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THE SPRITE CAR CLUB OF

www.spriteclub.com JUNE 2011

INSIDE: CATALINA RACE WAY DONALD HEALEY REMNANTS CONCOURSE UPDATE MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM IMAGE BY: Graham McDonald

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NEWS FEATURES

3 Presidents Message 4 Membership Form 6 2011 Events Calendar 15 Competition report

7 Catalina Race Way 21 Donald Healey Motor Company Remanents. 10 Members Corner By Barry CockKayne

12 General Meeting Report

ORANGE WEEKEND PAGE 7

Colins Indian

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 1 THE SPRITE CAR CLUB OF AUSTRALIA INC. ABN 62879038-526 Club Patron: John Sprinzel

THES SPRITE THES SPRITE CAR CLUB OF CAR CLUB OF AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA COMMITTEE 2011

PRESIDENT: Greg Holden EDITOR’S LETTER 0418 286 831 [email protected] A big thanks to everyone for getting their articles in early this month. May has been very busy, although hard to admit, I VICE PRESIDENT: David Lawrence watched the royal wedding with the thought of possibly seeing a (02) 9810 8982 [email protected] sprite as part of the wedding cars, which unfortunately was not to be. TREASURER: Les Payne This months issue of Sprite Torque features Graham’s run down on Catalina race (02) 0415 826 650 way social drive. Barry has provided an interesting read on the Healey works [email protected] factory that he visited in Warwick UK. SECRETARY: Graham Wells Please take note of the information concerning the clubs constitution on page (02) 9654 1344 9. If you have any enquiries please contact the committee. Also it is almost mid [email protected] year and membership renewals are due, remember you need current member- M’SHIP SECRETARY: Dianne Lawlor ship to use your club plates and compete. (02) 9909 8607 [email protected] or Well I am off on a short stint overseas for work back second week of June, [email protected] apologies if I don’t get to your emails/letters or phone message, if urgent please SOCIAL DIRECTORS: contact the President: Greg Holden. VACANT - Greg Holden Safe motoring [email protected] Cheers Anthony Barbara EDITOR: Anthony Barbara 0413 316 726 EDITOR [email protected]

MARQUE MENTORS: CLUB CAPTAIN: Ric Forster Mk1 Sprite Bert Langford (02) 9982 2293 0409 225 613 Colin Dodds 0414 789 263 [email protected] Mk2 Sprite Neil Scott 0409 326 021 CSCA DELEGATE: Paul Orton Mk3 Sprite Greg Strange (02) 9909 8607 (02) 9970 5697 Keven Sly (02) 9604 2010 [email protected] Mk3 Midget Eriks Skinkis (02) 9644 5530 CAMS DELEGATE: 1500 Midget Greg Coonan (02) 4257 1307 Barry Cockayne 0427 066 878

All correspondence (except magazine contributions) to: S.C.C.A. REGISTRAR & CLUB PLATES: P.O. Box 696 Colin Dodds 0414 789 263 Kingswood NSW 2747 [email protected]

LIBRARIAN: David Lawrence Magazine contributions to: [email protected] or - Editor Sprite Torque (02) 9810 8982 (Magazine contributions close 3rd Tuesday of each month) 15 MOIR STREET SMITHFIELD NSW 2164 REGALIA: Leah Holden 0418 286 831 [email protected] General meetings are held at: Parramatta RSL (Start time: 7.30pm - Bistro Area) 2 Macquarie Street CLUB POINT SCORE: Greg Holden (2nd Tuesday of each month) Parramatta NSW 2150 (02) 9970 5697

CLUB WEB SITE: Ross Reichardt (02) SCCA EMAIL LIST: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/spridgets-aus/ www.spriteclub.com

PLEASE NOTE: These are all honorary positions undertaken by private individuals in their spare GENERAL COMMITTEE: time. Paul Barbara (02) 9727 6549 Please contact them at sensible times and accept that they may prefer to call you back at a Ross Reichardt (02) 9980 6843 time more convenient to them. Colin Dodds 0414 789 263 The Sprite Car Club of Australia Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of Greg Strange (02) 99098607 articles, correspondence, opinion or advertisements contained herein. JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 2 PRESIDENTS MESSAGE 43 and counting, the target is 60 and we may well get there. That is the number that Colin and Sharon are targeting for the Picnic Day/Show Day/Concourse. It should be a nice day and at this stage I will be seeing cars that I have never heard of before. We will have a BBQ or six on for the day along with all manner of nibbles on hand. So if you want to take a car contact Colin and let him know, if you want to come along and enjoy the social side of a nice day at The Kings School do that as well.

How can I bring more cars, not sure yet but I will see what I can do.

I was watching a show on Foxtel the other night and it is called “I’m Wayne Carine and I chase cars”.(or something like that) He had just purchased a BMC staff bus that was used to train BMC out- lets around the USA on the highlights and pitfalls of selling Bugeye Sprites around the country. I was a great looking bus and attracted attention of many on the road.

