Central Island Branch Newsletter

British Engineered Autos Nanaimo Order May/June 2021 130th Edition

1954 TR2 - A love story - P7 Beano

Leadership Building community means Team making a commitment! Jim Stewart who has done a As was announced some time Team Leader yeoman’s job acting as the ago it was decided to restructure Position is open Branch’s Vice Chair for the past the old Executive format and fo- few years has decided it is time cus on creating a Team environ- Secretary / Treasurer to pass the torch to another ment in order to make leadership Bill Grace member. Over the years Jim has of the Branch more informal and 250-390-0779 been a stalwart member and fun. This has also resulted in cre- [email protected] driving force not only for the ating a number of new positions New member Coordinator Central Island Branch but for the that are more in keeping with the Dave Stewart OECC as a whole. needs of the Branch as it looks to 250-752-6149 the future. [email protected] In announcing his resignation he informed the Leadership Team Membership Coordinator We need you! that while he has enjoyed work- Dale Kastanis ing to help move the Club for- In order to make this happen and 778-908-7339 ward it does get to a point where preserve our ability to undertake [email protected] persistence becomes more of a activities that are in line with our Social Media Coordinator challenge than a pleasure. members’ interests … meaning Julie McKay you … the Leadership Team As a result he is not only step- 250-729-1331 needs feedback in the form of ide- ping down at this point in time [email protected] as and suggestions. Most im- but will be leaving the Club to Webmaster portantly we need a commitment use this as an opportunity to step Pat James by members to step forward and back and take stock of what the 250-713-1698 take on some of the responsibili- future have may have in store for [email protected] ties that are essential in making himself and Deb as they focus Presentation Coordinator the Branch an enjoyable experi- on enjoying the good things life Sandy Smart ence for long-term members, new has to offer. 250-586-7200 members and those who are yet [email protected] On behalf of the Branch we wish to join. Events Promoter Jim and Deb all the best and ex- On the left hand side of this page Looking for volunteer tend sincere thanks for his com- is the contact information for mitment and perseverance in members of your Team. You can Beano Editor trying to make the Club a better contact any of them. Please take Joe Smith organization for everyone. some time to provide some input 250-335-2578 This of course leaves the Branch and consider getting more in- [email protected] with some challenges that must volved as we all work towards Regalia be overcome if it wishes to stay making the CIB a fun and vibrant group of people who not only en- Marilyn Tarry a vibrant community of British joy our cars but sharing with each 250-591-3124 car enthusiasts. [email protected] other as a community. Volunteers Make It Happen!

2 Beano Editor’s Notes A brief look at the cars that keep on giving us joy Joe Smith

Looks like summer is finally upon us and we’ve weathered through what started off as another June-uary. Now that we have that behind us and Covid restrictions loos- 1935 S.S. 90 Prototype ening up, it should be all pis- tons firing as we rev up for a new season of hitting the Jaguar roads to get the most out of Founded as the Swallow Sidecar Com- our cars and hopefully sharing pany in 1922, originally making motorcy- some good times with each cle sidecars before developing bodies other. for passenger cars. Under the owner- ship of S. S. Cars Limited the business 1932 SS1 Coupe This edition features a few extended to complete cars made in as- good stories about some of sociation with Standard Motor Co, many bearing Jaguar as a model name. our member’s cars, This is exactly what the Club and On 23 March 1945 the shareholders in Beano are all about. The general meeting agreed to change the sharing of our passion for Brit- company's name to Lim- ish cars with a community that ited. can appreciate the effort we 1957 Jaguar Xk140 A merger with the British Motor Corpo- put into keeping these cars on ration followed in 1966, the resulting the road. enlarged company now being renamed as (BMH), which If there is anything positive in 1968 merged with Leyland Motor Cor- that came out of Covid is the poration and became , fact that many members had itself to be nationalised in 1975. time to get on with some of Jaguar Mark VIII those projects that have been Jaguar was spun off from British Ley- land and was listed on the London Stock hanging around for years. Exchange in 1984 until acquired by Ford Now I just have to put on that in 1990. Ford owned Jaguar Cars, also buying Land in 2000, until 2008 rear chrome bumper that has when it sold both to . At op- been sitting on my studio floor erating company level, in 2013 Jaguar for 2 years. Cars was merged with to 1967 XKE form Limited . 3 Beano

