Volume 58 ORRIS Number 3 March MONTHLONTHLYY 2018
MAGAZINE OF THE MORRIS REGISTER The Club for Morris vehicles designed before 1940 www.morrisregister.co.uk 1 Volume 58 ORRIS Number 3 March ONTHLY 2018 MAGAZINEM OF THE MORRIS REGISTER
CONTENTS PRESIDENT Malcolm Dixon writes: n March, I’ll be leaving the dank weather of England for 2/3 President Isunnier climes when I travel to Australia for several weeks to visit my son, and over Easter will be attending 3 Editor the bi-annual Morris Register National Rally in Hervey 4 Secretary's Spot Bay, Queensland. The visit was booked last year before we learnt our first grandchild would be arriving in late April 6 Bulletin Board so I’ve been given leave to go on my own and my wife and I will Warm Welcome return together after the baby is born. Membership Meanderings My son and I will drive the 200 miles to the location in a modern car but many Australian members travel vast distances to attend and 7 What's it Worth? currently 122 cars are booked in for the Rally at a cost of A$120 – approximately £70 each – and I’ll not even mention the additional 8/9 Registration Revivals cost of food or accommodation. Admittedly, the cost of living and wages are higher over there but the suggestion of charging a £5 10/11 Forum Files entry fee for Thoresby has been met with scorn when previously 12-19 Exactly Eighty mooted. I know of members who don’t attend because of the cost. Perhaps a rethink is required on the excellent value afforded by our 20/21 Pictures from the Past National Rally. I should mention that my trip is not being sponsored by Morris Register – just in case you wondered. A report on my visit 22/23 Minor Musings will feature later in the year provided our worthy Editor has space. 24-41 Regional Round Up I expect many of you will be busy preparing your vehicles for the warmer weather when you can hit the open road. Here are three 42/43 John's Jottings dates for your diary: 23-25 March: NEC Classic Car and Restoration Show, Bham 44 Woman's World 9-10 June: Beamish Living Museum, Co. Durham 1-2 September: International Autojumble, Beaulieu 45/46 Morris Mail Surprisingly, the response to our appeal for a young driver to use 47 Morris Mart the club’s Morris 8 Series E Tourer has been disappointing. It’s a marvellous opportunity to encourage and nurture an interest in a 48 Foto Finish historic vehicle.
Cover picture: Phil and Sheila Butland in their 1930 Morris Minor CMS Special taking part in the PWMN Rally in Rutland on 24th June 2017. [Photo: Ken Martin] The Morris Register Spares Service he Register’s Spares Service aims to provide a basic service that will help members keep their Morris Tin good fettle and suitable for safe and enjoyable motoring. We stock a range of spares needed for the maintenance and overhaul of the most popular models.These stock items mainly comprise engine, transmission, electrical and brake parts for the Morris 8, 10 and Minor models with a limited stock of similar parts for other Morris models. ON-LINE SHOP (www.morrisregisterspares.co.uk) The new on-line mail order shop enables members to shop for Morris Spares in a secure on-line environment. The Shop includes a full description, a photo, and details of which Morris models each part will fit. Each product in the shop has a unique “part number” with 2 letters and 3 numbers, and is a unique reference system for our Spares Service. The shop is linked to a secure PayPal payment system; you don’t have to have a PayPal account to use this, you can use your credit or debit card. Please go to the Club’s web site and click on Services/Benefits – Spares Service. The information given in the descriptions in the on-line shop should be sufficient to identify the parts you need. We cannot answer questions from members as to which is the correct part for their car, or about parts suitability or application. 2 MORRIS REGISTER INFORMATION CENTRE: The views and opinions expressed by the Pat and Barbara Farmer 0333 006 5255 Editor and contributors to this magazine are (10 am to 7 pm UK time) [email protected] theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Pre 1940 Morris Register Limited. CHAIRMAN: SECRETARY: Any advice provided is not intended to be John Ford 01386 832 447 Jim Riglar 01225 754 981 advice on which you should rely. You must [email protected] [email protected] obtain professional or specialist advice before MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: taking or refraining from any action based Office hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday on the content of this magazine. No liability Jane Nathan, 1 Fallowfield, Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 8DF is accepted for the consequences of following 0333 006 5256 [email protected] any advice provided in the magazine.
EDITOR: Please contact the Chairman, John Ford, if you have a name to put Rob Symonds, 49 Gorsy Road, forward. Quinton, Birmingham B32 2SJ Of recent interest was a Morris Commercial T2 lorry up for sale [email protected] on eBay but the bidding stopped at £6,905 and failed to meet the 0121 682 0640 reserve. To date, 23 rooms have been booked at Thoresby Park Warners Hotel DEADLINE by members attending the National Rally. Please get your application 14th of the month prior to publication and deposit to me asap. Finally, if you qualify for a 25 or 50 years membership badge, please MAGAZINE NON-ARRIVAL: let me know. It’s one of my pleasurable duties to award these to our Please contact the Membership Secretary Contact details above stalwarts. Happy tinkering in readiness for the motoring season. BACK ISSUES: may be purchased from the Club Shop EDITOR Rob Symonds writes: am sure we all wish Malcolm a good trip down under WEBSITE: www.morrisregister.co.uk and look forward to hearing about his exploits in due Contact: Mike Rose, Webmaster I [email protected] course. Obviously you don't need to be doing anything anywhere SMALL ADS: Post/email to: near as exotic as visiting relatives in the Antipodes to merit The Editor (see above) a feature in Morris Monthly, so this is a timely opportunity for me Free for members (max 1 car per month) to beg for more input from members. As is often the case as winter Non-members: please contact for charges. comes to an end, the editorial cupboard is virtually bare and though, to quote Mr. Micawber, I am confident that "something will turn COMPLAINTS: Any complaints up", as I write there isn't much for certain in any section. So, please, against any officer of the club, or about the way the club is being administered letters, articles, photos (especially for the cover). I accept copy in should be referred to the Secretary any format so you can't hide behind the excuse that you don't use a computer! I look forward to being inundated! THE PRE 1940 MORRIS REGISTER LTD DVLA Authentication Service: Members needing access to Registered Office: the Club’s scheme for registration number retention should get 70 Alderton Way, Trowbridge, in touch on 07507 264 980 or [email protected] Wiltshire BA14 0UH
©Morris Register and various authors and photographers. PRINTED BY Material published in Morris Monthly may not be published LAVENHAM PRESS elsewhere without the permission of the Editor. 01787 247 436 The Morris Register Spares Service POSTAL SALES If you know the part number of the parts you need, but don’t want to use the on-line shop, please get in touch with David and Lindsay Smith, email: [email protected] or by post at Morris Spares, Units 5 & 6 Priory Farm Industrial Estate, Station Road, Portbury, BRISTOL, BS20 7TN. We cannot take orders by phone. • Please state clearly the part number (the unique 2-letter, 3-number code as shown in the on- line shop), the description of the item you need, and the quantity • Please quote the model and chassis number of your car – take the chassis number from the brass plate under the bonnet, and include the letters as well as the numbers • Please quote your name, address and membership number in all communications • We can accept payments by cheque, but prefer payments by card using PayPal. Instructions for payment will be given when you order • Please remember the Service is run by members for the benefit of other members in their own time amidst many other family and personal priorities • If you are not sure what the correct part is, please put a request for help onto the Forum. There will always be members “on line” who will be able to share their knowledge with you. 33 Secretary’s Spot SECRETARY Jim Riglar EXCLUSIVE CLUB SATURDAY OR SUNDAY DISCOUNT**
or all of us across the club, the spring represents a busy time of year. Whilst recognising the hard work that members Facross the regions and regional committees put in to organising a host of varied events for the coming motoring season, I must in particular pay tribute to all of my Management Team colleagues who work tirelessly behind the scenes with the day-to-day running of the club. At this time of year much of the work falls to our Treasurer, Steve Gant, who as soon as he has the annual accounts up together, has to process a raft of annual membership payments and to our Membership Secretary, Jane Nathan, who has not only to process all of the annual membership renewals but clarify non-renewals as either non-notified resignations or overlooked/late renewal applications and at the same time as dealing with an annual influx of new members. That both Jane and Steve cope with such a work load is recognition of their dedication, skills and sheer hard work. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) n January I made reference to the GDPR. This is a pan-EU regulation, which comes into effect from 25th May 2018. ICurrent data protection legislation is inadequate to cover the way in which personal data is now used, processed and transmitted using computer based systems. The introduction of the GDPR is intended to address these inadequacies across the EU. Work on ensuring our compliance with this by May this year is progressing and all the necessary work should be in place for endorsement by our National Committee at its 7th April meeting. Whilst the fundamentals of our Data Protection Policy are sound, some changes will be made to it, both to ensure GDPR compliance and in relation to the retention of the non-personal data held in the vehicle register. Apart from Data Protection Policy Changes, it is necessary for us to document our personal data holdings, and an CLASSIC CAR information audit is currently underway to identify what we hold, who supplied it, what it is used for and with whom it is shared. The results of the audit will be captured in a personal data holdings register, which will contain the types and & RESTORATIONSHOW usage of personal data. With Other significant changes will be the publication of a privacy notice to identify how the club handles your personal data and the intended use of that information. The club will also explain its lawful basis for processing the data and the data retention periods we use. All of the rights of individuals under the current Data Protection Act (DPA) are carried forward under the GDPR, but with some significant enhancements. Individual members will have the rights to: be informed of data held; access the data held; rectification/correction of data held; erasure of data held (subject to legal requirements incumbent on The Pre 1940 Morris Register Limited); data portability (the club will provide, on request by members, a copy of their personal data that we hold, supplied electronically in a commonly used format); object to the data we hold; not to be subject to automated decision-making including profiling. We will also introduce procedures to deal with subject access requests, data breaches and be conducting privacy impact assessments. A further report will be provided after the National Committee has met in April. Motor Sports Association Officer om Taylor is now the liaison point for access to MSA permits, etc., having taken over from TRoger Needle as the person to contact. With Drive-it-Day just around the corner, and the season hard on its heels, organisers of events should note Tom's contact details: 01772 316 598 or [email protected] SPRING’S BEST THE CLUB URGENTLY NEEDS A VOLUNTEER FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION: Club Safeguarding Officer CLASSIC CAR SHOW The role of the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) is to be the first point of contact for all safeguarding enquiries within the Morris Register and to ensure that children’s welfare is 23 -25 MARCH 2018 NEC BIRMINGHAM considered in all aspects of the club activities. The CSO is a pro-active role and the post 1,000 Classic cars on display | Over 150 Classic Car Club stands | 350 Specialist exhibitors & traders holder will be co-opted as a member of the National Committee. Spring’s largest indoor autojumble | Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership | Classic cars for sale & leading dealers Duties/Key Responsibilities - The CSO has responsibility to ensure that he/she: Classic Car Auctions | Practical Classics live stage | Carole Nash Barn Find • Complies with the CSO role description The Workshop, sponsored by SkillShack | Sporting Bears Dream Rides • Attends initial and refresher training opportunities (provided by the MSA) • Raises the profile of child welfare within the club SINGLE** FAMILY** • Co-operates with the MSA Lead Safeguarding Officer £16.50 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! £35.00 • Ensures every MSA club permitted event or MSA club activity has access to a CSO and these details are QUOTE: NECRESTORATIONSHOW.COM QUOTE: published at each event PCRS18CS PCRS18CF • Manages child safeguarding incidents or concerns at MSA permitted events and activities In association with Sponsors • Completes appropriate documentation for each child safeguarding concern and stores according to club data requirements. Please contact Jim Riglar, 01225 754 981 or [email protected] for further information/discussion.
*All bookings are subject to a single transaction fee of £1.50. All information correct at time of publishing. Call 0844 858 6758 to book. Calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras. See website for all information. Tickets include a show guide worth £4.00. **Club SINGLE ticket (adult 16 years+) offer only applies to Saturday and Sunday single day tickets when booked in advance and is limited to 10 tickets per member. The club FAMILY ticket 4 offer is limited to 4 family tickets per member, each admits 2 adults and up to 3 children (5-15 years). Hand in your ticket stub or print-at-home voucher to your club’s stand and they will benefi t from a commission.
394478_PCRS04_Ad_A4_Portrait_2018_V1.indd 1 29/11/2017 11:35 EXCLUSIVE CLUB SATURDAY OR SUNDAY DISCOUNT**
CLASSIC CAR & RESTORATIONSHOW With
SPRING’S BEST CLASSIC CAR SHOW 23 -25 MARCH 2018 NEC BIRMINGHAM
1,000 Classic cars on display | Over 150 Classic Car Club stands | 350 Specialist exhibitors & traders Spring’s largest indoor autojumble | Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership | Classic cars for sale & leading dealers Classic Car Auctions | Practical Classics live stage | Carole Nash Barn Find The Workshop, sponsored by SkillShack | Sporting Bears Dream Rides
SINGLE** FAMILY** £16.50 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! £35.00 QUOTE: NECRESTORATIONSHOW.COM QUOTE: PCRS18CS PCRS18CF
In association with Sponsors
*All bookings are subject to a single transaction fee of £1.50. All information correct at time of publishing. Call 0844 858 6758 to book. Calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras. See website for all information. Tickets include a show guide worth £4.00. **Club SINGLE ticket (adult 16 years+) offer only applies to Saturday and Sunday single day tickets when booked in advance and is limited to 10 tickets per member. The club FAMILY ticket offer is limited to 4 family tickets per member, each admits 2 adults and up to 3 children (5-15 years). Hand in your ticket stub or print-at-home voucher to your club’s stand and they will benefi t from a commission.
394478_PCRS04_Ad_A4_Portrait_2018_V1.indd 1 29/11/2017 11:35 Bulletin Board
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING he venue for the Morris Register Annual General Meeting, on Saturday 6th October, will be the Blunsdon House Hotel, TThe Ridge, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN26 7AS. This is a return to a venue we last used in 2014.
HOLLAND TRIP 2019 recent visit to the Louwman Museum started a conversation about visiting Holland in our Morrises. It has been agreed A that a trip would be good and it is hoped that many members of the Register will come along for the ride. We are looking at May, June or July of 2019. The plan is to visit the Louwman Museum in The Hague and also the DAF Museum in Eindhoven. Three years ago some of our members travelled to Holland and met up with the Morris Minors Club of Holland. It would be great if we could do the same next year. If any member is interested please contact Ken Gosden or Roy Pidgeon. Our details are at the top of the North East section page in the magazine. Ken Gosden (North East Editor)
New and returning Warm Welcome members
NO. MEMBER LOCATION eMAIL CAR DETAILS James & 14256 Linda Muir Herts AL4 [email protected] 1935 Eight Series 1 4 Door saloon
14257 Tim Douglas-Riley Devon PL6 [email protected]
14258 Dariusz Plazewski London NW10 [email protected] 1937 Ten
Newcastle BT33 Twelve-Four Pre 14259 Laurence & Una Sawey N.Ireland 1935 Series 4 Door saloon
MEMBERSHIP SEC Membership Meanderings Jane Nathan
hank you to all who have been Tsending in your 2018 membership subscriptions so promptly. Morris 8 Tourer There is a second renewal notice and form in this magazine. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PAID YOUR Series 1 & 2 ash frames 2 or 4 seater SUBSCRIPTION PLEASE IGNORE THE SECOND FORM. We must send the form with all magazines because we Complete frame(less doors) or parts thereof are unable arrange for two separate mail- outs. Door frames available as an addition There are still more of you to pay than have already paid and we need to remind you that if you have not paid up Rear View Motor Cars before 1st April, the April Morris Monthly will be your last! Should you wish to pay after March 31st you will need to Call 07519 930 318 reapply for your membership. Please note that if your membership number, ends with ‘D’ you pay via direct debit and email: [email protected] therefore do not need to do anything, your subscription will automatically be Morris Register Member taken during the first few days in April. 6 1934 Cowley Four Saloon What’s it Worth?
