they still run – and not to mention the restoration of tractors and other machinery.

Apart from enjoying Karen and Ron’s warm country hospitality and hearing about their work and leisure activities, we were taken a tour of Waikerie and environs, seeing places that visitors would not normally see. We got the lowdown on much of the happenings in and about the town and when it was time to leave we had a good picture of what it was like to live in Waikerie.

Thanks to Karen and Ron for a most enjoyable visit!

Ron & Karen in front of her crystal collection

31

BEFORE & AFTER (or ... THEN & NOW)

As a feature of this issue we thought it would be a good idea to show photos of members’ vehicles from the time they first came into ownership (or even before) to more recent times. For some members the “after” photo might indicate that the car had gone under an extensive restoration/rebuild, while for others the cars might have simply been maintained as they were. Whatever the case, we have had an excellent response, so much so that we will be happy to receive more photos from members for the next magazine.

As you will see, members have provided the location and approximate date of the photos; this makes for very interesting reading.

Debra and Wayne West’s FX

Debra and Wayne purchased their car from Trevor Faulkner in March 2012. The “before” photo was taken soon after that. The “after” shot was taken during the 2020 Bay to Birdwood run, but the restoration was actually completed on December 27th 2018.

Rob and Deb Seidel’s FX

The first photo shows the extremely dusty, dirty ’53 FX emerging in 1998 from the shed it had sat in for over 20 years in Plympton. The car underwent a gradual ‘tidy up’ and partial restoration over the next two decades: a repaint, engine reconditioning and upholstery re-done, as well as some parts re-chromed. The second photo in August 2019 shows the car under blossoms on the road into Willunga.

32 Sandy and Neville Shugg’s FJ sedan and panel van

Neville’s car (Greenie): Acquired in 1994 from Marion in suburban Adelaide. The restoration was completed in 2002, with a few years to spare until work began on Sandy’s panel van ...

Sandy’s panel van was bought from Streaky Bay in 2010. It underwent a thorough restoration and was completed in 2018.

Peter and Ann Sternicki’s FJ ute

The first photo of the ute on the trailer was 1991. It was first on the road in 2011.The last photo was at the Murray Bridge Nationals in December 2018.

33 Don Loffler’s previous FX

In the barn: Don’s 1953 Air Ride Holden lay hidden in a dirty old shed for 33 years. It was Tanunda’s best kept secret. Fortunately, the body was rust-free. As the colour was Glenn Green, he called her Glenda. In the park: In 2007, it took Don many hours to clean and polish her. The paintwork was nowhere near as good as the photo would suggest. After five years, he sold Glenda to a man in Perth, who had it repainted.

Debbi and Steve Gehlken’s FJ panel van

Debbi and Steve’s panel van sat in a paddock near Mt Gambier for 27 years. The restoration started in 2006 and was completed in 2018. The van was originally used by the Casterton Bakery in Victoria – and again bears the signage of that bakery.

Kevin & Gerrie Ratsch’s FJ ute

The first photo was taken in Oct 2017 at Kapunda, loaded ready for the trip home to Woodside where the ute had its restoration completed in 2020. (see page 19 for the latest news about this car.) 34 Bob and Lyn Wilkeson have submitted photos of all the FJ panel vans they have completed/are working on. The restoration of the last one is yet to be commenced. These restoration projects have involved careful planning and preparation over many years, not to mention the actual time and labour spent.

'Kym' before restoration, found 19/3/2000. It had one side window, with all original running gear, and is a November 1955 build, in Milano Ivory. The restoration was completed in January 2020.

'Queenie' Sept. 2009 as found. It was an original 1956 PMG van. The restoration was completed in December 2020.

'#136' before restoration. It was found in April 2013, having four 'submarine' windows, with everything as original. It is a December 1953, body number #136. The restoration was completed in November 2019 in Ocean Mist, with a tan cabin, finish as per original. Granddaughter Olivia is standing next to it.

35

'#60' before restoration. It was found in September 2015. Originally it was a 265 bread van with its original engine. It is a March 1954 build with body #60, and Glen Green colour. The second photo shows the restoration in progress.

Granddaughter Isabelle with “Jeffrey”, June 2021 before restoration. It was found in 2000, having two windows, everything original, a June 1956 build with 'U' prefix engine number and Breton Blue colour. The restoration has begun.

'Stretch' before restoration, found on the 11th February 2004. It was a windowless 265 bread van, shell only. It is a November 1954 build, body number #828 in French Grey paint. It was originally a Pinnaroo baker's van and was completed in November 2018, with all aspects as original, including logo and cabin dividing panels.

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‘Rex’ before restoration, found Jan 1999, a four window 265 bread van, shell only. Birch grey, Dec 1954, body # 906. Still sitting in shed!

Tony and Christine Hitchin’s FJ sedan and FJ ute

Purchased in 1988, this green FJ-215 was partly dismantled and had been taken in part exchange some years earlier. Stored in the shed for the best part of 30 years it was restored over the last three years in time for their daughter’s wedding. As it is a Standard sedan, never having had an optional hood-bird fitted, it has been kept completely basic, free of any accessories and restored as close to original as possible.

Acquired in 1989 the Ute was original except for a 4-speed floor shift, 13” wheels, bucket seats and an awful orange paint job. It did great service for many years on and around the farm before getting worn out and retired. After being stored for many years it was rebuilt with a 186 red motor, trimatic transmission, HR front end and disc brakes and treated to a new cream paint job. Restoration has now resumed.

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Julie Gaghan’s FJ

We thought it was useful to include a sequence of three photos of a past car of Julie’s. The first photo was in the early 70’s. Her father helped her repaint the car and she re-did the upholstery (see second photo). Last photo was in the mid 70’s. As Julie says, “... it’s a tad sad. So it’s Before, After, and a Forever After.”

Barry Gaghan’s FJ ute

The before photo was taken by Don Loffler in September 2003 near Kapunda. The restoration was completed by Barry on 20th December 2020.