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eally Rare Cars Designed by British R designer Trevor Fiore, the T11 was built in 1970 and was due to show at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. It was equipped with a lightly tuned 1.5-litre Austin Maxiwith, a 5 speed manual all syn- T11 Concept cromesh drivetrain turned by 180 degrees. The company recalled the project, however. three chassis were built but on- ly one example was finished. The others were restored and completed in 2009–2010.

By Dale of English vehicles of all makes and models. Kastanis We enjoy others who own or would like to own English As of publica- vehicles and share our tion date we enthusiasm. have 113 So, whatever your interest, members. This joining our club is a great way Welcome to the represents 189 single and to enjoy your passion for family memberships. British Cars. Club Together they own over Guests and new members are Bryan Conn -1974 TR6, 170 cars. always welcome at our meet- 1968 Land Rover Pickup ings and events. NEW MEMBERS ARE Helen Poon - 1937 Rolls If this seems interesting we'd Royce, 1960 Lotus 7, 1979 ALWAYS WELCOME love to have you join us. The OECC is a club for people Rolls Royce More information and who are enthusiastic about application forms can be Bill Gilbertson - 1974 MGB English cars. Our members found by going to ... aren't all English, they aren't all Art Vertlie - 1958 TR3A old and some don’t even own English cars. https://www.oecc.ca/ Henry Bukach -1976 MGB Our mission is the preserva- join.htm Roger Frost - 1978 MGB tion, restoration and enjoyment

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1954 TR2—A love story

This story was submitted by saying “This is the perfect road be fully prepared to put $10k Alex Taylor. It first appeared for a British Roadster!!” My down to co-own and drive on on the Bring a Trailer web- other brother Owen and I have occasional weekends. The site as a featured success broader interests. I’ve a soft problem is that when you see story. spot for early/mid-60s Ford something like this, it eclipses Falcon’s and Owen towards all other cars and you think Most days of the week, my two souped-up Datsun 510s and that bidding on anything else brothers and I keep in touch anything “quirky.” Though he’s would be utterly pointless. not a huge fan of British cars through a Google Group OWEN: How much? Hangout aptly named and wonders why they don’t all “Brothers.” The conversation come with a spare person in ALEX: My guess? Too much. mostly revolves around cars on the boot to help push them It’s clearly special even if it’s Bring a Trailer (and by “mostly” home. not stock. 40k? I mean 98.5%). My older broth- July 18th of 2019, this conver- OWEN: US$ kills these things er Alex’s interests trend toward sation started (actual tran- for Canadians. British roadsters – Jags, Austin script): -Healey, Morgan, MG, Sun- ALEX: Ya, sadly so. What’s ALEX: Have a look at this amazing about it is how it’s not beam Tiger and Triumph, etc. boys. stock but it has stayed beauti- He caught the bug in his youth fully close to the spirit of what when he drove 1968 Triumph https://bringatrailer.com/ that car was all about. Whoev- listing/1954-triumph-tr2-2/I’d GT6. He can often be heard er did that was a true artist

7 Beano with just 7 minutes left in the bidding. I think there are a ton of sleeper bidders out there on this one who will jump in at the last minute. It’s just too nicely done. Owen has an uncanny knack for guessing where cars will finish, but it seemed to Alex to be on the low side. In the lead up to the auction, I messaged Owen and asked if he would consider “going in for half”. He had been thinking the same thing, so the morning of the auction we got on the phone to architect our plan. Owen suggested we set our OWEN: Buy it ROSS: What is “Mental” ceiling and hold to it. We also

