VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 Nov—Dec 2010 INSIDE THIS ISSUE UPCOMING EVENTS to this year’s Roundabouts. My first five issues have been a lot of Letter from Ric McDonald 5 Christmas Party: Tuesday, Dec. fun to put together. There has James Bond 6 7th at Pier 73, 3500 Cessna Drive, been no shortage of great articles London Brighton Run 7 Richmond, 6:30 to use. In fact I‘ve had trouble New West Moment 8 fitting everything in, they’ve been Valentine’s Day Run : February, Meeting Minutes 9/10 that good. Regalia for Christmas! 11 location and time TBA Welcome to OECC I hope everyone has a great holi- EDITOR’S BIT Autojumble day season and I look forward to I want to extend a very special At The Wheel 12 many more fabulous articles and thank you to all of the contributors issues next year.

Late in 1946 the first roadster was produced. It was The Elliott Saloon called the Healey Westland after the manufacturer of the body, Westland Motor Company Limited, who were Part 2: History of Healey based in Hereford. Shortly afterwards, and in order to achieve greater top-end speed, a saloon body was cre- Elliott GWD 42 ated by Samuel Elliott of Reading. The saloon car was called the Healey Elliott and had an all aluminium body By Walter Reynolds (with other credits as to reduce weight. This car was chassis 1502 which is shown). currently owned by and under restoration at Classic Restorations of Bedfordshire, England, and was the

subject of Part 1. Arising from his racing successes prior to World War Two, was anxious to produce his own And now, Part 2 continues the Healey Elliott story…. car. The prototype versions of the resulting cars were the subject of Part 1 of this story.

Part 2 deals specifically with production Healey Elliott chassis B1649, registration number GWD 42, pictured below.

Front View of GWD 42. Internet photo. Date and pho- tographer unknown

Following the success of the Milan-Como Autostrada

104.14 mph timed run, a Healey Elliott saloon was Side View of GWD 42. Internet photo. Date and photog- taken to the Jabekke-Aeltre highway in Belgium in the rapher unknown. summer of 1947. This car achieved a top speed of 111.87 mph, which was recorded in ‗The Motor‘ magazine. The Healey Elliott was advertised as the fastest production To recap Part 1: During the latter stages of the war, saloon in the world. Healey, with a few close friends, put together a few ideas for a streamlined car. Donald was hoping to de- Having re-affirmed the ―fastest production car in the velop a reliable and fast light weight sports car for the world‖ accolade and with , a good jour- motoring enthusiast. The new vehicle would be based nalist friend of his, Healey achieved a class win in a around an innovative chassis, designed by Barry Bilbe, Healey Westland during the 1947 Alpine Rally. Donald which was both light and strong. With an extremely then decided to make preparations for an assault on the reliable and potent pre-war 2.4 Riley engine, which sub- International motor racing scene the following year. sequently formed the basis for the E.R.A. engine, and independent front suspension and unique steering Around that time, Healey became acquainted with an mechanism, the new car resulted in an excellent pack- Australian by the name of Nick Haines, who had been a age for competition. pilot in the RAF. Haines was already a successful club

racer himself and became Belgian Agent for the Donald It had been raining for a few days prior to the race, but Healey Motor Company in the early days. It was felt the start of the event was under a clear sky. All the that the best way to advertise the new cars was to get Healeys entered proudly displayed the Union Jack on some competition success. their bonnets. GWD 42 made a good start. After passing

Rome and having travelled around 300 miles, strange noises started coming from the rear of the vehicle which The (1,000 Miles) Rally, Italy: turned out to be a broken torque rod. The car was quickly diverted into a local garage where the rod was welded and refitted within 50 minutes. Unfortunately,

the repair only lasted another 50 or so miles. Not wish- . ing to give up, Haines and Haller continued until they

reached the Futa Pass, just beyond Florence, around two thirds of the distance, when an oil leak in the gear- box and the seizing of the main shaft, meant the inevi- table retirement of GWD 42.