Shane O’Connell’s FJ

Shane bought his car at Spalding in 1994. He started restoration at Victor Harbor in 1995. He drove it to the Police Station for registration in 2008. The second photo shows Shane at the passenger side.

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Glen Nalty’s FJ

Glen says he bought this FJ in 1985 for $300. After two years’ work on it he stored it in 1987. The first photo shows work beginning on it in 2018, while the second is a current photo. Glen was hesitant to suggest a finishing date!

Many thanks to all those who contributed photos and information for this article!

In the Spring issue we’d like to continue with more “Then & Now” submissions. So, if you can find those first photos of your car(s) plus a recent one, we’d love to see them. If you have multiple cars, by all means, send them all in! If you can also name the location and give a date (approximate will do) and maybe a sentence or two, that’s even better.

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WILL THIS CAR EVER BE RESTORED?!

39 The following pages should make it easier for you to nominate members (or yourself) for committee positions in the Club for the next year:

DUTIES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS (from clause 6 of the By-Laws)

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

President a. Has general control over the running of the Club. b. Chairs meetings and signs minutes of meetings. c. Arranges regular meetings of the executive committee. d. Liaises with sub-committees to ensure that procedures and deadlines are met. e. Sets up hall for meetings. f. Checks that the hall is left in a clean state after meetings. g. Is responsible for hall keys. h. Organises one run a year, usually in June. i. Holds a list of Club assets and the latest version of the Club Rules and By-Laws. Vice-president a. Presides at Club meetings in the absence of the president. b. Carries out all other duties made necessary by the absence of the president. Secretary a. Deals with all forms of correspondence relevant to the Club. b. Keeps minutes of executive meetings, general meetings, special meetings, and annual general meetings. c. Performs duties in collaboration with the executive committee. d. Forwards minutes, minus actual financial figures, to magazine editors. e. Prepares and maintains the attendance record book for meetings. f. Maintains and updates the members’ name-tag box. g. Holds a list of Club assets and the latest version of the Club Rules and By-Laws. Treasurer Handles all financial transactions on behalf of the Club. Prepares financial records of the Club for audit each year, and presents an audited balance sheet to the annual general meeting. Keeps a file of all membership application forms. After the annual general meeting, notifies banks of any new signatories for financial transactions. Recommends to the executive committee and Club members what the membership fees are to be for the coming financial year. Handles membership subscription fees and information for new members, and ensures that a renewal notice is included in the June magazine. Oversees purchase and sale of Club apparel and merchandise. Keeps an up-to-date list of members and their contact details, and forwards it to the secretary, risk manager, historic registrars, and the magazine editors. Acts as the public officer who, i. liaises with the government agency administering the Incorporations Act. ii. appoints a returning officer at the annual general meeting, who will read out the guidelines for each position prior to the call for nominations to those positions, and will then hand out a copy of the relevant guidelines to each elected person.

OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Auditor a. Audits the Treasurer’s financial records prior to the annual general meeting. Australian Early Holden Federation (AEHF) delegates a. Act as delegates to meetings of the AEHF, and report back to the Club. b. Consult Club members on matters raised by the AEHF, and convey members’ wishes to the AEHF. Club Vehicle Inspectors a. Perform all the duties as stated under “Club responsibilities and procedures” by the Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs of SA Inc for CRHV. Documents secretary a. Maintains and updates computer files of special Club documents, i.e. Club Rules, Club By-Laws and List of Resolutions. b. Provides the Club president, secretary, treasurer, risk manager and librarian with copies of each updated document.

40 Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs (FHMC) representatives a. Attend meetings of the federation and report on them to the general Club meetings. Historic registrars a. Administer the conditional registration of historic vehicles and liaise with the FHMC responsible for the system. Kitchen manager a. Sets up the kitchen ready for meetings and events. b. Organises the urn, food, tea, coffee and soft drinks, and the purchase of supplies, to be paid for by the Club. Librarian a. Maintains a collection od Club magazines and all archival and historical material relating to the Club. b. Collects and maintains books and memorabilia relating to 48-FJ Holdens. c. Brings some books to meetings for loan to members, and keeps records of loans. d. Maintains Peter Sinclair’s Trade and Services Directory. Magazine editor(s) a. Following set guidelines, assemble articles and information in order to produce a quarterly magazine, appearing usually at the end of March, June, September, and December. b. Organise distribution of the magazine to all members, selected clubs and the State Library of South Australia, and send a suitable copy to the webmaster. Meet and greet host a. Welcomes visitors and potential new members and looks after them at their first meeting or visit. b. Conducts a ‘meet and greet’ segment during a general Club meeting, in which visitors and potential new members are introduced, and in which member’s birthdays and anniversaries are mentioned. Photo album manager(s) a. Keep and maintain a photographic record of Club events and outings, and bring one or more of the albums to each general meeting. Risk management officer a. Assesses possible risks at Club meetings, outings, weekends away and any other events organized by the Club, prepares documents listing what needs to be addressed, and ensures proper action is taken. b. Adds to the documents as necessary. c. Reports to the executive committee and Club members. Social committee a. Plans and organizes a Club calendar for Club runs, social events and weekends away, and submits the updated calendar to the executive committee and all other Club members. b. Ensures that a list is kept of all members attending any event organized by the committee. c. Reports on events at each meeting and submits articles and reports of past events to the magazine editors and updates the social calendar with the webmaster for the website. d. Ensures the documentation for Risk Management is filled out for each event organized by the committee. e. Sends an advertisement regularly to The Advertiser relating to Club meetings and events. Spare parts manager(s) a. Manage and keep a record of the stock of spare parts for members’ vehicles. b. Pass on to the treasurer details of all purchases and sales of spare parts, to enable the treasurer to pay and collect the appropriate monies. c. Carry out stocktaking as necessary. Webmaster a. Sets up and maintains the Club website, adding items, news and articles as they come to hand. Facebook a. Regularly enters on Facebook: information about the places the Club visits, upcoming events, and adds photos.

______

The 1968 “Miss Telethon Charity Queen” shown on page 14 is none other than Waikerie member Karen Brock!