ALEX: Done! My bid is in! ALEX : As in Crazy had to deal with the fact that Alex knew both of our BaT OWEN: Was going to outbid ROSS: Looking for a num- usernames, and didn’t want to you for fun but was beat to it ber… blow our cover. I wrote BaT an

ALEX: Doh!! Stupid capitalism! ALEX: Oh, I’m guessing $50k email explaining our situation and that I would like to change ROSS: I’ll have to check that OWEN: $36,700 out on a bigger screen tomor- my username to Bruce Tyler. I ALEX : I dunno Owen, there’s row… Looks pretty sweet! thought we would really screw a TR3 that, while stock, is no- with Alex, since his given So, even though Alex knew he where near as nice and is name is Bruce Alexander (he could not afford a car like that rounding the corner at $33.5k goes by Alex..) and our sur- at this stage in his life, he put name is Taylor, Bruce in an early bid for the sheer thrill of the possibility of owning this stunning car. His bid? $3,500. Within 8 minutes, he had been outbid by $5,000 and so it was.… On the morning of July 23rd: ALEX : I actually dreamed last night that I bought this for $20k, but then realized two things: 1. I didn’t have $20k and 2. At that price, it didn’t come with an engine or trans- mission. My prediction is that the bidding on this on Thurs- day is going to be mental. Mark your calendars and buckle up.

8 Beano “won” the car for exactly what Tyler” would be a hell of a co- we had set as our highest incidence. BaT got back to me right away and we were set to amount. I called my wife Lisa and as I was telling her that go! we got the car, I just started At that point the current bid crying like a baby. I couldn’t was at $25,750 so I placed a believe that we had just bid for $26k right away just to bought our brother the car of make sure that everything was his dreams. working. Then we waited and watched. As we got closer to and saw $27k and it was the end of the auction, the bid- “checking”. You nailed it Owen. ding was ticking up, and with 4 Well done!!! minutes left a bid came in at OWEN: What do I win? $34,850. ALEX: Hilarious that the win- Owen and I were now on the ning bidder’s name was Bruce phone. I asked him what he Tyler. You win my unending thought and he said “go all in!” admiration So with about 2 minutes left I Shortly afterwards in the threw in our bid for $36k. We group chat: OWEN: Ha, didn’t even notice sat and we waited as the clock that. Another British Car idiot OWEN: Who won that bet? ticked down to 0 seconds – out there. The winner is closest without had we had hit the reserve? going over… ALEX: I’m still shocked it didn’t SOLD – we were both in go for more. That feels like a ALEX: It was RNM shock. 24 hours earlier, we good deal. If I ever restore had no intention of bidding on OWEN: What are you talking one, I’ll be referring back to this car and here we were hav- about? It sold! those pictures and that com- ing not only bid, but actually ment thread. Gorgeous car. ALEX: Sorry was on the phone Onwards!

9 Beano way and head west along the Columbia River on Highway 4 and up the 101 to Port Ange- les, where we’d cross to our home in Victoria, BC. A much better road, and it was my turn to drive. The car shines on windy roads around 55 to

60mph!

Where’s the guy in the boot? The trip was fairly uneventful until about 15 miles out from Port Angeles. At this point the TR started to run a little rough, but she made it onto the ferry and hobbled to my house and into the garage. Our big reveal was planned for the following OWEN: A guy with a name like week. go have a night out in Portland that will fit very nicely in that and then go back to the After several calls with the sell- car…. seller’s the next morning to er and many attempts to diag-

