www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com

MICRO-MANIA - THE AUSTIN BUBBLE CARS AND THE UK MUSEUM THAT CHANGED DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE 7 THE WORLD

YOUNGSTERS INJECTING NEW BLOOD INTO THE CLASSIC SCENE Dealer Spotlight 3 Junior Jockeys 4-7 Classic Character 8 Full Steam Ahead 9 Classic Motorsport 10-11 Micro-Mania 12-14 Missing Moniker 15 7 – The Austin That 16-18 Changed The World New News From BMH 19

Motoring Classics reproduction Above: The RS1500 was a competitor to the 550 in its in whole or any part of any text, day – here one tackles the banking at Avus, Germany (Photo – AG) photograph or illustration without written permission of the publisher SPORT is strictly prohibited. The publish- er makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct You’d be forgiven for thinking that which not only include race and rally There are many other strings to the Mini 2 but can accept no responsibility For many years those at the helm of A large percentage of today’s drivers Brian and Heather Harper cre- preparation, but on-event support; also Sport bow, and a chance conversation for any effects from errors classic motoring have vexed over what doubtless have little or no knowledge ated a master plan back in 1959 sponsorship in the form of the Mini with Mike Cooper led to a resurgence 3 or omissions. happens when they have departed for of micro/bubble cars. Our related fea- that’s since been instigated to the Sport Mini Cup; a new class within the of Cooper Car Company branded prod- NB Motoring Classics is the printed that great historic motor show in the sky. ture therefore recalls the austerity that letter. The foundation was the im- HRCR Old Stager rally championship. ucts for which Mini Sport is a supplier and online publication of British Motor Will the old car wheel stop turning; what brought them into being and explores the mortal Issigonis Mini that not only and sole UK agent. An equally off-the- Heritage and its retail trading arm. will happen to our treasured vehicles? In charming little UK museum dedicated took their fancy but provided them To ensure continuity of quality for its cuff chat with rally legend Paddy Hop- short, will the younger generations pick to the genre. Dealer Spotlight this time with success in motorsport. This specialist parts, it created MAD Engi- kirk MBE led to the Lancashire-based Publisher: up the baton and drive with it? If the senti- focuses on Mini Sport, the 48-year-old caused their involvement in spares neering, a sister company that boasts firm becoming an approved dealer for British Motor Heritage Limited, ments of our cover story ‘Junior Jockeys’ family business that has fingers in just for the model and led to the found- no less than 11 fully-automated Mazak the Paddy Hopkirk Collection. It also Range Road, Cotswold Business are anything to go by, I believe the move- about every classic Mini pie going, while ing of Mini Sport in 1967. Finding CNC machines and handles confidential looks after his two highly-prized rally Park, Witney OX29 OYB, UK ment is secure for a good while yet. this issue’s Classic Character concerns suitable senior management is a work for Formula One, the MOD, and cars – the evocation of ‘33 EJB’, the Tel: +44 (0)1993 707200 the extraordinary unsung life of Le Mans major headache for most expand- aerospace and mainstream motor in- Mini he so famously drove to victory Email: [email protected] The venerable Austin 7 is one of the pil- winner, war hero, engineer and automo- ing companies, but they cracked dustries as well the Mini world. Says Mini on the 1964 Monte Carlo rally, and ‘6 lars of Britain’s motoring heritage. It has tive industrialist Major ‘Tony’ Rolt MC and that problem by having three sons, Sport Managing Director Chris Harper: EMO’ his 1990 Pirelli Marathon winner. Editorial: been many people’s introduction to the Bar. Last but not least, our regular Miss- who have subsequently assumed “Our Mini customers inevitably benefit For further information on all aspects of Gordon Bruce Associates roads and continues to put smiles on ing Moniker feature is devoted to the responsibility for the thriving, from our work in the high-tech worlds Mini Sport see www.minisport.com. Email: [email protected] faces, young and old. What’s perhaps fascinating and apparently soon-to-return now almost-50-year-old business. of F1 and aerospace, as we are used Web: www.gordonbruce.com less well known is the role it played in the German marque of Borgward. to working to the finest tolerances.” creation of BMW, Nissan (née Datsun) Mini Sport’s claim to ‘do everything for Design and production: Rosengart and even Jaguar, or the influ- Happy reading! ’ is easy to accept. Just check Flipside Group ence it had on the American and Austral- the numbers – 40 staff are housed in www.flipsidegroup.com ian markets of the day – it’s quite a story. 50,000 sq ft of premises containing some £1 million worth of stock. This Those whose pulses race at the comprises c.9,000 products that are sight and sound of classic cars are exported to in excess of 110 coun- Follow us on: invariably equally excited by historic tries – ie everywhere to which a Mini trucks, military vehicles, aircraft and mo- has travelled and probably a few it @MotoringClassic torcycles. And to that list you can proba- Gordon Bruce hasn’t. Contained within a single site Motoring Classics bly add steam trains. To mark the return Editor at Padiham, Lancs are facilities for ser- of the incomparable Flying Scotsman to vicing and MOTs, rolling road tuning, the tracks, we briefly reminisce about body repairs, re-spraying, restoration the first steam locomotive to break the etc. Motorsport has remained at the magic 100mph barrier. Wait for the whis- heart of the company’s activities too, tle and enjoy! COVER PHOTO: COURTESY OF YOUNG GUNS CLASSICS