he eBay vendor states: "According to the Morris Register, this is Ta 1934 Cowley Four saloon, manufactured in 1933, requiring total restoration. Two registered owners from new. Quite a rare car nowadays. I cannot guarantee that everytthing is there, but I have a huge supply of parts so the new owner is quite welcome to go through all the bits I have and take whatever they think belongs with the car. There are some new/reconditioned parts to go with it, too. Comes with old blue V5 registration document and original brown log book with rather nice number of VG 59 13." Answer on Page 47
7 HISTORIAN Registration Revivals Tom Bourne
he continued emergence of Morrises from long-term hibernation continues to amaze us. Often such cars bring with Tthem clues to an interesting history, and it adds to the interest of the car to dig deeper into its past. CG 5446, a 1934 Morris Minor 4 door Saloon, owner Toby Sears his is another case of a member buying a Morris by Taccident! Toby Sears is well travelled in his Morris Minor, and will be well known to many members. A fellow Register member alerted Toby to this Morris Minor for sale. Toby recounts: “He had been asked for advice on finding a home for this car by a member of the local Motorcycle and Light Car Club to which he also belonged. Knowing my enthusiasm for Minors, he asked me to look in to it. I have no room or the time for any more Minors and restorations but I offered to go and advise on disposal. The car was in an earth floored homemade garage tucked away down the end of a garden. The owner’s son, Mr Rickman, inherited the house and car plus two motorcycles when his father died (his father inheriting them from his father, Cecil Rickman, in the 1980s) and the house was being sold. Sadly the motorcycles had already been sold, as they would have 1 been of more interest to me!” The car is a very early example of the 1934 season of Morris Minor, and was registered on 27 September 1933. It was supplied by the local Morris dealer, Fred Keeping and Son Ltd, of Lymington, Milford on Sea and New Milton. All branches of Keepings are actually within five miles of Toby’s home and Mr Keeping was a well-known Olympic athlete of the time. He won an Olympic Second Place Medal at the first International Olympic Games of the Modern era, held in Athens in 1896. Fred was presented with a copper medal, a branch of laurel and a diploma. At the time, he was employed at the British Embassy in Athens, and when he came home, Frederick opened the Fred Keeping Cycle Shop, which was later expanded and renamed Keeping & Son - a Morris Car garage, petrol station and cycle shop at No 1 High Street, Milford on Sea. The former Morris Dealership is still a garage and MoT centre, and is currently for sale. (Source – Milford on Sea Blogspot). “The car appears to have been kept within 100 yards of my current house when I was a lad, from the 1950s to the 1980s. Richard Rickman said that when the car was towed the 7 or 8 miles to its last resting place in Pilley during the 1980s he steered the car and the hydraulic brakes were still 2 working despite the car having been laid up for so long. It was last taxed in 1958. Richard’s father Cecil is the first name in the RF60 continuation logbook, stamped 1955, so how many others owned the car previously is unknown. “The reputation of Cecil, and the condition of the car, suggest he probably bought it as an old car to run around in, as the wings have had repairs done, the king pins are worn to a shocking amount, some of the tyres are completely bald, and the Pytchley sliding roof has been recovered in shed roofing felt, but the rest of the car was not too bad considering. The cylinder head had been taken off, the pistons were clean, and the top of the block had been smeared with grease suggesting a blown gasket or decoke had been the reason for the car being taken off the road, never to return. “The speedo shows 30,000 odd miles but the car looks as if the first 20 years' use and storage were harder than the ensuing 60 years asleep. The car is amazingly original and as a 4-door long wheelbase version the car is an unusual survivor, as many of the lwb minors, being heavy cars, were scrapped or turned in to specials as the engines wore out and struggled to move the additional weight and the body 3 sagged. It will require complete restoration but everything 8 is complete.” An interesting feature of this car is that it does not have the protruding radiator mesh which is characteristic of the 1934 models. Rather it has the flat mesh carried over from the 1933 models. It has all the other 1934 features. Chris Lambert of the Pre-War Minor Network suggests that the radiator style changed in December 1933. Toby tried finding a home for the Minor by advertising it on behalf of the owner via the Pre-war Minor Network, but in the end, with no takers, he decided to buy it himself to save it from a dealer breaking it for spares (the seller had had it valued already, and the sale price made it vulnerable to classic car breakers). To avoid this, and to make the car more desirable to a restorer, 4 Toby applied to the Club’s V765 service for assistance. As the old style RF60 logbook had survived, and the numbers all matched, this was a straightforward process, and Toby soon received a new V5C logbook from the DVLA. Toby concludes: “The added bonus now is that the registration number is non-transferrable. I currently have a buyer so hopefully this car will be saved and restored in the coming years. However, after 84 years within a few miles of where I live, the car will be moving away from my patch for the first time.”
Photos: 1. The Minor is now glowing in the sunshine after a quick rub down with an oily rag 2. The car emerges from 60 years hibernation 3. Loaded onto a trailer for its short journey to Toby’s 5 house 4. The Minor as it arrived at its new garage in the 1980s (Richard Rickman) 5. The interior trim has survived particularly well, and shows a level of luxury 6. Fred Keeping, famed Olympic athlete and proprietor of the Keepings Morris dealership in Milford on Sea, seen here with his 1933 Morris Oxford Six. The registration number AAA 1 was issued in December 1934. There is nothing new about “cherished” numbers! This number is now on a 1997 Range Rover. [Morris Register Collection, digital enhancement by Ken Martin] 6
9 January on the Forum Forum Files Bob Williams
ow often have you been watching the TV when, on some period programme such as Miss Marple, you see a pre-war Hcar and think "that could be my car". Peregrine has been thinking that way as revealed in his post: Film and TV Work: “I’ve been wondering if any of you have had any experience of hiring out your vintage cars for use in film and/ or TV work? If so, could anyone recommend a good agent? Daphne is my 1936 M8 S1 and wants to be on the telly…” Pete has some experience: “Hi... Try maddogcasting.com they are as good as any... But, whoever uses you, beware! Your insurance won’t cover you unless they have written evidence from the director of what, how, and where it is to be used. Also at last minute directors can suddenly decide they want to change colour or remove a wing or put it axle deep in a pond. Or in my case, many years ago spray paint a complete fancy gypsy wagon plain dark red! Just stopped them in time. And they used my original penny farthing as just a prop and it ended up with some novice riding it and falling off. Cost me 3 days to repair. I am in a few films and know how it works. But forewarned is forearmed, so good luck. I am sure it will be fine. You have to sign a “model release” or alike... read it carefully.” Chris: “If you are really lucky the director could decide to run it off a cliff, set fire to it or even blow it up. That could be fun explaining it to the insurers. I wonder who provided the Morris 8 they blew up in the Battle of Britain film?” Pete again: “Oh dear! He he… the directors are not quite as bad as that. Well, not always depending if it is close to the 12 hour deadline. (Double money if you are held over 12 hours). But I suppose if you are the one driving the Morris over the cliff there is no problem and the director will sell the footage to the next series of casualty…” Chris: “B’st**d!” Dave also has experience of film work: “I had my Morris 8 in a PD James murder. Unfortunately I couldn’t attend on the film day. Whilst the footage of the car was good and it was supposedly set on fire (actually a wrecked Ford Pop in silhouette) the car came back with interior filthy, indentations on seats from camera grips, etc., and surface scratches on bonnet. I would think twice again, but make sure I was present for the filming. That said money for 3 days was good and I have the copy of it on DVD.” Peregrine: “Thanks for all the replies! I will go into this forewarned and therefore forearmed! However, I can’t see on maddogcasting how to pimp out my ride rather than my good self!” Pete answered: “Try googling cars for filming... or vehicles in film work. What I would do is buy a tatty old car with no engine gearbox then hire it out. When a company want a parked car in yellow or blue or covered in mud or walked over, no problem …good luck.”
The Forum certainly covers a wide range of subjects. Phil’s post was: Importing a car. “I am an Aussie now living in the UK (delightful downtown Tipton) and want to bring my unrestored ’26 Cowley Flatnose over so I can finish it here and hopefully get to enjoy it before either of us succumbs to terminal old age. There’s not many years left! Anyone had experience in importing, advice, ideas?” Chris: “Contact customs and excise and the DVLA in the UK for advice. Get it in writing! I would think you would need some form of Aussie registration document and may also need to get permission to export it. A shipping container is the best way and I would think that shipping companies would help by combining loads with others. Pack the container with everything you need including spares. It’s not cheap, as it cost my daughter a lot to ship her stuff out to Perth.” Jeff: “It may be worth contacting a guy called Frazer Sloan. He’s a Committee Member of the Trojan Owners Club. I understand he’s imported into the UK a number of cars from Australia in shipping containers – I’m sure he’ll know all the rules and regulations. I don’t know the guy, but have seen his name mentioned on other forums.” Contact information was included in the post. Phil replied: “Thanks – I have checked the UK Gov website which made it sound simple that my suspicions were aroused. I will contact Frazer to get first hand info. My brother works in the pipeline industry and has useful contacts with shippers – containers being the way to go. The same brother – an old car victim himself – spotted this Bugatti in a very down at heel part of Perth. It is now on its way to Europe for authentication and auction so I can’t imagine any bureaucratic problems easing “Noddy” out of the country.” Tony: “I exported my '34 Minor to Australia in 1987 and then reimported it back to UK in 1992. I had no trouble with paperwork either in Oz or UK. You just get the relevant export paperwork in Oz and the import paperwork at this end. You will then be assigned an age related registration number for UK. I packed the car myself into a shipping container with all the spares, etc., and tied it down very well. Having said that, the most risk of any damage occurs during this phase! Once it is in the container it is pretty safe bar the very unlikely event of the whole container being washed overboard during a freak storm! I opted to have a container solely for me as a shared container gets packed by people who do not necessarily know anything about old cars. One other point. Maritime insurance is very expensive and I chose not to bother based on the very small risk once the car was in the container. You must make up your own mind on this aspect.” Tom, our DVLA Officer, attached a couple of useful links in his post and advised “Important thing is to get the HMRC clearance (NOVA) paperwork within 2 weeks of arrival. Bring all the Australian paperwork with you, particularly any that give certification of the age of the car. If the car was exported as a previously UK regd car, and you have the original log book, it should be possible to get the original UK reg no. back. If it was exported new, you should be able to get an age related number.” Phil: “Thanks Tom – that would be exactly what I need to read up on. I do not have any documentation with the car at all, typical for Australia, where 10 logbooks did not exist. Although many, many years ago I did find a 1929 Hillman 14 still stored by its first and only owner who was able to produce the original purchase receipt. Thanks everyone for their help.” Dave: “I was looking to import a relatively new car from Australia a few years ago and at the time used vehicles imported from outside the EU to the UK were subject to import duty @ 10% of the cars value and then 20% vat. However if the car was more than 30 years old, there is no import duty and vat is reduced to 5%. Without any documentation I’m not sure how you prove the car is over 30 years old?” Further advice from Tom: “Without any documents, you will need a dating letter from club’s DVLA Officer. This is needed also to get the age-related reg number. Procedure is the same as for domestic cases, and quite straightforward. Suggest you get this sorted as soon as possible after arrival, and before you start any restoration. Providing the frame number on the front o/s dumb iron, and the car number on the VIN plate are clear, and agree with each other, it should be very straightforward. On your car, there should actually be a difference between the two of 3,000.” Chris: “Another thought regarding proving age. As the car was originally UK made or at least the chassis was, is it worth seeing if you can get a heritage certificate for it based on model, year and chassis number?” Phil had also asked about storage for his car which I guess is a problem many of us have. It has restricted me from buying that extra car that I keep thinking about. This post also includes advice on storage.
I always like to include a picture or two in the review but neither of the two main posts that I have featured this month includes any. However Pete’s post: Resurrection of another Morris, did include more photos of the progress on his Morris Cowley. Cowley photos were in last month’s review so instead I thought I would include photos of Wheelwright Pete’s other handiwork.
The main thrust of Forum posts are on technical issues. Listed below are just some of the topics covered: Jerry: PLC Switch Vtwin: Bull Nose Radiator Repair Spanner22: UB Engine to SSHM2. Tony F: Advice Please Cyl Head coolant stud leak Andrew: Engine Heating Graham: 10/4 Engine Rebuild Frank: Morris Isis Magneto Bracket Simon: Fitting Gearbox to 37M8T Chris: Petrol Shelf Life Phil: White metal bearings on a UB Engine Charles: Jump Starting Jeff: Chassis Repair.
If you have a technical or other query, log on to the Forum and start a new post, just ask. ([email protected])
EDITOR’S NOTE: Any member intending to act upon advice given in the Forum or to use any products or services mentioned, is strongly recommended to read the Morris Register disclaimer at the top of page 3 of Morris Monthly.