I have always hankered for a BMC transport carrier to take my cars around on and I have got one such beast in mind, the problem is, how do you get it home, it just wont fit on a car trailer, not even a mates dual axle big bastard one. It will leave my Sprite trailer sitting on the deck if I tried that, but anyway, it may still happen. Wouldn’t it be nice turning up a the ALL BRITISH Day with half a dozen Spridgets on the back.

Catalina has been and gone and it was another great run organised by a volunteer that continues to do work on the committee, Ross has really got behind the club and is working hard to get our web site freshened up, I have been lucky enough to see the test website and it is looking very impressive, we now have a number of years of Sprite Torque on file and we should see more backed up over time.

Now, other things to remember and think about:

Sprite Challenge 2012, the host club is Victoria and we all should go, look on their web site and put in an expression of interest. The Challenge is a great weekend of fun and laughter for all. So lets go, there is more in the mag about this great event. Also - June long weekend Trip to Armidale, meeting up with the cane toads we should have a very good weekend. We have a number of members already putting their hands up and we have two par- ties heading North. The Putty Rd Party (PRP) and the (PHP) guess what that one is.

Get in your car and lets have fun

Cheers for now Greg Holden, President SCCA

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 3

Membership Secretary S.C.C.A Membership, Sprite Car Club of Australia Inc PO Box 696, Membership Application/Renewal KINGSWOOD NSW 2747

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS

Member First Name Surname Date of Member Birth Number Member S d Member Member S d Address Details of Member Street: s d Suburb: s d State: s Postcode: s Home Ph: s Bus Ph: s Mobile: s Email: s Occupation: s How did you find out about us: s Please Note: if you already have an existing membership number please provide it in the member number column, if you are a new member a new number will be provided for you.

YOUR MOTORING INTERESTS Social Competition Restoration

CAR DETAILS (Please provide details of all Sprites and Midgets you own so we can maintain our vehicle register) Make/Model of car #1: Year: Colour: Registration No: Condition of Car: Make/Model of car #2: Year: Colour: Registration No: Condition of Car: Make/Model of car #3: Year: Colour: Registration No: Condition of Car:

CONDITIONAL REGISTRATION If you have Conditional Registration your Drivers Licence Number is required:______

MEMBERSHIP FEES Single Membership: $55.00 Family Membership: $65.00 A family membership is 2 adults and any children under the age of 18

Membership is for a 12 month period from July 1 each year. In the case of Pro Rata subscriptions to 30th June common Expiry date you will need to contact the Membership Secretary at [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP PAYMENTS Payments can be made by Cheque enclosed with your Membership Form or by EFT directly to the SCCA bank account if you choose this method the details are:-BSB 062-309 A/C 10004231 Ref/Description MEM-MEMBERS LAST NAME. It is important that you add the Reference details (MEM and your last name) and include the date of the payment on the form in the payment section overleaf.

SPRITE TORQUE You can choose to get the magazine in one of two ways, get a monthly hard copy posted to you or the environmentally friendly way receive it electronically via your email address and Members Only. To nominate your preference please indicate via the below tick boxes. Posted Copy Electronic Copy

PLEASE COMPLETE INFORMATION OVER PAGE

Membership Secretary S.C.C.A Membership, Sprite Car Club of Australia Inc PO Box 696, Membership Application/Renewal KINGSWOOD NSW 2747

[email protected]

DECLARATION

I hereby apply to become a member of the Sprite Car Club of Australia Inc. In the event of my admission as a member, I agree to be bound by the rules of the Club for the time being in force.

Member Signature: ...... Date: ......

Member Signature: ...... Date: ......

Member Signature: ...... Date: ......

PAYMENT I/we enclose Cheque/Money Order/Cash/EFT for $......

Date of EFT Payment $......

Signature: ………………………………………… Date: …………………………

Please post the completed form to S.C.C.A Membership, PO Box 696, KINGSWOOD NSW 2747

Membership Secretary Use Only

Date: …………………………

Payment Details: ……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Membership Card Sent

Membership Database Updated

Website updated for Members Only (applies to new members)

MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT RECEIPT

Receipt No: ………………….

Name: ………………………………………………………………………… Membership No: …………….

Amount Received $ …………………………………………… by Cash/Cheque

Received with thanks...... Membership Secretary

Sprite Car Club of Australia Inc

COMING SOCIAL EVENTS 2011

☺ = SCCA 2011 organised

5 Brass Monkey Run to Mudgee (Contact Avis) C,S,D ☺

11-13 June Long Weekend Bi annual meet with Queenslanders to Armidale C,S,D ☺ more details to come. Contact Alex Robertson SCCQ 25 CRICKETERS ARMS / DRIVE IN. Meet up at the Cricketers arms at 6:30pm C,S,D ☺ JUN for friendly chat, For those keen for the Drive In. Cars must be in the gates by 7:30pm, Movie TBA (two to choose from) will start at 8:30. $15.50 Adults, $11.50 pensioners. It will be cold so bring some hot chocolate and someone to snuggle up with and enjoy the movie.