Racing. Location, date and photographer unknown

In April 1948, the factory prepared two vehicles specifi- cally for competition, a Healey Elliott (GWD 42) and a Healey Westland (GWD 43 – See sidebar for more infor- mation on GWD 43) and registered both vehicles at Warwick, England on 21 April, 1948, in readiness for the Mille Miglia a couple of weeks later. 1947 saw the first Mille Miglia after the war. The entry Internet photos. Magazine, date and locations un- list was made up entirely of Italian cars. In an effort to known. promote the British car industry and create unity be- Despite suffering similar torque rod problems in the tween the nations after the recent conflict, six Healeys other Healey Elliott, Count Lurrani came home 13th were entered in May 1948 for the fifth running of the overall, finishing first in the Touring Car Category and Mille Miglia. Unfortunately, only four were accepted. A achieving a record time. This was the first time that a private entry and an official Healey team of three cars British car had won the Touring Car Category in the comprised of factory-prepared vehicles GWD 42 and Mille Miglia. GWD 43 and a further Healey Elliott car (GUE 722), previously prepared by the factory for Count Johnny Donald and Geoffrey Healey had an even more eventful Lurrani, who had achieved first in class during the race, having struck a dog at 105 mph, but still finishing a few weeks earlier. These were the only 9th overall. With the likes of motor racing champions cars within that year‘s event which were not Italian. Nuvolari, Ascari, Sanesi and Cortese taking part in the The factory prepared Healey Elliotts had their sun roofs event with Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati, the removed to further lessen the weight of the car. achievements of the Healey team was all the more wor- thy. Being flagged off before the other team members, Nick Haines and Rudolfo Haller, a well known hill climbing To take advantage of the initial success of the Healey champion, departed Brescia in car number 37, the cars, Donald Healey, with Nick Haines as Navigator, Healey Elliott, GWD 42. As such, GWD 42 became the took part in the Alpine Rally with the Healey Westland, first non-Italian car and the first British car after the GWD 43 at the beginning of July 1948, where they war to take part in the event. achieved first in class and an Alpine Cup.

Of the 186 cars taking part in the event that year, 61 The Belgium Grand Prix, Spa Francorchamps, cars, including the two Healey Elliotts, were competing Belgium (Spa): within the Standard Touring Car Category. GWD 43, the Healey Westland was driven by Donald Healey, who Not satisfied with the success achieved in the demand- was partnered by his son, Geoffrey Healey, within the ing Mille Miglia Road Race and the Alpine Rally, Don- Unlimited Sports Car Category. ald decided that it would be worthwhile entering a Healey in the Belgium Grand Prix for Sports Cars that

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 2 year (1948). As the classic Le Mans race had yet to be As the 24 hour endurance race was as much human revived after the war, the Belgium Grand Prix was to be trial as a witness of the cars‘ capabilities, Wisdom the most prestigious endurance sports car race for 1948. started the race in a tweed suit and trilby hat with the parcel shelf stuffed with sweets and cigarettes. Appar- So, in July 1948, GWD 42 was entered in the Belgium ently he wore the trilby to further protect his eyes from 24 hour race at the Spa Francorchamps. GWD 42 was the setting sun. After a gentlemanly start, the competi- the only Healey entered for the event and thereby be- tive spirit took over and the Healey Elliott gradually came the first Healey to be officially raced on the cir- came up in its Category. cuit. Tommy Wisdom was asked to partner local Healey agent, Nick Haines. In view of Count Lurrani experi- Despite the casual approach of Wisdom, the Healey Elli- encing some problems with the bonnet lifting during the ott left the starting grid in second place just behind the Mille Miglia earlier in the year, a strap was fitted to Alfa driven by Abecassis. GWD 42 as a precaution. By around 10am the next morning GWD 42 was seven During practice prior to the event, Tommy Wisdom was laps behind its Category leader, a 3.0 litre Delage. As a little concerned about glare and decided to put a rug the last hour of the event approached the Delage pit on the rear parcel shelf, which is not a well known per- realized that the Healey Elliott was on the same lap as formance trick! Haines did employ some special Dunlop its car, and gaining. With only half an hour to go, in the racing tires for the event, with the assistance of Dunlop, forest section of the circuit, the Healey Elliott sped past which no doubt helped in the poor weather conditions. the Delage and led the Sports Car Category, which re- The Healey Elliott also experienced overheating but sulted in the Delage driver putting his foot to the floor. this was easily rectified. With smoke pouring from its front end, the Delage re- gained the lead on the very last lap, much to the dismay Once again the race was preceded by heavy rain, al- of the Haines and Wisdom team. though at 4p.m. on the day of the race, the sky cleared to allow a ―Le Mans‖ start with the drivers running across the race track to the 40 cars entered in the event, which included Delage, Delehaye, , Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, , Aston Martin, Fraser Nash-BMW and HRGs. This time the Healey Elliott was entered in the Sports Car Category rather than the Touring Car Cate- gory.