41 REMINDERS FOR

SUBS AND CONDITIONAL REGISTRATION

SUBS:

The Executive Committee has recently agreed that Subs remain at $40.00 family membership and $35.00 single membership. Subs must be paid by the end of June in order to meet your Historical Vehicle Registration requirements.

If possible EFT would be preferred:

BSB: 105-123 ACCOUNT: 452321540

Treasurer: John Nitschke

Phone: 0407 400 326

CONDITIONAL REGISTRATION:

Reminder to all members re Historic Registration

• You must be a financial member and have your paperwork signed before the July meeting, otherwise your vehicle is deemed unregistered if driven. • For those members who have not yet done this, you can send in your logbooks as per last year with a stamped self-addressed envelope, or contact the club’s Historic Registrar, Peter Papageorgiou. • Remember you need to be a financial member first before you post your log book.

Address to send logbooks:

Peter Papageorgiou

94 Crozier Ave Daw Park SA 5041

Ph: 0401 121 368

Please ring me with any enquiries.

Owen Smith, Bob Wilkeson, and Frank McHugh can also certify logbooks.

42 CHANGES AND ALTERATIONS TO CLUB BY-LAWS

President Bob Wilkeson will be proposing the following changes and alterations to the club’s By-Laws following discussions during recent club meetings regarding membership definitions and membership eligibility at the July 2021 AGM.

This will be a new “Attachment to By-Laws #5” if approved.

5. MEMBERSHIP

5.1 Eligibility

• New clause to be added:

(c) Membership is also available to an organization / entity / trust (as a single membership only) that has an interest in the preservation and restoration of 48-FJ Holdens.

• New clause to be added:

(d) Such bodies as above (c) shall nominate one of its officers as the recognized person to represent that body at club meetings, and that person will be entitled to vote at any type of meeting.

• New clause to be added:

(e) Such bodies as above (c) will not be entitled to hold an executive position in the club.

5.2 Admission

• Existing clause to be deleted:

(b) That the person has attended at least one meeting of the club as a visitor, with their name and address recorded in the membership book, one month prior to the application being considered for approval by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may waive the requirements for attendance at one meeting in the case of application for membership from the country, interstate or overseas;

• New clause to be added in lieu:

(b) That the person has attended at least one meeting of the club as a visitor, with their name and address recorded in the membership book, one month prior to the application being considered for approval by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may waive the requirements for attendance at one meeting in the case of application for membership from the country, interstate or overseas, or for any other circumstance as deemed acceptable by the Executive Committee;

5.3 Types of Membership

• Existing clause to be deleted:

(a) i. Single Membership

This is for one person, 16 years of age and over, who shall have full voting rights and the privilege of conditional registration.

• New clause to be added in lieu:

(a) i. Single Membership

This is for one person, 16 years of age and over, and for an organization / entity / trust member, who shall have full voting rights and the privilege of conditional registration.

43 RON BROCK’S CAR & PARTS DISPOSAL - JUNE 2021

Ron Brock has been a keen owner of Holdens since the 1960’s. In that time he has amassed a considerable collection of vehicles, which he is now offering for sale.

FX HOLDEN, BLUE:

ABOVE: FX & FJ CARS

44

FX HOLDEN BODY NO 786

HT HOLDEN 1972:

45 FX & FJ PARTS

EK STATION WAGON:

If you are interested in any of the items shown contact Ron via email email: [email protected] Email quotes close 30th June 2021

46 48-FJ HOLDEN CLUB of S.A. – “DICTIONARY OF LOST WORDS”

Last year South Australian author Pip Williams’ book “The Dictionary of Lost Words” was released. It was an immediate international success, bringing her much acclaim. In an engaging historical fiction, the book explores the process of researching the meanings of words for use in the Oxford Dictionary.

This got us thinking that there are some words we use quite frequently when talking about old Holdens where perhaps the original use or derivation is also a bit “lost” or vague. So, we’ve come up with some words, then did a quick bit of research on each one.

Bonnet/Hood(USA):

A car bonnet is the metal part that covers the engine of an automobile. The term car bonnet is a British term, used primarily in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, India, New Zealand, Australia, etc. Bonnet comes from the Old French word bonet, which means “cloth used as a headdress”. In current motoring terminology “hood” can mean either the top of a convertible motor car or a motor car bonnet.

Boot/trunk:

The usage of the word "trunk" comes from it being the word for a large travelling chest, as such trunks were often attached to the back of the vehicle before the development of integrated storage compartments in the 1930s. The usage of the word "boot" comes from the word for a built-in compartment on a horse carriage.

Bumper bar:

A device for absorbing shock or preventing damage (as in a collision) Specifically - a bar at either end of an automobile.

Clutch:

The word clutch is found in Middle English, meaning “to grasp something tightly,” especially in one's metaphoric clutches, or “claws.” A woman's clutch bag, or clutch, is recorded in the 1940s.

Current meaning: A device to interrupt power transmission, commonly used between engine and gearbox in a car. The pedal in a car that disengages power transmission

Dashboard:

Originally, the word dashboard applied to a barrier of wood or leather fixed at the front of a horse-drawn carriage to protect the driver from mud or other debris "dashed up" (thrown up) by the horses' hooves.

Differential:

This has a few different meanings. Eg in the 1640s, "making or exhibiting a difference”, from Medieval Latin differentialis, from Latin differentia meaning "diversity, difference" and from 1704. “...an epicyclic train of gears designed to permit two or more shafts to revolve at different speeds when driven by a third shaft...”

Firewall:

The term firewall originally referred to a wall intended to confine a fire within a line of adjacent buildings. Later uses refer to similar structures, such as the metal sheet separating the engine compartment of a vehicle or aircraft from the passenger compartment.

47

Glove box:

The name derives from the original purpose of the compartment, to store driving gloves. They were sometimes in a box on the floorboard near the driver, hence the word "glovebox".

Grille:

A grating or screen of metal bars or wires, placed in front of something as protection or to allow ventilation or discreet observation. On a vehicle; An ornamental screen at the front of a motor car, or a slotted cover to protect and hide the radiator, while admitting air to cool it.