1 Meet : Ruby’s Beach Cafe Bulli at 9:30 TBA C,S,D ☺ Destination: Drive to Nattai Lookout Contact Keith Smith 0404 631 200 for further details. 24 CHRISTMAS IN JULY - Hawkesbury Paddle Wheeler, Windsor C,S,D ☺ JUL $35 per person: Send cheque/money orders (payable to Sprite Car Club of Australia INC) to: Avis Fowler PO BOX 696 Kingswood, 2747

21 CMC Shannons Display Day at Eastern Creek. Meet at Propect Pub, C,S,D ☺ Great Western Hwy. More Details to come. 28 Annual SCCA Picnic & Display Day King School North Parramatta. Con- C,S,D ☺ tact: Colin Dodds: 0414 789 263 or [email protected]

AUG 28 All British Display Day King School North Parramatta. Contact: Colin C,S,D ☺ Dodds: 0414 789 263 or [email protected] 28 Sprite Car Club Concourse King School North Parramatta. Contact: Colin C,S,D ☺ Dodds: 0414 789 263 or [email protected] Pointscores are indicated in the right hand column. All events on the Club pointscore are also on the Social pointscore. All events on the Sprite pointscore are also on the Associate pointscore.C = Club pointscore, D = Drivers pointscore, S = Sprite pointscore, = non-pointscore SPRITE CAR CLUB ANNUAL CONCOURSE & DISPLAY DAY SEE PAGE 18 & 19 FOR MORE DETAILS Sprite Parts A compact workshop where you and your car get personal attention

Fast, friendly, efficient service from the only supplier open from 7am to 7pm, 7 days per week

PHONE or FAX ORDERS Goods are dispatched by overnight air bag, express post, courier or road freight

All you need for your MG, Sprite or Mini Colin Dodds 2 Parklea Close, Dural NSW 2158 Ph: 0414 789 263 Fax: 02 9651-6703 Email: [email protected] Web: www.SpriteParts.com.au

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 6 CATALINA RACE WAY By Graham McDonald Reportedly, February 12th, 2011 marked the 50th Anniversary of the first race meeting held at the Catalina Park race circuit located at Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains west of . Whilst the Sprite Car club did not manage to organise an event for this day we did manage to get to the track on “National Motoring Herit- age Day”.

It was a beautiful clear sky autumn’s day and a healthy roll up of members, cars and yes Colin Dodds, long trousers and an Indian motorcycle were in attendance. Before we started, Greg Holden provided the driv- er’s briefing and Leah Holden provided some impromptu history to the park. For those not in attendance ...

The park was actually created in 1946 as an amusement park and artificial pond. The Catalina arrived in 1948 adding to existing attractions including speedboat rides, tearooms, miniature train, ferris wheel, merry-go-round, swimming pool and a Giggle House showing Charlie Chaplin films. The catalina was used to show aerial flight films over Sydney. A speedboat on the lake and some rocking of the plane by attend- ants added to the experience. The Catalina was not properly maintained and was beached on the shore in 1954, where it suffered badly to the elements and souvenir hunters. In 1958 it was sold and cut up for scrap.

As mentioned, the 2.1 km race circuit opened in early 1961 and remained in use until the mid 1990s. Origi- nally used for top level motorsport including touring car, open wheeler, motorcycle and sidecar racing in the 1960s. The mountain location caused problems with fog causing delays in the race programs, also the track was very narrow by today’s standards and surrounded by walls, armco railings and hillside. The track became used less with the opening of other circuits nearer to Sydney such as Oran Park and . In the 1970s the circuit was used for , where the cars would use half the bitumen track and a dirt infield section with jumps, like . By the 1980s the track was only being used for lap dashes with single cars on track at one time and was used until the mid 1990s.

Just one failure to proceed occurred on the way but the problem was quickly traced to a faulty low voltage lead from the coil to the distributor and with a new lead fashioned, we were all soon back on the road. It was also noted that it was a pleasing sight to see Brian Pennington overtake a late model Toyota Corolla in his one owner stock standard Mk 1 Bugeye. Several miles later the Corolla did extract it’s revenge but it should be noted that Brian was maintaining his place behind another slower car.

Today, there is still a nice park, just a few ducks on the pond and the race track is half way to being re- claimed by the bush. It is still possible to walk or cycle around the track but it is surprising how many trees are so close to the road. I have included a photo from 1961 of Pete Geoghegan and Ron Hodgson side by

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 7 CATALINA Cont’ side on one of the passing corners. Having walked the track it is surprising to see how much the bush has re-grown in 50 years and how few opportunities to pass there would have been. What is more, today in places there are mature trees growing right against the armco and their canopy fully covers the track. Elsewhere there are just two single file walking tracks of bitumen the balance long grass.