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com age them all to join our Facebook group older ones contributing to the forum – they and get involved. Aside of a thriving social represent a massive resource that can scene we can offer a good deal on insur- assist with technical queries etc. Like my- ance through Footman James, invaluable self, some of the juniors became involved technical advice etc. The Morris Minor is through their parents. Others simply fell in not just a car, it’s a lifestyle.” love with the cars and beat a path to our More information at: door, while there are those for whom clas- MORRIS MINOR /groups/MMOCYM sic cars are the only viable option in terms OWNERS CLUB or search ‘MMOC Young Members’ of both purchase and insurance – with everything from the Herald to the TRs, the The MMOC has had a Young Members Triumph range has much to offer. Register for five years. In common with “Apart from joining in the main TR activities For literally decades the old car world has vexed over its potential other such organisations it relies heavily on social media for communication and last year, we displayed at the Modified Na- longevity – what will happen when the current generations of owners have its Facebook group is an impressive 500 tionals event in Peterborough and the NEC popped their clogs? Will anybody be interested in our cars? strong, some 50 of the younger members classic show. We plan to expand our level of Motoring Classics decided to investigate current views and what, if any, of which are especially active. The register participation in 2016, including possibly hold- relevant action was being taken by the classic car clubs and related aims to achieve representation at as many ing a mixed marque event with other clubs.” national old car events as possible, and is 4 organisations. The results were encouraging…….. TR REGISTER More information at: certainly prominent at the MMOC’s national /groups/tryoof 3 5 rally and the NEC classic car show, where The Youth section of the TR Register was and www.tr-register.co.uk it displayed four cars last year. Chairman unofficially created by Wayne Scott as far According to the FBHVC, the UK classic vehi- would soon crumble if we failed to keep attracting Andy Wilson told us: “We believe there is no back as 2007. The club’s board recog- cle movement presently turns over in excess of fresh blood into the fraternity. So is this happen- shortage of young classic car enthusiasts nised the significance of his initiative and £4.3 billion per annum and employs over 28,000 ing? We spoke to a range of organisations actively TR Youth now has some 400 members out there, but some are reticent about ap- Continued overleaf> people. The value of collectors’ cars is at an all- involved in encouraging youngsters into the move- proaching the club for fear of older mem- for its Facebook group. Said current co- Clockwise from bottom left, photos time high and historic motorsport has never been ment and catering for their needs. bers looking down on their cars. Others ordinator 26-year-old Kim Mountford: “The healthier or more appealing. So far so good, but it courtesy of: MMOC; TR Register; fancy the classic scene but have yet to active young members number around 20- MMOC; TR Register; TR Register is self-evident that the walls of our favourite castle commit to their first vehicle. We encour- 50, but it’s great that we also have some

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com L to R, photos courtesy of: Young Guns Classics; A30/A35 Owners Club; OUMF; U17CC; FBHVC