ALEX: Such a beautiful car load the hardtop and other nose the issue, we discovered a small leak in the radiator. OWEN: Probably a rust bucket goodies in our support vehicle Now I was the one wishing that under all that If it makes you before driving the TR2 home. there was a British car me- feel better to say that… Owen and I decided to toss a chanic in the boot! I eventually coin to see who would drive If you look at the comment got the front end removed and the car first – he lost the toss, thread for the auction, you will took the radiator in to be re- so he had to drive. Driving on I see that Owen said: “Nice cored before reinstalling it and -5 you really realize how freak- looking car – congratulations reassembling the front end. It ing small this car is! We quick- @Bruce_Tyler – my brother was now cooling properly, but ly decided to get off the free- would trade a kidney for this still running rough, so I took it thing.” Truer words were never spo- ken. Alex read that post, saw that it was Owen, and still had no idea what was really going on. The next step was to travel to Battleground, Washington to meet the builder and seller of the car, then drive it six hours to Port Angeles to catch the ferry home! We planned an overnight trip to Portland, leav- ing on August 21st with our supportive wives in tow and the idea that we would see the car on the way down,

10 Beano to a local British car specialist just north of Victoria and they resolved the issue with a new condenser. In a stroke of better luck, the seller and his wife happened to be headed to Vancouver Island for a fishing trip, and said that they would love to be at the big reveal. We planned a family gathering on Alex’s birthday at my brother’s house where the car was stored. Once everyone arrived for the party, I asked Alex if he could help me grab a few things from my car. As we headed out to the street, the rest of the family followed close behind. Alex was facing down the street, and all of a sudden he heard the fairly distinct sound of a post-war not realizing what was going night. The fact that the sellers British roadster coming from on, says, “did you guys buy this could be there made the day behind him. He slowly turned car?” We replied “no, you that much more special, and around and saw the TR2 com- bought the car!” ing down the street. He started they’ve both become friends of pointing at it and saying “that’s There were a lot of hugs and the family since. that car that was on Bring a tears and a hell of a party that Trailer!!” The seller and his wife gave a little wave and a smile and kept on driving right past us. Alex is still saying “That’s that car. Can you believe it? I can’t believe it!” and I’m saying “no way, that can’t be that car.” About a minute later, it comes back down the street and it pulls up at the end of the drive- way. Alex blurts to the driver “this car was on Bring a Trailer,” and the driver asks “Do you know where Bruce Tyler lives?” At this point, Alex is completely confused and in disbelief! He turned around and the whole family is standing there. He looks at Owen and me and, still

11 Beano Photos needed of you and your cars Members Only Gallery is an excellent tool to see pictures of members and their cars. These are evolving galleries so Steve Roebuck needs members to send in pictures of yourselves and your cars. Pictures of Us may also have to be updated if you have an old picture of your- selves in the Gal- lery or have sold or bought another car. Send Steve your photos via email to [email protected] You can access your info by going to the following link: https://www.oecc.ca/cib/ photo_gallery.htm

12 Beano Upcoming Events

Due to the on-going Covid 19 restrictions there are no official Branch events being organized. However some car enthusiasts have taken on the responsibility of bringing British car buffs together by organizing informal runs, coffee and cars gatherings and picnics. Invitation cards & windshield post- For the most part notices of these activities have been communi- ers are now available on the CIB cated by word of mouth or on the Facebook Group page. website. As a member you are en- couraged to do your bit to help pro- If you do know of any of these events, take the opportunity to let mote the Club. All you have to do is your friends know either through emails, even making a simple print them off and keep some handy phone call or check out the Facebook Group postings. in your car. Here’s the link ... https://www.oecc.ca/cib/links.htm

The OECC website is your gateway to a wealth of information. https://www.oecc.ca/

The internet is filled with Worth stories and videos. In our Austin Healey History case there are many that focus Watching https://www.youtube.com/watch? on the British cars that we have v=UpUe0m19F0g all come to appreciate. Others Here’s a good article on a beautiful Jaguar XK150 provide a degree of inspiration Top 9 New Sports Cars to to help us work through a diffi- https://petrolicious.com/articles/prowling- Uphold British Motoring through-history-in-the-derwent-valley-in-a- Tradition cult task whether it is car relat- jaguar-xk150-3-8s? ed or to help us get through mc_cid=794403564c&mc_eid=d62f680966 https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=mmEzn9T21d8 these difficult times. You may Jaguar’s version of virtual have come across some of reality. Buckle up. 999 Steps in a Land Rover these but they are all worth https://www.youtube.com/watch? https://youtu.be/-2X1lWQCWoc sharing v=J8ByKQCcD7U