11 Items of interest Exactly Eighty from The Morris Owner magazine, March 1938
Very often the reason for this removal first thing in the morning is the circumstance that one prefers to visit the garage in an old coat or dressing gown to avoid soiling the raiment used for social calls. The remedy is obviously to have either a clean or wider garage. Similarly when the car is brought back at night. Many people leave it outside the house until they have had their dinner, then take it round to the garage. There is seldom any reason why it should not be driven straight in, except the universal human failing of never doing at the moment what can be put off until EARLY everybody will be aware that one of the later on. Nprincipal causes of cylinder wear is corrosion. You will doubtless have noticed that certain drivers Recent research in the laboratory of the Institute of are hard on cylinders. You will hear of one man Automobile Engineers has shown that the particles complaining because he has had his car rebored at of metal are lost not so much when the car is in use 20,000 miles, while another has the bores in quite as when it is standing idle, particularly when it is good condition at 50,000. A factor which influences warming up with the engine turning over relatively the matter tremendously is the readiness with which slowly or cooling down after a run. a driver changes down on a hill. This corrosion, it has been revealed, Side Thrust is caused by the acids in the There are a tremendous number of products of combustion, especially hills which the car will just climb on those remaining on the cylinder top with a full load of passengers. walls after the engine has stopped. Indeed, so good is the modern car Now although these days all this that it will amble up most main is common knowledge to most road hills for that matter. Now that people, it is observable that a very nearly all of us have a four-speed large number of folk fail to take the gearbox, however, there is really obvious course and reduce these no excuse for hanging on to a top periods of corrosion to a minimum. gear unnecessarily,' and it should To begin with easily be realised, even by the non- We can begin when we first take mechanically minded, that when the car out of the garage. We can our engine is turning over relatively prevent a certain amount of wear slowly on a high gear and a steep by using the strangler as little A carburetter supplying an over-rich hill, the side thrust is ever so much as possible. The strangler has the mixture may be a fruitful cause of more than it would be when running effect, to some extent, of swilling corrosion and consequently short- faster and lighter. the cylinders with neat fuel and so lived cylinder bores. Adjustment It is this side thrust which causes washing away the film of oil which is a simple matter; moving the the wear, and not the number of has to work up past the piston rings. spanner to the right will weaken times the piston goes up and down the mixture Apart from any considerations of the cylinder. This is why cylinders corrosion, the fact that the surfaces are lubricated wear oval in the course of time. The wear is nearly all will obviously tend to increase wear. on the side of the thrust. It is reasonable to assume, We should avoid so far as possible bringing the car therefore, that if we avoid this side thrust as much from the garage and leaving it in front of the house as possible we shall prolong the life of the cylinders. while we get ready for a run. By this process we I suppose it should be hardly necessary to mention obviously have to account for two additional periods that niggardliness with oil will induce cylinder wear of corrosion: corrosion engendered when the engine quicker than anything else. is cooling down and when it is warming up again. A System with Failings We should be far better advised to wait until the The writer believes that the oil drum system party is ready to leave, and move off within a few has something to answer for in the matter of oil minutes of arriving with the car. starvation, although it should be entirely the other Starting Away way. He has frequently noticed that those who buy Nobody is going to suggest, of course, that one their oil five gallons at a time — the only sensible way should make a fetish of stopping and starting; one to buy it — are reluctant to buy odd quarts on the can, however, suggest that there are innumerable road, probably owing to the great difference in price. instances that can be avoided. For instance, any He has on many occasions been out with a man who number of people have a routine procedure of getting has taken a look at the dipstick, found the level to up in the morning and driving the car round to the be approaching the low mark, and put it back again, front of the house, where it remains all the morning declaring his intention at the same time to top-up as until it is required. soon as he gets home. 12 Showing how rich mixture, especially when cheap fuels are used, side thrust can tends to wash lubricant from the cylinder walls, wear a cylinder. and wear must be the inevitable consequence. The This old block S.U. carburetter fitted to Morris cars is one of the from a scrap heap passes simplest possible to adjust, and there is no excuse scrutiny easily for any owner running with an over-rich mixture. with the gauge What we have said about cheap oils also applies, inserted in to a lesser extent, to cheap fuel. Most of the petrol line with the companies sell a second grade of fuel, as I write crankshaft at Is. 5d., which is perfectly satisfactory. In most (left), but instances it is constituted practically the same as reveals a very the number one petrols of three or four years ago, different state and apart from a tendency to pink, especially in of affairs across the bore (right) dirty engines, will give satisfaction. It will readily be realised, however, that it is a simple matter If he has not far to go and he remembers to top up to produce an inferior fuel by the addition of the when he arrives, quite likely little harm is done, but heavier fractions, paraffin for instance, and although anybody who runs with the oil supply approaching it is highly illegal, cases have been known where it the low level for very long is asking for cylinder wear. has been carried out. Every Morris car that takes the road is equipped with Unless, therefore, one has means of knowing that an a quart can holder, in order to ensure that the owner unbranded fuel is satisfactory, will vaporise readily is never, by any chance, without an oil supply. If, at all normal temperatures, including warming- therefore, you affect a five-gallon drum, it is merely up temperatures, without an increased quantity of a question of keeping the can filled, but if for any unvaporised fuel in the cylinder, calculated to wash reason it is used, and the oil is found below the the oil from the walls, low-priced fuels are better left low level on the road, you can be sure, if you have alone. In some cases the oil companies who take an anything more than a few miles to do, that you are interest in such things, have found the oil in the spending more in cylinder wear than the price of a crankcase very badly diluted when fuel whose only quart of oil in getting back to your drum. recommendation is cheapness has been used. The Very often, of course, the level is allowed to get low heavier fractions run down into the sump thereby through neglect to take out the dipstick, and we all robbing the oil of some of its value as a lubricant. ought to resolve to look at it twice a week, say on Tablet Form Mondays and Wednesdays, if we are using the car We are sometimes asked if the use of dopes for the continuously, and at least every Friday — when we fuel, usually in tablet form, is to be recommended are told to pump up our tyres--if we only go out on as a means of preventing cylinder wear, and we can long runs at week-ends. only say that it depends on the dope. Use good oil — which means, in effect, one marketed When a car is frequently started up several times by a concern of repute. The average man has no during the day, as happens if it is used for shopping means of discrimination, and should rely on the purposes, a radiator muff can play an important purchase of oil from those who go to great trouble part in warding oft wear, in that it reduces the time and expense to ensure that the grade best suited to required for warming up, and, of course, when the the particular engine is supplied. stop is of short duration will, to some extent, prevent One cannot be too particular in changing the oil in the the temperature falling sufficiently low to induce sump at the intervals recommended in the Manuals corrosion. A thermostat in the cooling system (standard — usually about twelve hundred miles. Upon the free on most recent Morris models) is better still, and circulation of clean oil the whole system of lubrication where a car spends a great deal of its day in stopping depends, and although the filters hold back most of and restarting — as in the case of a commercial the impurities, there are still filter-passing particles traveller's — it is an advantage in the Winter to have in circulation acting as an abrasive when the oil has both. served its useful period of life. It used to be assumed, also, that the oil breaks down through wear — that the molecules actually become worn out, but on this question there are now divided All new Morris opinions. Almost needless to chronicle, the filter cars are sent should be kept clean. On current models there is an out with a external oil filter, but where an external oil filter is quart tin of not fitted, at intervals of about ten thousand miles at oil in a holder on the dash least the bigger filter in the base should be cleaned for emergency with a brush, by the expedient, comparatively simple, use. This though rather prolonged, of lowering the sump. should never The Carburetter's Liability be left empty The carburetter — if it has been badly neglected — is not always blameless in the matter of cylinder wear. An instrument which is continuously feeding an over- 13 AN AVERAGE ANALYSIS A RUN OF SEVENTY-FIVE MILES CHECKED BY STOP- WATCH AND SPEEDOMETER
By JOHN PENN
F you maintain high averages are you being fair Ito yourself? When you set out on a run with the object of getting to your destination as quickly as possible are you au fait with your car? To be able to maintain high averages in safety one must be comfortably seated, and have unrestricted space for arm movement. Aylesbury, reached in eighteen minutes, gave an The horn button must come readily to hand, and average speed of 39.99 m.p.h. for the twelve miles the driving mirror must be focussed in such a way that the road is visible to its farthest limit. Perhaps The certainty of all four brakes going on at once is this is being fastidious, but one cannot be too an important feature of Morris cars, thanks to the discriminative over details. Even more important to hydraulic braking system, but, even so, the motorist personal comfort is the vital question of tyres. Is there who drives on his brakes has to pay for it. Worn tyres any tread on them? The essence of being a thorough and brake linings are the result. So the problem of motorist is never to allow one's tyres to wear smooth. maintaining a high average in safety does not rest There is only one cure for worn tyres — scrap them. with the brakes alone. It is a personal affair. One Tyres with sound tread mean safety on corners, and must judge exactly what speed is safe for any given maximum road grip when the brakes are applied. corner; what gear to use when overtaking another That brings me to the subject of brakes. car uphill; when to change; how much to slow up A Brake Test to enable an oncoming car to pass an obstruction Supposing I have to apply my brakes suddenly in ahead; to decide what speed is safe on a worn, wet an emergency, will my car pull up in a dead straight tarmac surface, and a host of other points. line? If I value my life, the day before a long run I Suburban Deceleration always check up my brakes by locking them on a Since the speed limit was introduced the most straight stretch of road and examine the skid marks, noticeable slowing up of traffic is in the suburbs of the wheel showing the longest skid mark receiving large towns which are often needlessly restricted. As attention. in pottering round town or driving leisurely much as twenty-two per cent. of Britain's highways to business the brakes tend to get out of adjustment are restricted. In some instances it is not fair to and it is a wise policy to examine them periodically. expect the motorist to proceed at a leisurely 30 mph. when 50 mph is safe, and that is the temptation which many motorists have to overcome if they are to keep within the law. Two track roads in the suburbs which are adorned with the familiar "30" sign are a potential source of revenue to the police. Don't fall into the trap. In compiling this average analysis I took care not to start from the centre of a large city such as Manchester or Newcastle in the rush hour. My idea was to choose a perfectly straightforward cross- country route on a weekday. Whether I was justified in choosing a Saturday or not remains to be seen. However, the results as set out in the table are quite satisfactory and I doubt whether there would have been any improvement if any other weekday were chosen. If I know of any alternative route that makes one town less on my itinerary I use it. This policy saves time. The Test Car The "S" bend between Aylesbury and Waddesdon: accurate judgment of what constitutes a safe speed for corners is For the test a Morris Eight saloon was used having called for a maximum speed of 60 mph. At 50 mph the engine 14 is noteworthy on account of a road improvement consisting of a banked corner. This year as many as 7000 banked corners have come into being in this country, making for safer motoring. Ribbon Development at Aylesbury No motorist can ignore the de-restricted approach to Aylesbury with ribbon development on either side, showing that this official blunder was at least a broad-minded one. Many other municipalities could easily take the tip from Aylesbury in de-restricting their roads. Aylesbury's market place is a time stealer where one gets hung up at the traffic lights, or where one is obliged to brake suddenly to avoid a pedestrian who has decided to make use of a crossing when the lights have changed to " GO." In Germany this is a punishable offence, and pedestrians are prohibited from crossing when the lights are against Good going: Warwick, 65 miles, was reached in 84½ minutes them whether there is any traffic or not. Beyond the county town of Bucks. I could not turns over at 3425 r.p.m., so that at 60 m.p.h., help noticing a very acute banked corner with an reached under favourable conditions, the revs environment of flat fields. A banked corner certainly exceeded 4000 rpm, and this speed was used on assists road holding, but I never feel inclined to take many occasions consistent with safety. it at a higher speed on account of this. In built-up areas the legal speed was never exceeded Between Waddesdon and Bicester, a distance of and nowhere did my driving involve any risk twelve miles, an average of 55.2 mph was maintained, whatsoever. It is quite a pleasure to say that worn thanks to the Romans, who insisted on having tarmac road surfaces between Berkhamsted and straight roads although it was not an age of speed. Coventry are scarce, but the corners are numerous To compile an average analysis makes you realise that and the road has not been modernised anywhere. your car can get from place to place by a schedule as To compile an average chart with stop watchand exact as any railway time-table, and this in itself is speedometer forms a valuable guide to the state a great satisfaction, as your train is ready to start of the roads. The average analysis shows at once when you are ready. which section of road is best, and makes interesting comparison with other sections. So if your average on one section works out to three-fifths of another section then the reason for the loss of time must be a bad road. A glance at the table will show that out of the seventy- five miles, eleven consisted of built-up areas. This distance was covered in 98½ minutes, which gives an average speed of 45.66 m.p.h. It will be noticed that the worst average was between Berkhamsted and Tring, a road of which two-thirds is restricted, and the rest made up of blind corners with but few straight sections. Between New Ground cross-roads and Tring the ascent of the hill at Pendley Beeches
Journey's end. Arrival at Coventry, having averaged 45.66 mph 15 With a MORRIS in the 17th MONTE CARLO RALLY . . . An account of the performance of a standard 10 h.p. car which accomplished a gruelling run without losing a mark By F. H. S. RASCH
HEN my friends heard that I proposed to Wenter a Series III O.H.V. Morris Ten for the Monte Carlo Rally, while they did not tell me The Morris Ten so point-blank, I am sure they considered that and its crew at I stood no chance whatever of getting through the start from the road section. All the cars, they told me, John o'Groats were usually either specially prepared, with exceptionally light bodywork, for the Rally, or were of a very expensive nature and of sports car performance. However, I carried out my intention, and was allocated number 108 in the 17th Monte Carlo Rally. Simple Preparations and Scotch Corner, which was completed in just over Taking my "Ten", which had already covered 10,000 six hours. The start from Doncaster was at 12.30 am, miles, not always under the most favourable which meant to say we had been driving on and off for conditions, I first of all had it thoroughly overhauled, twenty-four hours, and were becoming accustomed to decarbonised, and the valves ground in. "Rallying". In addition, we fitted defrosters on the windscreen, Our method of working was for a navigator to check which we found very useful under the Arctic conditions up distances and times by the route maps, the driver of part our journey; also a car heater working off the carrying on for two to three hours according to the circulating water of the engine. Export size tyres, length of the controls: the other person resting in the together with chains and spades, completed our back. At the end of the three hours or so the navigator equipment. would change places with the driver, who would retire The 25th January saw myself, in company with Mr. to the rear to rest, while the one who had occupied the W. A. Mackenzie, Motoring Correspondent of the Daily back previously would take over as navigator. Mail, and Mr. J. E. Whitehead, awaiting the start at This scheme worked very satisfactorily and, I am sure, John o'Groats. had much to do with our success in the Rally. It should be stated here that the order of starting is South from Doncaster we had speed track conditions in order of entry number. Of the twenty-three starters down the Great North Road through London and on to from John o'Groats we were the last but two to go, the coast at Folkestone. Conditions were on the frosty so therefore we were to some extent handicapped by side that night, and we had one or two hair-raising always being in the rear of the procession. moments on this journey, when skids were inevitable, The tension between dinner and our start was relieved as we passed over unexpected patches of ice. by an extraordinary display of the Aurora Borealis; but Folkestone was reached in the early hours (6.19 a.m.) when the time came for actual departure a blizzard on Thursday and, after two successive nights on the raged. road, we were very pleased to meet our friends, who At 11.18 pm, having been satisfactorily checked by had hot baths and breakfast all ready waiting for us. officials of the Scottish R.A.C., we left John o'Groats With the very able co-operation of the A.A., our for Aberdeen. car was shipped on to the Autocarrier, while we crossed For the greater part of our journey as far as Pau we on the mail boat, on which we availed ourselves of two had to maintain an average speed of 40 kph (25 mph). or three hours' rest in a cabin. From there a minimum of 50 kph and a maximum of At Boulogne the cars were all ready waiting for us, 60 kph was scheduled. so we jumped in and started off within a few minutes Difficult Going of landing. A short tour of the town brought us to The run to Inverness through Helmsdale was a the Rally control at the Garage Thiers, where we succession of hairpin bends, and care had to be taken presented our route card and were clocked out on our at the corners, as snow was falling fast. Visibility was first section through France. Following the Paris road bad and the roads slippery. as far as Abbeville, we turned right here for Rouen. A quick fill-up at Inverness and we were off to Police Helpfulness Aberdeen, our first control, which was reached at 6.20 What was very noticeable in France throughout our in the morning. This enabled us to have nearly three trip was the helpfulness of the police, who in many hours' rest, and breakfast at the Caledonian Hotel. cases would hold up traffic so that the Rally cars Leaving Aberdeen at 9.06, we had a fine, fast run could have an uninterrupted course. down to Glasgow. Here we were entertained to lunch A hurried cafe stop at Rouen, and then on by way of at the Scottish R.A.C. in Biythswood Square. Alencon to Le Mans, which was reached by 7.45 in Our next run was to Doncaster, 240 miles via Carlisle the evening. 16 Refreshed by a nap, we made short work of the run St. Etienne and Givors. of 178 kilometres from Le Mans to Nantes, where we At Lyons, although sitting in the back seat, I was arrived early in the morning with about two hours to able to navigate the car through the city, and we were spare, having traversed some very good roads all the very pleased indeed to pull up at the office of the way from Boulogne. Automobile Club du Rhone just on time. From Nantes to Bordeaux the roads were more tricky Our carnet was stamped and, after a quick drink with but well signposted. Bordeaux was reached about 8.26 the Club, we were away for Grenoble. By now dawn in the morning, and after a bath and breakfast we was breaking on the last day of our trip; and after a left this city for Pau at 11.15 a.m. We passed through stop for re-fuelling at the Esso station before crossing some very pretty country on this run, on rather narrow the bridge, we arrived at the control with a quarter of but good surfaced roads. At Pau, as mentioned before, an hour to spare. we had to increase our speed schedule from 40 k.p.h. Sharply at 8.15, after a café au lait, we left Grenoble to not less than 50 k.p.h. or more than 60 k.p.h. from on the time section over the Alps. The first part is a there to Monte Carlo. long climb up the Col de la Faux, followed immediately From Pau to Toulouse we had a very fine highway, and afterwards by that of the Col de la Croix Haute. Here at the latter city were the guests of the Automobile snow was thick on the ground. and we had the pleasure Club du Midi. of coming up to a number of our competitors, but it From Toulouse the real fun of the Rally commenced. was too risky to endeavour to pass them for some little Mackenzie took the first part of the drive on this while. section, and drove the 155 kilometres to Rodez, where Higher Speed we arrived about 10.30 in the evening. We had been As we dropped to Digne, however, the road surface climbing the whole way to Rodez, and had only half an improved, and we were able to get ahead and attack hour to spare. the climb up the Col de Leque and so down to Grasse. Whitehead took over from here, and I was acting as This run had also to be taken at a minimum speed of navigator. We started climbing directly we left the 31 mph, and a maximum of 37 mph, no easy average town; and very soon found that snow was falling and to maintain on this type of road even when you are that there was ice on the roads. Our route was along fresh, but trebly, difficult after four nights with no real N.88, but owing to the snow and general darkness of sleep. the night, also, in our opinion, the awkwardness of Our spirits rose as we entered on the last section the signs, when we came to a junction it was not easy of this control and had our first taste of the Riviera to know which way to go. Our experience was also sunshine after days of grey clouds and snow. shared by many others, and we played a wonderful Racing through the streets of Nice and along the lower game of hide and seek the whole way through. Corniche, the first control at Monte Carlo was reached N.88 gave way for a short distance to N.9, and then two minutes after three o'clock. From there we were commenced a steep climb out of that valley to Mende, guided by police to the harbour front, and lined up with another labyrinth of road junctions. with the other arrivals, to learn that only five of the Among the High Hills twenty-three starters from John o' Groat's had arrived After this small town, we carried on on N.88 for a at Monte Carlo on time, and without loss of marks, distance of about fifteen kilometres and then turned and that we were one of this select band. right on N.500, climbing to L'Habitarelle (3865 ft.), Looking back on our experiences now I can truthfully dropping to Langogne, where began another ascent say that "Rallying" is one of the most thrilling sports in of over 4000 ft. to Predelles, where we found the main the world, particularly if it is undertaken in a perfectly road N.roz to Le Puy. This, like the other roads, was normal car such as a Morris Ten. Any other owner of covered in ice, snow and slush and, dropping down a Morris Ten could have taken the same precautions to Le Puy — I had taken over about two hours back as we did and carried the same equipment, and yet from Whitehead — I unexpectedly found myself at we managed to beat many cars upon which weeks of 5o m.p.h. in a hair-raising skid. Luckily, however, I preparation had been spent. was able to correct this after what seemed hours of Reliability suspense, as the car zig-zagged across the road. Le Viewed in this way our success in driving this little Puy was reached about three in the morning. car all those miles in all sorts and types of weather By now we had become rather depressed on this conditions was no mean achievement, and certainly is section, feeling that we must have gone miles out of a great tribute to the car's general reliability and high our way, although we had carefully studied our route standard of performance. cards, but just prior to entering Le Puy who should It has been said that the Monte Carlo Rally is as much overtake us, travelling all out, but S. C. H. Davis and a test of human endurance as it is a searching trial N. Garrad in their Talbot. of a motorcar's ability. The answer to that is that This had the effect of reviving our hopes; as if these however great may be the endurance of the crew it hardened veterans of the Monte Carlo Rally had only counts for naught unless the car can survive such a got as far as this, we stood at least some chance of gruelling ordeal. being on time at Lyons, our next control. It was interesting to meet Morris owners on the Riviera, A quick fill-up with petrol and we were away with many of whom made special journeys to congratulate Mackenzie driving; and it is no exaggeration to say us on our performance, and said it made them proud that our being on time at Lyons, eighty-seven miles to own cars from the same factory. away, was entirely due to his outstanding skill in We could have desired no greater tribute. manoeuvring the car down the zig-zag course through
17 CARAVANS ON VIEW HE London Caravan Co. is, we understand, Texhibiting at its Elstree Depot, on the Barnet By- pass, examples of all the latest types of caravans, from 21st March to the 27th. The models shown will embody all the most recent improvements in caravan construction, and enthusiasts resident in or near A NEW CAR PARK? — There is a proposal mooted the Metropolis should find the display interesting to create space for a car park by filling in Torquay's and convenient as being staged in ample time for the famous inner harbour. Cruising men will assuredly coming season. regret its passing, if the scheme comes into operation A PATRIOTIC GESTURE ROM a letter recently received from The Eastern ROAD EXHIBITION FGarages Ltd., of Chelmsford, we learn that that PENED by Lord Wolmer, and attended by some concern and its associated Company, Eastern O400 guests, representative of both Houses of Automobiles Ltd., have for the past ten years given Parliament, Local Authorities, and various road their regular staff at least one week's holiday with pay, using organisations, the British Road Federation conditional upon an individual twelve months' service. staged an interesting exhibition recently at Morris Now it has recently been announced that all members of House, Berkeley Square, by courtesy of Stewart & the firm joining the Territorials would be granted leave Ardern Ltd. Amongst the guests was Capt. G. E. T. of absence to attend camp each year in addition to their Eyston, then fresh from his record-breaking trip to ordinary holidays with pay, and would have their service the Bonneville Salt Flats. pay made up to that of their civilian employment.