6 3 7 YOUNG GUNS CLASSICS MG CAR CLUB AUSTIN A30/A35 OXFORD UNIVERSITIES UNDER 17 CAR CLUB FEDERATION OF BRITISH HISTORIC VEHICLE CLUBS OWNERS CLUB MOTORSPORT FOUNDATION This free-to-join organisation is totally inde- MGCC’s new PR Officer, 22-year-old Chris Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, As most readers will be well aware, the pendent of the marque clubs and popu- Kynoch, is on a mission to draw more The young members section of this club OUMF is uniquely plugging a yawning gap U17CC was founded by children’s author FBHVC works tirelessly in support of every lated by youngsters with everything from youngsters into the club, whose total UK was established by a young lady called Ro- for students of any of Oxford’s many uni- Sandy Barrie and forever-popular racing aspect of the classic movement, not least Austin 7s to Land Rovers. It was founded membership already stands a mighty sie Firth Burnside who saw one of the baby versities by offering hands-on experience driver Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams in order to the industry. Its 2011 research report con- back in 2007 by Stephen McEvoy while still impressive 12,000. His first step was to Austins, fell in love with it, joined the club, of basic engineering, fabrication, race provide a safe and organised environment firmed that many of the skills required to under 17, and has remained an informal survey junior drivers at last year’s NEC clas- and then decided to do something specifi- and rally preparation, team management, in which youngsters of 11-17 interested in keep our vehicles on the road are in dan- setup with no committee or other organisa- sic show. The results were illuminating - 44 cally for other members in her age range. marshalling etc – primarily through the ex- cars and motorsport could learn to drive ger of dying out, as masters of the vari- tional baggage. Its major annual undertak- percent of his sample were already mem- According to 22-year-old youth co-ordina- citing medium of historic motorsport. The and practice their skills. The children’s fami- ous crafts retire – indeed it showed 1,000 ings are attendance of the classic shows bers of one car club or another, yet 54 tor Neal Welch, though still in the embryo students currently prepare and very suc- lies provide the vehicles while the club pro- skilled people would be required in the ensu- in Manchester and the NEC. However, the percent of those were surprisingly unware stage, the Facebook group now boasts cessfully compete with four cars: a pair of vides the instructors, allowing some 300 ing five years alone. A Vehicle Restoration very active Facebook group is used to ar- of what their organisation offered its young some 167 members, 100 or so of which race and rally Riley 1.5s, an Alfa Giulia GT kids to benefit from the organisation every Apprenticeship was therefore established range a host of regional social activity, aid- members. Chris remarked: “When asked are youngsters. The balance comprises for international and UK stage rallies, plus year. Some 35 events are held around the in short shrift. Operated from Banbury and ing members to meet and enjoy their cars for their priorities they cited: social activi- older club people who keep a fatherly eye a MKII Golf GTi for grassroots auto tests, country annually, but of particular note is Bicester College and North London Garag- to the full. The forum currently boasts no ties; events; cheap insurance and technical on the activities and offer advice when re- autosolos, regularity trials etc. To bring the the ‘Magic Day’ at Castle Combe, to which es, and generously supported by Bicester less than 600 accounts, 100-150 of which advice; all of which of course we already of- quired. He said: “Facebook is the perfect students’ skills bang up-to-date and in-tune guests bring an array of vehicles, (includ- Heritage and other organisations, it is now are consistently active. There are areas for fer. So, to some extent our priority should medium for organising events for our gen- with the needs of even F1, the Riley that ing many classics), for the youngsters to into its second year. FBHVC’s Communi- technical advice, the dreaded subject of be to better package and publicise what eration. Also for answering queries, many races with Julius Thurgood’s HRDC series experience. By the time of her recent 17th cations Director Geoff Lancaster told us: insurance, upcoming events, photos from we already offer the under 30s. Another of which are inevitably about insurance, is now packed with data-logging equip- birthday, member Eloise Peabody-Rolf had “The first intake immediately demonstrated past activities and an off-topic section for good thing about MG is that it’s still mak- something we can now help with provided ment courtesy of Racelogic and KA Sen- sampled no less than 300 different cars, of which her favourite is a 1950 MG TD. Eloise the idea’s worth. They were 150 percent all other matters. ing cars, so there’s lots of choice for young the drivers meet certain criteria.” sors. Commented OUMF’s indefatigable motivated from the get-go and have all members, from classic sports cars to the co-ordinator Ding Boston: “We rely entirely is also a flag waver for the newly created Commented Stephen: “Many of our mem- signed up for the second year. The group current MG6 and 3 models. Also the very on the generosity of the industry and the link between U17CC and the Institute of Ad- bers also belong to marque classic car More information at: is quite mixed and includes: several lads affordable ZS, ZR and MGF, all of which are motorsport fraternity for our existence, vanced Motorists, having passed the IAM clubs. We have no upper age limit, though /groups/AustinYoungMembers who moved across from the Light Vehicle ideal for personalising, which suits many of and the supporters’ page of our website test just seven weeks after the DVSA one. our oldest drivers are probably in their mid- or email youngmembers@ course, as they found the restoration one the current generation who are often more www.oumf.org is a tribute to the countless Remarked U17CC Chief Instructor Shaun 30s. Young Guns is arguably of most use austina30a35ownersclub.co.uk Cronin: “An affiliation with the IAM makes so far more hands-on; one bright young lady; interested in aesthetics than performance.” individuals and companies that have helped to students, but anybody young at heart much sense, as we can now not only help our and even a few mature students who are us so far.” will enjoy what we do.” members onto the roads but then assist their funding their own attendance. More information at: driving careers to the next stage.” More information at: mgcarclub More information at: www.oumf.org More information at: www.fbhvc.co.uk YGClassics or visit www.mgcc.co.uk More information at: or visit www.younggunsclassics.com www.under17-carclub.co.uk www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com 8 Stirling Moss believed he’d have been a top Stirling Moss believed he’d have been a top Trophy atthewheelofaTriumph Dolomite. notable victorywasDonington’s Coronation intheSpa 24hours,whilehisfirst Vitesse track debutwasaboard aTriumph Gloria won theTeam PrizeintheEtonTrial. His ing thethree-wheeler Morgan withwhichhe school, where he was admonished for keep- he launched his competition career while at ucated atEtonandSandhurst.Acarfanatic, Rolt wasborninBordon, Hampshire anded- the JensenFF. first four-wheel driveproduction car, drive cartowinanF1race),andthe the Ferguson P99(theonlyfour-wheel Works Jaguarand went on to develop He wonthe1953LeMansraceina tary Cross he’dalready beenawarded. which earnedhimaBarfortheMili- dacious Colditzgliderproject –allof mastermind behindthefamouslyau- seven escapeattemptsandhewasa His astonishingwarrecord included ‘boy wonder’headlinesasaresult. ERA ‘Remus’, eliciting in the immortal ish Empire Trophy raceatDonington age of20hewonthe200-mileBrit- markably unpublicised.Atthetender extraordinary lifehasremained re- and personalpresence, Tony Rolt’s For amanofsuchaccomplishment Major AnthonyPeterRoylance‘Tony’ Rolt MC&Bar(1918-2008)