13 Beano On the road again … A 14/45 comes back to life

By Marilyn Tarry Some of you might have seen the first run of the Talbot (up and down the drive way) on the Club’s Facebook page. It was a great day for us, as having had the car since August 1983, Roger had not driven it. Roger has spent hours getting it to this point. We bought the car from one of Roger’s work colleagues and next-door neighbour was a ested in the car, which was friend. I remember the day well great mechanic and it turns very handy for us, as I acquired as Roger was being best man out he used to work on these quite a bit of (so called waste) to his cousin. We loaded the cars when he was younger. hardwood. The original car was car onto the trailer in the morn- Ash, but who is going to see it. ing and attended the wedding I at that time I was working at in the afternoon. a company that made hard- The only thing so far that has wood windows and doors. not been done by Roger is the Drove home next day. Our The Manager was very inter- engine. It needed to be rebuilt, which was done by the Talbot repairer at that time. It needed some machining stuff done, al- so cast a new water jacket, some pistons and liners and an oil pump cast, which Roger was unable to do. Once done, it sat in my kitchen on the floor under the breakfast bar for twenty odd years. Can’t tell you how many times I stubbed my toes. When we decided to immigrate, Roger thought he might sell the Talbot. He got a “Oh no. Do you think I have

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year, as due to Covid he lost got a good deal on skins for a his job, then his operation. It job lot, before we came to has certainly kept him busy Canada. and mind off his heart sur- The main last thing needed gery. was the roof covering. The There is still lots to do, and company that is going to do it, we certainly have had our challenges, with regards to mate- rial for the interi- or and leather had that in my kitchen for all paint for the seat that time for you to sell it? We covers. Roger are taking it with us and you are had got some going to finish it” speech. paint made up a It was in a container for 3½ couple of years years, when we got to Canada, ago. It is really until we built the garage. Every good, but they part has been stripped, ser- cannot make it viced/repaired and put back to- now because of the new rules is really busy. Therefore, we gether. There has been some in Canada with regards to decided that a temporary lovely language over the years. chemicals. We need the measure was needed. This But it is looking good. paint as we have the leather might turn out to be a long- term roof, but who cares. Roger has been working really skins for the seats. Not the hard on the Talbot over the last right colour of course. We Roger just happened to have an old damaged tonneau cover on the shelf, which he has cut, altered, and added too. He did not want to take the chance of rain damage whilst taking it to get an alignment done, so that he can get it tested/inspected, to be able to put it on the road. We are hoping to use it this year on some runs (if re- strictions are lifted). Roger has had problems with getting insurance from ICBC, but eventually with Nigel Mat-

15 Beano thews help. Roger has just got ard .....Once warmed up , it is over the years to come .... This it insured on the 22 June. Un- a very smooth running en- type of car is for the 'Brave" as fortunately have been too busy gine .... AND it has Huge set you cannot find the parts at to take it on a run, as yet. of all wheel Brakes .... The Lordco ..... So Well Done to Car Guru Steve Harris contrib- body has a lower roofline than Chief Mechanic ...... Roger . uted a few thoughts after he most of that period with a well visited the Tarrys and saw the appointed spacious interior car. with show wood door caps This is an English Weyman and dash ..... And sporting bodied Four door saloon that is wire wheels … It was a Coachbuilt by a company of pleasure to see this Rare long tradition building Upper Automobile and to be Class cars..... This unit is watching it's progress built on a 1932 Talbot 14/45 series frame and driveline ... Being a 6 cyl. OHV of 1665cc...... Designed by Georges Roesch and built at North Kensington in the UK.... The Car is a thermosyphon meaning no water pump.... No engine belts or chains and runs on gear sets and a direct drive Dyno/Starter ..... Interestingly Check out the Distributor is by Delco Re- this interest- my the same as my 1930 ing video link Vauxhall and a late 20's Pack- History of Talbot Cars 1903-2003 - YouTube

OUT AND ABOUT Without mentioning any names, some CIB members have turned to other passions to help while away the hours when we are not out on the roads. If it doesn't work out he can always add another set of wheels and convert it to a mechanic’s creeper for working under his car.