(ABOVE) FOR AN EMPIRE AIR ROUTE — A Morris-Ill-cwt. van, emblazoned with a neat emblem in green and gold, being shipped by (ABOVE) Morris Industries Exports Ltd. to Karachi Airport A POLICEMAN'S LOT IN ROME — At Epiphany in Italy's capital it is customary for motorists to present traffic duty policemen with suitable gifts Here is a little something for the throat being handed over
(LEFT) CONFLICTING ROAD SIGNS — In Huntsworth Lane, on the main Leeds to Cleckheaton road, these two signs leave the driver guessing
18 RUNNING HINTS IN PICTURES No. 77
Cleaning the filters in the fuel line on the Series III Morris Twelve
1
2 1. — Undo the hexagon-headed union nut on the petrol pipe at the carburetter
2. The thimble-shaped filter, together with its wire locating spring, may then be withdrawn, after which — 3
3. — it should be washed carefully in clean petrol 4 with a fairly stiff brush. Never use rag: it is liable to leave fluff in the system
5
4. Beneath the S.U. electric pressure pump there is another small filter which should also be removed for cleaning in the same manner as recommended in the last paragraph
5. Showing the pump filter withdrawn from its housing
N.B. — The above procedure is substantially the same for all cars in the present Morris range
The complete edition of The Morris Owner for March 1938 is available as a pdf on the website. Other items of interest include: • Ribbon Development and your Garage • Morris Engines in Industry • On Sulphation (how to prolong battery life) 19 ennis Bros, in about 1930. The registration numbers suggest a S. London or N. Kent location. DUsed cars for sale are: under cover - 3 Morrises, a Morgan and a Gwynne. Outside, Left to Right; 2 Morrises, 2 Austins, a Salmson, a mystery car and a Hillman. [LAT Plate L3919]
Morris Minor ‘Semi-Sports’ departs The Bell Inn at Stilton onto ‘The Great North Road’ near Peterborough. The current A building dates from c1642 and was restored in the late 1980s. This scene remains virtually unchanged today. The village of Stilton gave its name to the un-pressed semi-hard blue-veined ‘Stilton Cheese’ that we know today. [Ken Martin’s Collection]
20 he erection or ‘stringing’ and ‘tensioning’ of the 132 volt Toverhead power line conductors for the 3060 feet crossing of the River Thames between Dagenham and Crossness in about 1932, using a traction engine to drive the winding drum. The distant river-side towers were 488 feet tall and 120 feet square at their bases the highest built at that time and prominent landmarks. The line was connected to the Belvedere Power Station until its closure and dismantling in 1987.
The engine is a Fowler road locomotive - probably a Class R3 ‘Little Lion’ registered in 1928 or 29, making it one of the last traction engines made by John Fowler & Co.(Leeds) Ltd. [LAT Plate E4020]
Why this 1935 Series II ‘Ten’ or ‘Twelve’ Morris saloon is posed on an unmade road in front of a steam roller, which appears to be moving with its scarifier down, is a mystery. However, the juxtaposition of these two very different machines and the passage of time, makes the photograph very worthy of reproduction here. The ‘Ten’ and ‘Twelve’ used identical bodies and 1292 / 1548cc 4-cylinder s.v. engines. The Aveling & Porter roller was made in Rochester, Kent and was registered in Surrey in 1927. [LAT Print ‘Quadrant’ E10836]
The LAT images featured appear courtesy of LAT IMAGES. Prints can be ordered by emailing [email protected] quoting the image reference number provided and mentioning Morris Monthly. See the LAT IMAGES website for sizes and pricing at www.latimages.com. Important notice: Prints supplied may differ in appearance to those reproduced here, as images may have been cropped and subject to digital enhancement.. 21 Minor Musings Chris Lambert The Minor's Rivals No.4 - The Swift Cadet A fleeting adversary wift of Coventry Ltd had origins that stretched Sback to the mid-nineteenth century at which time they were producing pedal cycles for an increasingly mobile populace. While continuing in the cycle trade the firm had by the end of that century turned their attention to motorcycles, after which it was not too long a period (1900) before they entered the embryonic car market. The company made their name as a car manufacturer in the years prior to the Great war, achieving some notable sporting success in the recently established Reliability Trials and built a reputation for well engineered and skilfully constructed vehicles. Throughout the twenties they produced a long line of well made albeit conservative models, mainly in the under two- litre class while also managing to survive a severe financial crisis in 1927. The firm’s financial woes continued into the latter years of that decade as the volume manufacturing techniques adopted by businesses such as Austin and Morris saw car prices fall, along with sales of the relatively expensive Swift model range. If Morris Motors were late entrants to the ‘Baby’ car market in 1928 then Swift of Coventry Ltd risked far more by launching their first 8 hp car as late as September 1930. The small car market sector had been growing rapidly since the mid- twenties and had perhaps suffered the least in the aftermath of the Wall Street crash. Part of the leading page of the Light Car’s ‘Test Run’ report. The new Swift Cadet was launched in late September 1930, The Light Car being first to make the important announcement of its arrival in its 30th September edition. Three versions of the new model made their public debut on the Swift stand at the London Motor Show just two weeks later; a Fabric Saloon, a Semi-panelled Saloon and a four-seat Tourer. The saloons were both priced at £185, the Tourer coming in at £165. (At this time a Minor Coachbuilt Saloon could be purchased for £140 and the Fabric Saloon for £5 less.) The Semi-panelled model was an interesting concept. Beneath the waistline the body was steel panelled while the upper body was fabric clad. (An image exists in the author’s collection of a similarly constructed prototype Morris Minor). The Cadet had an impressive specification and its 6’9” wheelbase and 3’6” track meant that driver and passengers were afforded more legroom than in some rival models, notably the Minor and Austin Seven. The car was powered by a side valve Coventry Climax two- bearing crank engine, displacing 847 cc and developing 23 bhp.Transmission was via a dry single-plate clutch and a three-speed ‘crash’ gearbox. Perrot-Bendix brakes were fitted while half-elliptical springs aided by friction shock absorbers made for ‘an excellent ride’. Dunlop Magna wheels were fitted while both saloon models were equipped with a recessed sliding ‘sunshine’ roof. Unlike the 1931 season scuttle-tank Morris Minors, the Cadet had its five-gallon fuel tank safely situated between the dumb-irons at the rear, petrol being pumped to the Solex carburettor by an Autovac device. Electrics were 6-volt with coil ignition, while engine cooling was by thermo-syphon with fan assistance. By the time The Light Car had an opportunity to test a Cadet Fabric Saloon in early January 1931 all three models had been significantly reduced in price – the two saloons Swift of Coventry emblem 22 by £20 to £165, while the Tourer was now priced at £149, a £16 decrease on its launch price from just 12 weeks earlier. The Light Car was not the only publication to feature the model. All the main motoring journals ran reports and road tests, including The Autocar and The Motor. Their reports were very similar and all praised the car’s interior space and comfort. Much was also made of the equipment levels with mention of the standard fitment of front and rear bumpers, the five lamp lighting set (with dipping headlights – a feature not found on that season’s Minor), and a comprehensive array of instrumentation, which included a clock although not a water temperature gauge of any type, this omission being noted by The Autocar journalist. On the road, the car’s excellent ride, along with its light and positive steering were traits much appreciated by the journalists. However, they reserved their loudest plaudits for the effectiveness of the braking system which provided them with the confidence to properly test the car’s speed and road-holding capabilities. However, in two of the three magazine road tests the tightness of the yet to be fully run-in engine was noted while The Autocar journalist also commented upon what he believed to be a dynamo fault, as with all the lights working the ammeter displayed a four- amp discharge. As was the practice during this period plenty of column inches were required to detail the car’s slow running capabilities in top gear, while any hint of transmission ‘snatch’ was noted and frowned upon. Although the Cadet was not a transgressor the following short passage from The Autocar records the journalist’s rather half-hearted praise: “…with only one or two people in the car, the top gear performance is satisfactory; and on top, with the ignition Autocar data panel retarded, the engine will throttle-down to a brisk walking pace and pull away smoothly…” The launch of the Swift Cadet was without doubt a last-ditch effort by an ailing business to capture sales from one of the few segments of a depressed marketplace that had recorded growth. The model took significant investment to bring to market and despite its undoubted worthiness it failed to set pulses racing. It was a good looking vehicle and featured class-leading contemporary styling with its Magna wheels, long ‘divided’ radiator surround and sliding roof. It was very well equipped but at launch it was a full £40 more costly than the offerings from Morris and Austin. Both the Swift company and Newnham’s, one of its London main dealers, heavily advertised the model during the spring of 1931, all to no avail. On the 1st May The Light Car reported that on Friday 24th April an official receiver had been appointed to manage the affairs of Swift of Coventry Ltd and shortly afterwards the company closed its factory gate for the last time. In the period since its launch the previous September the Cadet had found just 250 customers and its lack of sales success no doubt contributed to the demise of a company that had been trading in one form or another since 1859. The Swift Cadet story is one of missed opportunity. Had the model been launched two years earlier the likelihood is that it would have won sales from both the Triumph Super Seven and Singer Junior, cars with which it shared much in common. This very fact may well have contributed to its extremely short production life as it simply didn’t possess a single stand-out feature when compared to its well- established competitors. As Nick Baldwin succinctly put it in his book, A-Z of cars the 1920s “Too little, too late…”
Postscript: After the company’s closure, parts for a further 300 Cadets were acquired by Willys-Overland-Crossley. They must also have found the cars difficult to shift as prices of remaining new Cadets plummetted with models selling for as little as £95 by October of that year.