Le Mans winner, war hero, engineer and automotive industrialist automotive Le Manswinner,and warhero, engineer all manner of vehicles the world over and all mannerofvehicles theworldoverand and viscouscoupling systemstransformed it deserves.Theresulting four-wheeldrive motive engineering has never had the credit Like hisracing,Rolt’s ensuingcareer inauto- I hadenoughtrouble whentheywere sober!” never have let them race under the influence, manager LoftyEnglandremarked: “Iwould entire storyasmyth,whileJaguarteam they ultimatelywon.Roltdismissedthe wear before beingreinstated intherace sorrows andbeenmuchtheworsefor the 1953event,theyhaddrowned their having beendisqualifiedafterpracticefor furiated byHamilton’s infamousclaimthat, Anotoriouslyshyman,Roltwas in- Sarthe. consecutive appearanceshemadeatLa 2nd placeatLeMans–twoofseven Hamilton that netted him both a 1st and withDuncan team; alsothepartnership car coveted placeintheJaguarsports ing MossinatestatDundrod wonhima and theERA-Delage,whilecheekilyoutpac- ofvariousConnaughts success, courtesy broughtWalker nevertheless himmuch His post-warrelationship withprivateerRob intervention ofWWII. but for the untimely the summit of the sport little doubthe’dhavequicklyprogressed to GP driverifhe’dracedregularly, andthere’s

Neville Hay. ‘Rolt andBira;TheForgotten Stars’by gentlemen oftheautomotiveworldsee informationonthisfascinating For further road transmissions. andmotorsport were thegenesisofmanytoday’s top (Photo – MPL, National Motor Museum) (Photo –MPL,National MotorMuseum) the Ferguson P99,OultonPark, 1961 (left) andAlfFrancis talkingtoStirlingMossin (Photo –LouisKlementaski)Above: Tony Rolt Top: Rolt inahurryaboard theAlfaAitken

FULL STEAM that year Scotsman achieved the first ever that yearScotsmanachievedthefirstever halting the train.As a result, on May 1of allowed thecrew tobechangedwithout tionary designofwalkthrough tenderthat In 1928shewasequippedwitharevolu- Edinburgh. fromdaily trainservice Londonto reflecting its owner’s flagship 10am acquired itsFlyingScotsmanmoniker, 1924 and1925.Bythistimeithad ish Empire Exhibition at Wembley in UK engineeringingeneralattheBrit- one, and represented the LNER and was destined for celebrity from day andhandsomelocomotive powerful way (LNER).Itseemsthissupremely EasternRail- the LondonandNorth in Doncaster1923onbehalfof 103 and60103)wasmanufactured No.1472 (subsequently4472,502, Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, engine £4.2 millionrestoration, istakingtothetracksoncemore. FlyingScotsmanthat,followingarecord steam locomotiveeverbuilt,theimmortal at 100mphandhascovered some2.5millionmiles?Answer–arguably themostfamous How aboutthisforaTrivial Pursuitquestion–whatweighs96.25tons,is70ftlong,cantravel

before FlyingScotsmanwaspurchased for writer andrailwayfanaticPeteWaterman, and joint-ownersensued,includinghitsong and toured theUSA.Various otherkeepers it gainedabell,headlampandcowcatcher tionist Alan Pegler, during whose ownership andpurchasedpensioned off bypreserva- 2,076,000 milesofloyalserviceitwas ish Rail!)green. Then,after40yearsand finished in Brunswick (some would say Brit- 1948 itwasblueforatimebefore being At thenationalisationofourrailwaysin livery understandablygavewaytoblack. ours too.DuringthewaritsApplegreen a fewdifferent numbers initslife,butcol- Not onlyhasthistitanofthetrackworn clocked atthemagic100mph. the firststeamlocomotivetobeofficially the record booksonceagain,bybecoming in atimeofeighthours.Sixyearslaterithit non-stop journeyfrom LondontoEdinburgh AHEAD Top: found atwww.flyingscotsman.org.uk. even experienceitsmightfirst-handcanbe can seethisnationaltreasure inactionand en onasteamengine.Detailsofhowyou lion isreputedly thedearest- everundertak & SonsofBury, Lancs,whichat£4.2mil- trials following its total restoration by Riley As wewrite,thelocomotiveisundergoing Museum, York. proudly displayedattheNationalRailway from SirRichard Branson.Ithassincebeen of publicfunding;and£365,000donation tional Heritage Memorial grant; £415,000 of:a£1.8millionNa- the nation,courtesy the restoration nearing completionatRiley&Sons. Above: www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com the FlyingScotsman atDoncaster, 2003

9 Motoring Classics in

British Motor Heritage MD John Yea previews the season ahead

As I write this in January the 2016 development and racing of our A40. races will be on the: Brands Hatch racing season is nearly upon us, We are therefore planning to enter it Indy circuit, the Oulton Park Inter- and we are in the process of final- in all the HRDC Touring Great races; national circuit (together with the ising our plans. The great thing a total of seven meetings. At four of MGB), Castle Combe (together with about running a car like the MGB these there is also the opportunity the MGB), Thruxton (together with is that we are spoiled for choice in to run the MGB in the Allstars race, the MGB) and Castle Combe again, terms of potential race series and thereby maximising circuit time at while the season’s finale will be at other opportunities, and only really each venue. Donington (together with the MGB). restricted by the entry and running costs; although in my case there Our season will kick off with an We will also race the MGB in the is also the driver’s stamina to con- HRDC track day at Goodwood; an Equipe GTS series with the MG and sider! opportunity to blow away some of Aston Martin Owners car clubs. This the winter cobwebs and for our will have us at Brands Hatch on the Before making my decisions re- technical guru Ralph to get a feel Indy circuit over the early Spring Photo – Jeff Bloxham garding this year’s programme for for the car on the circuit, and there- Bank holiday for two 30 minute the MGB, I considered the HSCC fore optimise his development in- races, and for the premier MG Car

