MRADMC
John Mallia’s Restoration Project
ISSUE: V38 – 2— December 2019 A00038005 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
As this is the last magazine to be issued his time in showing me, and before Christmas I would like to take the talking to me about his cur- opportunity to wish you and yours all the rent restoration project, a very best for Christmas and for 2020. 1932 Wolseley Hornet Spe- Like a Christmas stocking, this edition of cial, that appears on the cover of this the magazine is stuffed full of things that month’s magazine and features in the “The seemed like good ideas at the time, but Shed” article, a cross between Deb Wil- Remember Me with the benefit of 2020 hindsight opinions liam’s “ ” articles and the Centre Stage may need to be revised. “ ” articles that I initially intro- duced as editor of the magazine in 2001. We have, of course, the usual array of Any member, whether you have been with “official” Club reports from the President and Vice President, plus the Minutes of the club for thirty years or thirty minutes, November’s General Meeting from the who would like to feature in the February Secretary. magazine (there will be no January maga- zine) should form an orderly queue near I would like to thank Paul Pounder for the bar in the clubrooms after supper at heeding my call at the November General the December General Meeting. Meeting for magazine contributions, with the series of photos he has sent in of his Failure to secure a victim for the February pilgrimage to the Iconic Bright Rod Run. article will, of course, result in a long, mind - numbingly boring, and soul destroying Similarly, I would also thank Pam article on the political and social influences Amezdroz for her photos of the November on Alfa Romeo design in the 1940’s or, if Mid-week Run and Peter Amezdroz for his space within the magazine is limited, a contributions this month: so many in fact very short article on the benefits of owning that several of these will need to be carried an MG. over to subsequent magazines. - Robin Fletcher / Editor In particular, I must thank John Mallia for
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club Inc. Www.mradmc.com.au Clubrooms: 10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Correspondence: PO Box 84 Gisborne 3437 Phone: 03 5420 7683
President—Adam Furniss Welfare/ Grievance—John Parnis Phone 0404 034 841 Phone: 0425 802 593
e: [email protected] e: [email protected]
Vice President—Alan Martin Property Officer—Joe Mediero Phone: 0402 708 408 Phone: 0432 810 202
Secretary—Graham Williams Rally Director—Richard Onyon Phone: 0419 393 023 Phone: 0414 466 966
e: [email protected] e: [email protected]
Treasurer—Drew Jessop (OAM) Webmaster—Sarah Furniss Phone: 0412 085 624 e: [email protected]
e: [email protected] Catering—Clara Tine
Membership—Michael Camilleri Mid-Week Run Committee Phone: 0423 718 250 Phone: 0427 804 803
e: [email protected] e: [email protected]
AOMC Delegates Head Scrutineer—Brian Jayasingha Robert Green ph:0408 532 603 Phone: 9330 3331 B.H. Mon-Fri Don MacGregor
Sales—Lina Bragato Librarian Phone: 0432 583 098 Alec Mead (OAM)
Liquor License Nominee Editor-Robin Fletcher Trevor Elliott Phone: 0434 604 896
e:[email protected] Club Objective: To encourage the restoration, preservation and operation of motorised vehicles. Meetings: First Wednesday of every month (except Jan) at 8pm Disclaimer: The opinions and ideas expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the club or the committee. No responsibility can be taken for accuracy of submissions
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au # MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club Reports:
Welcome to the November edition of Motor Mouth, I have personally been busy with work and family commitments and because of that I was unable to be in attendance at the last general meeting or attend club runs this month. The club has been busy with Coffee and Cars, Mid-week run to the Bernie Smith museum and the Children’s First Foundation in Kilmore. Thank you to those people who organized these events and to the members who attended. At the last Committee meeting, we started planning for 2020 by starting to put together a 12- month plan. We share our clubrooms with the Running club and they have forwarded to us their calendar of events so that we don’t have any dates that clash. As you all are aware, we have a new Events Coordinator. If you have any ideas for a run or want to help organizing an event please contact Richard Onyon. Hanging Rock is not far away - 9th February 2020. This is our clubs’ biggest event on the calen- dar. We would like as many people as possible to attend and to volunteer to put your name on the roster. The weather over this last month has been unpredictable, so who knows what February will dish out. Currently it’s an opt in system but by 2021 I would like it to be compulsory, like it was a few years ago as it is a club event and I don’t like the segregation of members on the day. Alec Mead is no longer our Liquor License Nominee. I would personally like to thank you for your dedication to the club in this roll. Trevor Elliott has taken on this position. The December Meeting is our Christmas meeting. Like every year, we will have an early meeting followed by a meal afterwards. Details further in magazine. This is our only Christmas party for the year as December is such a busy month for us all, so please come on down to the meeting, have a bite to eat and have a chat with the members of our club at such a jolly and festive time of the year for everyone. Looking forward to catching up with you all