Sources: Contemporary issues of The Light Car, Motor and The Autocar, The Swift Club website http://theswiftclub.co.uk/ A-Z of cars of the 1920s – Nick Baldwin Published by Bay View Books ISBN 1-870979-53-2 Autocar data Swift publicity material 23 Regional Round Up
WELSH REGION NEWSLETTER CYLCHLYTHYR RHANBARTH CYMRU EDITOR AND SECRETARY: John Howells, “Bronllys”, Vicarage Road, Penygraig, Rhondda,CF40 1HR 01443 432 542 [email protected]
AGM NEWS he main points were: Chairman Bob welcomed new members and made a report of the past year, and mentioned Tseveral activities which took place in the region; some which were excellent, and one or two which could be improved. John Belgion was thanked for his arrangements for the Christmas dinner. John has resigned from the position of Activities Officer, due to pressures of time. The Secretary’s report was received. John made the point that MM readers would like to read a variety of copy, and not just his. The Treasurer’s report was received, and the accounts explained. These were accepted by the meeting. Election of Officers/committee: Rather than appoint a new Activities officer, it was proposed that all members should each arrange a visit or activity or rally, etc., and enter it into the regional year planner, to be provided by Bernard Cotty. In this way, arrangements would not fall upon one person only. Tom Bourne stated that we should all come to the next noggin with an event, so that we can sort them into date order. This was accepted by the meeting. There being no other nominations, the remainder of Officers and Committee were re-elected en bloc. DRIVE-IT-DAY, 22nd APRIL e have received an invitation via John Rogers, to join with the VSCC on Drive-it-Day, with a run to Llancaiach Fawr WSemi Fortified Manor House, near Trelewis. The post code is CF46 6ER for those of you who have smart phones. Meet at around 11 am for elevenses/coffee, and have a conducted tour of the house if you so wish. Members may picnic and explore, and also have lunch in their restaurant, which is open for 1 pm for Sunday lunch. Booking is advisable on 01443 414 011. Admission to the Visitor Centre shop, cafe, restaurant is free, but there is a charge for a tour of the house. The tour is very special, with servants, etc., taking you around, with thrown in anecdotes about the house and family going back to the 16th. century. Enjoy! LLANGOLLEN RALLI (CONCLUSION) riday, 25th August began with the usual wall-to-wall Welsh Summer blue skies. We were instructed to zero our Ftrip meters (if one could), and off we drove for a day of fresh delights. Those who read last month’s episode will remember that The Morris had a problem with her charging circuit, and had to leave the rali early. However, all was not lost, as Rhiannon and I hitched a ride in our Son and Daughter-in-Law’s Humber Imperial for the Friday. We could sit in the back in total luxury and hold hands for a change. The routes written-up by co-organiser Charles for the last three days, also included tulip diagrams to make things easier when one suddenly arrived at a cross-roads etc. However, the tulips were sometimes incorrect, which caused some consternation amongst rallyists. We passed through the villages of Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog, Corwen, Cynwyd, Llandillio, and into Gwynedd county. Then it was Bala and off the main road, signposted Lake Vyrnwy, and on via Rhos y Gwaliau via some steep and narrow roads, and entered Powys county. The views on this section were spectacular, and not to be missed. At this point, Charles was herding sheep when planning the route. Then it was into the forest surrounding Lake Vyrnwy, and eventually arrived at the Lake Visitor Centre, with Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and refreshment shop. Here may be purchased mementos of the area. This was our coffee stop. Then we proceeded via Llanwyddyn, Llanfihangel-ung-Ngwynfa, over a ‘weak’ bridge of metal and wood, to Llangadfan, Llanerfyl, Llanfair Caereinion and into the car park of the Welshpool and Llanfair narrow gauge railway, where we could have a train ride. We needed to be there by 12.30 in order to have a light lunch at the station before catching the 1 o’clock train. The train arrived back in Llanfair Caereinion at 2.50 in time for ‘afternoon tea’ – very sophisticated! Then we partly retraced our route via Castell Caereinion, Welshpool, and a lovely route over level crossings and a canal bridge. Past the site of the old Smithfield livestock market and the railway livestock pens, and then on along the Pool Quay straight. Next came Llanymynech, through the village and into England at the village of Pant. Eventually we were on the A5 towards Oswestry and Chirk, then Froncysyllte and back to Llangollen. We turned off over a small stone canal bridge, and drove down the ‘tow path’ to the Chainbridge Hotel car park. What a welcome sight in such a beautiful setting. Our special final evening dinner went well, as we had the function room to ourselves. It was a good venue for the final night speeches and presentation of bouquets, etc. 24 After breakfast on Saturday there were many fond goodbyes with calls of “Keep us in the loop for next year”, and rallyists went their various ways, all over Britain. All-in-all, we had a great time in both planning the routes and driving them with like-minded friendly rallyists. Well that’s the Rali over for another year. Let’s pack and go too. Will we hold another one in 2018? We hope so! In fact it is now in preparation – see Diary Dates. MEMBERS AND THEIR CARS his very entertaining item came in from Rob TBrittlebank, who has recently transferred from Region 7. A Long and Winding Road – the story (so far) of a Man and his Morris Apologies for the title, but I felt that coming from Liverpool, the classic ‘Beatles’ song would be an apt heading for my story. My journey with the Morris began 50 years ago, at the tender age of sixteen, when I started thinking about the best way of getting a set of ‘wheels’. I had shown a moderate interest in motorbikes, purely as a means of getting mobile until I could drive a car but, sensing this, my father felt that my interest should be deflected towards a car on the basis of “four wheels good, two wheels bad”, to miss- quote from George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’. I had begun to wonder what was going to happen to the old car that had been languishing unused in my uncle’s garage for many years, as he had done Me with Morris, c.1968 nothing with it for want of a ‘round tuit’. After some discussion, a deal was done and, for the then princely sum of £30 from my paper-round money, I became the proud owner of EKA 165, a Liverpool-registered Series II Morris 8 two-door saloon. Having also managed to acquire a two-wheeled ‘stop-gap’ (nothing more exotic that a second-hand Honda 50), I travelled the thirty miles or so each weekend to my uncle’s home, to work on the car and get it roadworthy. Just before my seventeenth birthday, it was collected by the local garage, fully checked over and issued with an MoT certificate. As soon as my provisional licence arrived, I badgered a friend into ‘supervising’ me to drive the car home. I passed my test three months later and was free to hit the open road. By then I had managed to scrape into the sixth-form and used the car on a regular basis to get to and from school, one of the privileged few sixth-formers who had the use of a car to get to school; we used to park them next to the bike sheds and sit in them at break-time. I cannot deny that the car was my pride and joy, even though it was way out-dated alongside the Minis and Ford Anglias that my friends drove about in; and we had our moments together! One such was in the winter of 1968-69. The route to school involved a steep hill down to a road junction, with a turn left and up a steep hill again on the other side. Cars were slithering about in the snow trying to get to the top of the hill, with drivers out and trying to push each other’s cars to get up the hill. I engaged bottom gear and pressed steadily forward, weaving around the stranded cars as best I could – right to the top of the hill with no slipping. I was given a rousing cheer by the other drivers when I reached the top! Clearly a poor power-to-weight ratio and large wheels had advantages! Leaving school and starting work, the Morris continued as essential transport, taking me the 50-odd miles to and from the Wirral to Penmaenmawr in North Wales each weekend. I later met Chris and dropped her off in Liverpool on Sunday nights ready for college on Mondays, before my journey back along the A55. It was a long way back late at night to my digs in Penmaenmawr, and the windscreen opened wide was very helpful in keeping me awake. A year later, with the finances in better shape, I felt I needed something faster and more stylish (no offence to the Morris, though!) and bought an aged Triumph Vitesse to make the journey quicker. The Morris was stored up at home, but came into its own again when the Triumph went rusty and had to be taken off the road for major welding up! In 1974, Chris and I were married, and the Morris carried us down to our new home in Devon. Despite some careful security measures, At home in Abergavenny – work in progress! there were tin cans strung from the rear bumper and kippers strapped 25 to the engine block; I didn’t find the latter until a week later through investigating the strange smell coming from the engine. She was eventually taken off the road in 1975 (that’s the Morris, not Chris!) and, each time we moved house, the Morris was put on a trailer and taken with us… which brings us to 2003, when the decision to at last begin a restoration project was prompted by the garage the car was then in having to be demolished to make way for a new one as part of the home expansion plan. Fast-forward again to 2017 and the move to Abergavenny. The car has had a ground-up restoration, with both chassis and bodywork needing new sections welding in, and there is still much left to put back together. The dismantling for the restoration work started well enough, with me making copious notes, sketches and photos, but when the builder called to say he would start demolishing the garage the following week, blind panic set in and the notes. etc., went by the board. As a consequence, I now have two problems; one is that I can’t find a part I know I’ve got somewhere, and the other is finding a part but not knowing what it is or where it goes… hey-ho! To add to the complications, our son, Simon, is getting married in August this year and wants the car for his wedding – no pressure there, then…! With the information available through the MR, and the help and support of members of the Welsh Region, work is progressing steadily; I am (almost) confident that the car will be ready by August. But it’s been a long and winding road, and there’s still a lot further to go! Welsh Ed: Thanks very much for this Rob. We look forward to seeing you and Chris at the noggins whenever you can get there. It will be great if everyone can send in a bit about their car and themselves. It makes the Wales pages much more ‘personal’, and members get to know each other better. Items needed from all parts of Wales.
LLANGOLLEN RALLI 2018 irst part of the week is now fully booked, but there are possibly still places from Wednesday 22nd August onward for Fthree nights. Please phone John Howells for details on 01443 432 542. MID WALES BREAK his popular event is just the thing to rejuvenate members after the Tlong, cold, wet, winter. This is your chance to drive your Morris on nice pre-arranged routes with fellow members, at the onset of summer, in beautiful Mid Wales. Don’t forget the dates are: arriving on Friday, 15th June, and leaving on Monday, 18th June, (3 nights). The Metropole Hotel at Llandrindod Wells is 4 star, and is a good and comfortable venue for car groups. There is off-road parking in their large car park. Please contact John and Rhiannon to attend. Contact details are at the top of the page. Come on – make the decision and pick up the phone!
WELSH REGION EVENTS 15 Mar: N&N at The Aubrey Arms, Bonvilston. Please contact me, John for directions on 01443 432 542 2 Apr: Monday, 2nd April: Coleford Carnival of Transport. Book your entry on the internet. Please note that there are several old car events advertised in Gloucester throughout the season Please check the internet for an event to your liking 22 Apr: Drive-it-Day to Llancaiach Fawr Manor. Details above 7 May: Singleton Park, Swansea Classic Car Show. Reorganised this year to better suit older cars. Entry forms from me, John 7 May: (Possibly) Cerew Castle Classic Car Show enquire on 01646 651 782 28 May: Vale of Glamorgan Classic Car Show at Sully Sports & Liesure Club. Entry forms on their website. 10 Jun: Barry Festival of Transport. Contact may be Tudor Thomas on 07803 244 788 15 Jun: Mid-Wales Break: for 3 nights at Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. Phone John on 01443 432 542 17 Jun: Maesteg Charity Classic Car Show. See their website for details of how to enter 8 Jul: Caerphilly Motoring Festival at Llancaiach Fawr Nelson. Contact 01443 206 497 or their website 15 Jul: Gwili Railway (near Carmarthen) Classic Car Show 10.00am onwards at Bronwydd Arms Station. Free entry, and subsidised travel on the railway all day. Contact 01267 238 213 (daytime) for entry form 5 Aug: Brecon Classic Motor Show, Libanus. Contact 07711 885 388 11 Aug: Pontypridd Vintage Transport Day. Contact: 01443 490 740 12 Aug: Three Cocks Steam & Vintage Rally, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5RS. Contact Joy Young on 01497 847 567 16 Sep: (Possibly), Big Welsh Classic Car Show 30 Sep: Cowbridge Cars and Coffee. Contact via the website
Please pass on to the Wales Sec. John Howells, details of any other rallies/events which you would like to see in the Welsh Diary Dates. Items needed from all parts of Wales
26 SPRING MOTORING WESTWORDS THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MORRIS REGISTER WEST REGION EDITOR: Jim Riglar, 01225 754 981, [email protected] SEC: Jeremy Matthews, 01458 445 175, [email protected]
EDITORIAL ell, with much discussion of 2018 events underway at many of the West Region noggins, it is clearly an indication Wthat both spring and the classic car motoring season are rapidly approaching. I am already aware of a number of runs that are being proposed for the active season, so it looks as if we shall be in for a busy and interesting year. In recent years Drive-it-Day events seem to have heralded in the start of the season, and there are certainly a number across our region, some of which are organised by our noggin members. However before the runs get underway, there are some breakfast meetings at the end of March and which might attract your interest. If you have the opportunity to get to one, it will give you a chance to shake down your cars after the winter lay-off. Happy Motoring. Jim Riglar DRIVE-IT-DAY his year there are a number of events across the region on Sunday 22nd April, some of Twhich are covering new ground. North Wiltshire Run: Meet in central Devizes (Morrison’s) for coffee at 10 am, or just after. 10.45 am prompt departure for a morning tour touching the Wiltshire Downs. Lunch stop at a traditional country pub for Sunday roast (£15 for two courses, pre-booking required), followed by an afternoon tour of villages in the Corsham area. The run will finish at about 3.30 pm at Steve and Cath Knight’s house (Box, Wilts) for refreshments and a chat. Contact Steve Knight, 07714 085 321or [email protected] North & West Devon: More details to follow, but this is a run with a planned lunch stopover organised by Stephanie & Doug Whittlestone. Enquire at the March noggin or contact Ian Rayment, 01805 804 094 or [email protected], Hampshire (New Forest): Details to follow, but there will be a run with a planned lunch stopover. Contact Toby Sears, 01590 644 269 or [email protected]. NEWS FROM THE GROUPS North Wilts (17th Jan): The first noggin at our new noggin venue attracted a few members and the facilities inside the Conservative Club were conducive for a relaxing chat. One or two of the group had to knock the front door to be let in, as regular users of the club are issued with their own door keys! Paul James
North East Wilts (24th Jan): The January noggin at The Roebuck, Marlborough, had a good turn-out, with members enjoying a chat over lunch and a drink. Among the varied topics under discussion was the return, after a gap of a few years, of the national AGM to the Blunsdon House Hotel near Swindon, next October. The fact that the booking had only been made with the hotel a few days earlier just goes to show that the Morris Register grapevine continues to work well! The noggin continues to draw in members from the north and west of Hampshire as well as from across the north of Wiltshire. If you live in the area and fancy a midday break to your routine, why not pay us a visit! Paul & Celia James
East & South Devon (2nd Feb): Hi everybody we had a good turnout of fourteen people for the February Noggin, (it was only supposed to be seven; I do wish people could let me know who is going to attend!). We agreed to stop having the buffet and order for ourselves from the menu to simplify things. We have agreed that any social runs will be organised by the person suggesting or proposing the event. We had a good natter about a few Morris related things. For those who do not know, we currently meet at the Halfway Inn near Aylesbeare on the A3052 Exeter to Sidmouth road, at 7.30 pm on the first Thursday of the month. Paula Wood
North & West Devon (8th Feb): Our second meeting of the New Year and we already have our Exmoor Drive-it- Day (22nd April) route together with the planned lunch stopover organised thanks to the hard work of new members Stephanie and Doug Whittlestone. We will of course give more details nearer to the time. With the ever changing new technology available to car owners, Jim Callachan brought along a vehicle tracker. In the past this has been quite an expensive option, however, with new products coming onto the market Jim showed us a new version of vehicle tracker, operating in the usual way fixed to the car but uses a telephone SIM card to transmit the position of the vehicle. With this system you can track your car’s position using your smart phone or home computer, thus doing away with the expensive central station tracking system of earlier versions of tracker. The cost is around £37 for the device plus a £10 SIM card and will last well over one year depending on how often you call your car’s tracker. We had twelve members attending this month with apologies from Chris and Russell Beresford. Our next meeting will be 8th March at the Cyder Presse Inn, Weare Giffard, Gt Torrington EX39 4 QR starting at 11am. Ian Rayment 27 Somerset (13th Feb): A busy noggin, with about 35 members in attendance; obviously the excesses of Pancake Day had done nothing to diminish anyone’s appetite for things Morris. First time visitors to the noggin were Ray and Margaret Newbury (Trowbridge, Wilts) and Nik Gardner (Backwell, Somerset). Ray and Margaret have been members for about 5 years, during which time Ray has been restoring a 1933 Family 8 Minor, which is now about ready for the road. Nik, as well as a number of post-war Minors, has a 1934 model sv Minor saloon. Hopefully we may now see both of these “new to the noggin” Minors out on some of our runs this season. Both Steve Knight (M8 S1 tourer) and Roy Bowden (M8 S1 special and M8 van) reported steady progress with their current restoration projects. Chris Murray has been availing himself of Colin Baker’s kitchen table to conduct an assessment of the Series E block from one of his M8 engines (well where else would you want to do that at this time of year, other than indoors in the warm), with Colin Baker, Roy Bowden and Paul Wheatcroft providing assistance, refreshments or simply a good laugh! Feedback from the Great Western Classic Car Show (the old auto-jumble event) at the Royal Bath & West Showground was that it was a fairly quiet event. There were no reports of any members picking up any bargains. Glo Cressey’s 1933 Morris Cowley was auctioned by Chaterhouse at the event, but having failed to make its reserve was then sold, post-auction, to a private buyer. Hopefully the car will come back into the Register at some stage. With spring only about six weeks away, discussions about potential events were a feature of the evening, and apart from Drive-it- Day, four or five events are already under consideration or in the early stages of development. Work has also started on a detailed itinerary for the Torquay break in early May.
38th BRISTOL CLASSIC CAR SHOW, 16/17 JUNE At the Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet. Pending publication of entry forms, we again intend to request stand space at the show for four vehicles. Each year among the cars we display, we like to include some vehicles that have either not been displayed previously or have not recently been on our stand. If your car has never featured or not featured recently, we would be pleased to display it. Contact Jim Riglar, 01225 754 981 or jimriglar@blueyonder. co.uk.
WEST REGION AGM - TUESDAY 10th APRIL 2018 - 8 pm start at The Highwayman, Cannard’s Grave, Shepton Mallet, Somerset (Adjacent to A37, south of Shepton Mallet) Nominations for all Committee positions and any resolutions welcomed! The Annual General Meeting will once again be held on a Somerset Noggin night. The noggin starts whenever the first attendees turn-up (about 6.30 pm) and ends between 10.15 - 11.00 pm (dependent on how much chat is going on!) The noggin will be suspended from 8pm for the duration of the AGM (about 30-45 minutes), and resume on completion of AGM business. If you wish to have a meal at the pub, it is suggested that you eat early to be clear of the AGM period. If you are unable to attend the AGM but wish to submit an item for discussion or nominate yourself for a committee position please provide details to the West Region Secretary, Jeremy Matthews, [email protected] or 01458 445 175. Details of the current committee and meeting agendas/minutes can be found in the members’ area of the Morris Register website at: http://morrisregister.co.uk/3-west/
28 WILLBORE ENGINEERING VISIT, 22nd JAN (PART 1) he N&W Devon noggin got the new year underway with an eagerly awaited club visit to Willbore Engineering Tin Bideford, Devon. The company, which is an engine reconditioning specialist, has been owned by John Hutchings for 40 years and, following an enquiry by member Percy Colwill, John very kindly agreed to a request for our club visit. Before our tour of the works started, John gave a brief run through of the various processes involved in refurbishing an engine. With so many Morris engines still running on white metal bearings it was very interesting to see how this work is undertaken, starting with a metal ingot worth £500 and in the hands of John Garrod! (Top photo). The photo (below left) shows the big end with all the old metal removed and placed in the jig ready for molten metal to be poured into the big end casting. The same process is carried out for the conrod bearing. The photo (below right) shows the big end bolted back onto the conrod, placed in another jig and carefully aligned for the line boring process to begin. As you can see in the picture, a considerable amount of the new metal is cut away in the process of making the new white metal big end bearings. It is a very time consuming and labour intensive job, however, I cannot remember what part the Coleman’s Mustard tin plays, but I am sure it is of vital importance to the machine operator! (Continues next month) Ian Rayment
WEST REGION EVENTS 25 Mar: Somerset: The 1st Cheese and Grain “Classic Car” Breakfast of the 2018 season. Cattle Market Car Park, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BE. 9 am – 12 noon. Full breakfast, rolls, tea and coffees available all morning 25 Mar: Somerset: “Classic Car” Breakfast Meet, Redhill Village Hall Club, Church Road, Bristol, BS40 5SG (Just off A38, 2 miles south of Bristol Airport). Full English breakfast available 9 am – 11 am 1 Apr: Somerset: Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford, Somerset, BA22 7LH. 9 am – 12 noon. Full breakfast, rolls, tea and coffees available 10 Apr: West Region AGM 8pm The Highwayman, Cannard’s Grave, Shepton Mallet, Somerset “Remember – it is your input that keeps the region vibrant” 22 Apr: Hants/Somerset: Drive-it-Day – West Region Runs - see separate article for details Somerset: Drive-it-Day - Lions Brimar Vintage & Classic Car Run/Display – £12 per vehicle (in aid of Children’s Hospice South West). Meet 10 am at Wyevale Cadbury Garden Centre, Congresbury Scenic Run at 12 noon, to the Salthouse Fields, Clevedon. Vehicles to stay on display until 4 pm 1-5/8 May: Devon: Torquay 4-7 nights break at Belgrave Sands Hotel. Sponsor Anne Riglar, 01225 754 981 or [email protected] 29 Editor: Jenny Smithson 01959 525 265, [email protected] Chairman: John Mason 01689 858 546, [email protected]
GEOFF COX FUNERAL, 14th FEB he funeral of South-East member Geoffrey Cox took place at Lambeth TCrematorium, London SW17 on the afternoon of St Valentine’s Day. The funeral was attended by many Morris Register members together with his family, friends and neighbours. Tributes were read at the ceremony by Maggie Perkins, Zoe Smithson and Ingrid from the Netherlands. All of those who attended shared happy memories of times spent with Geoff over many years and it was lovely to look at old photos and try to recognise the people in them. Geoff himself would have been so proud that his hearse was followed by his beloved Morris Eight tourer, “Joanna”, driven on this occasion by Alan Perkins. It was a very fitting farewell to this much-loved member.