Headlight:

A headlamp is a lamp attached to the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead. Headlamps are also often called headlights, but in the most precise usage, headlamp is the term for the device itself and headlight is the term for the beam of light produced and distributed by the device. A headlamp is a light, equipped with a reflector, situated at the front of any vehicle.

Hub and hubcap:

A hub is the central part of a wheel - the part into which the spokes are inserted. A hubcap is a covering to protect the hub from dirt or other unwanted particles.

Ignition and Ignition Coil:

The term ignition is from the verb ignite; to heat intensely, take fire, and begin to burn. Ignition is the process which ignites the fuel in the cylinder. The induction coil is used for converting the battery voltage to the high tension required by the sparking plugs.

Jack:

Any of the various mechanical devices, as a contrivance for raising heavy objects. (“jack” from nautical usage; a term for a sailor who raised the horizontal bar at the masthead, or to raise up the ensign to signal nationality.)

Mud-spats (or Wheel-spats):

A mud guard, mudflap or mud-spat is used in combination with the vehicle fender to protect the vehicle, passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians from mud and other flying debris thrown into the air by the rotating tyre. (A ‘spat’ is also a short gaiter worn over the instep, usually fastened under the foot with a strap to protect shoes becoming muddy.)

Muffler:

Interestingly, the “muffler” that warms your neck is related to the “muffler” that deadens the sound of your car's exhaust, a usage that showed up at the end of the 19th century. Both are derived from the verb muffle, which comes from the Middle French word moufle, (from the 14th to 16th centuries).

48

Running-board:

The origin of the name running board is obscure; the first running boards predate automobiles and were installed on carriages as early as the 17th century. Currently: A small ledge, step, or footboard, beneath the doors of a car, to assist passengers entering or leaving.

Radiator:

Radiators (first used as a term for a stovetop patent in 1834) are heat exchangers used to transfer thermal energy from one medium to another for the purpose of cooling and heating. The majority of radiators are constructed to function in cars, buildings, and electronics.

Speedo:

The word speedometer arose in 1904, a Germanic-Greek hybrid word meaning a device attached to a motor vehicle, or the like, to indicate the rate of travel.

Wiring loom:

The electrical wiring in a car is a system of colour-coded wires called the loom. Where several wires run side by side they are bound together with insulating tape or plastic sleeving.

SOURCES: dictionary.com; etymonline.com/word; grammarist.com/interesting words; grammarphobia.com/blog; lexico.com/definition; merriam-webster.com/dictionary; Wikipedia.org/wiki, and The Macquarie Dictionary Fifth Edition.

Thanks to Chris Seidel for conducting a considerable mount of initial research. Thanks also to Pearl, Calendar Girl, Stretch, and UTE-451 for posing so patiently for the photographs.

______

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE OBJECT – ANSWER from p. 23

It’s a “Horse Hair Teaser”. Obvious, wasn’t it!

(Thanks to Simon Brewer for this riddle) 49

Book review of “THE HISTORY OF HOLDEN SINCE 1917”

by Norm Darwin

In our club library we have a gem of a book called “The History of Holden Since 1917”. It was written by the author Norm Darwin who presented this personally signed copy to the club on the occasion of our 21st anniversary.

My interest in this book was raised after having attended the latest club run to the Copper Coast for the Cornish Festival. On Sunday morning around 800 different classic, veteran and vintage cars lined up at Wallaroo waiting to take part in the Cavalcade of cars. Whilst waiting to leave, we were alerted to one of the vintage cars in the cavalcade that had a Holden badge attached to the vehicle. It had been assembled by the Holden family in the 1920’s during the time that they were involved in building car bodies for numerous car manufacturers. Don Loffler was immediately notified and he could not get there quick enough to learn of the history of that particular vehicle.

On returning home I retrieved this book from the library to read the history behind the building of early Holden cars. It is a fascinating documentation of the era of the Holden starting in 1917, beginning with a chapter on the events leading up to the birth of the Australian car. The history goes back to 1914 when H.J. Holden of Holden and Frost in Grenfell Street Adelaide, took an order for a custom built body to suit a Lancia chassis which was owned by a publican. This was Holden’s beginning in the auto business. One custom body led to another, and over the next three years Holden and Frost built bodies, motor cycle side cars and even T Ford bodies.

General Motors is covered in the second chapter where they were producing Buicks, Chevrolet and also Dodge bodies. The Holden bodied Chevrolet was selling for 375 pounds, the Buick for 570 pounds. There are also amazing copies of the advertising used in newspapers and magazines during the 1920’s.

The British connection is also included. Holden were producing bodies for Austin, Fiat, Morris and Rover during the 1920’s, and in the 1930’s for Humber, Hillman and Standard. The book goes into a lot of detail about those cars, including Vauxhall engine and chassis numbers.

The Second World War is covered in detail when Holden was producing in excess of 30,000 bodies of standard and special types of vehicles from 1939 to 1944. The production lines were converted for building bridge pontoons and aircraft jigs and parts. Towards the end of the war in 1943, the then managing director of GMH, Larry Hartnett, called a meeting of his top engineers to start the complete manufacturing of cars in Australia, not just assembling bodies.

We are all familiar with the growth history of our early Holdens, and the history of that is covered in detail in later chapters of the book. There are numerous pictures of the early production lines and specifically of the first two locations of production, namely Woodville and also the Fishermen’s Bend plant in Victoria.

The book concludes with technical data of all the Holdens up to the VH Commodore and the TF Gemini.

This book is a fascinating read and a valuable resource.

John Liersch, club librarian

50

REFLECTING ON MIRROR POSITIONING

Following recent casual conversations with Barry Gaghan about the correct position for the interior rear view mirror in old Holdens, he sent this email:

“In this photo Ben Chifley is standing next to the ‘first’ Holden on November 29th 1948. The car has the narrow part of the rear view mirror at the top.”

Clearly, as Barry said, the narrow part is at the top.