See you on the road, Adam
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club Reports:
MACEDON RANGES AND DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB General Meeting 6th November 2019
The Vice President called the meeting to order at 8:05 pm Members were reminded to scan in near the Committee Room. Approximately 102 members were in attendance
Apologies: Adam Furniss, Bob Walters, Alan Potter, Drew Jessop. A number of others were advised but not noted New Members/Visitors: None for this evening Minutes of Previous General Meeting: The Chairman asked if everyone had read the minutes of the last General Meeting as dis- tributed in MotorMouth. Moved Rod Sinclair & seconded Carmelo Tine “that they be accepted” PASSED Business Arising: Nil Executive Reports President’s Report: N/A Vice President’s Report: Alan advised we had a guest speaker for the evening and Adam had advised he had little to report for the past month Secretary’s Report: Incoming magazines as distributed Outgoing – letters for members for CPS registration renewals, Lease renewal follow-up Treasurer’s Report: Drew reported that the club’s bank balance remained healthy. Drew also advised that the Executive had reviewed and approved all payments for the month past and indicated that members could enquire as to the details of any payments as usual. The total accounts ap- proved for payment was $1,709.66 which included the purchase of a trophies, badges and AOMC membership fees. A copy of the payments were available for review if required by members Moved by Graham Williams Seconded Rod Sinclair “that the bills continue to be paid” CARRIED
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club Reports: Membership Officer’s Report: Michael reported that memberships were slow at present and that there were a number of new Membership cards and badges available for collection. Please pick these up and re- member to carry them when in your club vehicles. General Reports Mid-Week Run Co-Ordinators Report: Pam gave a brief report on the last month’s run and provided details of the next midweek run for November (on a Saturday – just for something different). Bernie Smith’s collection followed by lunch at the Bulla Black Horse Hotel. RSVPs please so tables can be booked Sales Report: Lina advised on ongoing sales of badges etc Technical Officer’s Report: Brian reported that he was still inspecting cars on a regular basis and would publish the Red Plate days for 2020 at the December meeting. AOMC Report: No report on AOMC other than to remind members to have their membership card with them when driving their CPS vehicles Events: The Chairman ran through the upcoming events noting again that there had been some- thing almost every week over the last few months available to club members General Business: Cars and Parts for sale or wanted – reminder to give the editor an email for the details for inclusion in MotorMouth ([email protected]) – no paper please Editor advised he would be happy to include ads for cars and parts and was happy to re- ceive paperwork from members. Robin advised that he was not planning to chase mem- bers for reports etc. Guest Speaker Alan introduced Rod Hadfield who gave an informative talk about his collection of vehicles, highlights and special cars, and taking the USA by storm in his earlier days. Members ex- pressed their thanks for the talk and the club purchased a copy of Rod’s book for the Club Library
The raffle was drawn
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9:45pm and invit- ed members to enjoy a chat and supper.
Graham Williams Secretary.
Next Meeting – Wednesday 4th December at 8:00pm at the clubrooms
Please remember to park at the clubrooms in a way that leaves space for multiple rows and cars to move in and out safely in the dark (and sometimes wet) conditions and also that the reserved spaces are required for members with mobility issues.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
Rod Hadfield, the founder of Castlemaine Rod Shop, attend- ed the November meeting and spoke about developing an inter- est in custom cars while growing up on the family farm in Stan- hope before moving to Castlemaine.
