SEPTEMBER 2012

Affiliated to SAVVA e-mail [email protected] P.O. Box 651901 - Benmore - 2010 Clubhouse: 3 Athol Oaklands Road - Oaklands -

From the Chairman’s desk August 2012

As this is the AGM edition I believe I should mention a few pertinent issues in that direction. At the last Club Sunday I did make an appeal for volunteers and nominations for the committee for the new year and I would like to share with you why I believe this is something that requires special attention at this time.

Our club is a like a living organism and anything which is not growing is dying. The other altruism in this respect is that visible change is the only sign of life. If one accepts these two ideas then one has to accept that our club is also subject to these rules. The current committee has been in place with one or two exceptions, for many years now and fortunately they are still willing to work in the interests of our club. For this we thank them. The intention is not to suddenly remove all of them and replace them but the time has come when we need to see new faces on the committee who can start learning the processes and understanding the important issues which face us. We have been fortunate for many years now, to have competent and committed people who have done a good job in running the club and we can never let that slide. That is why this is a key issue for all of us this year especially.

There are other similar clubs facing some tough times and while I don’t believe we are like that, I am appealing to all members to give this some thought and where possible to come forward with either volunteering or nominating someone who can help with the running of the club affairs into the future. There are perhaps members who have good ideas and the ability to organize more than what currently happens as well as just willing folk who are prepared to volunteer for a duty here or there without even joining the committee. The issues of having someone lock up on a Sunday or even just helping in the bar from time to time seems always to fall on a few and just one or two duties a year by more volunteers would lighten the load considerably.

So please give this some serious thought this time around and surprise us with some names of people who are prepared to help. I look forward to a good response!

I look forward to seeing most of you at the AGM

Ian Holmes

This month’s cover picture The theme for Club Sunday in July was “Your Favourite Car” and members brought a huge variety of different cars, from vintage to modern. Pictured here is a magnificent Riley (mini) next to Brian Lawlor’s Bentley, and around all the cars you could find a group in deep discussion. Overheard, however, when one gentleman was asked which was the favourite car that he brought, the answer was “The one that started”.

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THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE VINTAGE AND VETERAN CLUB to be held on Sunday 26 August 2012 at 10:30

AGENDA Welcome Apologies Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting Chairman’s Report Treasurer’s Report Nomination of Committee General Closing of the Meeting Tea will be served.

Minutes of the 51 st Annual General Meeting held at the VVC Clubhouse on Sunday 28 August 2011 at 10:30

Welcome : The Chairman welcomed all present and in particular Bill Nettleton Founder Member, Mike Milner-Smyth VMC, Rodney Norton Piston Ring and John Alison Sunbeam Club. Apologies : Rick Lewis, Peter Dahl, Clive Banks, Roger Manton, Nick Pryke, Bill Cunningham, Ian Huntly, Stewart Reeve, Neville Mayhew, Roy Watson, Joe Gates, Jolyon Simpson, Denis Bottomley, Aubrey Malden, James McGee. Present : Members as per signed register. Chairman called for a moment silence for members who had died during the past year. Confirmation of 2010 Minutes : The item pertaining to the Clubhouse lease raised by J. Steenkamp has been dealt with in the Chairman’s report. Proposed by C. J. van Jaarsveld and seconded by Brian Noik. Chairman’s Report : Read out by Ian Holmes. Additional thanks to Gwyneth Thomas for her work in the Library. Treasurer’s Report : As printed and circulated. The Treasurer, Paul Koski, gave a brief introduction. SAVVA Report : Eric McQuillian reported on the problems regarding licenses. SAVVA is endeavoring to coordinate the various provincial authorities who, at the moment, are not in agreement with each other with regard to licensing. It has been suggested by SAVVA that members should have all the relevant vehicles SAVVA dated. Nominations for the 2011/2012 Committee : The Committee for the forthcoming year will be: Ian Holmes, Ian Middleton, Brian Lawlor, Eric McQuillian, Marshall Murton and Noel Fordred. Presentation Of Awards : Don Beattie Trophy was awarded to Jonny Horne. General : Henry Watermeyer asked for clarity on using vehicles with an S license on September 24 th 2011. Eric Arnott thanked the Chairman and committee for their work for the past year.

The meeting was closed by the Chairman who thanked all who attended.