Location, date, driver and photographer unknown.

GWD 42 finally finished 8th overall and 2nd in its Cate- gory. The motoring press was quick to recognize the success of the Healey Elliott in the Targa Florio, the Mille Miglia and now Spa and looked forward to further success in the remaining events that year.

GWD 42 enjoyed a triumphant return to the Cape Fac- tory at Warwick. The designers and engineers responsi- Ready for Le Mans-style start. Year and Photographer ble for the preparation of GWD 42 earlier in the year not known. had photos taken outside Donald Healey‘s office as a keepsake to record the achievement at Spa in the face of Tommy Wisdom recalled an incident which occurred at stiff opposition. the start of the race. ―It was a Le Mans start and we, of The Paris 12 Hours Race: course, had a right hand drive car and lined up along- side us was an open BMW which had a left hand drive. Towards the end of the 1948 season, GWD 42 was en- The very pleasant German driver of the BMW came tered in the Paris 12 Hours Race held at the famous over to me as we stood on the grid and said, ‗Please, you Montlhery circuit, which effectively was the alternative will go first because we cannot both get into our cars at location for the Le Mans circuit. The British Racing the same time as our doors will touch‘. I replied, ‗No, Driver‘s Club (BRDC) entered a British team, which please, you go first.‘ ‗No,‘ he answered, ‗you will go first included GWD 42 and GWD 43 against a French team. because I have the faster car and I will soon catch you up. That‘s only fair.‘ So, I did go first and he never saw Healey Elliott GWD 42 was driven by Nick Haines and me again! I bet he was hopping mad!‖ well-known racing driver Leslie Johnson, who was the

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 3 managing director of the E.R.A. Company. The race was due to start at 6 am, but in view of the difficulties in marshalling the 50 entries for the event, the race did not commence until 7am under clear skies. In an effort to reduce a bit of weight, Haines removed the side lights which were considered superfluous for the race. No doubt headlights were retained to warn slower drivers of his presence.

Once again GWD 42 made an impressive start and Johnson pulled away from the entire field and took the lead as the cars left the start. However, by the end of the first lap, the Healey Elliott had fallen back to elev- enth overall. The Healey Westland driven by Tommy Wisdom and GWD 42’s engine compartment. Location, date and Norman Black retired due to transmission problems photographer unknown. with about two hours to go. Whilst lying in 9th overall, and only 40 minutes remaining GWD 42 was also with- On the back of the very successful racing debuts in drawn as the coolant was starting to overheat and 1948, notably with the Healey Elliott GWD 42, Donald Johnson suspected engine problems. While neither Healey had achieved his ambition to provide a light- Healey placed, the success of the other members in the weight sports car for the motoring enthusiast. Donald British team was such that the team received the Team Healey subsequently developed the Healey Silverstone Prize. in 1949, the Nash Healey in the early 50s and, of course the Austin Healey shortly thereafter. The rest, they say, The Goodwood Race Track: is history, with his swan song being the 1970s Jensen Healey. From its successes in Europe, GWD 42 came back to England for the inaugural Goodwood Meeting in Sep- The Current Status of GWD 42: tember 1948. Sporting race number 1, GWD 42 took part in the first race of the event which was for non- Nick Haines purchased GWD 42 at the end of the 1948 supercharged closed sports cars. racing season. He eventually sold the car on (year not known) and GWD 42 has been owned and campaigned During practice on the Friday before the main event, by several people since then. GWD 42 was recently re- GWD 42 was said to be having trouble with its engine stored and was entered in the 2008 and 2010 Mille big ends being too tight. Nick Haines was the assigned Miglia. The entry in the 2008 event was to celebrate the driver the next day. For the start of the event he was cars 60th anniversary of the first time it raced there. lined up at the back of the grid. Shortly after the start of the race, a Jaguar driven by Pycroft took the lead, According to Warren Kennedy, owner of Classic Resto- which it maintained to the finish. During lap two, rations in Bedfordshire, England, GWD 42 is currently Haines drove GWD 42 to overtake the HRG just after in their ―For Sale‖ inventory. Madgewick Corner but then spun off. In an effort to re- deem himself, Haines carried on and achieved the fast- est lap of the race and hence, the first lap record for the Goodwood circuit. This record was subsequently bet- tered by in a Cooper in the fifth race of the Meeting about two hours later!