SOUTH EAST REGION AGM he Annual General Meeting of the South East Region will take place Ton Saturday 14th April at 3 pm. The venue will be The Halland Forge, Halland, near Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6PW. Your Chairman, John Mason, and the rest of the Committee hope that many of you will be able to attend. A buffet will be provided after the meeting so it would be useful to have some idea of numbers for catering and seating purposes. If you would like to become a committee member please let John Mason know, you will be made very welcome. Jenny Smithson WEST SUSSEX NOGGIN here was a change of venue for our February noggin at The Swallows Return, Worthing, while our usual haunt at TThe World’s End was undergoing refurbishment. In spite of some very wet and windy weather, there was a high turnout with 25 members in attendance. However, only two brave souls ventured out in their vintage cars. On arrival, it was nearly as cold inside the building as it was outside. We were then told that there was a problem with the heating with no gas or food available. To soften the blow, the bar staff generously offered everyone free drinks as compensation – pity most of us were driving. Within our group, Chris and Christine Joyce can be counted on as regulars. Chris once owned a 1938 Morris 8 tourer for a few years but to travel further afield in comfort, he decided to swap this for a larger 1950’s touring car. Just by chance in 2009, Chris noticed a 1956 Daimler on eBay. After putting in his maximum bid, he was shocked to find that he had beaten nine other bidders. The picture on the right shows his purchase. In the bottom picture the Daimler doesn’t look too out of place among the regular line-up of Morrises. Apparently, there was a very small run of 56 of these cars produced. Of these, there are still about ten on the road but most of these are abroad. The fluid flywheel makes this car a pleasure to drive and Chris and Christine are looking forward to driving the car to the Netherlands with the Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club in June. Prior to this, the furthest Chris and Christine have ventured in their Daimler is a trip around Scotland. Keith & Isabel Salmon 30 THE RED R SE North West Region inc. N. Ireland and Isle of Man EDITOR: Tom Taylor, 01772 316 598, [email protected] SECRETARY: Neil Truslove, 01204 598 526, [email protected]
y the time you are reading this in early March, the North West Region BAGM will have come and gone but amongst other things, we will certainly have a new Chairman for me to tell you about and maybe some new committee members too. I will be able to tell you more next month. Looking back to Christmas and New Year, 34 members and guests enjoyed a wonderful Post-Christmas Dinner at Briars Hall organised once again by Mel and Millie Ashcroft. As you could probably tell from last month’s photo, we had a visit from Santa Paul who presented everyone with a little gift before the usual extensive raffle saw prizes of wine, chocs, and all manner of goodies finding their way around the table. An hilarious storyline game of ‘Pass the Parcels Left and Right’ raised lots of laughs as people struggled to remember their left hand from right hand. For those staying overnight at Briars Hall, there was a Sunday morning visit to the Bygone Times Antiques Centre at Eccleston before setting off for home. Thank you Mel, Millie and Paul. We have recently received a circular from Midlands Region Chairman, Stephen Parkes, inviting North West members living in the southern area of our Region to a new Midlands Region Noggin on the third Tuesday each month at The Bulls Head in Shenstone, Lichfield WS14 0JR. If you would like to take up this offer, then get in touch with Stephen on 01922 626 200, 07860 310 432 or [email protected]. This is a welcome new initiative and deserves our support. Talking of Noggins, we have long been aware that the three North West Noggins at Chester, Stockport and Preston are a bit too far away for members in the northern and southern edges of the Region. The invitation from Stephen does remind me though, that an anonymous member in the Whitchurch area tried to establish a new Noggin last year but with no evident support. At the same time, I did receive messages from two other members in Staffordshire expressing interest in establishing a new Noggin in that area but I can only remember the name of one of these members. If one or other, or ideally both of them are willing to take the idea further, could they please let me know. Committee members are always happy to assist. Remember, Noggins are created by groups of members getting together for their own enjoyment when and where they choose to, not by any requirement or template from the Register. April 22nd this year is Drive-it-Day of course, and lunch run-outs are likely to be arranged from all three of our regional Noggin venues. Details of the Stockport Noggin Lunch Run are set out in the advert panel. The Preston Noggin Lunch Run will probably be from a Garden Centre in the Leyland area for lunch at Tockholes but details will appear in April’s Red Top/bottom: Briars Hall Xmas dinner Rose pages. Chester Noggin members usually join forces with other local Middle: Santa Paul hands out presents car clubs, but I have no details at present. Martin Roters tells me that only two or three of the fifteen rooms reserved for us at The Blue Lion are still available for our visit to the Leyburn 1940’s Weekend on 20th – 22nd July. We have enjoyed a great weekend there in the last two years and are looking forward to repeating the exercise for a third time in 2018. The leisurely drive to Leyburn on Friday, soaking up the atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday, and the drive home on Sunday evening make for a memorable weekend. Get in touch with Martin on 07968 158 968 if you would like to join in this year’s event.That’s about all for this month, but Happy Morris Motoring for everyone must surely by now be just around the corner.
STOCKPORT NOGGIN DRIVE-IT-DAY LUNCH RUN (22nd APRIL) Meet at Brookside Garden Centre London Road North, Poynton SK12 1BY for coffee from 10 am on for an 11 am start. A run of approximately 25 miles on a mixed route of town and country roads to finish for lunch at The Hare and Hounds, Dooley Lane, Marple SK6 7EJ. Lunch is planned for 1 pm. Please contact Martin McClarence on 07794 915 108 or [email protected] to book your place on both the event and lunch if required. Please note this is an MSA permit qualifying event and you will be asked to complete and sign an entry form on the day. 31 EDITOR: Geoff Campbell, 01494 875 783, [email protected] SECRETARY: John Powell, 01895 672 706, [email protected]
EDITORIAL ack in January, my friend and BI, on account of celebrating another birthday, were treated by our wives to a railtour. This particular outing was different from others in that it was more about the journey than the destination. With an early start to catch the train at 08.06 from Paddington, the ‘Thames Trumper’ covered a distance of over one hundred and sixty miles without being more than about forty miles from home. It comprised a tour of Thames Valley branch lines, the most interesting, for me, being the Morris Cowley branch line which now serves the Cowley works of the former Morris Motors, later part of BMC, British Leyland, the Rover Group and now owned by BMW for production of the Mini. Until the end of passenger services, the factory was served by its own station, Morris Cowley, that closed on 7th January 1963. The aerial picture shows the layout of the Cowley Works dating from around 1930. The above aerial photo shows the following: (1) The factory nearest the camera is that of Morris Motors Ltd. When the production of Morris cars commenced in March 1913, they were assembled in the building of "Old military College", which is seen to the left of the words 'Sales Office'. The buildings of R Block, S block, the airfield, etc., which were located to the right of the Garsington Road, have yet to be built. (2) The factory seen above the words "Chassis Assembly" is that of the Pressed Steel Company of Great Britain Ltd.
Cars on the production line 32 In 1925, W.R. Morris visited the U.S.A. in order to study the manufacture of all steel vehicle bodies. On his return to the U.K., he arranged for Morris Motors Ltd., the Budd Company of the U.S.A. and the bankers, J. Henry Schroeder & Co, to finance and establish the Pressed Steel Company of Great Britain Ltd. Now very much enlarged, the factory is at present BMW's Mini Plant where some 1000 Minis are produced each day. The Oxford Eastern By-Pass, which today runs alongside the factory, has yet to be built. (3) The factory seen top left is that of Morris Industries Exports Ltd. (later Nuffield Exports Ltd). Access to this factory was along the roadway that is seen running parallel to a railway line. Morris Cowley Station is located in this area and there were railway sidings that led into the factory. (Today, BMW use these sidings to load Minis onto railway wagons). Built up Morris cars and Morris Commercials were prepared for export at the factory and it is also where CKD (Completely Knocked Down) and SKD (Semi Knocked Down) vehicles were packed into wooden crates for export. These vehicles and the crates were then loaded onto railway wagons and transported to sea ports. Right: Morris Cowley Station photographed in 1963 BEARING MANUFACTURE During the early years, Morris Motors manufactured their own white metal bearings. The article on the left (reproduced with kind permission of the Bullnose Morris Club) tells the story of how bearing production was eventually transferred to the Glacier Bearing Company. When Leonard Lord was dispatched to the Glacier factory he was twenty nine years of age.
BICYCLE MANUFACTURE Prior to the production of cars, William Morris built and sold bicycles, starting his business from his parents’ home. Below is a letter from WRM providing a quotation for a ladies’ cycle.
33 NUFFIELD TRACTORS he Nuffield tractor story started in 1945 when the government, still recovering from Tthe effects of the war on the economy, approached the Nuffield organisation with a proposal for them to design and build an "all new British built wheeled tractor". This tractor was to be suitable for both British and foreign markets. The proposal coincided with rationalisation of Morris plants, Wolseley car production having been moved from Birmingham to Cowley leaving space available at the Morris Commercial plant in Birmingham for production of the tractor. Production of Nuffield tractors commenced in 1948 by the Agricultural Division of British Morris Motors, later to become a subsidiary of BMC. When William Morris was given a title and elevated to the peerage, he chose the name of his home Oxfordshire village, Nuffield. When the tractor range was launched, the name Nuffield was chosen as the brand name for the Agricultural Division’s range of products. The design of the Nuffield tractor bore similarities to that of the David Brown machines because the designer, Dr H E Meritt had worked on the design of the David Brown 50D tractor before moving to Nuffield. Article by Geoff Campbell. Information & photos courtesy of Wikipedia and Yesterday’s Tractor Co. The Buckinghamshire Section of the Chilterns Group will be having a stand at the Chiltern Hills Rally at Weedon Park near Aylesbury on Sunday 20th May 2018. Members wishing to join us should please download the application form from the Chiltern Hills website below and enter ‘Buckingham Morris Register’ in the appropriate club box. http://www.chilternhillsrally.org.uk/
CHILTERNS EVENTS 4 Mar: British Marques Day Brooklands Museum 4 Mar: Oxford Noggin Lunch [email protected] 23-25 Mar: Practical Classics Car & Restoration Show NEC 21 Apr: Chalfont Lodge Open Day Contact Geoff Campbell 22 Apr: Drive-it-Day: Maidenhead - Contact Mark Lemon 13 May: Oxford Noggin Spring Run [email protected] 20 May: Chiltern Hills Rally Weedon Park, Aylesbury, http://www.chilternhillsrally.org.uk/
34 THE MIDLANDER MORRIS REGISTER MIDLAND REGION EDITOR: June Sargeant, 01905 840 155, [email protected] SECRETARY: Barbara Farmer, 01536 711 620, [email protected]
LEICS AND NORTHANTS NOGGIN e tend to think February will be one of the quieter winter months but this hasn’t proved to be the case – actually Wcome to think about it, I don’t think we ever have such a thing! This month’s noggin provided food for thought with lots of shows and events to tempt members with and we also went through some of our own ideas for the year ahead. It is now almost certain that we shall be having a club stand on Drive-it-Day on 22nd April at Bicester Heritage Centre (pictured right) along with the Chiltern Region. If anyone else wishes to join us on this day, please contact us for details – you will be very welcome. Another noggin event will be attendance at Wicksteed at War, Wicksteed Park, Kettering, where we will be in attendance on Saturday, 9th and Sunday, 10th June – again please contact us if you are interested in coming along. This is a free event and open to all classic cars but we shall need to book you in to qualify for the free wristbands for the park’s facilities and car parking that is given to participants. On Sunday, 29th July, we shall be hosting a club stand at the event at Beaumanor Hall, Leicestershire– once again we need to book in attendees so please contact us to book your place. We have been asked many times to put on another tour/weekend event and at the time of writing this we are still in the planning stages but think this is likely to take place over the weekend of 28th-30th September being based near Wyboston Lakes, Cambridgeshire, with three day trips planned taking in the Shuttleworth Collection and the Swiss Garden, the Ramsey Rural Museum and Wimpole Hall – a National Trust property. Costs are likely to be approximately £180 per couple for two nights' dinner, bed and breakfast plus the additional costs of the visits. We need to firm this up fairly soon, so should you be interested in joining us, please let us know as soon as possible. At our noggin, Stuart King advised that the rules for owners of historic vehicles was to change in May and although nothing yet had been set in stone it was likely that any vehicle aged 40+ years would be a vehicle of historic interest. However, it was up to the owners to ensure that the DVLA has such a vehicle listed as being historic – if a vehicle over 40 years old, has been significantly altered over the last 30 years, it may also be subject to an MOT, but the term “significant” has not yet been qualified. Stuart will be reporting on this further in Morris Monthly through the FBHVC. The following day, a small group from the noggin visited a private collection of motor vehicles – most of which are in need of restoration but were intrigued by the vast array of vehicles in all shapes and sizes and indeed the rarity of some of these. Don’t forget our noggins are generally on the first Tuesday of each month at The Angel Hotel in Market Harborough, food being served at 7.30 pm for those eating and approximately 8.00 pm for the start of the noggin. If you’ve not visited our noggin before, come and give us a try, we will always be pleased to see you. Pat Farmer
HEREFORDS AND WORCS NOGGIN ohn and I did not attend the February noggin due to a serious accident my son had when a ‘hit and run’ driver Jknocked him down causing multiple injuries. We would like to thank our noggin members for their good wishes and the lovely flower bouquet which was very much appreciated. Michael Halls advised that members for the noggin were down due to the snowy, inclement weather so Steve Shield postponed his scheduled presentation until a further date. Drive-it-Day was discussed and Paul Jolliffe agreed to arrange this with help from Tony Adlard – more details later. June Sargeant NEW NOGGIN s March's Morris Monthly goes to press, the first meeting at the Bulls Head, Birmingham Road, Shenstone, Lichfield, AWS14 0JR, is about to take place. A full report will be in April's magazine. If you live within hailing distance, do try to support this new initiative. The March meeting is on Tuesday, 20th March at 7.30 for 8 pm. Further details from Stephen Parkes, 01922 626 200 or [email protected]. 35 WARWICKSHIRE NOGGIN here was a good number of enthusiasts at the Crown at Claverdon on 13th February and it was satisfying to get back Tto an evening of Morris matters. Roger had acquired a rather attractive 1934 10/6 which he had trailered some long distance, ably assisted by Mark. Photos of it were circulated to the admiring group and there will be more news when he has carried out a full examination. Alwyn has been perfecting the art of rubber-band propulsion of lightweight models for another club: much cheaper than petrol! Stephen introduced a new Noggin banner which will be useful for indoor and outdoor events. The Young Driver Initiative was discussed and the result will be announced at the Restoration Show in March. John was having difficulties with a cylinder-head and low compression, even though the vehicle runs nicely. Some thought valves may need re-grinding, a difficult job on this car! Graham’s dynamo difficulty produced the details of a local auto-electrician from another member. Peter is making good progress with wood and metal work on his project and there was some discussion relating to pegging, gluing or screwing. Darryl is continuing to work on his MGA and finds Coca-Cola an effective rust remover. Chris has sold his beautiful Eight Tourer which featured at the NEC in November and now has an MG. Mark’s project now has all four wings and panels complete. It may be on the road this year. Stephen has removed the gearbox from his 1929 coupé to attend to loose fly-wheel pins and has discussed this with Cooks and Loctite. National Chairman, John Ford, has booked the club stand at the NEC Restoration Show, he has organised cars for it and full details will be finalised at the March Noggin. Most Noggin members will be available to help. The Programme for 2018 was discussed and it was suggested that the June Noggin be a run, followed by fish and chip supper which we plan to consume on the banks of the Avon at Stratford. The July Noggin would be a local run followed by an August Barbecue at the Crown to which other Midlands Noggin would be invited. On 22nd April (Drive-it-Day) a run is planned to the Vintage Austin Register Event at Chateau Impney, about 25 miles away. On 29th April GWSR 1940's Event, recommended by John Bates takes place. The Morris Vehicle Association Rally will take place on 23rd/24th June, hosted by Morris Minor Club at Kelmarsh Hall, Notts. The last shows of summer will be the Pershore Plum Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday and the Peopleton Village Show organised by John Sargent in September. Both events are strongly recommended. We look forward to seeing you all at the next Warwickshire Noggin, 13th March, 7.30 pm at the Crown, Claverdon, Warks. Stephen and Roz Parkes
The North East Region Local News EDITOR: Ken Gosden, 01302 364 214, 07803 086 412, [email protected] SECRETARY: Roy Pidgeon, 01924 252 415, [email protected]
CUMBRIA TRIP n the 21st January, twenty-six Ohardy souls were up before dawn to board a coach at 8 am in Ossett for a trip to the Lake District. It wasn’t for a bit of fishing (how boring) or hill walking. It was to visit Dave and Margaret Molyneux’s collection of vintage cars, etc. For those who haven’t had the good fortune to visit Dave and Margaret’s little oasis in far flung Cumbria they do not know what they are missing. Apart from an eclectic mix of over 20 Morris vehicles in need of recommissioning or a restoration of some degree there were five fully working and roadworthy Morris vehicles paraded at the front of the building when we arrived. Dave runs a spares business as well and there are shelf after shelf of parts for various Morris cars. There 36 is also a collection of memorabilia including signs, petrol pumps and pictures etc, not to mention a small collection of vintage motor bikes. To put the icing on the cake, literally, Dave and Margaret have a converted old double decker bus. Downstairs is a kitchen and seating area and upstairs is a lounge area with various pieces of memorabilia. Dave and Margaret provided us all with tea, coffee and nibbles to finish our trip off. Everybody enjoyed themselves and a big thank you must go to Dave and Margaret for their hospitality. EDITORIAL y wife and I were lucky Menough to be invited to the North West post Christmas dinner at Briars Hall hotel near Ormskirk. We had a great night and were lucky enough to win a couple of raffle prizes. A big thank you to Mel and Millie Ashcroft for organising the dinner. We even had a visit from Santa Claus. I’m sure my friend Tom Taylor will enlighten us all in his North West notes. Well I hope he does. Over priced cars: I often hear MG alloy body £10.5k Vauxhall wooden body £5k Bugatti steel body £6.25k people within the club and other car people mention the value of some of our cars as being somewhat unrealistically high. That may be the case with some vehicles. On my recent travels I came across some vintage vehicles which one could say was extortionately high (see pictures above). I will let the readers make their own judgement after looking at the pictures of the said vehicles. There were another three cars worth a measly £3000 apiece. Oh how some people spend their money!