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SAVVA Technical Tip 63 - Gearbox Oils

Many years ago I had a Cortina XR6 (company car) which during the winter was reluctant to change gears until it had warmed up. This you must appreciate was very embarrassing in heavy traffic. To solve the problem the agents replaced the gearbox oil with one of a much lighter viscosity. Come summer, the lighter oil was replaced with the normal heavier one – problem solved.

Years later, I am having a similar problem with an early Buick. Come the winter, it’s rather reluctant to go from first to second when cold and it takes a long, long time to warm up. I mentioned this to a truck mechanic who said they have similar problems with certain trucks that also use heavy oils i.e. SAE 140. He suggested I try multigrade gearbox oil which has solved many of their problems. I had never heard of such oils but it was worth investigating.

The local Midas, who caters more for the car industry didn’t carry it and suggested I try a Midas in the industrial area that caters for the truck trade. There I found it - they knew exactly what I wanted, in fact, they had a big display/promotion of this product.

I take it the other oil companies have similar products, however the one they stocked was Shell, Spirax, Axle oil, 85W - 140.

After using it, I have found out that it helps a fair bit when cold but it also helps when hot. After a long run when the oil is hot it seems easier to get back into first without the usual grating and necessity for double declutching.

The Cars of 1974 Aaaahh… those were the days! When you could drive away with a brand-new Mercedes 230 for just over five grand! Or pick up a VW Beetle 1600 for a mere R1,995. Take a trip down Memory Lane as we roll back the years and recall the days when motoring was fun and affordable… Which of these cars did you own back in the days of bell bottom slacks, disco dancing and those hideous macramé plant hangers?

Audi 100 LS – R3,930 Chevrolet Constantia 5-litre V8 – R5,700 Chrysler Valiant Rebel – R3,475 Datsun 1200 De Luxe – R2,195 Ford Granada 2500 L – R3,399 Peugeot 404 – R3,265 Toyota Corona 2000 Mk II – R3,285 Triumph Chicane 2.5-litre – R3,585 Volvo 144S 2-litre – R4,350 Fiat 1300 Mk II – R2279 (pictured here)

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Profile – EricArnot

As a schoolboy during the 1930’s Eric’s passions were cars, trains, aeroplanes and ships. During school holidays his time was divided between visiting the London showrooms of what we today call post vintage classics, such as Bentley, Lagonda, Railton, Riley and MG, and visiting the mainline railway termini to add to his collection of names and numbers of steam locos. 10am was the time to be at Kings Cross to see the Flying Scotsman leave for Edinburgh. Then a quick walk to Euston for the Rotal Scot’s departure for Glasgow at 10-30. Later in the morning the Cornish Riviera steamed out of Paddington for the West Country.

Living within cycling distance of the RAF aerodrome at Hendon, Eric spent other school holidays watching Hawker Furies and Gloucester Gladiators landing and taking off. (RAF front line fighters were still biplanes until Spitfires and Hurricanes entered service only at the very beginning of the War.) This was also the era of the great transatlantic liners, Queen Mary, Empress of Britain, Normandie and Bremen. One wonders whether today’s engineering marvels give schoolboys the same thrill as they did 75 years ago?

Still in London during the War (including during the Blitz) Eric did an engineering degree at London University, and then joined the Fleet Air Arm branch of the Royal Navy. Then, newly wed in 1948, Eric and Helene did a smart thing and emigrated to , to Cape Town nog al. Cape Town in 1948 was paradise, even more than it is today. It was under populated and living was cheap. On Eric’s salary of £40 per month, and Helene’s of £30, they could afford to buy their first car, a new Morris Minor, for £378, and pay it off over 18 months.

After a couple of job changes, 1964 saw the family relocated in Johannesburg. In 1969 Eric was working for a small engineering company when he had the lucky break of being given the opportunity of buying it. Over the next 37 years he built it up and ran it until he sold it and retired in 2006. A chronic shortage of cash delayed the luxury of owning a fun car until about 1973. First was a BMW 2002, then a BMW 3;0CS, then a 1982 BMW 635csi, which is still in the family. Next was a Jaguar E type, 4.2 Series 2.

Eric’s ambition was to own a vintage car and restore it from the ground up. The opportunity came when he bought a 1925 Series 5 Lancia Lambda tourer in 1982. The restoration was rewarding both because the Lambda was so well designed and constructed and because, once completed, it never missed a beat for the next 25 years.