Other early photos certainly seem to support this. The one below of the FJ panel van prototype mounted on a 48-215 chassis also verifies it, as does an earlier photo of XM-525, below left.

Photo taken from Norm Darwin’s ”The History of Holden Since 1917” p.165 (See John Liersch’s book review on the previous page)

Photo at left also from, ”The History of Holden Since 1917” p.199.

BUT ...

Photo from Don Loffler’s “She’s a Beauty” p 59 Photo from, “The History of Holden Since 1917” p 143

Even though it was one month after production, the 48-215 driven by Harold Bettle clearly has the long side of the mirror at the top. In the next photo, the FJs have their mirrors in a vertical position! From these two photos could we conclude that the orientation of the rear view mirror was determined by the worker at the end of the production line, and therefore that the final position was placed entirely at their whim?

Editors 51

To all Members of the 48-FJ Holden Club of SA Inc.

Welcome to the Rare Spares Loyalty Club!

We want to reward you and your car club for your passion and involvement in the car industry, and for keeping the cars we love on the roads!

How the club works!

This exclusive club is only available to members of Car Clubs and is designed to reward both you and your club!

The 48-FJ Holden Club of SA inc. is registered with Rare Spares, and members can sign up and begin accumulating points for every dollar spent in store and online. Loyalty Club cards must be presented when purchasing (or membership number entered online) in order to receive points which can be redeemed for some fantastic rewards outlined below.

Online orders - Members can now purchase online and receive their 10% discount simply by signing in. All points from these purchases will be automatically assigned to the 48-FJ Holden Car Club of SA Inc. *Excludes already discounted items and vouchers.

How we will reward your club? Exclusive invites to Project Partner nights. Every dollar spent at Rare Spares by members means your car club will earn one point, which can be traded in for fantastic rewards. Exclusive promotions will be available to your club, with *NEW* and exclusive access to Rare Spares sponsored events.

How we will reward you as a member? You will receive 10% off all Rare Spares products at all Rare Spares exclusive distributors, earning valuable rewards to benefit the 48-FJ Holden Car Club of SA inc.

You will also receive information on the latest products and specials for your specific vehicle!

How to register as a member? (follow the link no cost) https://www.rarespares.net.au/secure/members/register?from=rarespares&ref=loyalty

From The Rare Spares Team.

(We ran this item in the 2019 Spring edition. Recently Kevin Ratsch reminded us of the benefits for our club. In 2019 Peter Papageorgiou noted that our club had accrued 1699 points. With our increased membership over the past few years we thought it would be a good idea to run it again. Eds.)

If you have any questions we’re sure Peter or Kevin would enjoy having a chat to you.

52

WHY “CALVERT BLUE”? (THANKS TO KAREN BROCK FOR THE NEWSPAPER CLIPPING)

We all know that Holden colour names can sometimes be obscure, but this newspaper article throws some light on how the name “Calvert Blue” came about.

Karen Brock gave us this article earlier in the year because she and Ron have a Calvert Blue 48-215, as we also do. We contacted Don Loffler to see if he could provide us with more information, and of course he did! This is a copy of his response:

“Many thanks for the article on Bill Murrell, as he liked to call himself...how very interesting it is.

I hadn’t ever met Bill, but in 1999, he acquired a copy of my first book and rang me from his home in Perth, to tell me about his time with GMH. He came across as a really nice person, and we had a great conversation. While that was the only contact I ever had with him, he gave me the names of GMH colleagues to contact, which proved to be most fruitful.

On Wikipedia, I checked out the name William Calvert, the father of Bill’s mother. It just mentioned that William Henry Fairfax (!) Calvert was an independent MP in the Tasmanian parliament from 1924 to 1942. So it’s not surprising that Calvert came into Bill’s name, and as he was a significant GMH staff member, I think it is perfectly reasonable to assume that “Calvert Blue” was named to honour him, his mother and his grandfather.”

53

48 FJ HOLDEN CLUB OF SA INC MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 8TH MARCH 2021 MODEL T CLUB ROOMS, PORT ROAD, CROYDON SA

Simon Brewer, Secretary & Covid Marshall

PRESIDENT: Bob Wilkeson TREASURER: John Nitschke SECRETARY: Simon Brewer MEETING OPENED: 8.05pm

PRESENT: 40 members, 2 visitors as recorded in attendance book APOLOGIES: 18 members as recorded in attendance book

MEET & GREET: (Don Loffler) • Read birthdays and anniversaries for the month • Welcomed Mick Monterosso (brother of recent new member Cosmo) who is restoring a 1953 Air Ride, bought about 4 years ago partially restored, Lithgow Cream with green upholstery. Mick plans a few small modifications to slightly model on the famous Des West car • Welcomed Ian Oxley who owns a 1955 FJ, was a member back in 2001. Is restoring his car, which is about 80% complete • Welcomed Ron & Karen Brock visiting from Waikerie • Don thanked Barry Gaghan for his help with many club members. Then advised him that he looked up Barry's ute details and found the history of it, including a picture of it rusting away in a paddock near Kapunda in 2003. The picture made it into a calendar named "Rust In Peace". Barry bought the ute about 4 or 5 years ago and knew it had sat in that paddock since the late 70s.

