Chapter 7 meeting.” There was also a brief also there were 6 Victorian A7s history of the Club’s achievements racing in Historic Groups J and K. to date. Since our 21st celebrations, the 1983-1987 A fund had been organised by expertis e and ex pe rience in

the Club to establish a memorial in organising Club displays had grown 30 years old and our own Garrie Cooper’s name, to be raced markedly, so that the 30th Birthday for at A7C race meetings. This was Rally was planned for the Birdwood Clubrooms; the AGP comes well supported by many of his Mill Motor Museum on 22/23 to town and ’s friends and fellow competitors and October 1983. For two months prior Alive! the 1983 meeting was the first one to the rally, six A7s were displayed

at which it would be awarded, as in the museum’s foyer. The By way of introduction to the Austin 7 Journals 79 reported. weekend’s celebrations began with Club’s 30th year activities, the an informal gathering at the The features of the meeting were a Clubrooms on Saturday, where President’s Piece in Austin 7 return of vintage and historic vehicles to Journals 78 January 1983, appealed Mallala, many of which had raced their interstate visitors were welcomed to “for members’ support at all Club in their heyday, a commemorative race the rally by a display of cars. That events, particularly general for A7s, the Denis Dix memorial and a night was the Rally Dinner at the new memorial in honour of Garrie Sportsman’s Association and then meetings, which had diminished to Cooper. an all time low at the end of 1982. A small hitch in the works occurred the big day was Sunday, with all As a record of our 30 years of when Channel 7 announced the members’ cars eligible. existence and achievements, special cancellation of the 1983 Good Friday The rally magazine contained a m e m e nt os ha ve been m a de Appeal. However, the publicity, which brief history of the Club, written by the event would have received from this Tony Grove, and a welcoming available and special events have appeal was replaced by a lengthy been planned”. segment on State Affair, which featured message from the President, Barry T h e f i r s t o f t h e s e David Grear’s A7 among other cars. Frost, which said, in part: commemorative events was the The Denis Dix memorial trophy was Easter race meeting, planning for raced with a depleted Sports Sedan On behalf of the members of the field and Mick Monterosso was an easy Austin 7 Club of SA Inc., I welcome you which had begun in the previous winner from Ken Leigh and James to ou r ra ll y and display wh ich October, and it was previewed in Rosenberg. commemorates the 30th year of our Austin 7 Journals 78. The next event was the A7 Club Club. 30th Anniversary Trophy, which was In the past 30 years, interest in the won by Bryan Sellick in a Ford Special; The Easter race meeting in 1983 is A7 by club members has never wavered second and first A7 was taken by John at Mallala and is jointly organised and and at the present time the number of Ould. It was on the first lap of this race promoted by the A7 Club and the restored and running cars is at its that the only serious accident occurred. Historic Racing Register of the SCC and highest and you will see some of them Coming out of Magnum Corner, towards will be on Saturday 2 April. A full today. You will also see cars still in the S/F line, Max Foster’s A7 tripped program of racing has been planned various stages of restoration, which will and rolled sideways, finishing on its with special emphasis on A7s, as the help you to appreciate the hours of work wheels on the edge of the track. Max’s meeting will commemorate our 30th and the dedication required to return helmet was worn from hitting the track, anniversary. some vehicles to “as new” condition. while the roll bar was almost worn Not only racing Austins – which Also during the last 30 years, many through as it scraped along the bitumen. have a special event – but also sedans, members have built A7s for speed The inaugural Garrie Cooper tourers etc are catered for in two events and, having had a taste of Memorial was for historic Group M cars Regularity runs. We are hoping for competition, have then built and and 16 cars faced the starter. John plenty of support from A7 owners, both competed in cars designed for racing. Ampt, Brabham BT14 won fairly easily here and interstate. So, included in today’s display are from D a v i d Ma drers and Tony racing and sports cars and some of Armstrong, both in Elfin Monos. After ’s top Sports Sedans, which The race meeting programme the event, Bruce Went then introduced belong to our Sports Sedans Register. noted, “This meeting is significant Mrs Lorraine Cooper to present the for a number of reasons. Firstly, it trophy. On the day, 68 members entered heralds the return of historic motor D u r i n g t h e a f t e r n o o n o u r Commemorative Port and glasses were 87 cars in 13 categories for display; sport to one of Australia’s greatest on sale. Thanks to Davids Grear and but unfortunately no racing cars circuits of the 60s and once again Searles and friends and Lyn Masters, in appeared. the SA Historic Tourist Trophy will excess of $700 worth was sold. The winning entrants were: Regularity run entrants included be run. Secondly, it coincides with Vintage A7 – Elegance: the 30th anniversary of the A7 Club Merv Perry, David Searles, David Grear and Dean Qualmann, all of whom George Bell 1926 chummy SA and we are confident of great thoroughly enjoyed the outing. Post-vintage A7 – Elegance: support from A7 owners, both in Jean Gilbert 1935 tourer regularity and race events. Thirdly, The organiser’s hopes of A7 best interstate – Colin Masterson we are delighted to have the support support from A7 drivers was 1929 meteor of Channel 7 and BP Outward A7 specials – Elegance: Colin justified as out of the 18 cars in the Masterson 1929 meteor Bound as spons ors for the Regularity events, four were A7s;