Amongst Rod’s amaz- ing achievements, he spoke about the mo- tivation for building his 1955 Chev, winning 75 car show awards during his 9 month stint in America, his salt lake racing ex- ploits and the inspiration for his ‘Warman’ special. Based on a 1955 Chev Sports Coupe, ‘55 Chev ‘Final Objective’ ’Final Objective’, the world’s most powerful registered, street-driven car, is powered by a twin-supercharged 27-litre V12 Rolls Royce Merlin from a P51 Mustang, certified at 3000hp. Details of Rod’s involvement in the custom car scene from its earliest days are ex- plored in more detail in the book ‘The Mad Scientist of Australian Hot Rodding: Rod Hadfield’, written by Rod’s daughter Allison. Copies of the book were available for purchase by mem- bers at the meeting for $40. A copy has been pur- chased for the club’s library.
Rod’s “Warman” Special
There will be no guest speaker at the December General Meeting.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 7 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
Wednesday December 4th @ 7:00 pm
General Meeting at the Clubrooms followed by a BBQ dinner.
Free BBQ for members and guests.
Members will receive a voucher for ONE FREE drink (beer, wine or soft drink) with the pur- chase of one or more packs of (five) raffle tickets ($5 per pack).
Any members interested in displaying their cars at the Australian F1 Grand Prix Auto- motive Avenue, if they run it in 2020, are welcome to register.
Ian Buckingham is coordinating the club’s involvement. Members interested in at- tending should contact Ian at General Meetings, club events or via his email: [email protected]
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 8 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
Old Dadswell Town is a unique old style Australian town nestled on 280 acres of natural bush on the edge of the Grampians National Park. It has country-style self contained cabins with a touch of nostalgia, history, memorabilia and good old Aussie humour.
There are five spacious two bedroom cabins which sleep four. All linen is supplied
The shearing shed style town hall has a great atmosphere for communal get-together's with its large open fire and rustic tables and chairs.
Mad Max's Garage is a car nuts heaven with a Hot Rod and motor memorabilia lining the walls, ideal venue for car clubs and groups. It even has its own 50's style diner!
Members wishing to attend the weekend to Old Dadswell Town (7th to 10th August 2020) will need to book accommodation by ringing Jenny on the number below.
5 twin share cabins are available.
Jenny & Max Green (Proprietors)
6237 Western Highway, Dadswell Bridge VIC 3385
(03) 5359 5299
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 9 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
Price List August 2019
HR BADGES [2013,2014,2015,2016] $5 each or 4 for $10 HR BADGES [2017,2018] $10 each HR STICKERS 2 for $5 HR STUBBIE HOLDER 2 for $20 HR CAP $12 each ANNUAL TOUR BADGE [2010,2012] 2 for $5 30th ANNIVERSARY BADGE $10 each CLUB GRILL BADGE $15 each IRON - ON CLOTH BADGE $12 each KEY RINGS 2 for $12 CAR SASHES $15 each or 2 for $24
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 10 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
8th to 10th November
Went to the Iconic Bright Rod Run last weekend. Weather wasn't great but could've been worse. Friday and Saturday was cruising around town and Sunday was the show n shine on the oval.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 11 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
The day was overcast but the rain held off for a good day. The number of show cars was down on previous years.
A lot of MRADMC members turned up for a talk fest and to look at what has been done to the cars.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 12 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
October Midweek Run: The Mill, Castlemaine 23rd October2019 Our day to Metcalfe was cancelled. As an alternative we went to the Mill in Castlemaine. First stop was the coffee café at the Mill, then wan- dered the Mill until called for lunch at the Five Flags at Campbells Creek.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 13 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
November Midweek Run: Bernie Smith’s Car Museum 25th November 2019 The midweek run was to Bernie Smith’s car museum in Tullamarine. With 26 members and friends attending, the cars brought back memories of cars they have owned.