10 Guards Trophy and the Classic put. The first race is on April 2 on Club meeting (MG Live!) on the Sil- Photo – Dickon Siddall 11 Sports Car Club series. Both of the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit; verstone Grand Prix circuit for two these offer excellent racing and the an interesting challenge in the A40. 30 minute sprints in early June. In MGB is a fantastic car for a driver All of its races will be 45 minutes late July we will be on the Snetter- his famous ex-works Le Mans MGB is one of the world’s greatest race determined to get as much track in duration, and for one or two driv- ton 300 circuit for a 40 minute one ‘DRX 255C’. I have now realised circuits. It would also give me a time as possible. ers. Although I generally drive solo, at the Aston Martin Owners Club that the true reason the Classic is chance to compete in the always- this year I may share with other rac- meeting. only run every two years is because well-supported British Sports GT Ultimately though, I decided that ers in order to benefit from their it takes that long for the reasons and Saloon Challenge race, a one following several seasons with the thoughts on developing the car, and Additionally, in spite of saying ‘never for the ‘never agains’ to fade from hour event with very eclectic entry MGB as the main focus I would be benchmark its real performance again’, I am entered in the Le Mans memory! Barry himself has under- that’s mainly composed of British best served concentrating on the versus the competition. Its other Classic with Barry Sidery-Smith in gone some necessary refurbish- club racers determined to experi- ment over the winter, so should be ence this circuit. firing on all cylinders by the time we get to France in early July. It will certainly be a very busy sea- son if all of the above happens, but I am also negotiating to run a ‘soft what a great time we will have. As tune’ MGB GT V8 in the both the always we are very happy to chat MG Car Club MGBCV8 series and to readers and customers at any the MG Car Club Thoroughbred of the events we attend - with the Sports Car Championship; which is usual proviso that if the car has of course sponsored by Motoring just suffered a mechanical failure Classics. This may not come off, (or, worse still, an accident), then but it is a car I have always wanted approach with caution, as I may to drive and I really hope the plan just be having a sense of humour comes to fruition. failure! And of course we will re- count our experiences, good or Finally, I have not yet discussed the bad, on these pages, so hopefully Spa Six Hour race in September giving our non-racing readers some with anybody but, after our success insight into the wonderful world of in finishing the 2015 one, it would historic motorsport. be good to return with the aim of repeating that achievement on what Photo – Dickon Siddall

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Born of austerity million RM Auctions obtained in 2013 for by a Villiers two-stroke motorcycle engine Manufacturing materials, gas and elec- the Weiner Collection’s 200 vehicles and mounted integral to the sole front wheel, MANIA 284 lots of related automobilia – a big sum allowing the car to turn in its own length. tricity were in short supply, petrol was ra- In these relatively affluent times, Britain’s best-selling car is the Ford Fiesta, priced from tioned and the majority of the country was for small cars! It even retained the motorcycle kick-start, £10,145. Even those with considerably more modest budgets can still purchase a brand new on its knees. Then, just as the automotive so if the pull (or later electric) start mecha- Arguably the best-engineered of the micro nism failed, the driver could literally climb five-seat saloon – it’s called a Dacia Sandero and will set you back from just £5,995. Coupled industry and its buyers were beginning to chime once more, President Nasser opted breed hailed from Germany, such as those under the bonnet and kick away. Lawrie 12 with interest rates at a record low, this means safe, comfortable motoring has arguably never to nationalise the Suez Canal, resulting in built by aircraft manufacturers Heinkel and was also the motivation behind the short- Messerchmitt who, forced by the allies to lived Imp powered Bond 875 (one of been more available to the masses. The early post-war picture was, however, as different as a chronic shortage of oil and the return of 3 13 cease plane production, turned their skills which somewhat frighteningly recorded chalk from the proverbial chunk of cheddar………… petrol rationing. Throughout these years of austerity, much of Britain travelled to work to other types of vehicle. Also the Isetta, speeds of over 100mph at Brands Hatch by public transport or bicycle. Some of which was Italian-designed but built under in the hands of former World Champion those fortunate enough to afford motorcy- licence by BMW – by far the biggest seller John Surtees), and the Berkeley range of cles equipped them with sidecars, so they of all , it arguably saved that diminutive three and four-wheelers. could transport their families at weekends. now mighty company from bankruptcy. A For hundreds of thousands of travellers, three-wheeled version of the normally four- Lesser-known models of British microcars the leap from there to a conventional four- wheeled Heinkel was built by Trojan in Croy- include: Sydney Allard’s Clipper (Putney); wheeled car was a financial step too far. don, while three-wheeled examples of the the Meadows Frisky (Wolverhampton); the Enter the . Isetta were assembled by BMW in Brighton Peel P50 that was produced on the Isle of – the significance of the number of wheels Man and, according to the Guinness Book Definitions of a microcar differ. The Regis- being that three-wheelers attracted a low of Records, at 54 inches long and 41 ter of Unusual Microcars describes them rate of excise duty in the UK and could be inches wide is the smallest production car as ‘economy vehicles with either three or driven on a motorcycle licence, thus allow- ever made; the Bamby (Hull); the Coronet four wheels, powered by petrol engines ing the biking fraternity to put a roof over (Denham and West Drayton); the Replicar of no more than 700cc or battery elec- their heads. Cursor (Kent); and the Scootacar (Leeds). tric propulsion, and manufactured since 1945’. The famous but now defunct Bruce This was also the main motivation behind Many of the above and a host of other tiny Weiner Microcar Museum of Madison, the small Reliants produced until as recent- motors and contemporary ephemera can Georgia settled for a more concise ‘cars ly as 2001. Many other brands of microcar be found at a dedicated museum in the with engine sizes of 700cc or less and two were created on British soil too, of which wilds of woolly Lincolnshire …………this doors or less’. One thing’s for sure, a good former aeronautical engineer Lawrie Bond is the story! was responsible for several. First came measure of the latter-day significance of Continued overleaf> these miniature motors was the cool $9.1 the Bond Minicar, a three-wheeler powered