KEN GOSDEN'S MARCH LUNCH On Wednesday 7th March 12.30 for 1pm! The venue is Marr Lodge, Barnsley Road, Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AX. Car park is on site and the Yorkshire people amongst us will be pleased to know it’s free! The car park that is, not the meal!
MONTHLY NOGGIN The 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Soothill Working It’s not Bren Jones, Roy Pidgeon, Roy Smith and Mens Club, 151 Soothill Lane Bately WF17 6HW at 8 pm Malcolm Dixon. Or is it ? 37 nglia Re t A g s io a n E
No.481 EDITOR AND SECRETARY: Tony Nathan, 01702 589 643, [email protected]
FROM THE CHAIR ith the cold spell hanging around it is not much incentive to get out and check on our “old ladies” (EdEAPY: Pam, I Wthink only a female is allowed to say this nowadays!) in the confines of their wrapped up homes. Although it is more hibernating weather, we must be positive and look forward to a bright and warmer spring. Due to a prior commitment we will not be able to go to the North Cambs Noggin but wish you good weather and I know you will have good company. As we are approaching the time for our regional AGM in May it may be as well to reiterate the need for new blood for a committee as the current members are not standing for re-election. It would be good to have a member from each part of the region reflecting local interests. Pam Lee
EA SECRETARY ust a reminder (oh, not again!) that the East Anglian Region AGM will held on Sunday 13th May at 2 pm at JDanbury Community Association Sports and Social Centre, Dawson Field, Main Road, Danbury, Essex CM3 4NQ. Please add to your diary now. We need nominations for: Secretary, Chair Person, Treasurer, and Events Coordinator. We would welcome support from any part of the EA Region. If interested please give me a call and I will outline what is required. But don’t let that keep you away! Further reminder: Nth Cambs Noggin Midday Wednesday 14th March, organised by Dudley Hedge dudleyhedge@ gmail.com. Held at Jude’s Ferry, Ferry Lane, West Row, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 8PT. Please let Dudley know if you plan to attend as it helps the pub with catering should you wish to partake lunch. Of course, you are welcome to attend just for a chat, but our experience of the food was that it is well worth having lunch. Unfortunately Jane and I cannot attend as we are once more off to St Thomas’s Hospital, London. Tony Nathan
JANUARY ESSEX NOGGIN t was a dank and gloomy night when I arrived at The Duck and there was not a Morris or a club member to be seen. IBut a roaring log fire beckoned and I went and claimed a nearby table and chairs and repaired to the bar where there were two locals propping it up. After I had explained that it not a Morris dance meeting but a car club we got into a lively discussion about computerised motor cars in which the famous Essex F word was used extensively. First members to arrive in the scene were Ian Hollowbread from Runwell and Derek Bardwell from Wickford. Having got the date wrong for the previous meeting they feared that they might have made another boo-boo when they found a nearly empty pub. Ian brought a painting of his Morris 8 tourer posed against a rather psychedelic flowery background – a good example of Flower Power of the Sixties. However, the work is recent and was given to him by a happy couple as a “thank you” for taking them to the church in the Morris. Derek had a folder of photos of restoration work in progress of his recently acquired S2 1938 Morris 8. Sensibly, it is already fitted with a four-speed gearbox – which the tight-fisted William Morris failed to do, much to the detriment of an otherwise good machine. This could be the subject of dispute by the purists. Other members began arriving in dribs and drabs but, as said previously, it was a rotten evening and they are to be congratulated on making the effort especially as Dave Ilsley came all the way from darkest Norfolk and Chris Healey from the Braintree backwoods. In all, a dozen members attended and it was considered a successful evening with varied topics discussed. But no old motors – even the intrepid Brian Gilders abandoned his Eight in the garage and came in something unmentionable, but dry and warm. Talking of which I got a thorough soaking when I made a trip to sunny Southend for a New Year’s Day rally at Rochford in my Morris without side screens. Chris Healey is making good progress with his 1932 Minor which should be road legal when he has replaced the brake cables. The question of the legality of lighting also came up concerning the use of LED headlights. But just how much power can one get out of a 6 volt dynamo? “Poor little dynamo” was how a reputable auto electrics expert described my dynamo when he overhauled it. With all lights on there is something like 90 watts being demanded – about twice as much as it was designed for – and it could be in danger of melt down! Now there is something to think about during our nocturnal ravings! Peter Sanders
EDEAYP: Thanks Peter – you had plenty to discuss. I was at the February Noggin (or last noggin when reading this) and have squeezed a report for February – see below! 38 ROOKE’S RAMBLES had intended using the two seater Cowley to collect the Iturkey at Christmas from a local farm. The weather forecast was not particularly good and we had already had a few days of snow and particularly low temperatures so decided against it. On the way back in a modern, the sun came out and it was very pleasant! Perhaps another year! Son Duncan was more fortunate with a drive a few days into the New Year. Cold but dry conditions during the winter are ideal for driving but with hood down rather than hood up. But you do have to watch the low sun! I well remember some hazardous journeys in the past in the two seater Eight in atrocious weather conditions. I was obviously a lot younger and never really gave it too much thought. I recall being called out to assist a friend who had broken down half way between Ipswich and Norwich in very severe weather. After the battle to get through to his broken down car I was very relieved when it started immediately! I frequently travelled this particular road, the A140, and was always intrigued by the variety of derelict hardware languishing in the ditches and hedgerows beside the road at a place called Stoke Ash. There was an old forge on the site and lots of agricultural machinery could be seen in the undergrowth together with a lorry. Herewith (above right) a photograph of this vehicle. I assume not a Morris. It eventually disappeared when the site was cleared. I was reminded also when having lunch at a country pub recently that the lane running beside this particular pub some fifty odd years previously had Morris connections. There was this very large 1930's Morris. It had either been driven or pushed off the lane into the shrubbery. It was surrounded by trees so I guess it had been there for some time even then. I looked but decided not to get too interested! I am also enclosing a photograph (right) of a van operated by the long defunct Woodbridge and District Steam Laundry. The site of this business was just a couple of hundred yards from a popular pub used by members of this region on various occasions. Other than the very fine period scene the only relevance to me was that my mother worked for this company in the very late 1920s early 1930s. She rode a bicycle! Whilst not perhaps Morris but maybe appropriate in the 100th year in which the First World War ended, here (below) also are a couple of photographs of troops and their transport. These were photographs owned by the family but regrettably I do not know the specific connection. Unfortunately with the demise of the older generation it is becoming more and more difficult to ascertain the full facts of why, where, etc. A bit like why is there a rolled up umbrella in the back of our two seater Cowley. It was apparently there when acquired by the previous owner in the 1970s. The car had not been used 25 years prior to that so it has probably been there for a long time. What silly things I think about! Ivan Rooke EdEAYP: Thanks Ivan. Amazing photographs.
39 HIVERNALE HISTORIC WINTER RALLY, FRENCH JURA ric Tourell reports: "Hello Tony, Thanks for your message, yes, we managed it and you can write about my car and of Ecourse the drivers! The new hood had been finished the night before we started, but we did not use it, not to keep it new, but because we have nice weather all the week and the car stays open all the time. Very few snow on the road was a pity for us. We were 47 cars and the Austin Seven was still with us all the time. I send pictures (see below). We come back home, tired but happy. The car is working with new carburettor. I have washed my 'Ballila' to take off the salt from chassis, and now I will have time to rebuild my Morris. I work very slowly. Due to age or illness ? May be both! Bien amicalement."
EdEAYP: We have permission to use the photographs provided acknowledgement is given to the photographer, Bruno ROUCOULES, Photos Flash Action.
Top left: Eric’s Fiat Ballila Top right: Bugatti Below left: Austin 7 Below right: Eric Touroul-Chevalerie and Son Guillaume
FEBRUARY ESSEX NOGGIN s the Essex noggin fell early this month, I am able to mention it in these EAYPs. There was a good turnout on another Acold Essex evening, twenty-eight or so. The pub had a roaring log fire and although I arrived shortly after 8 pm most attendees had arrived. Unfortunately my photography did not amount to much - OK skill - nil! As usual a wide range of topics, e.g. from battery hens (Mike Adams) to Australian postage stamps (Ian Hollowbread) and rubber mouldings (Chris Healey). Due to my lack of photographic skills and therefore not up to the standard for MoMo (although Rob does work wonders) other noggin photos included, amongst others, Judith and Mick Roberts, Pam and Dave Lee and Nora Wilson. Tony Nathan Bryan Wilson, Adrian Mitchell, Brian Gilders Martin Ollington, Chris Healey, Alan Montague, Laurie Cook, and Peter Sanders 40 A QUESTION an anybody identify what is shown in the attached picture? I found Cit in one of my junk boxes of car bits. It has a nut and bolt on the steel ring to clamp it up and there are holes to allow a padlock perhaps to keep it closed. Suggestions have been the obvious petrol cap clamp / lock but also the cap off of a fire extinguisher. There was a suggestion at the last noggin that it might be a "period accessory" and somebody might be able to find it in an old catalogue. A little challenge but alas no prize. Photo below. (Polite answers on a postcard!) Chris Healey
EdEAYP: Thanks Chris. I think most of us have and “Odd & So Odds Box” parts long forgotten. However every so often I delve into it for an odd washer and invariably find what I looking for. Incidentally the box is a former school box, very sturdy and reminiscent of St Trinains, certainly dating back I would suggest to the 1920s, and given to me some 35+ years ago by a neighbour who even then was elderly and I think belonged to her. The writing then was clear, but now needs the expertise of CSI! AUSTRALIAN POSTAGE STAMPS s mentioned in the February Essex noggin report, Ian AHollowbread brought along and distributed some Australian postage stamps depicting Auto Icons which included Morris 8s in various forms and Series E (pictured right).
EA EVENTS Not specifically Morris Register or East Anglian. Here are just a few. Just to add, I am only the messenger and if interested you must take full responsibility for your decision to enter. Museum of Power, Langford/Maldon, Essex, on the last Sunday of each month, there continues to be held “Cars & Coffee” – I believe also that on Sunday 1st April the museum holds a Transport Fest. Check their website as from experience I know this is popular and the museum interesting. 22 April: Drive-it-Day. I have chosen the CCVC run Charity Classic Vehicle Club event as I received this notification first. “Starting from Sutton Hall, Rochford, SS4 1LH, refreshments will be available to buy before setting out on an approximately 50 mile journey through the Essex countryside. The destination is to be Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, CM3 6RN. A significant location in Essex history, Stow Maries was home to 37 (Home Defence) Squadron, Royal Flying Corp. from 1916 to 1919 as part of a ring of aerodromes to defend London from attacks from German Zeppelin airships and Gotha Bomber”. See www.ccvcuk.co.uk Also but not connected is the CVCM Fun Run, limited number for both events, see www.chelmervalleycarmeet.co.uk – entry charge for both and are well organised 6 May: Ipswich/Felixstowe – check website – always popular, numbers limited – cost £17 13 May: East Anglian AGM at Danbury Community Association Sports and Social Centre, CM3 4NQ, 2 pm 1 July: Maldon Motor Show. The East Anglian Region has a pitch – space limited on the pitch and sponsored by the region. Contact our Mike Adams or Region Committee Members, Pam Lee or Tony Nathan, asap. Of course, individual entry is available (last year £5) but please do not expect to park on the Morris Register pitch without prior booking with the Region and without region issued pass 5 July: Classics on the Green at Friston, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1NP from 3 pm until 9 pm. All veteran, vintage and classic cars, bikes and other vehicles in production before 1970. No need to book – just turn up and leave whenever you like. For more information contact Tony Morley 01728 687 999 tonymorley2000@aol. com 21/2 July:Marks Hall Garden and Country Show. “We are again holding our biennial show in aid of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, Marks Hall Arboretum and The Rotary Club of Colchester. Last time we raised over £45,000 which was split equally among the charities. Each time the show is bigger and better as the word spreads on the diversity and quality of the exhibits and venue. The last show of classic cars was of really high quality and diversity and we aim to increase it further this time. We will again be letting all the drivers in for free and will still only be asking for a donation of £5 for each passenger. This will allow you to have access to all the stalls and exhibits which will include heavy horses, bands, bird display, ferret racing and many other country pursuits.” See www.markshall.org.uk. I guess booking is essential. 41 John's Jottings John Nagle
Morris Spotting for "Grown Ups"!