On a visit to the UK in1984, Eric spotted a 1938 Alvis Speed 25 with Cross and Ellis tourer body and brought it back to South Africa. It turned out to need a complete restoration and, in contrast

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Scottburgh Classic Car Show From Hentie and Jeanne Erasmus

Members of the MG Car Club and VVC has a wonderful trip to Scottburgh over the weekend of 27/30 July. We went down to the Scottburgh Classic Car show, an event organised by Peter Fielding, founder of the Scottburgh Classic Car Club. Our group overnighted at Rawdon’s Hotel on the Midlands Meander, where we had a most enjoyable stay.

On Saturday we arrived at the blue Marlin Hotel and were made to feel most welcome. Peter and Val Fielding joined us and many Triumph Club members at dinner that evening. Later we enjoyed a cabaret show, which was presented by some very talented locals – hilarious and fun!

Sunday dawned clear and sunny, but with a chilly wind. We set out to the Country Club grounds for the show at which there were cars and members from many clubs. This was an extremely well organised event. Triumph was the featured marque this year, and the Triumph Sports Car Club of KZN provided a lovely display to illustrate its development over the years, as well as celebrating the 50 th anniversary of the Spitfire sports car. Many other marques were represented at the show, ranging from elegant vintage to Ferraris and Maseratis.

This event was not only to provide a venue for classic car enthusiasts to display their vehicles. It provided a means of raising much needed funds for those less fortunate in the local community.

We finished off the day with a dinner and sing-along organised by the Blue Marlin Hotel. A great time was had by all.

Photograph by Kevin Loader

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The most magnificent Rolls-Royce ever built From an article in the UK Daily Mail, 5 July 2012

This 100-year-old Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost has zoomed into the world record books, selling at auction for almost £5million following a fierce bidding war. It was originally bought for £1,000 in 1912 (almost £93,000 in today’s money) but has now gone under the hammer for £4,705,500, making it the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold at auction.

More about this magnificent vehicle … • It has ivory and silver fittings, silk door panels and a china tea service; • It manages just six miles to the gallon and has a top speed of only 60mph; • The car even had an early speedometer – an important addition given that a 20mph speed limited was introduced in 1912. • It was nick-named ‘The Corgi Silver Ghost’ in the 1960s after a toymaker based its Silver Ghost toy car on this model.

The car was commissioned by Rolls-Royce connoisseur John M Stephens and, unlike most car enthusiast of his time, Mr Stephens from South London asked the makers not to include a glass division window between the driver and the passengers as he wanted to drive it himself rather than rely on a chauffeur.

Mr Stephens’s car is believed to be the only one of its kind to survive with its full interior and bodywork, as many Rolls-Royces from the era were converted into ambulances during the First World War.

Thank you to the VVC member who left a copy of this newspaper article at the Club last Sunday.

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TRACKING PROGRESS OF RESTORATIONS From: Paul Koski

I would like to introduce a new monthly article to track members’ restorations as they progress from rust to show. Please send contributions.

The first article will be the Raleigh Safety Seven, which was introduced in 1933. Raleigh was traditionally a bicycle company that ventured into the motor cycle arena introducing their “Safety Seven”. It has a fully enclosed aluminium alloy car-style tourer body (over an ash frame) and a V-twin 742cc “Sturmley Archer” Engine with drive shaft to the rear rather than chain. When launched the name was adopted so that the new car was clearly placed at the bottom end of the Austin Seven/Morris Eight market, as a ‘proper’ car rather than a cyclecar

Despite the promise (and reasonable market success) of these new models, Raleigh's management nevertheless began to consider withdrawing gradually from all its motor vehicle activities in order to concentrate entirely on its bicycle products, as the company had recently gone public as Raleigh Cycle Holdings. The three wheels also made the vehicle exempt from tax and thus it was a quite affordable means of transport. It sold for 100 Guineas (which sounds cheap I guess). The Government then introduced tax on three wheelers, and this also contributed to the demise of the Safety Seven. It is estimated that no more than 7 of these survive today.

The records reflect that in 1951 the vehicle was owned by Mr L Kretschmer, registered in Durban and sold to a Mr E Woodall. In later years the vehicle was owned by the Alistair Porter (Porter Ford). It was acquired from the Estate some years back by Dave Alexander. The vehicle has not been running since the early 60’s. Dave stripped most of the paint work down and managed to release a seriously stuck engine. He managed to turn the engine with the crank and it unexpectedly roared into life. I acquired the car from Dave and it was transported to Johannesburg for the start of the restoration.