Surprisingly Greg Strange managed best lap time on the day as shown in the photos. A great photo shoot opportunity of club members cars was taken by most members. We all then had a picnic lunch by the pond and talked all things Sprite. Despite being a clear sunny day, the mountain chill started to move in and it was all agreed it had been a pleasant day but it was time to go.

Got a spridget just sitting in the garage collecting dust? We’re looking for more members to join in week- day and weekend social events and your spridget needs it’s legs stretched. So dust it off, check the tyres, oil, brakes, water, engine, gearbox, clutch, diff, fuel, rego, insurance and finally road side mem- bership validity and come and join in. Half the fun is getting there and back, but the other half is great company and interesting sights.

Also if you have any suggestions for a weekday or weekend car run, place of interest/social event or week or weekend away, then please advise a committee member or email the social secretary.

Graham McDonald Attendee’s Greg and Leah Holden FE Holden Ross and Deb Reichardt Triumph Spitfire Dianne Lalor and Greg Strange Mk 3 Sprite Paul and Kerry Thomson Mk 3 Sprite Connie and Manuel da Corte Mk 1 Bugeye Paul and Mary Barbara Mk 1 Bugeye Dianne and John Drury Mk 3 Midget Colin Dodds Indian Motor bike Glenn & Barbara Falson Mk 3 Midget Janice and John Pamment Mk 1 Bugeye Brian Pennington Mk 1 Bugeye Rick Foster VE Commodore Keith Smith and Juliette Richardson MGF Graham and Joan McDonald MGB

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 8 CATALINA Cont’

Bob Rowntree Automotive Sprite, Midget,MGB,MGA

Bringing you 40 years of Sprite Service specialising in -Precision engine building -Suspension rectification -Front frame strengthening -Diff housing rebuilding -SU carb rebuilding -Engine tuning -Motorsport preparation Creek corner Warwick Farm 1967 2 Kathleen Place Thirlmere NSW 2572 Ph - 4683 0618, Mob - 0402 216 149 MVRIC licensed. IAME No 92429

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 9 MEMBERS CORNER WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Yuchan & Michael Gruber of Monterey David and Gregory Simpson ofWamberal

Subject: Orange weekend.

Just want to let you know Manuel and I had a wonderful weekend, everything was very well organ- ised, we felt very comfortable with everyone.

We felt a little left out that we couldn’t join in the fun in cruising along in our Bugeye, and were little jealous that you all had the feel of the wind blowing through your hair � But hopefully it will be ready for our next adventure.

Looking forward to seeing you all again soon, Connie & Manuel

SCCA MEMBER’S BERT & GWEEN’s Caravan Adven- ture: We started our trip on Friday 25 March and stayed at Hallidays Point for 3 nights before bush camping at Bretti Reserve north of Gloucester for 3 nights. We had 1 night at Walcha and arrived at Narrabri today where we will be for 3 nights.

There are 19 caravans in the group but we only officially meet each Tuesday and Wednesday at each port of call. Next stop is Roma in a weeks time.

We stayed at Keepit Dam, near Gunnedah for 3 nights. I caught and released a few fish and the setting sun from the kayak was too good to resist. Attached are a few pics

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 10 Club Member Dave lawrence sent this picture in of his Bugeye that was loaned to Channel 7 for Hit TV show A Country Practice

REMINDER MEMBER SHIP RENEWALS for 2011/2012 See page 22 for renewal form JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 11 SCCA GENERAL MONTHLY MEETING REPORT 10th May, 2011

Venue: Parramatta RSL Club, Parramatta Meeting commenced: 7.45 pm

Present: Committee members: G.Wells, P.Barbara, B.Cockayne, R. Forster, D.Lawrence, R.Reichardt Members: J.Needs Visitors: R.Pringle. H.Pringle. Vice President D.Lawrence chaired the meeting. Apologies: D.Lawlor, A.Barbara, P.Orton, G.Holden, L.Payne, C.Dodds, A.Fowler Minutes of Previous Meeting: Moved accepted D.Lawrence, sec.P.Barbara. Carried Business Arising: None other than items covered in the agenda. Treasurer’s Report: Les Payne reported by Email General Account: Opening balance $12,471.80 Deposits $195.00 Payments $4,908.00 Closing balance $7,758.80 Savings account: Opening balance $22,851.77 Interest $92.19 Closing balance $22,943.96 Business transaction account: Opening balance $526.67 Payments $10.00 Closing balance $516.67 Total funds: $31,219.43

Secretary’s Report: G.Wells reported correspondence: Incoming: -Leyland Heritage Group Dinner - CAMS Club Forums - Email reports L.Payne. A.Fowler, P.Orton, D.Lawlor. - Brochures: Shannons Auction, Indy Karts, Bee Printmail, Tulip Time, Robert Shannon Foun- dation. - Magazines: Depender, Flat Chat,T Read, Goblins Gazette, BMC Leyland Heritage Social Drives: Coming events are all listed in Sprite Torque & on website. Next runs are: - May 15 Catalina Park Run - May 22 Breakfast Club - June 5 Brass Monkey Run to Mudgee (contact Avis Fowler) - June 11-13th Run to Armidale with Queensland club. Contact G.Holden - July 24 Christmas in July. A.Fowler will put booking slip in Sprite Torque. - August 21 CMC Shannons Day Eastern Creek. - August 28 Picnic & Display Day, ABCC The Kings School. A couple of members have pointed out that the notice in Sprite Torque for a number of events such as the Brass Monkey Run says “contact Avis” but there is no phone listing for

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 12 SCCA GENERAL MONTHLY MEETING REPORT CONT’ Avis Fowler. Editor needs to add phone number to the listing in the calendar.