Tourer Black or green cellulose green leather. Wings are Black and Hood is Beige.
ou may remember as I do, if Yyou are one of the Club’s happy band of wrinklies, the boyhood 2 Door Saloon enchantment of sitting on the end Fixed or Sliding Head of a railway platform spotting the Blue or green cellulose magnificent steam engines that with matching leather. hauled the trains at the time. Or Black cellulose with brown leather. going on holiday equipped with not Wings are Black. only your Ian Allen loco spotters’ book but also an assortment of the News Chronicle I Spy books. I bet none of you still have the feathers that were issued by “Big Chief I Spy” for completion of a book! Anyway, to cut to the chase, it occurred to me some time ago that LWB 4 Door Saloon although there is Harry Edwards’ Blue cellulose with blue book (The Morris Motor Car leather. Black or green 1913-1983) which is now out of cellulose with brown print, there is no illustrated ready leather. Wings are Black reference book for the identification of different models of Morris cars. I have decided to have a go and produce such a book. Before embarking on the task, I thought it would be a good idea to test the water as to any interest there might be in such a book to be published LWB Special Coupé Duotone cellulose: by the Morris Register. green with green There is one proviso however. I leather. Red with red cannot promise that the cover price leather. Grey with blue will be the same as the I Spy book leather. Black with (6d = 2½p in new money)! brown leather. To the right is an idea of what it might look like, and to this end I have used my car as an example of a page showing the Minor for the year of 1934. There would be a page for each model, for each year Would you please be so kind as to email original condition photographed in of its production from 1913 to 1983. me at [email protected] to let attractive scenes, not on a rally field me know your thoughts? In addition, or in your front drive. Do not send me I will need loads of pictures of cars in any just yet, but if I get a favourable 42 response to this article I will request of your car. Don’t forget if you do you all, as generally response from them then. In the meantime this is a take some pictures, they should be of members is almost non existent, so let good excuse for a few photographic the car on its own without passengers this be the exception! trips out to bag some super pictures or bystanders. This is a challenge to 43 Woman's World New Year's Resolutions Barbara Symonds e honest, how are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Given up on all that rubbish, eh? As a devoted wife, my role Bis to mould our editor into becoming a better person and help to cure him of a few of his faults and bad habits. What better opportunity is there than a new year to be frank, open and honest about his shortcomings? After Christmas dinner, sitting quietly, he graciously agreed to the following resolutions. Yes, this is Morris-related. You can argue until the cows come home, but you do need the gracious support of women, whether she is a supporter or drives and maintains her own car. Harmony in the home, not to mention in the car, especially in the car, makes for happy motoring. Ed: I will always put car keys in same place to stop me from losing them. Ed: I will stop putting heavy stuff on top of the garage freezer so that she can’t lift the lid. Ed: I will stop taking things from the kitchen and leaving them in the garage. Ed: I will go to the dentist and optician regularly and not cancel appointments. Ed: I will not shout at her for buying cakes, chocolates and peanuts. Ed: I will not shout at her for not buying cakes, chocolates and peanuts. Ed: I will stop interrupting her when she is writing up her stuff for WW (Ed: I try). Ed: I will change shoes and clothes before ‘popping up the garage for a sec’. Ed: I will try and listen when she is talking at me. Ed: I will try and remember what she is talking about. Ed: I will not mess the house up. Ed: I will stop popping things down for a moment which turns into months. Ed: I will not tell her that her hair looks nice when she comes back from the dentist. Ed: I will tidy the loft. Ed: I will make her tea during the day. Ed: I will cook dinner at least three times a week. Ed: I will take over the housework, including washing and ironing. Ed: I will do all the food shopping. (Ed: I have absolutely no recollection of any of this conversation. I do admit to closing my eyes for few minutes after a hearty Christmas lunch though).
Just to prove that I really am a very sweet little old lady, fair-minded, gentle, kind, understanding, non-judgemental and fully supportive in every way, I give here my own shortcomings. Me: I will stop hiding his car keys. Me: I will stop putting heavy stuff on top of the garage freezer when I don’t want to cook. Also, I will tell him that we have a freezer in the kitchen. Me: I will stop putting kitchen stuff in the garage and telling him he is losing his memory. Me: I will not phone dentist and optician asking them to send him appointments. Me: I will stop pretending to be typing up MM stuff when I am shopping online.
I think that just about covers my own little faults. I do hope we get some good weather soon so that we can get our cars out on the roads, and give their owners a chance to tidy up the garage and sort out all the mysterious tins and boxes full of bits and pieces that have lain in the garage untouched for years.
(Ed: Sorry, I have to cut this piece short for editing purposes but thanks for this. It has not escaped my notice, however, that my list is a lot longer than hers...)
44 Letters to the Editor Morris Mail MY TEST IN AN EIGHT Dear Editor ollowing on from recent letters about passing the driving test in a Morris FEight, I thought members might be interested in my story. I bought my first car from a college friend, Samuel Rowley, who lived in Ripon, so that I could learn to drive. (I was the first in our family to own a car). The price of £34 10s was a considerable sum for a student (my first wage was £4 a week!) but petrol was cheap and servicing was relatively simple. The Eight, VN 9558, was registered in November 1936 and the two door but four seater saloon proved very useful over the next few years. The excise licence disc then was £12 10s for twelve months! Petrol was 4 shillings and eight pence a gallon! The chassis number was SI/E 117844, engine number 118409. I was lucky to have a friend who had already passed his driving test and was willing to sit in the passenger seat and help me with driving skills. I drove all round the local roads, to Bolton Abbey, Addingham, Skipton, Otley, Blubberhouses, and Grassington during the evenings. I kept a log book of all the journeys made including what work had been completed and the petrol used. I had only five driving lessons from an instructor before taking my test in Skipton. (There was no written exam at that time). I passed first time on 5th August 1960 and sent my provisional licence to Wakefield to have the full driving licence registered. The photo was taken just after I passed my test. I still have that original licence. I remember the hill start using hand signals until allowed to use the indicators on a hill chosen by the examiner who had a little sympathy for this old vehicle. The passenger bucket seat was loose on its mountings and swayed when the vehicle travelled round corners but the examiner made no comments. This first car, an old Morris, kept my interest in Morris cars and it was followed by Morris 1000, 1100, 1300, 1800 until BMC took over. All the Morris cars I have owned started well and drove well and were a joy to drive with economic fuel consumption and easy servicing. I wonder if my first car is still in existence? My current interest is a 1932 MInor two seater open tourer. It featured recently in Morris Monthly with a Yorkshire rose as the spare wheel dust cover. Andrew Walbank 13636/ Thanks, Andrew. I think you might be the last Morris test-taker to own up, but who knows. West Yorks I wonder what would happen in 2018 if someone turned up to take a test in a pre-war car?
REMIND YOU OF ANYONE? Dear Editor thought members might like the attached cartoon that was Igiven to me a while back. I own the cartoon so there is no problem in publishing. Doug Townsend 4582/1 Buckinghamshire Many thanks for this Doug. I guess we all know a member or two with cars similarly put together. I couldn't possibly name names, of course! TICKFORD EIGHT Dear Editor any months ago we had some pictures of Tickford Morris Mcars in the Morris Monthly. Rummaging through my archives, I found a photo of my late father’s Morris 8 Series 2. It was taken in the winter of 1941/2 by my late mother using the good old box Brownie that so many of us used over the years. The picture was taken at our then home in the village of Broughton, near Newport Pagnell, where Tickford Salmonds were based. I believe this was a Tickford as the family had a number of Tickford cars, an Austin 16 from 1936 and a Lanchester. The hood folded back like a pram hood and was only opened a few times when we had a decent summer. It was quite awkward to fold and put back. My father drove the car from new until 1954 when he sold it and never drove again. He was not a good driver and I can recall him having a number of bumps with it. From the picture it looks as though he had already put a crease in the rear offside wing! Harry Good Very interesting, Harry, and a new one on me. I 12704/3 note also that Harry Edwards made no reference to Somerset a Tickford Eight in his book "The Morris Motor Car, 1913-1983". I think this is one for the club historian! 45 ERIC'S CARS IDENTIFIED Dear Editor was interested in the photographs from Eric Mouser at the bottom of page 38 of IJanuary's Morris Monthly. The Cowley RV 486 is car no. 351149 and dates to 16th March 1931. It has the option of a Kopalapso folding roof. Although this car is not listed in the current membership of the Morris Register, it does feature in the register of surviving bullnose and flatnose cars maintained by the Bullnose Morris Club and is therefore still in existence. The other car (right) took a little more trouble to identify and at first I thought that it was an early version of the Cluley car. I have a 1923 built Cluley which has a very similar appearance. The 1921 Cluley had the identical type of windscreen, hood frame and bonnet vents as shown in the photograph, but does not have a scuttle vent and the spare wheel is held on by a large wingnut, absent from the car in the photograph. Looking through my large library of 1920's car photographs confirmed that the car is a Calthorpe 2 seater of c1921-22. I had thought that most Calthorpes of this era were fitted with disc wheels, but artillery wheels were also fitted to some models. The round scuttle vent was a feature almost universal on Calthorpes of the early 1920s. Roger Armstrong 6076/5 Smart work, Roger! Calthorpes were made in Birmingham until 1926. Surrey They were briefly rivals to Morris, but could not match for price. GEOFF REMEMBERED Dear Editor would like to add a personal postscript to Jenny Smithson's lovely remembrance in the February MM of long-time IMorris Register member Geoff Cox who died in January. In July 1992 I bought my 1958 Morris Minor 1000 4 door saloon (VLB2 95) as my everyday car. A few years ago while researching the history of the car, I applied for Keeper History Details from DVLA and these confirmed that Geoff was the third owner of VLB 295 from January 1988 till June 1990. I met Geoff on one occasion only on the road outside the Fountain Inn (long since demolished) at Handcross during a London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in the late nineties. I had parked the Minor on the road opposite the pub to look at some of the interesting cars that had gathered there when suddenly this chap strode across the road pointing at the Minor saying "That's my car!" Slightly taken aback, I said I had owned the car for a few years and he then explained who he was and that he had owned the car as HIS everyday car but his first love was older Morrises and that he was a member of the Morris Register. I haven't forgotten that day twenty years ago when I briefly chatted to Geoff, who had such great enthusiasm for the Morris marque - even for the "modern" Morris Minor; I regard the encounter as being another detail in the history of my Morris Minor which has now been in my custodianship for 26 years and of which I am the fifth owner. Stuart King 12951/2 Thanks for this Stuart. I know that Jenny had many other members, not Northants mentioned in the obituary, who wished to pay tribute to Geoff on his passing.
46 Members: A single private small ad, with/without a photo, is free. Morris Mart Non-members: contact the Editor Car for Sale Car for Sale Car for Sale 1935 Morris 10/4 Tourer 1934 Minor saloon 1931 Morris Minor
In daily use. Engine is reconditioned and wiring loom is new with all electrics restored. New hood and side screens and upholstery. Runs really well In very good condition. Reconditioned gearbox, with no knocks or whines. Slight micro blistering good engine and tyres, new battery. Genuine Black with green interior. New hood, side shields, on some parts of the body but very sound. I will reason for sale. £7500. tonneau cover, and hood cover. 5 new tyres, take another Morris in any condition as PX. Syd Perks new carpets, and battery, brakes and suspension This is a rare Morris which doesn’t often come up 01939 250 088 (Salop) 2/2 overhauled, winter 2016. 4 speed gear box, for sale often. Only for sale as I have purchased Part for Sale hydrautic brakes. Halogen bulbs in lights. Paint another rare Morris. £17500. Hybrid Morris Eight engine. Series 1 block with work original. Runs well. Reluctant sale, as I need David Molyneux external oil filter, fitted with Series E sump and head, a Morris 8. 01229 584 972 or 07715 059 280 (Cumbria) condition unknown, but could be used for spares or Martin Swatridge [email protected] re-build. £100. Can be seen in Essex, near M25. 01243 829 772 (West Sussex) Peter Sanders Car Wanted Charity Event 01277 218 042 (Essex) By new member. Series 1 Morris 8 two seater. Lincolnshire County Wheels [email protected] Restored or very good condition with photographic Sunday 22nd April, 11 am to 3 pm record of resto if possible, plus history, etc. Parts Wanted Every year I help out at an event in Jubilee Park, C. David Lilley Shock absorbers for a 1937 Morris Eight Series 1. Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, called County Wheels 01903 746 542 (West Sussex) Thomas Gibson which has proved very popular with owners of all [email protected] 01946 830 670 (Cumbria) ages of motor vehicle and attracts around 400 [email protected] Parts for Sale differing types. Money is raised for local charities and Part for Sale Morris 8 ohv reconditioned engine & gearbox. so far in excess of £1000 has been donated in the first For Morris Eight: S1 windscreen with glass, £75. 4 As fitted to the 1932 Family 8. Serial no: 11434A. 3 years, motor clubs and individuals are all welcome. speed SE gearbox, £60. 3 speed S1/2 gearbox, £60. Re bored to +.0.60, Remetalled white metal bearing We Lincolnshire Morris Register members do not have Oil pumps for S1 and SE, £30. SE engine complete, con rods, crank bearings. New drive from dynamo to a local gathering so I was hoping to get a few of us £300. SE cylinder head, £30. SE distributor, £30. SE cam shaft, new gears. Valves replaced as necessary. together for this worthwhile and enjoyable event. If carb, £30. SE air silencer, £30. Also steering boxes S1 Clutch re built. The engine will need reinstating as it we can book a club space then entry will be £4 per and SE, front and rear axles, S1 and SE engine parts, has been standing for a long time. £2,850. car, it is totally non profit making. There are trade S1 and SE bumpers, clutch and brake parts. Too many Vera Seymour stands, a playground, refreshments and displays of to list. 01403 891 647 (West Sussex) cars over 3 areas plus the Kinema in the Woods has a Stephen Nicholls [email protected] special car related film show for anyone who would 0115 924 5755 (Notts) like to book tickets and the Tea House in the Woods Literature for Sale is always very popular with people as is the Petwood Morris Service Information sheets, confidential for Hotel (the Dambusters Officers Mess) just over the dealers only, in black folder. 35 sheets and index for road. Minor and Family Eight ohv, issued between Sep 29 I would be happy to hear from any members who and Mar 32. Also 22 sheets and index for sv Minor would like to attend to see if we can get together. issued between Mar 32 and Mar 35. Folder broken on http://www.countywheels.uk/page12.html spine, inserts in virtually as new conditiom, £60 inc. https://www.facebook.com/countywheels/ uk postage. Mike Jackson Tony Etheridge 07831 514 758 (Lincs) 01923 231 699 (Herts) [email protected] future classics b65 DAVID MOLYNEUX maintenance and bespoke Morris repairs to pre-war and MORRIS PISTONS post-war classic cars for all models collection and return Car Spares Morris 8 and Series E by arrangement New and used used parts supplied spares available proudly associated Job lots of M8 and E with the servicing and preparation Enquiries welcome parts bought of the Morris Register Happy to assist M8 and E abandoned Series E tourer projects/complete cars loan car For more information, bought for contact spares or repair Giles Hume 6/7/8 Doulton Trading Centre graham440@ 01229 584 972 or Rowley Regis West Midlands btinternet.com 07715 059 280 or B65 8JQ or [email protected] 07905 432 569 07506 309 281 [email protected]
Acceptance of advertisements in Morris Monthly does not imply recommendation of advertisers or their products or services by the Morris Register. When purchasing cars or spare parts from private sellers, purchasers must satisfy themselves as to the condition and value. What’s it Worth? (See p7): classified ad, asking pricde £1750 47 Please submit pictures Foto Finish of interest to the Editor DO WE EVER TIRE OF WEDDING PICS?
do appreciate that the magazine might be “weddinged out” Ibut the January edition prompted me to let you know - yes, there are weddings in the UK – I did one last Good Friday in my white E Tourer, so I submit a few pictures. The bride (Laura Hiscott) is a long standing family friend and married a fellow teacher (George Jenkins). I drove the bride from Hanbury Manor at Ware in Hertfordshire to the wedding at the Milling Barn at Throcking (near Buntisford). After the wedding ceremony George took Laura for a quick spin with the hood down. (Notice the drink driving!) The photos were taken by me and Geoff Kirby, the official photographer (top two pictures, right). All went well on the day, but I had a fright the day before the wedding (bottom left picture) when I drove the car to the Manor. Just outside Baldock I had a sudden complete drop in oil pressure. After five minutes sitting at the road side with engine off the pressure picked up when I started again and remained OK, but it convinced me that it was time to do some major engine overhaul work during the summer. The engine has been stripped down, the head and the top of the block skimmed, and several new valve seats, all new valves and guides fitted. The piston rings were ordered in June but arrived mid-January so we (Alan Filby and I) are currently still in the middle of a rebuild! Clearly the oil filter hadn’t been cleaned for at least 20 to 30 years as the filter was clogged with a congealed mass! Hopefully I will be back to the 75+ psi of a year ago. I append another photo of my mother in 1937 on her honeymoon. My father borrowed a friend’s Morris Twenty and they towed a caravan from Norfolk to Hampshire. Simon Stephen
48