Above, L to R: Bamby MKII; Bamby MKI, JS4; Cursor Opposite, clockwise from top left: Nutshell caravan; AWS Shopper; Maico Mobil and other scooters; Tomcar and pair of SEAB Flippers; a quartet of Berkleys; Zundapp Janus (All photos by Gordon Bruce courtesy of the Bubble Car Museum)

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.ukwww.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.bmh-ltd.com MISSING MONIKER longtime MANIA At last year’s Frankfurt Motorshow the jointly attack the commercial vehicle and burgring, Le Mans etc. The LP300, grandson of Borgward’s founder her- car markets over the coming years. Goliath GP700E, Borgward Hansa 1500 alded the return of this once promi- and 2400 models and luxurious Borgward The National Bubble The French are arguably kings of the nent German marque that had lain Their first car, the Pionier, was sold un- P100 limousine (the first German car to and Microcar Museum latter-day microcars and the collection dormant since being forced into liq- der the Goliath banner and was a timber- feature pneumatic suspension) were all includes splendid examples by Peugeot, uidation in 1961. Its sudden demise framed three-wheeler skinned in synthetic landmark vehicles, but it is for the pretty

Tomcar, SEAB and Comtesse; not to was decidedly controversial, and sad leather - with room for two it was evidently Borgward Isabella range that the company Mike Cooper and his partner Paula ran mention a Ligier that’s endowed with too - it had produced over a million good for 25-30mph. The first four-wheel is best known, over 220,000 of which a garage in Somerset before moving to wishbone independent suspension all- cars and at its zenith employed some offerings appeared in 1934 and were were produced between 1954 and the Cranwell, Lincs, where Mike was primar- round, as befits its F1 heritage. Another 23,000 people. two-strokes sold under the Hansa banner. company’s closure. ily involved with race preparation before pair of French rarities are the oldest However, it was the ensuing four-stroke they hatched a plan to create a bubble known Inter Autoscooter, complete with The remarkable story dates back to 1100, 1700, 2000 and 3500 models Carl Borgward died of a heart attack in car museum. The idea was spawned by 14 Westinghouse gyrostarter and a Ydral 1924, when Hamburg-born automotive that really put the company on the map 1963 aged 72, reputedly a broken man. Mike’s long term interest in such cars – 15 175cc two-stroke engine, and a de- radiator manufacturer Carl F W Borgward and provided serious competition for Hopefully his grandson Christian can re- ‘I can never remember being without a lightful-looking three-wheeled New Map designed the Blitzkarren (lightning cart), the more established , Ford, Adler, kindle the family flame that once burned Trojan’. The ever-expanding collection Solyto 200cc truck that everybody will a three-wheeled single-cylinder delivery Hanomag and Wanderer concerns. WWII so bright. was rehoused in the current location want to take home with them. vehicle. The developed version was chris- then intervened. These years were tough near Boston, Lincs in 2011 and now tened Goliath (‘though small, it could han- on Carl Borgward, whose factories were comprises some 50 vehicles (virtually all but destroyed by allied bombs, follow- all of which are on the button) and at- What you need to know dle a giant of a job!’) and was purchased by provincial tradesman and in large ing which he was interned by the American tracts no less than 8,000 visitors a year. The current entry fee for the collec- The delightfully educational displays are numbers by the Reichspost for delivering forces for aiding the German war effort – tion is a modest £3, which gives visi- letters. By 1928 Borgward had founded not that he presumably had much choice revamped every Christmas and include tors access to a café, plus museum house, garage, hardware shop scenes Goliath Werke Borgward & Co. GmbH with in the matter! and farm shops as well as the exhibits Wilhelm Tecklenborg, and by the following etc that each depict the era of the mi- themselves. The premises operate crocars’ heyday. Of particular note is year they had taken over the nearby works The company bounced back, however, from the first week before Easter to of the Hansa-Lloyd motor manufacturing and by 1952 was even building Borg- the scrapyard scenario that, once you the middle of November. Learn more at can take your eyes of the (toy) rats and business, leaving them the three brands ward Hansa RS1500 sports racing cars www.bubblecarmuseum.co.uk and of Goliath, Hansa and Lloyd with which to to challenge the Porsche 550 at the Nür- crows, contains such gems as a Zun- do go if you can – its small but fun, just dapp Janus, (so named as it is the same like the exhibits. back and front), Vespa 400, and one of only 19 425cc French-built UK-spec Cit- From the top: Trojan and Scootacar; roën 2CVs. Lambretta and Watsonian Bambini sidecar; New Map Solyto and Inter A recent addition is an AWS Shopper – a Autoscooter; Bond MKD; Reliant Fork utilitarian German city car aimed at the van and Piaggio Ape (All photos by older generations and driveable on noth- Gordon Bruce courtesy of the Bubble ing more than a permit. Just 2,500 of Car Museum) these were manufactured by AWS on Goggomobil floorpans and finished in any colour you liked, as long as it was orange and black! In deference to the advancing age of the intended clientele they were equipped with crash-resistant rubber bumpers, hub caps and wheel arch extensions. Nearby, nestling be- hind an immaculate Bond Minicar MK D more than capable of towing it, is a charming 1950 Nutshell folding caravan that neatly expands to sleep two adults and a child.