CSCA/Supersprint: P.Orton reported by Email. - We had 11 entries for the Jaguar round at Eastern Creek. Report sent to A.Barbara for S.T. - A detailed update on our Supersprint on August 7th has been Emailed by G.Holden to P.Orton, R.Forster & B.Cockayne. Notice to go into Sprite Torque. - Ric Forster received a number of names of volunteer flag marshals at the meeting but more are needed.

Competition: Ric Forster reported. - Went to Mallala & will write an article for Sprite Torque. - Good club entry at FOSC meeting at Eastern Creek & will write brief report for S.T.

CAMS: B.Cockayne reported . - Historic Forum on 12th May. Barry plans to attend. - State Council Meeting 14th May. Agenda & previous minutes received. G.Wells will attend. - State Executive meeting minutes on web-site.

CMC/Shannons Day. - G.Wells booked 20 sites, 13 reserved by members to date. Tickets will be given out free to members who exhibit a car.

Sprite Torque: P.Barbara reported for Anthony. - Anthony will be away from May 20 to June 8 so reports for the June issue are needed by May 8 ( minutes of May 10 meeting excepted)

Web-site. R.Reichardt reported: - New web-site design is 70-80% completed - Ross will send out an Email advising how to access it for comment. - Email & phone contact lists update including separate CSCA representative & Club Captain.

Membership: D.Lawlor reported by Email. - Two new members this month: Stephen & Carol Wilton from Ettalong Beach with 1971 Midget John & Janice Pamment from Merrylands with Mk.1 Sprite. - The two visitors at the meeting Rodney & Harley Pringle with Mk.2A Sprite signed up on the night. G.Wells will forward application to D.Lawlor. These new members were all accepted by the committee.

Club Constitution & Rules: B.Cockayne reported. - Barry has written a lead-in article to go into Sprite Torque. - R. Reichardt to set up a link to access the draft on the web-site.

General Business: - Avis Fowler advised the scrutineering course run by David Healy was fully booked out. Greg Ryan, Avis Fowler & Maurice King attended. - G.Wells reported briefly on hand held walkie-talkie radios. Small sets available for less than $100 per pair but range is essentially line of sight, up to 7km. Larger sets up to 5W power,

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 13 SCCA GENERAL MONTHLY MEETING REPORT CONT’ cost up to $1000 per pair, do not have much more range unless large extended range ariels are used & this is not practical for us. Will continue to investigate. - The recent E mail from C.Dodds regarding response times was discussed. The problem of no phone contact numbers on the web-site for three committee members is being fixed by R.Reichardt. There were mixed opinions about what is a reasonable response time. The Chairman acknowledged the suggestion that The results of the survey by Colin Dodds be not- ed and that the Committee Members be requested to carefully monitor the receipt of emails on a regular basis and respond accordingly. This discussion could be continued at another meeting.

Meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 14th, 2011; Parramatta RSL Club, cnr. O’Connell & Macquarie Sts., Parramatta at 7.30 p.m.

Photo Taken On the Catalina Run

Shannons Display Day August 21st Once again we will be displaying our cars at the CMC Shannons Display Day at Eastern Creek. Meeting at Prospect Hotel Great Western Highway, Prospect (Blacktown) 8.15 a.m. for 8.30 a.m. departure Contact: Graham Wells 96541344 (We have booked a limited number of tickets & these will be given free, on a first in basis, to club members who will exhibit a Sprite or Midget).

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 14 COMPETITION REPORT 2011 COMPETITION CALENDER

25 CSCA/AHOC Austin-Healey Owners Club of Australia. Round 3 Supersprint Wakefield Park

JUNE 24-26 HSRCA All Historics, Winter 25 lap induro Eastren Creek.

TBA Annual Historics Queensland, Morgan Park, Warick.

JUL 16-17 6 Hour Regularity At Wakefield Park: Contact the editor for full details of this event

7 CSCA/SCCA Sprite Car Club Super Sprint Round 4. Eastern Creek. 11-12 VHRR Historic Festival of Speed Winton Long AUG 20 CSCA/MOCA Morgan Owners Club of Aust Super Sprint Round 5 Eastern Creek

23-25 HSRCA All Historics Wakefield Park SEP

TBA Historics Queensland “No Frills” Meeting Queensland Raceway or Lakeside 15 CSCA/TSOA Triumph Sports Owners Association Training Day Wakefield Park.