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: (Simon Brewer) • Minutes for meeting 8th February 2021 read & accepted

Moved: Lyn Wilkeson Seconded: Frank McHugh Carried

CORRESPONDENCE: (Bob Wilkeson/Simon Brewer) • In: FX-FJ Holden Club Melbourne Chapter Feb 2021 Newsletter • In: FX-FJ Holden Club of Qld “Revs” Magazine Feb 2021 • In: National Motor Museum advice that Bay to Birdwood 2021 registrations now open, event 26th September, Regular entry $75 per vehicle, Awards entry $145 • In: National Motor Museum Clubs Newsletter Feb 2021 • In: 48 & FJ Holden Owners Club of NSW “The Distributor” magazine Feb 2021 • In: EMHC Victoria “Early Torque” magazine Mar 2021 • Out: Covid Attendance sheets to Model T Ford Club of SA (email)

TREASURER’S REPORT: (John Nitschke) • Report provided by John. • Total Membership 155

Moved: John Nitschke Seconded: Steve Gehlken Carried

SOCIAL COMMITTEE REPORT: (Debbi Gehlken) • Report on Sunday 14th February Valentines Day Run Adelaide Hills • Sunday 28th March Rotary Club of Campbelltown "Classics on the Park" at Thorndon Park, Paradise plus club breakfast at neighbouring Rezz Hotel, flyers available at meeting • Sunday April 11th All GM Day Gawler is now confirmed, anyone who paid last year carries over automatically • May 22nd/23rd short weekend away Copper Triangle Kernewek Lowender, flyer available at meeting • Sunday 20th June President's Run • July will be a pie & pasty night at the club rooms plus presentation • August Woodville Bowl and lunch at a nearby hotel • September will be a Saturday run to Langhorne Creek • October long weekend being planned for Burra, probable accommodation Paxton Square Cottages • November run being decided; may be Don’s delayed Holden Anniversary cruise from 2020 • December 4th Club BBQ in planning 54 • Simon Brewer added a few more details of the planned short weekend run • President Bob provided some details on the President's Run scheduled for 20th June, Birdwood. Entry to the museum will be free courtesy of Shannon’s.

LIBRARY REPORT: (John Liersch) • Nothing to report. All going well • Spare parts catalogue now in Steve's hands. John also has his own private copy of parts catalogue that he is willing to lend out. • Correction to last minutes in that parts catalogue goes up to FB series

PHOTO ALBUM: (Wendy & Bruce Cussans) • All going well. • Bruce trying to collect rego numbers for all cars to assist identification in photos

MAGAZINE: (Deb & Rob Seidel) • Autumn magazine now out and Rob thanked everyone for contributing

HISTORIC REGISTRATION: (Frank McHugh, Owen Smith, Bob Wilkeson, Peter Papageorgiou) • All going well • 143 cars now on club registration

RISK MANAGEMENT: (Daren Isemonger) • All up to date • Please pass details of all event risk management to Daren

WEB MASTER & SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT: (Simon Brewer) • All going well

A.E.H.F.: (Tony Hitchin & Kym Gregory) • Club responded to AEHF but still haven’t heard final result for nationals

F.H.M.C REPORT: (Tony Hitchin) • Nothing to report

SPARES: (Steve Gehlken, Peter Papageorgiou) • All going well • Nothing on wiring looms as yet

BUY, SELL, SWAP: • John Liersch has a friend in Kadina with a December 1949 car that he is thinking of selling; please see John if interested

TECH TALK: • Don Loffler was urged by Frank McHugh to take car to All Clutch and Brake at St Marys and reported exceptional service and very fair price. Lyn Wilkeson noted to all that business will provide a 10% discount to club members, so please mention the club. • President Bob reported on pulling apart different grey motors and mentioned push rods and followers. This was because he found a combination of different model followers and pushrods in a single engine. In March/April 1954 a change was made to delete the cup in the bottom of the follower but didn’t change the pushrod. They made pushrods longer 33000 engines later because the cup removal made them a bit too short. Noted also that some followers had holes in them and some didn’t, which is probably due to different suppliers. Also noted differences in the rocker gear shaft bridges that changed in FE series to a stronger design. Next time he will show valves and the differences found. Frank McHugh noted that the Gregory’s manual has a good description of the differences. It was further noted it's important to be aware of these details when ordering club spares.

GENERAL BUSINESS: • Email received from James Pratt looking for assistance with fixing sump gasket. Suggested Repco as supplier and buy bottom end gasket set, also Sprint. Suggested to compare prices from different suppliers. President Bob will talk to him about assistance. • Janice Soar rang and advised that member Andrew Soar of Strathalbyn had passed away last Friday. Andrew was well known to many members as he and Janice had hosted club BBQs a few times and were very generous with their hospitality. Janice will be looking after his cars and will advise the future of them. Janice has a club jacket XL size if anyone is interested. There will be no funeral. President Bob will send a card on behalf of the club.

MEETING CLOSED: 9.18pm NEXT MEETING: Monday 12th April 2021, 8.00pm 55 48 FJ HOLDEN CLUB OF SA INC MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 12TH APRIL 2021 MODEL T CLUB ROOMS, PORT ROAD, CROYDON SA

Simon Brewer, Secretary & Covid Marshall

PRESIDENT: Bob Wilkeson TREASURER: John Nitschke SECRETARY: Simon Brewer MEETING OPENED: 8.06pm

PRESENT: 34 members, 2 visitors as recorded in attendance book APOLOGIES: 17 members as recorded in attendance book

MEET & GREET: (Don Loffler) • Read birthdays and anniversaries for the month • Welcomed Peter Paproth, President of the 48 FJ Holden Club of Australia Melbourne Chapter. Peter is here for work and found us on the web site. He is rebuilding a 1954 FJ Special, which was an 80s custom unit with red engine and several mods

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: (Simon Brewer) • Minutes for meeting 8th March 2021 read & accepted

Moved: Owen Smith Seconded: Debbi Gehlken Carried

CORRESPONDENCE: (Bob Wilkeson/Simon Brewer) • In: FX-FJ Holden Club (Melbourne Chapter) Mar newsletter • In: FX-FJ Holden Club of Australia (Sydney Chapter) Feb/Mar Magazine • In: FX-FJ Holden Club of Qld Mar newsletter • In: Email from Norm Darwin regarding his new book release "The HK HT HG Story" $65 to club members • In: Invitation from Murray Mallee Auto Club to attend "Swan Reach Classic Car River Run" Sunday April 18th 2021 • In: 48 & FJ Holden Owners Club of NSW "Distributor" Mar magazine • In: FX-FJ Holden Club (Melbourne Chapter) Apr newsletter • In: Brisbane Northside Classic Holden Club Apr newsletter • In: EMHC Victoria "Early Torque" Apr magazine • Out: None

TREASURER’S REPORT: (John Nitschke) • Report read out by John. • Total Membership 155