Top: Carl Borgward (right) and Wilhelm Tecklenborg pose with a Goliath Pionier Above: Borgward’s best known and most successful product, the Isabella (Photo – Borgward Group AG) www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com THE AUSTIN

THAT CHANGED L to R: 1937 Austin 7 Swallow; 1930 BMW Dixi; 1937 Datsun 16 (Photos – MPL, National Motor Museum)

THE WORLD The early products of the Austin coachbuilder EC Gordon England. The lat- ber 1927 Eisenach-manufactured cars Motor Company were luxurious motor- ter also embarked on a record-breaking were leaving the German factory. As in cars purchased by the nobility. However, spree and by 1925 held no less than 19 the UK, there was a choice of bodystyles With what do you most associate the the market was dramatically reshaped 750cc class records in Austin’s name. of which the tourer apparently proved the digit 7? Historically speaking it is, of by WWI and in 1920 Sir Herbert Austin Using skills learnt in the aircraft industry, most popular. course: the number of deadly sins, began work on a car affordable by the England’s coachbuilding company went Forced to cease aircraft engine produc- 16 wonders of the ancient world, masses. The idea received scant support on to produce well over 20,000 special- tion by the terms of the WWI armistice, 3 17 continents, and days of the week. from his board, but within a year the com- bodied Austin 7s. BMW turned its attention to making mo- Perhaps less well known is that, pany had entered receivership and taxa- torcycles. It also created a short-cut into since the 707 of 1957, all Boeing tion by horsepower had been introduced, motorcar production by buying Eisenach aircraft model names have both further convincing Sir Herbert of the need THE JAGUAR CONNECTION in 1928. This included the rights to build begun and ended in 7. In automotive for such a low-priced newcomer. He en- England was far from alone alone in spot- the Dixi, so the first BMW cars ever made terms, it was not only the favourite gaged the assistance of a brilliant 18- ting the commercial potential of rebody- were effectively lefthand drive Austin 7s year old draughtsman, Stanley Edge, and ing the little Austin. Long before the birth wearing BMW Dixi badges. racing numeral of Sir Stirling Moss the plans were drawn up, not at Austin’s of Jaguar, Sir William Lyons was a co- but has represented an ongoing Longbridge works, but the billiard room founder of the Swallow Sidecar Company range of BMW cars and specific of Sir Herbert’s home, Lickey Grange in with his Blackpudlian chum William Walms- THE NISSAN (NÉE DATSUN) models for both Lotus and Austin. Bromsgrove. The body styling is believed ley. They tested the water by buying a 7 CONNECTION The question posed by this feature to have been influenced by the Peugeot chassis from Parkers of Bolton and com- That early Datsuns bore a remarkable is, when is an Austin 7 not an Austin Quadrilette and the design of the A frame missioning their talented employee Cyril similarity to the Austin 7 is a matter of 7? The answers may surprise you. chassis by an American truck based at Holland to create a distinctive open tourer fact. How that came about still seems the Austin factory. body, complete with detachable hard top. open to dispute. The generally held view A saloon version followed and, such was is that though 7s were never produced The completed 7 was launched in 1922, the success of the Swallow-bodied Austin under licence, they were closely studied during which a modest 178 cars were 7s, that Lyons was forced to move his before the launch of the Datsun Type 11 manufactured. The 1923 figure was a company from Blackpool to larger prem- in 1932. Early versions of that model fea- still relatively disappointing 2,500, but ises in Coventry, laying the foundations tured tiny 495cc engines to comply with within a few years Austin’s new baby had for what would ultimately become Jaguar Japanese tax regulations but, following a single-handedly destroyed the cyclecar Cars. change in the law, later examples were industry and saved his company from al- powered by a 750cc engine similar to the most certain bankruptcy. By 1939, when THE BMW CONNECTION Austin one. To further complicate mat- it was replaced by the all new Austin 8, The German manufacturer Automobil- ters, some complete 7s were reputedly no less than 290,944 derivatives of the werk Eisenach had been producing cars exported to Japan, as were a number of now globally famous 7 had been manu- in the name of Dixi (Latin for ‘I have spo- rolling chassis that were then bodied lo- factured. ken’) since 1904, but understandably cally. The overall conclusion must be that, struggled with such relatively up-market while there seems to have been no official RACING IMPROVED THE BREED machines following WWI. To counter the agreement between Austin and Datsun, Soon after its launch the 7 was adapted problem it signed an agreement with the venerable 7 had a very considerable for racing by such drivers as Sir Herbert’s Austin to build a variant of the 7 under influence on early models of the Japa- son-in-law Arthur Waite and former Bris- licence. The first 100 examples were sup- nese marque. tol Aeroplane Company designer turned- plied in kit form by Austin, but by Decem- Continued overleaf> Photo – MPL, National Motor Museum www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com THE AUSTIN THAT CHANGED THE WORLD FROM Clockwise from below: 1932 Rosengart LR4 (Photo – MPL, National Motor Museum); THE ROSENGART CONNECTION as the Austin 7 one were purchased in 1929 Australian Austin 7 Meteor; 1930 American Austin By the cessation of WWI, French engineer considerable numbers by the country’s BMH Lucien Rosengart had matured into a coachbuilders. The result was a whole skilled businessman and is credited with selection of unique 7-based models, the Managing Director John Yea reveals all assisting both Citroën and Peugeot to better-known of which are the Ace, Wasp, stave off bankruptcy. Such involvement Comet, and Meteor. led to him considering the manufacture British Motor Heritage (BMH) has had a great start to 2016; an increased level of orders of his own brand of motorcar. By 1927 THE AMERICAN CONNECTION continuing from the growth last year. This is a sure sign that the classic car sector is in rude he had reasoned there was a gap at the The American Austin Car Company was health, either in spite of, or perhaps because of the tribulations in the wider world economy. lower end of the French market, to take founded in 1929 in Butler, Pennsylvania advantage of which he duly purchased to assemble and market an American- the former Bellanger factory in Neuilly ised version of the Austin 7. The bodies IT’S A SHOO-IN and signed a deal to produce the Austin were designed by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky Our retail website Motoring Classics has also begun the year 7 under licence. The resulting Rosengart and manufactured by the Hayes Body strongly, a trend we know will continue as its offering grows. Company of Detroit. Their styling some- 18 LR2 model remained in production for Our first major product addition this year is the range of Piloti 19 some time, while the related LR4 and Vi- what resembled the small Chevrolets of shoes. The comprehensive choice of styles covers everything vor outlived the 7 itself by many years. the day, complete with bonnet louvres. from performance through casual to luxury; truly shoes for eve- Some 20,000 were produced before the ry occasion. Specifically designed to support the foot when at THE AUSTRALIAN CONNECTION concern filed for bankruptcy. Production the wheel, they feature the Roll Control ™ spherical heel which In order to stimulate its own motor indus- was resumed in 1937 under the company protects and cushions this part of the foot as you drive, provid- try, the Australian Government imposed name of American Bantam, but by then ing extra comfort and control. While walking, it mimics your a heavy tax on imported cars following the formal connection with Austin in the natural heel shape and supports your stride. Piloti shoes fea- WWI. Rolling chassis, however, attracted UK had been severed. ture premium leathers and suedes, race inspired design details, very little such penalty, so those such and the Piloti signature tread pattern on the sole. As with most of the products we offer, they are a brand with which we are familiar. I have personally used them since 2007, finding them very comfortable and stylish, great for road driving, and of real benefit on track days. I am very happy to recommend them.