Lunch was at the Blackhorse Hotel in Bulla.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 14 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
Children's First Open Day
Nine members of the club attended the Open Day on Sunday 24th November - with Children's First celebrating 20 years of providing key support to overseas children in need of life chang- ing medical services. As you can see below, the tanks that the club made a financial contribution to are now fully operational and form a key part of on-site essential services. Thanks to Trevor Elliott for making the signs at such short notice and to Bob Walters for ar- ranging to have them installed on the Saturday before the big day on Sunday. They certainly stood out.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 15 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
December
4 7:00 pm General Meeting & BBQ Clubrooms 12 6:00 pm P@HR Subcommittee Hanging Rock Reserve
15 9:30 am Cars & Coffee BP Calder Outbound
January
19 9:30 am Cars & Coffee BP Calder Outbound 28 8:30 pm Full Committee Meeting Clubrooms
February
5 8:00 pm General Meeting Clubrooms 8 P&HR Setup Hanging Rock Reserve
9 P&HR Hanging Rock Reserve 16 9:30 am Cars & Coffee BP Calder Outbound
18 8:30 pm Exec Committee Meeting Clubrooms
The Club’s Head Scrutineer, Brian Jayasingha, has
scheduled Red Plate Inspection Days for: Sunday March 29th at 8:00 am and
Sunday May 31st at 8:00 am If you have a club car on VicRoad’s Club Permit Scheme, it must be inspected by Brian’s team of scrutineers at least once per year. Contact Brian on (03) 9330 3331 during business hours, Monday to Friday, to book your car in to be inspected at either of the specified days. Further dates will be nominated for later in the year.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
In 1930, as a result of Chevrolet having de-throned An abridged history of Wolseley: Ford by introducing a “six (cylinder) car for the price of a four”, “light six disease” resulted in nearly every Eu- 1887 Wolseley Sheep Shearing Company ropean car maker offering smoother running small six- established in Sydney by Frederick Wolseley. es. Morris opted to extend its four cylinder engine from the Morris Minor into a six cylinder engine displacing 1889 Wolseley Sheep Shearing Company 1271cc. The Morris Minor engine had originally been formed in London; Frederick Wolse- adopted from the Wolseley 11/22 four cylinder 1250cc ley’s rights purchased. engine, which had been acquired by Morris when it purchased Wolseley from the receivers in 1927. Mor- 1893 Production transferred to England.
ris’ earlier foray into a six cylinder car had not been 1896 First Wolseley automobile devel- successful, so their “light six” would be aimed further oped. up-market. It seems fitting that it was released as a Wolseley (the Hornet), fitted with luxury features such 1901 Vickers Sons & Maxim Ltd purchase as safety glass, hydraulic brakes, 12-volt electrics and the automobile side of the Wolseley business, establishing the Wolseley thermostatically controlled radiator shutters (just like a Tool and Motor Car Co Ltd. Rolls Royce). The Wolseley Hornet is a six-cylinder twelve Treasury (or Fiscal) horsepower lightweight 1905 Wolseley takes over the Siddeley automobile which was offered as a saloon car, coupé Autocar Company, producing Wolse- and open two-seater as well as the usual rolling chas- ley-Siddeley cars featuring vertical engines. sis for bespoke coachwork. Produced by Wolseley Motors Limited from 1930 to 1936, the Hornet was un- 1914 Company is renamed Wolseley Mo- veiled to the public at the end of April 1930. Wolse- tors Ltd. ley’s shaft-driven (and later chain driven) overhead camshaft engines with twin carburettors and an oil 1926 Unable to compete with the cheap, cooler were so good that cars built on their Hornet simple cars being made by Morris, and with no financial support from Special chassis developed an outstanding reputation parent company Vickers, the compa- on the road and in club competition. ny goes into receivership; is pur- chased by William Morris. The first Hornets shipped to Australia were designat- 1927 William Morris registers the compa- ed as “Chassis Supplied to Coachbuilder”, with a vari- ny Wolseley Motors (1927) Ltd. ety of sporting bodies fitted by local coachbuilders in- 1952 Wolseley is absorbed into the British cluding Kellow-Falkiner, James Flood and Ruskin Mo- Motor Corporation with the merger tor Bodies in Melbourne, and GH Olding and Son, Wil- of Morris and Austin. liam Green and Premier Body Company in Sydney. 1976 The name ‘Wolseley’ disappears from new car showrooms.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 17 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
John’s Wolseley Hornet Spe- cial chassis arrived in Australia Treasury Horsepower in 1932 and was fitted with a Some European countries, including Brit- sporting body by William Green ain, used Treasury or Fiscal Horsepower as an early system by which taxation rates for of Petersham, Sydney. Known automobiles were reckoned. by its first NSW registration number ‘2888’, the Hornet immediately set about es- The tax horsepower rating was computed not from actual engine power but by a tablishing itself an enviable competition record in the mathematical formula based on cylinder hands of its first two owners, John Sherwood and dimensions (cylinder bore and the number of cylinders), with a higher tax rate apply- James St Heaps. ing to larger bores and more cylinders. This resulted in American cars with big Of particular note was its win in the hands of James St bore engines being taxed off the roads. Heaps in the 1933 100-Mile Teams Relay Race at the Marouba Olympia Motor Speedway. ‘2888’ was one of The system was scrapped in Britain in 1947, being replaced with a flat taxation four Hornets that constituted Team C. Each car had to rate. complete 30 laps of the track (25 miles). A token was carried by the driver and was transferred from driver to driver as the team mates relieved each other. Each car was also required to make a compulsory pit stop every seven or eight laps to change a wheel and a spark plug and to take on two gallons of petrol.