75 A7 unassembled units – when a set of objectives and

Most optimistic – guidelines, as proposed by David David Grear, special 1983 COMMITTEE Searles, was adopted with the aim Best attempt – of ensuring that the issuing of Club Malcolm Lake 1928 tourer President – Barry Frost plates under this scheme was Other vintage cars - Elegance: Vice President – Bob Frost Max Dillon 1928 managed efficiently. However, Treasurer – Greg Heinjus Oakland tourer despite these new rules, at several Secretary – Mark Williamson Other post-vintage cars - Elegance: meetings concern was expressed Comp. Secretary – David Poole Harry Hewson 1934 A10 that some of these plates were lost Committee – Bob Frost, Classic cars – Elegance: when a vehicle changed hands to a Steve Furlong, Brian Caire 1948 A8 non-Club member. The continual Tim Williams, Sports Sedans under 2000 cc – turnover of ownerships, (see the David Searles, Dan Wilkinson Corolla table below), meant that by July Sports Sedans over 2000 cc – Tony Saddington 1987 the 120th plate was issued. Steve Smith Escort During 1985 there was an A7 Owners – Merv Perry, Stan Gaf- Club competition cars: - Brenton ney, Kevin Caire, David Searles, Jones 1965 HD unconfirmed report from the David Grear, Rose Caire, Jean Gilbert Registered cars – Paul Sochor 1962 Federation hinting that the current Social – Bruce Went Chrysler Valiant S system of registration permits may Popular Choice A7 – Ian Sweetman be changed. Sports Sedan Register – Peter Popular Choice competition – Of more immediate concern was Finch, Wayne Sutton, George Carter, Tony Saddington. Graham Masters a p r op os a l by th e Fe de r a l Popular Choice other cars – Government to change the tax Delegates: Harry Hewson applied to spare parts; a petition CAMS – Bruce Went; Memorabilia produced during FVCC – David Searles against this was organised and in the year for members included T- September 1985 it was reported Life membership to shirts and windcheaters, two styles “that apparently the petition has met Merv and Ruth Perry of wine glasses, bar mirrors and a with some success”. The end result tawny port; sales of these netted was that a spare parts impost of $650 profit. 56% was applied to all spares for while the 1986 run saw 1802 And so the Club’s 30th year vehicles under 30 years old: A7s vehicles make the trip. Bryant celebrations were successfully thus escaped the tax. Lawson’s report on this run for concluded, and at the November A7 The Federation had its own Austin 7 Journals 97 noted, in part: own er ’ s m eet ing “I t was problems. In January 1987, the wholeheartedly agreed that the current President wrote to all Clubs Well the “Big One” is over once Birthday Rally was a tremendous advising of a proposal to include again and this time it was really BIG! I success”. historic motor vehicles in the never appreciated just how many cars The Club car saga also came to were involved until we neared Glenelg, Registration system. David Searles with cars converging on the Bay Road conclusion in 1983. Austin 7 replied with a strong letter from all directions. Progress was so Journals 79 detailed the work done expressing our objections and slow as we neared the starting point to the car and the costs to date reasons for not supporting this that we actually stopped engines and ($700) and invited members to proposed change and at the April pushed our cars. In view of the numbers involved there were bound to be some submit tenders for it by the close of Federation meeting it was rejected. delays and the suggestion sheets the May general meeting when it In July 1987, costs of permits under supplied should make for interesting would be on display. this scheme rose due to a 300% reading, but in general I think the As there was no response from increase in the cost of insurance. organising was good. members by then, an advertisement The Federation had happier was placed in The Advertiser; this times too; the 1984 Bay to The Federation ran a raffle in attracted only one enquiry. In the Birdwood attracted 1127 entries, 1985, with all affiliated clubs end, only one firm offer was forthcoming and the car was sold Numbers of entries on the Club Register in this period for $900 in June 1983.