RACE RETRO BMH’s first event of the year is Race Retro per to classic racer”. Details of our in- at Stoneleigh Park, February 26-28. Our tended 2016 programme for the car are stand will be in its usual place in Hall 2 and outlined on pages 10/11. It was recently feature a wide range of products. We will the subject of a major feature in Historic also have an area exclusively dedicated Racing Technology magazine; an eight to Piloti shoes, with the opportunity to ex- page article which comprehensively cov- amine the range, try shoes on, and place ers the technical specification as well as orders. We are excited by this opportunity the human aspect of the build. and look forward to meeting readers there. You will have the opportunity to see our racing A40 in the metal too. For those in- terested in the ‘how’ we have posted a se- ries of short films on YouTube, which chart its progress from eBay acquisition to com- pleted racer. To access them search for Motoring Classics – “From granny’s shop- Above: BMH’s 2015 stand at Race Retro Above right: BMH’s A40 featured strongly in the recent issue of Historic Racing Technology www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Zircotec coatings, widely used by today’s Formula One teams, have also proved to be an invaluable way to control under-bonnet temperatures in classic race and road cars alike, helping to solve the age-old problems of fuel vapourisation and heat soak.

Authorised distributor and technical support e: [email protected] t: 01993 707200

Fun for ALL at the UK’s most unusual Motor Museum. We have over 50 microcars on display, many in thought provoking dioramas. Examples of Bond, Isetta, Reliant, Frisky and Bamby to name but a few. We also have a row of recreated shops for you to explore, memorabilia, a giftshop and a cafe – great for afternoon tea! We are located near Boston in Lincolnshire. Admission charges are a micro £3 for adults and £1 for children. VISIT WWW.BUBBLECARMUSEUM.CO.UK

Find Us Clover Farm, MUSEUM Main Rd, Langrick, RE-OPENS Boston, Lincolnshire, GOOD FRIDAY PE22 7AW 25TH MARCH Tel: 01205 280037 2016