And so the first full International Racing season for Donald Healey came to an end with the Healey West- land and Healey Elliott achieving some commendable results. Nick Haines, the principal driver of GWD 42 throughout the season, went on to race with some suc- cess for Aston Martin and then Jaguar. Tommy Wisdom and Leslie Johnson had further notable drives in Healeys in the 1950s.

GWD 42 at speed. Location, date, driver and photog- rapher unknown.

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 4 Sidebar: Healey Westland GWD 43 Healey Westland GWD 43 was Donald Healey‘s per- sonal car. With Healey Elliott GWD 42 it raced in the An Open Letter 1948 Mille Miglia and was restored for its German From owner by Classic Restorations of Bedfordshire, England between March 2008 and March 2009. Ric McDonald

Although I have been a 'proud' member of the OECC for the past couple of years I had not yet been 'touring' with the group. The 2008 Brits ‗Round BC, when I got as far as Whistler, suffered alternator and fuel vapori- zation problems with the car and decided to stop in Whistler, where I live, does not really count. Inciden- tally, anyone who has been around British cars for a while, knows that the chances of starting a longish trip and 'breaking down' where one lives, are practi- cally nil. Should have bought a lottery ticket that day, if I had been able to get to the store!

Anyway, this year I left for 3 days of the BRBC and GWD 43 after the 2009 Mille Miglia. Unknown person came home 9 days later, having completed the tour! with car. Tony Heyworth photo. Yes, I have a very understanding wife, though I owed her 'big time'! As much as I enjoy touring in Mr... Mog, Classic Restorations found a number of alterations had this shows how much I enjoyed the camaraderie of the been made to GWD 43. Not the least of these had the OECC group. This was definitely the highlight of my doors opening the wrong way, hinged at the front. They summer, although the few days over in Courtney for had to make a new ash frame, fabricate body panels, the AGM was time well 'wasted' as well. refurbish the chassis and running gear and re-build the engine. I understand some are planning a tour to Disneyland next summer but as I would not be able to get the time Apart from a few minor problems, the car completed the off work, (you know the activity that lets me support 2009 Mille Miglia eventually finishing in 209th position the Mog), I am still looking forward to accompany- out of 390 entrants. ing them at least part way; I know, famous last words! However I am really looking forward to renewing friendships on a BRBC in 2012. Sources: With retirement not quite looming, but yet on the hori-  www.marqueart.com zon, I have a few places I think would make for an in-  Classic Restorations, Bedfordshire, England teresting tour, and so perhaps I can organize, or help organize a BRBC. I know how much work this is but I  Google Images consider it a thank-you to those who have given me such pleasure, both organizers and participants.

Speaking of thank-yous, a note here to Rob and Elaine On a side note, there will be no “Members Cars” feature Brodie for their work on the BRBC, and the DeCarlo's this issue. Walter will return with another edition in the for hosting a most enjoyable, well at least and espe- Jan/Feb 2011 issue spotlighting the cars of Steve and cially the dinner part, AGM. I think though, that they Celia Hutchens. would be the first to say that it is the participants who 'make' an event. Anyway, may your stockings be full of spare parts you will never need, (actually one never needs the part one has!), and Happy Motoring in 2011!!