Moved: John Nitschke Seconded: Rob Seidel Carried

SOCIAL COMMITTEE REPORT: (Debbi Gehlken) • Report on Classics on the Park event March 28th and All GM Day Gawler April 11th where several prizes were won by club members • May 22nd/23rd short weekend away Copper Triangle Kernewek Lowender, flyer No 2 available at meeting • Sunday 19th June President's Run • July 17th will be a pie & pasty night at the club rooms plus presentation • August Woodville Bowl and lunch at a nearby hotel • September will be a Saturday run to Langhorne Creek • October long weekend being planned for Burra, probable accommodation Paxton Square Cottages • November run being decided; may be Don’s delayed Holden Anniversary cruise from 2020 • December 4th Club BBQ in planning • Simon Brewer added a few more details of the planned short weekend run, which will now include a visit to Urlwin Park Museum in Balaklava on the way, also including a club-funded morning tea

LIBRARY REPORT: (John Liersch) • Nothing to report all going well

PHOTO ALBUM: (Wendy & Bruce Cussans) • All going well. 56 MAGAZINE: (Deb & Rob Seidel) • Rob mentioned an idea to have a before and after photo session in a future magazine. Simply send before and after photos through and doesn't require a written story as this is more of a pictorial

HISTORIC REGISTRATION: (Frank McHugh, Owen Smith, Bob Wilkeson, Peter Papageorgiou) • All going well

RISK MANAGEMENT: (Daren Isemonger) • All up to date • Please pass details of all event risk management to Daren

WEB MASTER & SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT: (Simon Brewer) • All going well

A.E.H.F.: (Tony Hitchin & Kym Gregory) • Nationals announced for December 2022 to be in Cooma, NSW

F.H.M.C REPORT: (Tony Hitchin) • Meeting last Saturday night. • Noted that FHMC can advocate for clubs on conditional registration and the government prefer to deal with this peak body rather than individual clubs, so any issues should be channelled via FHMC

SPARES: (Steve Gehlken, Peter Papageorgiou) • All going well • Still waiting for wiring looms, which should be on their way soon • Peter Papageorgiou noted that the aftermarket front bumpers may not fit original overriders, so should buy new ones with the bumper • Question: do we have a list of spares? No, too hard

BUY, SELL, SWAP: • Peter Papageorgiou mentioned a person who has a ute for sale, probably worse than garden art • John Nitschke looking for FB side vent window and fuel tank. Peter Papageorgiou reported that a 65 Mustang tank will fit, but probably harder to find! • John Nitschke showed the new Holden commemorative stamps released recently by Australia Post and now commonly available • Barry Gaghan noted a friend has a 53 FJ Air Ride sedan for sale in Kapunda, price is probably at least $10,000 • Andy Jarrett is looking for an FJ ute tail gate either outer or inner. Suggested can get a new outer from a supplier in Queensland. No inner suppliers mentioned • Debbi Gehlken has an older jacket available, size S never worn • Owen Smith reported that Kym Zeppel may be thinking about putting his FJ up for sale as he has moved

TECH TALK: • None

GENERAL BUSINESS: • Debbi Gehlken thanked everyone for participating and drew the lucky squares. First prize of book to Daryl Woolford, 2nd prize of biscuits to John Nitschke, 3rd prize of chocolates to Mick Barry. • Debra West noted there is now a Holden Uno game available at Woolies • President Bob proposed Ian Oxley as a new member, seconded by Steve Gehlken and carried unanimously • President Bob proposed Mick Monterosso as a new member, seconded by Steve Gehlken and carried unanimously with acclamation • Peter Paproth (from Melbourne) mentioned that AOMC (the Victorian equivalent of FHMC) use hybrid Zoom meetings, which is very successful particularly to bring in country members. It was noted that our country members were more included when we had Zoom meetings and we are exploring hybrid meetings in future.

MEETING CLOSED: 9.15pm NEXT MEETING: Monday 10th May 2021, 8.00pm ______

INTERESTING SAYINGS ... “Do not correct a fool, or he will hate you; correct a wise man, and he will appreciate you."

"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."

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48 FJ HOLDEN CLUB OF SA INC MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 10TH MAY 2021 MODEL T CLUB ROOMS, PORT ROAD, CROYDON SA

Simon Brewer, Secretary & Covid Marshall

PRESIDENT: Bob Wilkeson TREASURER: John Nitschke SECRETARY: Simon Brewer MEETING OPENED: 8.05pm

PRESENT: 40 members, 0 visitors as recorded in attendance book APOLOGIES: 14 members as recorded in attendance book

MEET & GREET: (Don Loffler) • Read birthdays and anniversaries for the month. Noted 50th wedding anniversary for Bob & Lyn Wilkeson

MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: (Simon Brewer) • Minutes for meeting 12th April 2021 read & accepted

Moved: Debra West Seconded: Mick Monterosso Carried

CORRESPONDENCE: (Bob Wilkeson/Simon Brewer) • In: FX-FJ Holden Club of Qld Apr "Revs" newsletter • In: Lower Murray Vintage Engine & Machinery Club May-Aug newsletter • In: Gawler Car Club Event Notice "Old Car Day" Wednesday 1st September, Bethany • In: Thank you note and memorial card for former member Andrew Soar from Janice Soar • Out: None

TREASURER’S REPORT: (John Nitschke) • Report read by John • Total Membership 156

Moved: John Nitschke Seconded: Steve Gehlken Carried

A proposal was then raised that membership fees for the 2021/22 financial year remain at $40 for family membership and $35 for individual membership.