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Geoffrey de Freville (1883– subject of a great deal of specu- Gone but not forgotten 1965) designed the first Alvis lation over the years. Some engine and is also responsible have suggested that the name The original company, T.G. for the company name. Alvis as a compound of the John and Company Ltd., was words aluminium" and founded in 1919 by Thomas The origin of viss" (meaning George John (1880–1946). Its the name "strength" in Latin), first products were stationary Alvis has been the or perhaps it may engines, carburetors and motor have been derived scooters. In December of 1921 from the Norse mythologi- the company officially changed cal weapon-smith, Alvíss. its name to The Alvis Car De Freville however and Engineering vigorously rejected all of these Company Ltd. theories. In 1921 he specifically stated that the name had no For more info meaning whatsoever and was visit the Triangle website https://www.redtriangle.co.uk/

1922 Alvis Works 10/30

Source Wikipedia

17 Beano chosen simply because it could be easily pronounced in any language. He reaffirmed that in 1960. Production was relocated to Holyhead Road in Coventry, where from 1922 to 1923 they also made the Buckingham car. In 1922 George Thomas Smith- Clarke (1884–1960) left his job as assistant works manager at Daimler and joined Alvis as chief engineer and works man- ager. William M. Dunn also left usual for that time. The first 1927 saw the introduction of his job as a draughtsman at car model using de Freville's the six-cylinder Alvis 14.75 and Daimler to become chief engine was the Alvis 10/30. It this engine became the basis draughtsman at Alvis. This was an instant success and for the long line of luxurious six partnership lasted for nearly 28 established the reputation for -cylinder Alvis cars produced up to the outbreak of the Sec- ond World War. These cars were elegant and full of tech- nical innovations. Independent front suspension and the world's first all-synchromesh gearbox came in followed by servo assisted brakes. The Al- vis 12/75 model was introduced in 1928, a model bristling with innovation, such as front-wheel drive, in-board brakes, over- head camshaft and, as an op- tion, a Roots type super-

charger. As with many upmarket engi- neering companies of the time, Alvis did not produce their own coachwork, relying instead on years and was responsible for quality workmanship and su- the many available coachbuild- producing some of the most ers in the Midlands area, such successful products in the com- perior performance. The origi- pany's history. Smith-Clarke nal 10/30 side-valve engine left in 1950, and Dunn as- was improved, becoming by sumed Smith-Clarke's position 1923 the overhead valve Alvis as chief engineer remaining in 12/50, a highly successful that position until 1959. sports car that was produced until 1932. Around 700 of the

12/50 models and 120 of the De Freville's first engine design later Alvis 12/60 models sur- was a four-cylinder engine with vive today. aluminium pistons and pres- sure lubrication, which was un-

18 Beano as Charlesworth Bodies, Cross & Ellis, , E. Bertelli Ltd, Grose, Gurney Nutting, Hooper, Lancefield Coachworks, Martin Walter, Mayfair Carriage Co, Mulliners, , , Wey- mann Fabric Bodies, and Ar- nold of Manchester. Several cars also survive with quite ex- otic one-off bodywork from oth- er designers such as Holbrook, a U.S. coachbuilder.