Ric MacDonald

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 5 The car will be displayed in his own private museum James Bond Aston Martin collection, and the proceeds of the sale are said to be go- DB5 ing to previous owner Jerry Lee’s, charitable foundation which helps education and international anti-crime pro- jects. By David Ballantine Jerry Lee originally bought the car back in 1969 for Recently, I happened to come across a picture that my $12,000 US. It still has the 007 refinements including: mechanic had of one of the five James Bond DB5 revolving number plates, bullet-proof rear shield, (Goldfinger and Thunderball) cars. In the picture of the Browning machine-guns and of course the ejector seat. car, taken in front of the restaurant called ―The Attic‖ which was owned by Frank Baker in Park Royal, West Ian Fleming, James Bond’s creator originally wanted Vancouver, was a very familiar face. It happened to be the Special Agent to drive another very British car, the of my friend Alf Spence who lives in Burnaby. I remem- Bentley, but filmmakers had other ideas. At the time the ber seeing the car many times when visiting Frank‘s DB5 was in direct competition with Jaguars E-type for restaurant. He also had one of the four 1966 Olds Toro- dominance within the British and American sports mar- nado‘s which were built for Imperial Oil that were modi- ket.” fied by George Barris, well known in the Custom Hot Rod circles (Batmobile being one of his designs). What I The car that sat at Frank Bakers restaurant was one of did not know until I saw the picture was that Alf was a the two publicity cars and Alf bought the car from former owner of both cars for about three years Frank when the restaurant went into receivership. He also bought the Olds Toronado. When he went to pick I then made a phone call to Alf to see if I could get a the cars up to drive them home, he found that the auc- copy of the picture. He invited me over and made me a tion house had taken them along with everything else copy and even autographed it for me. He then told me to be sold at auction. Alf went over there to claim his the history of the five cars. cars. He told them at the gate that he was there to pick up the cars which he owned. They tried to argue with The first two cars made were actually used in the driv- him that he was not the owner. Alf reached into his ing scenes of Goldfinger. The third car was cut in half pocket and pulled out the titles of both vehicles. He said and was used for the interior shots. (Have to admit that to me ―If he had a gun in his hand, he thinks that he it seemed such a harsh move). Cars three and four were could have easily shot him ― used for publicity purposes, meaning when the movie was opening somewhere, one of the publicity cars would After about three years, Alf sold them back to Frank be on display. Only the first two cars had all of the Baker. The DB5 later was sold to a Dutchmen in Hol- gadgets working. land who added it to his car museum. Of the two cars used in driving scenes in the movie, only Years later Alf found a couple of tools that belonged to one remains. One of them had been bought by a chap in the car and was able to track down the present owner Florida who had it stored in a warehouse which I be- in Holland and wondered how he could get them to him. lieve, was supposed to be secure. It obviously was not, It so happened that the car was being shipped to the as the car was stolen and has never been found to this Pebble Beach Concours in California. He then offered day. The other car used for driving scenes, was sold at Alf a trip for two to the event so that he could give them an auction recently. to him there. The following I have copied from the PR News website:

―We all remember the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from the famous Bond movie Goldfinger, starring Sean Connery. Well if you were at the RM Auctions sale in Battersea London on Wednesday you would have seen the iconic silver Aston reaching a bid of £2.6 million.

Harry Yeaggy, a classic car collector from Ohio was the lucky winner, and was quite surprised that he managed to secure the bid. He commented, “I thought a European would get it, but I guess they don’t appreciate James Bond like we do.” He also wanted to take it for a drive around London the same night.

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 6 London-Brighton Commemorative Run 2010

By Steve Hutchens

The London-Brighton Commemorative Run 2010 was the Vancouver Coast Branch's sixteenth commemo- ration of the venerable London-Brighton classic always held in England on the first Sunday in November. It was my ninth time to do the run which this year drew 34 cars. While not the largest run historically, organiz- John and Duncan Fairclough in their ers Bart Shaw and Lorna Hoare recaptured several as- 1934 Aston Martin Ulster. pects of our best runs. At the start of the run, Bart Shaw donned a thor- We often start articles on the LB Run with some ref- ough disguise and reappeared as Earl of Winchilsea, erence to the weather, so, to get that requisite comment complete with appropriate out of the way, I can simply say bowler and coat. He read a proc- that the rain held off during the PARTICIPANTS FROM lamation announcing the pur- run. When Celia and I left Bel- NINE CLUBS pose of the run and told partici- lingham, we chose the OECC (including one from SIB) ...... 19 pants gathered around the lobby over the Morgan because it was of the motel that their cars raining lightly. As we ap- Aston Martin Owners Club ...... 3 would be checked for the re- proached the Delta Town & quired lighting and sounding Country Inn, however, blue ap- Fraser Valley British Motor Club ...... 1 devices prior to departure. Sure peared among the clouds and Langley Area Mostly British ...... 4 enough, at the start each car from that point on the weather had to prove that it had the re- was quite satisfactory. Only as Morgan Owners Group Northwest ...... 1 quired equipment. Walter Rey- we were preparing to leave the nolds gave a brief report on pub after lunch did the light Pacific Jaguar Enthusiasts ...... 1 status of the London-Brighton in rain appear again. Vancouver Mini Club ...... 1 England (which, due to the time Guest participants often out- difference, had already fin- Vancouver Triumph Registry ...... 1 number OECC members on the ished). The event was a sell-out LB Run but this year they only Western Canada Rally Association ...... 1 six months prior to the run, with got close, accounting for 15 of 550 registrations prior to May. the 34 cars (44%). Among the No club listed ...... 2 The route was largely tradi- participants were a number of TOTAL PARTICIPANTS ...... 34 tional, approximating the requi- especially interesting cars, in- site 60 miles (the distance from cluding Robert Follows and London to Brighton that the 1904 and older cars drive). Miles Fenton in Robert's 1933 Talbot (which debuted at Cars were spaced out a bit at the start by Bart's crea- Pebble Beach this year) and John and Duncan Fair- tive check of lights and horn, though it was inevitable clough in their 1934 Aston Martin Ulster. that we would re-cluster as faster drivers caught up with slower drivers and some, including yours truly missed a couple of turns. We drove less on Hwy 10 this