OCT 16 CSCA/TOCA Triumph Sports Owners Association Super Sprint Round 6 Wakefield Park

29-30 VHRR Historics Sandown

11-13 FoSC Spring Invitation Wakefield Park

NOV 25-27 HSRCA All Historics Meeting Eastern Creek DEC

70 Cox Avenue Kingswood

- Stainless Steel & Aluminised Systems - Complete Range – Pipes Mufflers Extractors - Performance Custom & Standard Systems - Obligation Free Check & Quote - Sales & Fitting Phone Andrew Woodall 02 4732 1222

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 15 COMPETITION REPORT Who’ll Stop the Rain?

Round 2 of the CSCA Supersprint, May 1

After two weeks of rain – felt like 40 days - it was a leap of faith for 11 SCCA members to enter the Jag- uar round of the Combined Sports Car Clubs’ supersprint series at Eastern Creek on Sunday 1 May.

The big time gap since Round 1 on February 19 probably explained much of this pent up enthusiasm so it was heartening to see the list for SCCA. A total of 11 runners is a good mid-year roll up for the club noting that at our own supersprint in August last year we had 16 runners.

Of our 11 entries, 7 were Sprites/Midgets which made our entry the largest of the open british sport- scars. Other entrants included 9 Triumph TR7s, a TR8 and a couple each of big Healeys, MGBs, and a lone Sunbeam Alpine and MGA. Suffice to say that it was good to see so many Sprites and Midgets running ably supported by 2 Cooper S’s, a Mini and a Mazda MX5.

Which is not to say that it was plain sailing for everyone to get there. The prize for most dedication has to go to Ray Fahey who had his engine and gearbox out 3 times in the 2 weeks leading up to the event trying to fix 4th gear that wouldn’t stay engaged despite successive repairs. Ray looked a bit weary to start with on the day but he soon perked up.

The day was perfect so the leap of faith must have been a giant one for the 104 runners who turned up. The sun shone and it wasn’t just for us as there was a lot happening at Eastern Creek with the launch of the Ford Territory taking up a number of the carports and the skidpan, four wheel driving on top of the hill in the grounds of the raceway and the drags were on too.

John Millhouse was first to arrive and secured a 3 bay garage for us which meant room for 9 Sprites/ Midgets/Minis and with someone on the track at any one time most of us got to use a garage. Owen Rice a regular MG club competitor and who normally garages with us was also present with his immacu- late V6 Capri.

Our entrants were

Robert Byrnes Cooper S Barry Cockayne Bugeye Ray Fahey Sprite Mk2 David Gordon Mazda MX5 Andrew Herden Cooper S Warren Lawlor Sprite Mk3 John Millhouse Bugeye Robert Mule Mini Paul Orton Sprite Mk2A Les Payne Midget Keith Smith Midget

We all had a good day with many runs on a grippy track. A few spins here and there but the main prob- lems were mechanical, some of which were – Keith Smith had rough running and unwillingness to rev which meant having to pit on the first run – fixed with a new/old condenser. When will someone manu- facture condensers that don’t break down almost as soon as they are fitted – I had the same problem on the SCCA’s ‘no hoods allowed’ Tasmania trip? Similarly John Millhouse had his engine cut out com- pletely on turn 1 after rough running at high revs – fixed by replacing the distributor which had electronic internals with a mechanical device.

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 16

COMPETITION REPORT CONT’ Rob Byrnes had blistering paint on the inside of the boot where the inside of the right rear tyre was rub- bing on the edge of the wheel well. Having just given the rear wheels some negative camber this was assumed to be the problem until on lifting the rear end up it turned out to be a cracked subframe.

Les had what was thought to have been a flooding carby but I wasn’t able to catch up in detail on what the problem was. Ray’s Spriota (Toyota engine and gearbox) ran faultlessly as did my Mk 2A. Sprite Torque’s editor Anthony Barbara kindly loaned me his aeroscreen with which I replaced the standard windscreen.

Visitors on the day included Paul and Anthony Barbara and Neil Scott while Jacqui Millhouse arrived with John’s lunch. What a life!

John Millhouse had our fastest time of the day with a blistering run on the final lap of the day cracking 2 minutes in his non-1275-but-more-than-1098 bugeye. A fantastic effort! It lead one of our fellow club CSCA delegates to comment that John should give us all the inside info on the new short cut he had discovered!

Times on the day were John Millhouse 2:00.61, Paul Orton 2:00.79, Keith Smith 2:03.1, Ray Fahey 2:03.92, Barry Cockayne 2:05.47, Rob Byrnes 2:06.82, Robert Mule 2:11.97, David Gordon 2:13.0, war- ren Lawlor 2:13.77, Les Payne 2:14.78, Andrew Herden 2:25.21.

Next Supersprint is at Wakefield Park on June 25. Please contact me for more details if you are inter- ested in an exciting day with fellow club members at a track made for Sprites (and Minis/MX5s).