The winning Hornet racing team of the 1933 100-Mile Team Relay Race outside Government House, Sydney. 2888 is second from the right
Olympia Motor Speedway was a 7 furlong banked concrete bowl. Despite the banking being too steep to walk up, it was still not enough for the speeds achieved, and four competitors lost their lives going over the top of banking. Three others also died at the circuit, two of whom were mo- torcyclists. In 1947 the circuit was demolished, and a housing commission suburb was built on the site. ‘2888’ also tasted success in Light Car Club ’reliability trials’, events that regularly included full blown hill climbs and all-out sprints over quarter, half and full miles. ’2888’ continued to be active in motorsport throughout the 1940s, but by the time it was written up in the reference book “Wolseley Hornet Specials and Hornets, Nines & Wasps in Australia & New Zealand” by Bill Russell, Michael Santin and John Clucas in 2014 it was listed with the status “Unrestored”.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 18 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
John introduced ‘2888’ into his shed in 2016. The inter- vening years since it was actively compet- ing in the 1940s had not been kind. A little more than a good cut & polish was called for. From the Hornet’s perspective, it must have felt that its days of suffering were over since its heady competitive days, having finally died and gone to Wolseley heaven. John’s shed fairly bristles with magnificent ‘2888’ when it arrived into John’s care—2016 Wolseleys. There’s a 1951 Wolseley 6/80, a 1937 25hp Sedan, a 1938 25 hp Drophead Coupe, a 1964 6/110 Sedan and John’s latest Wolseley acquisition, a 1972 Wolseley SIX. There is also an extremely rare 1964 Wolseley TR4; this looks identical to a Triumph TR4, and curiously is also badged as a ‘Triumph’, but if John has it, it MUST be a Wolseley. Aside from being a member of our Macedon Ranges club, John is currently President of the Wolseley Car Club, a member of the Wolseley Hornet Special Club of Australia and, for the time being at least, a mem- ber of the Wolseley Hornet Special Club of the United Kingdom. John is also extremely well credentialled to undertake the required restoration of ‘2888’, having worked his en- tire working life as an aviation engineer. Aside from requiring a full mechanical resto- ration, ‘2888’s body was in serious need of major surgery. Much of the timber framing for the body panels had rotted. Fortunately, John’s 1964 Wolseley TR4 many of the body panels had rusted away so the lack of structural integrity of the timber framing was of little consequence. The bottom 100mm or so of the body panels had all but disap-
peared, the front guards had serious rust and some serious dents, and the bonnet had been reduced to a couple of lift-off panels due to se- rious rust along the centre-line hinge. At the time of writing this article the chassis had been fully refurbished as had all running gear, the engine, transmission and electrics. John has been assisted by several club mem- bers, of both Macedon Ranges and the Wolse- ley Car Club, in breathing new life into the tired Hornet. Ex Macedon Ranges club member, Peter Reid, spent many hours carefully shap- Peter Reid painstakingly replacing much of the ing new timbers to replace the rotted timber timber framing of ‘2888’. framing.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 19 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
Peter also worked with John to devel- op an ingenious jig consisting of a few sticks of wood, some rubber tube, a curtain bracket and a hose clip for pro- ducing engine turned panels for the Hornet’s firewall and dashboard. When ‘2888’ came to live in John’s shed it had a timber dashboard; only The business end of ‘2888’ with a fully refurbished fair I suppose. Have you ever seen a six cylinder engine and new engine turned dash- Wolseley with anything other than a board. timber dashboard? But this timber dashboard was something that had to be seen to be believed. Now removed from the car, the timber has been used to build two dining ta- bles, each complete with seating for six, and still enough timber left over for a really nice coffee table. It was the thickest dashboard I have ever seen, with machining around the gauge mounting points evidently undertaken by a team of partially well-trained bea- vers. Obviously not the original item fitted to a lightweight sports car. The engine turned replacement built by John and Peter is an absolute work of art. The front guards have had the resident rust removed and the integrity of the shape restored by Macedon Ranges’ own John ‘the metal whisperer’ Parnis, assisted by John’s boys. In addition, John Parnis has fabricated an entire new bonnet to cover the beautifully re- stored six cylinder Hornet engine, dis- covering in the process that older cars are not necessarily symmetrical about the centre line.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 20 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
The photo on the right is the Hornet with rebuilt guards and new bonnet test fitted, to enable final drilling of all nec- essary mounting holes prior to going to paint.