year, a welcome change. (Cont‘d next page…)

Robert Follow’s 1933 Talbot

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 7 We had a brief stop in Campbell Valley Park before That‘s how we discovered what must be one of the most continuing on. Some may have noticed the goats playing unlikely uses for a British car part- sculpture. The man on the timber structure at the farmers market being told us that he had recently emigrated from Eastern built on Vye Road. The miles rolled by quickly, and by Canada and had brought the sculpture with him. He shortly after 11:00 we were at the Mission Springs Res- was the creator and had made the figure for exhibition taurant & Pub. As always, we filled the assigned room at Man and His World, part of EXPO 67 in Montreal. and enjoyed the varied fare of their nice buffet. As Shown on a revolving platform and lit by coloured spot lunch ended, Lorna passed out LB Run Commemorative lamps, the figure, fashioned completely of car parts in- Medals to all of the drivers. The one I received was ap- cluding bumpers and hubcaps (mostly domestic) and propriately dated 1996, the 100th anniversary of the that Austin ribcage, was meant to illustrate man‘s fasci- London-Brighton in England and the year that Roy Wil- nation with technology. The artist seemed rather sur- kins founded our Branch's most successful run ever. prised that I was old enough to recognize the grill and other bits let alone remember EXPO 67! The London-Brighton Commemorative Run 2010 was a success and we thank Bart Shaw and Lorna Hoare for The artist went on to tell us about another sculpture their efforts. which he had fashioned. This one was, I believe, named Sir Mans-a-Lot or some such. Conceived as a comment on the alleged male obsession with sex and the sup- posed pre-occupation of males with their reproductive equipment, this figure was also crafted completely from auto parts. Apparently the figure sported nether re- gions made from a stout steel shaft adorned with two industrial-sized nuts. When this appendage was rotated a drive train transmitted the motion directly to the fig- ure‘s head which consisted of a gearbox with its side cover removed. Manipulation of the shaft and nut as- sembly caused the gears in the ―man‘s‖ head to go round! Absurd I say! Gil shows off his new baby in the Town and Country parking lot prior to the run Still, I could not help but wonder if Sir Mans-a-Lot‘s (All photos by Walter Reynolds) performance would not have been enhanced by the at- tachment of that clever British device, the Laycock overdrive. With that thought bouncing around in my gearbox, I gripped Calla‘s hand and we carried on hap- pily with our walk, ever ready for our next serendipi- New Westminster Moment tous discovery. By Les Foster

I have never been noted for my visual acuity or even for my great powers of observation. I can, however, spot a British car part at 1400 yards in the fog. It‘s like a sort of Heads-Up Display ala Top Gun. I look and there it is- CLICK, CLICK! PART: AUSTIN FOR THE USE OF; MODEL: SOMERSET; YEAR: CIRCA 1952; GRILL: RADIATOR; CONDITION: 2. CLICK, CLICK!

So it was that the unmistakable shape of an Austin grill loomed from the murky depths of a crowded garage on Fourth St. in New Westminster. Out for a walk with Calla, I was admiring the restoration work on one of the countless old dwellings that grace the Royal City. The garage‘s door was open and a man was foraging about inside. Nothing remarkable there but, Wait! What‘s that? Focus in, CLICK, CLICK! Austin grill alright, but what is it on? Looks like ribs on some kind of appa- rition standing in the doorway. Approaching rather ten- tatively, I hailed the man in the garage. A friendly sort, he invited Calla and I to come in for a look.