The car does not have rear mud guards and after a bit of research we found that the Austin 7 mudguards are a perfect fit in all respects according to the drawings. We suspect that the original mud guards may have been Austin mudguards (I believe that Austin also bought out their components). The next stage is to get a new engine bonnet and new bottom plates made as the current ones are too rough.

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Breakfast Runs

Once again Sunday 12 August was a bitterly cold morning, and braving the weather in a Ford Model A, in particular, was very challenging, especially to be at Olivia’s from 08:00. There was also the lovely Austin 7, an MGC, a stunning Maserati, to name those cars visible, but the more sensible folk wrapped up warm and arrived in their modern, heated cars. As always, the meal was excellent and a great time was had by all, namely Ian and Sue Holmes, Eric and Dawn McQuillian, Pierre and Cindy Rousseau and Cindy’s Mom, Betty Richmond, Lyn Saunders, John Hassell, Ron Wheeldon, John Berry and Jean Gobey. Pictured here as most of the group.

The next Breakfast Run will be held on Sunday 9 September 2012 at Junipa’s , Hobart Centre, Cnr Grosvenor and Hobart Rds. Bryanston. .

Welcome to new members: Richard Loffell , who lives in Northriding and his home phone number is 011 704 2083. He has a 1917 Ford T, 1928 Plymouth and a 1947 MG TC. Guillaume Marais , who lives with his wife Nadia in Fairland. He has a 1985 Mercedes 380 SEC and his business phone number is 011 380 7500.

Happy September birthdays to: Dick Allwright, Brian Askew, Colin Bremner, Sydney Brett, Robert de Assuncao, Patrick Gearing, Oliver Gerondeanos, Roy Heydenrych, Peter Hyslop, David Knott, Darren Kritzman, Dick Maizey, Eric McQuillian, John Meeks, John Meiring, Clive Middleton, Mike Milner-Smyth, Bill Nettleton, Nick Pryke, Nadav Ravid, Stewart Reeve, Jan Steenkamp, William Strong, Allessandro Tafani.

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Recommended Suppliers It has been suggested that a list be published twice annually for those members who require assistance with their restorations of old cars, BUT we need you , the members of VVC to share the details of other suppliers or services you have received. Please send to the Editor, and this list will be updated.

Auto Trimmers *Sue Sheppard, 97 Muller St., Buccleuch, 011 804 3088 Bearings *Apolco Bearings, 18 Bezuidenhout St., Troyeville. 011 6182760 Bodywork & Spray Painting *Graham Botha, 011 8734482, 0823174236 Brake, Clutch & Accelerator Cables *Cablecraft, 77 West St., Kempton Park, 011 394 4865 Brakes & steering *Summit Brake & Steering, 375 Boulevard, 011 803 6500 for Pistons, calipers, re-sleeving cylinders and assistance with brake problems on early cars. Dating Club Vehicles *Ian Holmes, 011 793 7304, 0836463089, [email protected] Dust Covers *Pat Barclay, 011 698 3166, 0732637982 Electroplating *African Electroplating, 13 Maraisburg Street, Industria West 011 474 8767 General Engineering *Milling, turning, splining, 16 Plantation Rd. Edenvale, 011 452 1448/9 *Joe Texeira, Jules St, Johannesburg, 011 615 1076 Instrument Repairs *Derek Nightingale, 51 Scott St, Berario, Johannesburg, 011 476 3659, 0824562504 Insurance *SAVVA Insurance, Glenn Broadhurst, 087 736 2222 Lenses (reproductions) *Duke’s Car Lenses 083 655 3657 Magneto Rebuilding *Rod Thomas, Waterfall, Natal, 031 762 1509 Mechanical Repairs (vintage & collectable cars) *Hamish Morrison, 011 026 2768 ‘, 083 4562768, [email protected] Piston Rings *Made to size, Industrial Piston Ring Manuf. David Godwin, 011 622 2546/7 *Cord Rings, 5 Kruis St. Johannesburg, 011 3349525 Powder Coating *African Powder Coating, 13 Fountain St. Eastleigh, Edenvale. John 011 452 3345 Seat Springs *Seat, compression, tension springs etc., Weblor, Springs 011 452 8686/7 Ultrasonic Cleaning *Henry Watermeyer, 011 882 7251, 0848008862 Weddings, High school dances & Film Shoots *Eric, 011 888 3790, 0837000171, [email protected] *KC Saayman, 011 550 5400, 0836451640, [email protected] Welding (coded welder) *Specialising with aluminium, cast iron, magnesium & stainless steel. Castweld 21 Heidelberg Road, Johannesburg. 011 334 1920

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Of this and that

It was with regret that we report on the passing of club member Dave Harper , and extend condolences to family and friends. Dave has been a member of the VVC for many years but unfortunately because of ill health wasn't able to partake in activities. He was very enthusiastic about early cars and was the proud owner of a Morris 1000. The highlight of his life was his monthly Sunday visit to the Club. For those members who cannot place Dave - you may recall him standing just outside the club entrance rolling his cigarettes. Dave had to be one of the last smokers who insisted on his own brand.