1937 Alvis Speed 25

and production of the 12/70, equipment in its shadow facto- Crested Eagle, Speed 25, and ries. 4.3 Litre continued well into 1940. The car factory was se- In 1936 the company name Post war car production re- verely damaged in November was shortened to Alvis Ltd. sumed with a four-cylinder of 1940 as a result of bombing Smith-Clarke designed several model, the TA 14, based on the raids. Much valuable cutting models during the 1930s and pre-war 12/70. A solid, reliable gear and other equipment was 1940s, including the six- and attractive car, the TA 14 lost and car production was cylinder Speed 20, the Speed fitted well the mood of sober suspended for the duration of 25, and the Alvis 4.3 Litre mod- austerity in post-war Britain, but the war only resuming during el. much of the magic attaching to the latter part of 1946. Despite the powerful and sporting pre- Car production was initially this, Alvis carried out war pro- war models had gone and life suspended in September 1939 duction on aircraft engines (as was not easy for a specialist following the outbreak of war in sub-contractor of Rolls-Royce car manufacturer. Not only had Europe, but was later resumed Limited) and other aircraft Alvis lost their car factory but many of the pre-war coachbuilders had not survived either and those that had were quickly acquired by other man- ufacturers. The post-war history of Alvis was dominated by the quest for reliable and reasona- bly priced coachwork.

In 1950 Smith-Clarke retired and Dunn took over as chief engineer. Before retiring Smith- Clarke came up with the Alvis 3L3, TA21 prototype in 1947 1928 Alvis 4 seat tourer

19 Beano came based on Graber designs however few chassis and few bodies were built over the next two years. Around 15 or 16 TC108/Gs were built by Willow- brook Limited of Loughborough … Willowbrook was subse- quently taken over by Duple Coachbuilders. Over the same two years Graber built 22 TC 108Gs and complained that if he had received chassis he would have committed himself to buying 20 a year.

Only after late 1958 with the launch of the TD 21 did some- thing resembling full-scale pro- duction resume as Rolls-Royce subsidiary Park .Ward began to which he used as his personal Shows in 1951 and 1952 at- build the new bodies now modi- car after retiring. In 1950 a new tracted sufficient interest for fied in many small ways. These chassis based on the TA14 Graber to set up a standing cars, the TD 21 and its later and six-cylinder 3–litre engine order of 30 chassis per year. variants, the TE 21 and finally was announced and this highly Swiss-built Graber coupés the TF 21 are well built, attrac- successful engine became the were displayed at both Paris tive and fast cars. However it basis of all Alvis models until and London Motor Shows in was clear by the mid-1960s production ceased in 1967. October 1955. that with a price tag of nearly double that of the mass- Saloon bodies for the new TA With a licence in place, from produced Jaguar, the end could 21again came from Mulliners late 1955 all Alvis bodies be- not be far off. of Birmingham as they had for the TA 14, with Tickford pro- ducing the dropheads. Some of the most original and beautiful designs on the 3 Litre chassis were being produced by mas- ter coachbuilder Carrosserie Herman Graber of Switzerland and indeed these often one-off –designed cars are highly sought after today.

Graber had begun to use TA 14 chassis soon after the war building three Tropic coupés which were much admired. 1960 Alvis TD 21 When the Three Litre chassis was introduced his bodies dis- played at the Geneva Motor

20 Beano From 1952 to 1955 Alec Issigo- nis, the creator of the later , worked for Alvis and de- signed a new model with a V8 engine which proved too ex- pensive to produce.

Rover took a controlling inter- est in Alvis in 1965 and a Rov- er-designed mid-engined V8 coupé prototype named the P6BS was rumoured to be the 1952 Alvis TB21 new Alvis model but with the takeover by British Leyland this too was shelved. By the time bles aplenty in the UK car design plans, customer rec- the TF 21 was launched in manufacturing business at that ords, stock of parts were trans- 1966 the model was beginning time, production finally ceased ferred to Red Triangle the to show its age despite a top in 1967. company founded by ex- speed of 127 mph – the fastest In 1968, a management buy- employees to supply parts and Alvis ever produced. With only service for the cars still in use 109 sold and with political trou- out of the car operations was finalised and all the Alvis car at that time.

The last of the 3 litre Series IV cars receives a final polish before the final shutdown. 21 Beano

The June 17 Zoom presentation put on by Helen Poon was well received by not only CIB members but also by a number of other Branch members who zoomed in. Helen who became enamoured with cars at a very young age gave a very interesting and in- formative slide show describing some of the many cars she has owned over the years. Thanks Helen for taking the time for providing us with this very insight- ful presentation.