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 8 Minutes of the Executive Meeting of the need to create a promotion strategy to recruit more Vancouver Coastal Branch members which in turn may require some budget room. Lorna reported that the Christmas party would nor- October 19, 2010 mally cost $40/person, but the facility (formerly the Ele- phant and Castle, but now known as Pier 73) is reduc- The meeting was hosted by John and Lorna Hoare with ing our cost by $5/person in response to some problems the following officers present. Steve Hutchens, Steve that happened during the post Van Dussen Gardens Diggens, Allen Miles, Ken Miles, Colin Crab, Bart All British Field Meet and as usual the club will subsi- Shaw, Lorna Hoare, David Austin and Bill Aaroe. The dize it by $5/person to bringing the ticket cost down to meeting commenced at 7:15pm. $30/person. Colin reported that our club is not a charity so we are not bound by the same rules to clear our cash A discussion ensued about a clarification in the Club balance each year. A discussion of promotional activi- rules regarding memberships that family or couples ties ensued with the realization that we need to find memberships do not exist and that in reality non dues opportunities with little cost. Steve Hutchens reported paying spouses of members could influence the outcome that drop cards will soon be available. Suggestions that of votes if a clear preference is not available. After we make better use of community papers, Shaw pro- much discussion our executive recommended that we grams or perhaps the Vancouver Province‘s ―what‘s on leave our basic dues as is, ie $20/year if paid on or be- this week column‖. Regardless Steve Hutchens feels we st fore December 31 and $25/year if paid on or after need a promotional budget of some sort; no specific fig- st nd January 1 of the following year; that a 2 family mem- ure was arrived at. Bart asked where does the money ber could take out a membership for an additional come from for meeting appreciation gifts as it wasn‘t $10/year regardless if paid before or after December listed in the proposed budget. Some discussion ensued st 31 . Ken Miles raised some concern about encouraging and it was agreed that $150/year should be allotted for youth to join our club and hobby and after some discus- the purpose. Discussion of our summer picnic at HCMS sion a ‗youth‘ classification for those under the age of 19 Discovery took place and while those attending enjoy it st as of January 1 be allowed at $6/year which is equal to the event does not seem to be drawing. After discussion our membership fee to the club. it was thought best to run the event there another two A discussion of the London – Brighton run; which will years and make a better effort to publicize it in order to take place on November 7th took place with it noted, determine if the location is viable; with the feeling that with regret, that Bence and Italo had resigned from the we need to draw at least 20 families from our club to committee. Some mis-communication had apparently make this event work. $350 was agreed to be budgeted taken place in that they had thought they had a differ- for this event. ent mandate than what the executive thought. The L-B Steve Hutchens reported the All British Field Meet at run this year will be similar to that of recent previous Van Dussen Gardens was being expanded in that a run years, but with a route that should be about 15 minutes is now planned to augment it on the day following. A shorter. It was proposed that the fee for the run be ei- committee will be appointed in January to arrange a ther $10 or a donation to the food bank. Lorna will see BBQ for the Saturday of the ABFM following its clo- that the donations are turned over to a Surrey food sure. Ken Miles has volunteered his yard for this. Dis- bank. This lead to a discussion of the possibility of us- cussion ensued about whether we would draw members ing this event to publicize our Branch and Lorna volun- if we had a ‗catered‘ event and charged say $10/person. teered to arrange a press release to a local community It was suggested that $200 be allocated to support this paper in Delta hoping they would cover our leaving the event. Delta Town and Country and Bill volunteered to contact the community paper in Mission to hopefully have pub- Steve Hutchens reported that the Club‘s AGM will be in licity of our cars arriving at the Mission Springs Res- Kamloops in 2011. taurant. Steve Diggens volunteered to contact the Coa- lition of Car Clubs which has been arranging the Toy Steve Hutchens reported that the Club is developing a run on the same weekend as the L-B run with the hope new ‗regalia‘ program in which they will ‗eat‘ dead in- that they might change the date if we explained the his- ventory. The proposed budget allotted $500 and this torical significance of the date to us; that some of our was raised to $750 after discussion. members could do both events. Steve Diggens also vol- Bill Aaroe reported on the Secretarial expenses. unteered to chair the L-B Run committee for 2011 and hopeful create a new run for it. No further topics of discussion being brought forth Steve Hutchens thanked Lorna & John for their hospi- The next discussion was about our annual budget with tality and the nibbles. The meeting was closed at 9:00 a proposed budget presented by Steve Hutchens as a pm. starting point. Steve Diggens reminded us that we Meeting minutes submitted by Bill Aaroe