Below is the Hornet as it is in Novem- ber 2019, with final fettling of items such as fabricating the front cowl be- Wolseley Hornet Specifications: tween the chassis irons and trimming No. cylinders Inline 6 of the exhaust to length before applying paint. Bore 57mm
Stroke 83mm Capacity 1271cc (78ci) Camshaft Single overhead— chain driven Treasury hp 12 hp Transmission 4 speed manual Clutch Single plate dry type Brakes 12 inch hydraulically operated drum
References:
• Wolseley Hornet Specials and Hornets, Nines & Wasps by Bill Russell, Michael Santin & John Clucas. Hornet Publications, June 2014
• Wikipedia
• Wolseley Car Club of NSW—History
• Wolseley Hornet Special Club (UK) - History
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 21 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
The famous Chevrolet V8 at 65 The Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of V8 automobile engines used in normal produc- tion by the Chevrolet division of General Motors between 1954 and 2003, using the same basic engine block. Referred to as a "small-block" for its comparative size relative to the physically much larger Chevrolet big-block engines, the family spanned from 262 cu in (4.3 L) to 400 cu in (6.6 L) in displacement. Engineer Ed Cole is credited with leading the design for this engine. More than 100 million Chevrolet small block V8 engines have been built since it was launched in 1954. It might have ceased full production in 2003, and it may have recently hit 65, but the small block is still being made in small numbers for those who want to enjoy its charms in hot rods and sports cars. The first generation of Chevrolet small-blocks began with the 1955 Chevrolet 265 cu in V8 of- fered in the Corvette and Bel Air. It quickly gained popularity among stock car racers, nick- named the "Mighty Mouse", for the then-popular cartoon character, later abbreviated to "Mouse". By 1957 it had grown to 283 cu in (4.6 L). Fitted with the optional Rochester mechani- cal fuel injection, it was one of the first production engines to make 1 hp per 1 cu in . The 283 was adopted by other Chevrolets, replacing the 265 V8s. A high-performance 327 cu in (5.4 L) variant followed, turning out as much as 375 hp (280 kW) (SAE gross power) and raising horse- power per cubic inch to 1.15 hp. From 1954 to 1974, the small-block engine was known as the "Turbo-Fire" or "High Torque" V8. But it was the 350 cu in (5.7 L) series that became the best known Chevrolet small-block. Installed in everything from station wagons to sports cars, in com- mercial vehicles, and even in boats and (in highly modified form) airplanes, it is the most widely used small-block of all time.
The Aussie Connection As the Australian outpost of General Motors, Holden was quick to use its par- ent company’s engines when it launched the Commodore in 1978. The home market was a willing audience for the small block V8 and the Holden-ised ver- sion started off as a 253cu in (4.1-litre) unit. Later in its life, the Commodore’s V8 grew to a much fuller 350cu in (5.7 litres) and this model was a mainstay of Hold- en’s assault on the Aussie V8 Super- car, previously the Australian Touring Car Championship. This also inspired Holden to launch its HSV performance division.
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 22 MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
Gisborne Miniature & Model Railways First Sunday of every month 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Train rides $2 per ride Webb Crescent, New Gisborne
FOR SALE * Edelbrock 500 cfm carburetor. Manual choke. Square bore $100. George: 0450 396 009
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au MOTOR MOUTH The voice of Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club
10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne Vic. 3438 PO Box 84, Gisborne Vic 3437 www.mradmc.com.au 24