Colin Brauteseth has had a spell in hospital, and we wish him a speedy recovery .

Sue Shepperd has also just had a spell in Krugersdorp hospital and is far from well. Get well soon, Sue.

Reminders Please remember that subscriptions are now due , so if you have not already paid, please bring your cheque to the AGM.

For those members insured with the SAVVA Insurance Scheme through FNB, please note that the new contact details are : Glenn Broadhurst Madelene Wiese Telephone: 087 736 2222 Fax : (011) 699 0783 Email: [email protected]

For Sale 1976 MGB Roadster in running condition. Needs TLC. R50000-00 ONO. Contact Janet 011 802 6168. Cell: 084 421 4038.

Miscellaneous Motoring Costs 1974

● 1 litre 98-octane petrol -- 11 cents per litre (coast) ● NGK spark plug – 49 cents ● Set alloy rims – R170 ● Weber carburettor – R45 ● Reconditioned motor for VW Beetle – R250 ● Fuel pump for Ford V6 – R15 ● Battery charger – R14.00 ● Set of rings for 4-cyl Ford – R15.60 ● Head gasket for 4-cyl Ford – R4.50 ● Locking petrol cap for VW – R1.28

Memories from 1974 submitted by Ian Middleton

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2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

(Subject to amendment – see Magazine & Notice board for more current information)

Aug 26 VVC Annual General Meeting/Post-vintage Cars & Bikes Sep 1/2 Wheels on the Vaal (VOWC – Vereeniging) Sep 15 SAVVA AGM Sep 16 Piston Ring Swop Meet Sep 23 VVC Parkhurst Vintage Cars Sep 24 National Drive it Day! SAVVA Sep 30 VVC Post-45 Cars & Bikes & Buick Club Oct 20 Club 100 Run (cars 100 years and older) Oct 21 Motoring Memories – Piston Ring Oct 21 Studebaker Club Show Day, Smuts House Oct 28 VVC Sports Cars & Bikes& Rolls & Bentley Club & BDC Nov 9/10 Fairest Cape Motorcycle Tour CVMC Nov 25 VVC Veteran Cars & Bikes Dec 30 VVC Christmas meeting

To be arranged (other ideas will be welcome!): - Garage Visits; Social evening; Monthly breakfasts (usually 2nd Sunday of month)

This is an early reminder of the Parkhurst Heritage Car Day on 23 September, 4 th Avenue, Parkhurst- more details to follow.

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COMMITTEE FOR 2011/2012

Ian Holmes [email protected] Chairman 011 793-7304 Eric McQuillian [email protected] Vice-Chairman 011 888-3790 Brian Lawlor [email protected] Clubhouse 011 883 2054 Paul Koski [email protected] Treasurer 011 442 6662 Noel Fordred [email protected] Register/member sec 011 465-1084 Ian Middleton [email protected] Special events 011 887-8930

Ex-officio Portfolio Holders: Jean Gobey [email protected] Newsletter 011 794-9478 Harry Shutler Dating 011 678-2162 John Hassall [email protected] Social breakfasts 011 679-2342 Gwyn Thomas Library 082 706-8120

CORRESPONDENCE

All correspondence to the club should also be addressed to [email protected] .

Please note that the deadline for articles for the next issue is 15 September 2012 , and do keep your articles coming in, especially stories about little events, trips or adventures which you may recall from earlier days of motoring. Your contributions are appreciated.

VINTAGE AND VETERAN CLUB ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 2012/2013

Joining Fee: R125.00 (Including Name Badge) Extra name badges R 25.00

Annual Subscriptions

Ordinary Members : R480.00 with printed Newsletter R360.00 with e-mail Newsletter Honorary Life Members : FREE Country Members (outside of ): R360.00 inclusive of printed Newsletter Country Members (outside of Gauteng): R240.00 if Newsletter is received by e-mail

Disclaimer : While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice, information and views given to readers, the Editor, Club Committee and Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise therefrom .

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