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 9 Minutes of the Vancouver Coastal Branch meetings of Tuesday October 6th, and Tuesday, Nov. 9th, 2010

In the absence of Steve Hutchens Steve Diggins chaired the meeting.

Lorna Hoare discussed upcoming events

Upcoming meetings – November‘s meeting will be at a powder coat firm- December‘s meeting will be our Christmas party- January‘s meeting will be at the Chicken Farm

Upcoming events – October 23rd show at Cloverdale 11 – 5 pm—February a weekend run to the Britannia Dynopro owner, Terry Heselton shows a powder coated Model A wheel mine- The London Brighton Run will have no changes this year, but will be reworked for 2011.

A brief discussion ensued about the possibility of a new chairperson, Steve Hutchens as past chairperson and branch on the North Shore; with some concerns ex- John Chapman nominated as new vice chairperson. pressed about whether or not the numbers would be sufficient. Lorna reported on next meeting- Christmas dinner, at Pier 73, and the London Brighton run. A discussion ensued about an old British Steam Roller that has been kicking around the lower mainland for Fred Bennett reported on the awards committee‘s con- some years. Years ago when it was at Burnaby Village clusions regarding the process for awards given by the we, as a club, used to maintain it. Now after some branch. (Montagu, Oxo and Link). Fred moved that the years at a museum in Chilliwack it has been moved to report be accepted as presented, seconded by Steve H. New Westminster. The city says they will restore it, and passed unanimously by all present. Fred proposed but are seeking both volunteer and financial support. the names of Elaine LaFontaine and Patrick Jones, and There seemed no interest in being financially involved, Steve Diggins be put forward for the Montagu award, but some our ‗hands on‘ members will be willing to vol- unteer. A letter of encouragement will be sent. Nigel Mathews of Hagerty was introduced and gave an interesting talk and slide show presentation of their Collector Car Insurance.

November‘s meeting was held at Dynopro Coatings Ltd. in Richmond, 27 people attended. We had an interesting evening and tour by owner Terry Heselton. He gave a very informative demonstration of the powder coating process using parts that club members had brought with them. He offered a discount (one time only I as- sume) to members who attended the meeting, just men- tion the fact when booking work.

Meeting called to order by Steve Hutchens.

Report by past president Ken Miles regarding rules for election of officers according to the club (not branch) rules. The executive for the following year is to be nomi- David with his Jensen air nated and decided by the end of the calendar year so cleaner lid, pre powder coating names of prospective officers were announced. If anyone has any other nominations they must put them forward before the Jan. meeting. So far the executive from last Minutes submitted by Bill Aaroe and Lorna Hoare year are willing to stand again, with Steve Diggins as (Photos by Les Foster)

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 10

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 11

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AT THE WHEEL New memberships and correspondence: Roundabout Editor : Alan Miles Chairperson: Steve Hutchens 1279 Brand St., Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C [email protected] - 604-272-2145 [email protected] - 360-733-3568 5C4 Roundabout Distribution: Richard Taylor Vice-Chairperson: Steve Diggins Immediate Past Chairperson: Ken Miles [email protected] - 604-298-9346 604-294-6031 [email protected] - 604-576-8036 ICBC/AirCare Liaison: Fred Bennett Treasurer: Colin Crabbe Event and Meeting Coordinator: 604-939-1773 / Fax 604-939-1753 [email protected] - 604-590-621 Lorna Hoare Good & Welfare: David Ballantine Membership renewals: 864 83 Ave., Delta, [email protected] - 604-584-2564 [email protected] - 604-980-4120 BC V4C 2H5 Communications Coordinator: Secretary: Bill Aaroe 604-942-7746 Steve Morris 604-574-9833 [email protected] [email protected]

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 6 THE ROUNDABOUT PAGE 12