Paul Orton CSCA Delegate

OAMPS Insurance Brokers, has set-up a To arrange a quote, contact competitively priced static and transit OAMPS Insurance Brokers on insurance cover for CAMS members’ race cars 03 9412 1142 and trailers. Click here to complete a quick quote request The policy provides cover against losses from form, then send your completed form to: fire, flood, overturning, collision, jack-knifing Fax: (03) 9412 2426 of truck and theft of race car, trailer and Email: [email protected] equipment , including while at the track. This broad policy can cover: Section 1 - Prime mover Section 2 - Trailer / Transporter Section 3 - Race Vehicle, Tools, Spare Parts

OAMPS Insurance Brokers Ltd ABN 34 005 543 920 AFSL No. 238312. Ref: 0092 Due to the Easter and ANZAC day long weekend, response times may be up to 7 days. JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 17 All British Display Day 28 August

This has to be the biggest ever display of British vehicles. The display takes place over more than eight cricket fields at the Kings School (North Parramatta). Last year saw over 50 clubs attending, with 1600 tickets distributed and $8000.00 being donated to The Arthritis Foundation “ Camp Foot- loose”.

Many clubs had their concourse that day at the event. Some small clubs had as few as three cars, other over 100. I saw three Swallow Dorettis, and I didn’t know there were that many in Australia!

The Kings School also have their very well know Art Show ($15000.00 prize money) plus jewellery & crafts for sale. Visit: www.artshow.kings.edu.au

Also Helicopter rides for the brave and foolhardy. You’re not going to get me up in one of those things. The wings move faster than the fuselage! According to the US Air Force:, “They’re always the first on the scene of the crash.” But don’t let me put you off. ______Sprite Car Club Display Day and Annual Picnic 28 August

This will be held at the King’s School, same time and place as the All British Display day. Last year we had about 15 cars attending, a good display, but not as many as we are capable of. This year, we will have over 40 Sprites and Midgets on display and are planning on making this the largest display of our cars ever held in Australia.

Tickets to the display are by prior arrangement, and the Club has purchased 60 tickets on behalf of Members. Listed below are those cars and people who have already been allocated parking spaces in the display. Please contact me if you want you and your car added to the list.

Bugeye Ross Reichardt, Bryan and Margaret Wells, Rob Allen (DHMC Bugeye), Sharon Allen (Bugeye bare shell), John Needs, Barry Cockayne, Kerry Smith, Wayne Griffiths (two Bugeyes), Leah Holden, Dan- iel Flego, Brendan Faulds in Andrew Booth’s Bugeye, Les and Shirley Bryant, Manuel Da Corte, John Pamment, Rob Byrnes, Max Hamilton, Glen Smith

Mk II and IIA Sprite, Mk I Midget Paul and Mary Barbara, Graham Wells, Avis Fowler, David Loomes, Annie Lawlor, Bob and Chris Davis,

Mk III and IIIA Sprite, Mk II Midget Graham Coffill, Ant Barbara, Mat Barbara, Andrew Herden, Jon Thomson, Greg Holden, Warren Law- lor, Catherine Clarke (4447 8340), Greg Strange

Mk IV Sprite, Mk III Midget Bob and Karen Olde, Bob Kerslake (with trailer), Julie Kerslake, Les Payne, John and Di Drury, An- drew Booth, Ron Farlow, Greg Ryan, Ric Forster

Round Wheel Arch cars Glenn and Barbara Falson (Midget), Colin Dodds (Austin Sprite) other Maurice King (Austin Lancer) OJUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 18 Sprite Car Club Concourse

28 August

What better day to hold this than at our annual Picnic and Display Day, during the King’s School All British Display Day.

We will be judging the cars for both CONDITION AND CLEANLINESS and ORIGINALITY, in the areas of: Exterior Interior Engine Compartment Underside

Bonus points will also be issued for the cars that have BMC or Dealer options fitted. For example: • period driving lights • Donald Healey Motor Company brakes, suspension and other components • BMC homologated options (such as Shorrock superchargers) • Ashley or other period hard-tops • etc These bonus points will only be allocated if the owner can present period advertising, photographs etc showing that the options were available at the time.

Over the next couple of months, we will elaborate on the judging, so you know exactly what we will be looking for.

______

So remember, if you want to join in Australia’s biggest ever display of Sprites and Midgets, or enter tour Concourse, email me ([email protected]) or phone me on 0414 789263. avagoodday Colin Registrar, SCCA

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 19 Donald Healey Motor Company Remnants By Barry Cockanyne My Goodwood trips have invariably included a vis- it to Duxford aerodrome (Imperial War Museum) and Gaydon (UK motor industry museum) both reasonably near to each other which has enabled a convenient loop of that part of the Midlands. On my last visit being late in the day I enquired of the staff at the latter about where I might find ac- commodation and was advised that Warwick, the nearest biggish city would be my best option.