Really is the best medicine

An MGB-GT pulled alongside a is parked on the side of the road-- “Easy, at 20 miles per hour the

Rolls-Royce at a traffic light. back windows fogged up and exhaust rattles, at 30 the door rat- "Do you have a car phone?" its steam pouring out. The arrogant tles and at 40 I rattle.” driver pulls over, gets out of the driver asked the guy in the Rolls. Rolls and bangs on the GT’s "Of course I do," replied the Got a good clean politically back window until the driver correct joke? Send it in and we’ll haughty deluxe-car driver. sticks his head out. print it in an upcoming edition. "Well, do you have a fax ma- "I want you to know that I had a chine?" double bed installed," brags the

The driver in the Rolls sighed. "I Rolls driver. have that too." The GT driver is unimpressed. "Then do you have a double bed "You got me out of the shower to in the back?" the GT driver want- tell me that?" ed to know. “What happened to your speed-

Ashen-faced, the Rolls driver ometer?” sped off. That afternoon, he had a mechanic install a double bed in “I didn’t need it so I removed it his auto. and sold it.”

A week later, the Rolls driver “You didn’t need it? How can you passes the same MGB-GT which manage without it?”

22 Beano Freed from the Crypt By Steve Ellis As many of us have done with out, with the car slipping down

These are some shots of my 71 old cars, the first thing he did the list of priorities.

TVR 2500 seeing the light of when he got it was tear it to I first heard of it from Mike day for the first time in 38 pieces! I’m not quite sure some years ago when we years! Put away in 1980, freed why, as I have a picture of it struck up a “carversation” while from the grave in Aug. 2018! before he started, and it ap- I had my TR3 at Nanaimo This is also the first day I saw peared to be in good shape… Yacht Club. the entire car….and I’d already and it was only 8 years old. After harassing him about the bought it! To make a long story short, TVR whenever I ran into him on Mike, the previous owner he got to this point and stalled the docks, I guess I finally bought the car off his brother in annoyed him enough to part ‘79. He had purchased it in ‘73. with the project!

Bye-bye TR, hello TVR!

Boxes and boxes plus a lot of loose parts. Fortunately it came with wheels installed. How it looks today.

23 Beano Steve Harris says his 1931 Standard Big 9 is just about ready for the road

Here is an update on my terior rear gas tank, a left 1931 Standard Big 9 New side single door or one on Avon Coach Built Factory each side,,,, a boatail (this Special. I have been at this car)..... a one piece wind- for years and am now get- shield or a two piece 'V' ting close to full Ground up style .... A four cyl. or a six restoration in 'Period Cor- or another maker. It was rect Mode' . Currently I’m up to the customer to write making a Wiring Harness the cheque. Try that today as Lordco has no listing for when buying a new car. any parts. It has been an interesting To date all 17 body parts Ride finding parts at the are restored and painted .New Beaulieu Autojumble in the UK, Tires have been mounted, the It has taken years to find peri- hunting the net and being a engine rebuilt with clutch etc. od gauges and get special member of the Standard Motor parts made ,,, The 'Delfin' Dashboard completed, Hart- Club in the UK and then the brake drums (finned) are not making of parts long out of ford Friction Shocks finished yet .....On and On !!! done, kingpins , brakes tie stock. Sometimes it is the Jour- rod ends repaired, chrome re- There are approx. nine of this ney that is the Experience.... done, new seats made in peri- version in existence as the five But I do hope it drives better than when I bought it in Oxford- od shovelback build, and a different body variations were hundred other bits attended to. all Special Order ,,,, even Spe- shire in 1998.... Thus final assembly in pro- cial Engine requests. You Stay tuned as I hope to have it gress. could order a Coupe, slab ex- on the road soon ......

Photos are not my exact car but they do give you an idea of what the original versions looked like. 24 888-348-9369 I Local Broker I Hagerty.ca

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