Moved: John Nitschke Seconded: Tony Hitchin Carried

SOCIAL COMMITTEE REPORT: (Debbi Gehlken) • May 22nd/23rd short weekend away Copper Triangle Kernewek Lowender, flyer No 3 with detailed itinerary available at meeting • Sunday 20th June President's Run 34 people indicated they wish to attend • Saturday July 17th will be a pie & pasty night at the club rooms plus presentation • August Ten Pin Bowling and lunch at a nearby hotel • September will be a Saturday run to Langhorne Creek • October long weekend being planned for Burra, probable accommodation Paxton Square Cottages • November run being decided; may be Don’s delayed Holden Anniversary cruise from 2020 • December 4th Club BBQ in planning • Simon Brewer added a few more details of the planned short weekend run, which will now include a visit to Urlwin Park Museum in Balaklava on the way, also including a club-funded morning tea

LIBRARY REPORT: (John Liersch) • Nothing to report all going well

PHOTO ALBUM: (Wendy & Bruce Cussans) • All going well

58 MAGAZINE: (Simon Brewer on behalf of Deb & Rob Seidel) • The Winter magazine is progressing well. • Rob and Deb would like some more before and after photos of cars - including photos of cars that have been kept in their original states, showing how well these icons of Australian history have been preserved. Contact Rob and Deb with any questions, especially if you only have hard copies of photos and not digital ones. • Closing date for articles is Friday 28th May

HISTORIC REGISTRATION: (Frank McHugh, Owen Smith, Bob Wilkeson, Peter Papageorgiou) • All going well

RISK MANAGEMENT: (Daren Isemonger) • Not present

WEB MASTER & SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT: (Simon Brewer) • All going well

A.E.H.F.: (Tony Hitchin & Kym Gregory) • Initial program for 2022 Cooma Nationals is now on web site https://www.fxfjnats.com.au/ • Dates 27th December 2022 to 1st January 2023

F.H.M.C REPORT: (Tony Hitchin) • 2021 Motorfest event calendar details now on web site https://www.fhmcsa.org.au/

SPARES: (Steve Gehlken, Peter Papageorgiou) • All going well • Wiring looms now packaged and on their way (cheque also in the mail!)

BUY, SELL, SWAP: • Barry Gaghan looking for retainer for a front stabiliser bar, seat ends for front seat and RH front scuff plate for FJ • Con Markos reported complete tailgates are available from WA for about $1800 each. Excellent workmanship; discussed several second hand ones that sell for around $1000

TECH TALK: • None

GENERAL BUSINESS: • Discussion about accommodation booking for Cooma nationals and indications are that attendees tend to book well in advance, but it was noted that typically accommodation venues don’t take bookings more than 12 months out • President Bob advised that the National Motor Museum has a Hartnet car they wish to restore and are raising funds for, so have asked the club to consider a donation. He will bring a proposal to next meeting for consideration • Treasurer John drew the door prize free raffle. Leanne Caire won the box of chocolates • Presented name badges to new members Ian Oxley, James Pratt and Mick Monterosso each with a rousing acclamation of congratulations

MEETING CLOSED: 9.01pm NEXT MEETING: Monday 14th June 2021, 8.00pm ______

JUST JOKING ... (Thanks to John Nitschke for this one)

A Lexus mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of an LS460 when he spotted a well-known cardiac surgeon in his shop.

The surgeon was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his car when the mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?" The cardiac surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working.

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine. I opened its heart, took the valves out, repaired or replaced anything damaged, and then put everything back in, and when I finished, it worked just like new. So how is it that I make $48,000 a year and you make $1.7M when you and I are doing basically the same work?”

The cardiac surgeon paused, leaned over and whispered to the mechanic, "Try doing it with the engine running.”

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BUY ……… SWAP ……… SELL

Steve Gehlken, Club contact

FOR SALE:

Set of 4 FJ Wheel Rims.

Excellent condition with “As New” tyres fitted.

Contact John: 0409 404 658

Reproduction Accessory Gauge Holder, fit either side of steering column as per Nasco originals. $50.00/pair, members price only.

Nasco Sticker Decal pack - $10.00. Pack of 5 stickers of various sizes. Magnetic Speedo Conversion Table, dash mount for easy viewing. Convert miles to kilometres. $5.00 each. Approx size 80mm x 55mm. Postage available.

Contact Steve Gehlken: 0421 852 451

WANTED: I am looking for a FJ tailgate will consider any condition, and a steering wheel with horn button. Andy Jarrett: 0417 808 059

REMINDER – ALL ITEMS ON THIS PAGE REMAIN FOR ONE ISSUE ONLY. YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT STEVE OR THE EDITORS IF YOU WANT AN ITEM REPEATED.

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CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS ITEM?

This object is approximately 35 to 40 cm long, and about 15 to 20 cm at its widest. Could it be a tool or some sort of cradle or harness for ... ??? Or useful for ... ??? If you know what it is please contact the editors or Steve Gehlken. (PS. Please ignore the shadow of the photographer and the passing clouds. These images are quite nice, but not part of the puzzle!)

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CHEESY JOKES:

Did you hear about the explosion at a French cheese factory? All that was left was de brie.

How do you hide a small horse? With Mascarpone.

61 “OFFICIAL CLUB CONVERSION CHART” How to interpret classic car adverts

IF IT SAYS: IT REALLY MEANS:

Rare model...... Nobody liked them when they were new either Older restoration...... Can’t tell it’s been restored Needs engine work...... It’s been frozen for 30 years Uses no oil...... Just throws it out No rust...... Body and mudguards missing Rough...... It’s too bad to lie about One owner...... Never been able to sell No time to complete...... Can’t find parts anywhere Needs interior...... Seats are gone Rebuilt engine...... Has new spark plugs May run...... But it never has Low mileage...... Third time “around the clock” Many new parts...... Keeps breaking down 29 coats of paint...... Needed that much to cover the paint Clean...... It sat out in the rain yesterday Always driven slowly...... It won’t go any faster Stored 25 years...... Under a tree Real show stopper...... Orange with purple mudguards Easy restoration...... Parts will come off in your hand Ready to show...... Just washed it Good investment...... It can’t depreciate any more

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MALCOLM CAIRE SEEMS TO HAVE LOST HIS KEYS ...

62 PROUD CLUB SPONSORS

at FINDON

PLEASE TRY TO UTILISE THE SERVICES OF OUR VERY IMPORTANT AND MUCH APPRECIATED SPONSORS WHEREVER POSSIBLE

63 BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

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