So off I went and duly found a good B&B, and was advised by my host that the best steaks were at the ’Middle Pub’ ,where I just happened to team up with a couple of visiting Irishmen in town for a diary farmers’ conference. Paddy and Shean ( they were emphatic that was their names ) turned out to be real characters and great fellow travellers who set about showing again that Aussies and Irishmen get on very well. Warwick was turning out to be a great stop over. Though seemingly known by tourists more for its cathedral, I recalled being advised by a fellow Healey enthusiast that the ‘Cape Works’ of the Donald Healey Motor Company, had been located in that town Visiting the council operated Tourist Office next morning did not at first locate any info on the of- ficial data base, but the very helpful staff ( good old local government again) phoned a couple of local contacts and I soon had the location of the old site. So I set the GPS and easily found Cape Lane and at its end at No 4, a building with Austin Healeys very much in evidence. Finding the staff in the smoko room at that time of the morning, I was readily directed to ‘the boss’s office over there’, and introduced myself to Jon Everard of JME Healeys. Jon interrupted his reading of what looked like the ‘Collector Cars’ section of the SMH and readily invited me to take a look around, ‘take photos and to see it all’. I needed no further encouragement and checked out the somewhat cluttered workshop, searching amongst a variety of 100 sixes, a couple of 100S variants (managing to sight the chassis nos for comparison with known ex Australian cars), and an almost completed aluminium replica 100S body which illustrated the spectacular standard of workmanship from JME.

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 20 Donald Healey Motor Company Remnants Cont’

There were no Bugeyes unfortunately (nor Se- brings or such) but the variety of big Healeys certainly reflected the best of the breed, including the ex Pat Moss works rally car (see photos) and several private examples of competition Healeys. Jon later explained to me that his father had worked for Donald Healey, and that he himself had become an apprentice to the DHMC in this very building. He told me that the construction of the building itself had been funded by BMC spe- cifically for the assembly of the 55 Healey 100S cars in 1955.

Jon also pointed out to me the surrounding prop- erties which had been part of the original DHC factory complex, including the ’Hangar’ which was now the council waste transfer station (see more photos). When the DHMC moved from the Cape Works site in 1963, the building came into use as a typi- cal commercial property. The opportunity came for Jon however to purchase it and to relocate his growing Healey restoration business into it in 1983 – so for Jon the wheel had so to speak, gone full circle back to the site of his original apprentice- ship. Jon’s business had flourished and he said that he was doing work for customers all over the world. In all, I appreciated very much the friendly wel- come and generous time offered by Jon and despite the absence of any sign of Sprites, I felt that I had made a connection with the history of the DHC which certainly justified my detour to Warwick. Imagine my sadness then to read in a recent ‘Oc- tane’ magazine that Jon had died suddenly after a short illness while on holiday in Spain. It seemed a real loss of genuine Healey enthusiast, and a thorough gentleman. The article commented that Jon’s son was car- rying on the JME business at the site, so there will surely be a continuation of the relevance of 4 Cape Lane with the Healey marque.

JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 21 JUNE 2011 SPRITE TORQUE 22 ADVERTISING YOUR PARTS IN TORQUE TRADER IS FREE SEND ADD BY EMAIL, LETTER or PHONE it in FOR EDITORS CONTACT DETAILS SEE PAGE 2.

TORQUE TRADER Advertising is free for private sellers and buyers, just phone, email or post the details to the Editor of Sprite Torque.

THIS MONTH FOR SALE1965 MK3 SPRITE Full Restoration 115BHP motor. 2 pac Red. Prize winner. Too Much to mention $15500ono Contact Rob 0416257854 MK2 Shell FOR SALEOpen to offers Assorted Sprite steel wheels: 4 off 6” wide with Mk1 FOR SALE1965 MK3 SPRITE centres (reinforced mountings) and185/70 tyres (only UK Production - Full Restoration a little worn but old) - $100 set Located In Canberra 4 off 7” wide with strong Morris Major centres.$80 $14000 Set 6 off 6” wide- $20 each Contact John on 0413 004 707 Call Brian Walton 02 9520 5010

LAST MONTH MK2 SPRITE FOR SALE MG MIDGET PARTS FOR SALE Nice Car, no rust, runs Used Soft Top Good Condition $150. and handles well. Roll Cage Hood Bows $100 Silver Complete Windscreen $150 $9500 Carpet Kit $80 Contact Anthony 0413 316 726 Call Paul 02 9727 6549

MG Midget 1500 FOR SALE WANTED Red - Good Condition Sprite for Restoration Long Rego Contact Ian $9500ono Email:[email protected] Call Mark 0419209724 Gregory Strange Motor Mechanic Sydney Home of Sprite’s and Big Healey’s Sympathetic servicing and repairs to most English Sports and Classic Cars (Modern cars also catered for) All Staff are SPRITE Club members Conveniently located near Sydney’s CBD 117 Cleveland Street, Chippendale NSW 2008 Phone/Fax 02 9319 2299 Mobile 0412 811 958

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