The ability to drive vintage cars YEAR 1983 1984* 1985 1986 1987 Owners 76 70 59 50 65 under the Federation’s scheme A7 111 110 72 79 106 whereby the Club maintained a Big7 3 1 1 2 Register of eligible cars caused A8 9 4 7 7 considerable work for the Owner’s A10 14 1 6 9 1 committee as well as some 2 5 problems. A16 2 2 3 These were addressed at a A30 10 4 8 7 special meeting in August 1984 Other 38 49 26 41 *Note that no complete records are available for 1984 76 selling tickets and sharing the took part in the 1956 run, and Bruce the aim of helping members to profits: the A7C received $196. Went who drove in the 1960 run, understand the workings of an A7 combined to cut the cake. The 11-13 June 1983 Border and to encourage them in their Run was based at Pine Lodge, 14 After various activities on projects. km north of Mount Gambier and 84 Sunday, the troupe was rudely The Club’s spare parts operation Austineers (and others) from SA awakened on Monday morning. continued to flourish, with regular and enjoyed the weekend. shipments arriving from the UK For the next year’s run on June 9- At 6.30 am, a bugle blasted although in August 1985 one of 11, 45 members travelled to Nhill. Reveille over the PA system and all the these UK suppliers ceased business. The response to these newer venues lights were switched on. The spares managers often bought The run home was uneventful apart encouraged the organisers to look from head winds from Penola to job lots from various sources to further afield and so for the 7-9 Kingston. In “yachties” language I am meet the demand. An auction of June 1985 run the destination was thinking of making “Bubs” mast aft for second hand spares was held in July Swan Hill. By Saturday afternoon better upwind performance – she runs 1987 to help make more storage the SA/Vic groups had all settled in well before the wind, but upwind she room but by now discussions were struggles to keep up. “Bubs” travelled for the usual catching up with 719 miles for the weekend and with the being held on the need for a larger friends, having been joined by two foot flat to the boards reached 35 mph shed. from NSW. at 32 mpg. The first day run in 1983 (23 Pine Lodge was again chosen January) set the tone for our 30th for the 30th Border Run between The 1987 Run was held from 6- year: a great success with cars the two Clubs over the weekend of 8 June. The first convoy of 19 left attending that were not normally 7-9 June 1986. Three A7s left for on Friday morning for an overnight seen on such runs. Of the 18 cars on personal reasons on the Thursday stop at Horsham before driving to the run, 9 were A7s, including the prior to the weekend; Doug Hogg Halls Gap, where the remaining 22 debut of John Heuzenroeder’s 1926 driving his A7 “Bubs” and club members joined them. On two seater. accompanied by wife Barbara, was Sunday the party visited a tourist In August, the Club attended an one of them. His report for Austin 7 park in Stawell, followed by invitation run through the hills via Journals 95 in July included the Seppelts Great Western Winery and Strathalbyn to Braeside Farm at following: a drive through the Grampians. The Finniss. Consisting of 135 members Monday return home was safely in 50 cars from the Vintage Sports With much trepidation and jammed completed, and as the A7 Owners Car Club, the Morris Car Club, the i n be t w ee n t w o ot he r A 7 s - minutes for the June meeting noted, Morris Register, the Armstrong “Auntie” (Bob and Marion Eglinton) and “All agreed that it was a good “Grandma” (Bryant and Unice Lawson) Siddeley Club, the 48 FJ Club and – “Bubs” tackled the hills above Glen weekend, the weather was perfect the A7C, the day was an enjoyable Osmond for the first time since and we all enjoyed meeting the outing on which Graham Masters restoration and about 30 years. Every Victorian A7 members again”. debuted his new A7 tourer. new noise and rattle was anguished At the beginning of 1983, a over, as the hills got higher and higher. Day runs to encourage A7 “Auntie” was setting a cracking change to the rules and judging participation, but eligible to all pace and we could feel “Grandma’s” hot criteria were made for the Geoff members, continued to be organised breath close behind. With triumph, Lobb trophy and by the end of the during these years and were “Bubs” breasted the last hill to reach year, 34 different drivers had scored generally well supported. The Eagle-on-the-Hill and we were off with points on the 11 runs that counted. confidence. touring coordinators found In September 1984, a new interesting parts of Adelaide and the They arrived at Pine Lodge late annual trophy was offered to the surrounding hills to visit, to the on Saturday afternoon, where they Club; it was decided that this would enjoyment and appreciation of all joined with the 59 Victorians in 12 be for the best restoration done each those attending. cars and the 22 SA cars that had year and by November guidelines One special day was the Jim carried 56 people. for the WA Currie and Co. Bishop Memorial Run on 28 April Restoration Trophy had been 1985. Jointly organised by the A7C Barrack type accommodation was formulated and agreed to; these and the Vintage Sports Car Club of supplied and we found that 12 persons were printed in Austin 7 Journals SA in honour of Jim who had been were in our room. After the first night, 87, along with the Geoff Lobb a Club member since 1974 and died everyone complained about the snorers, Trophy rules. but amazingly, no one was guilty. in 1984, it travelled from Glen Engineers ear plugs proved a boon to Both of these awards entailed Osmond to Balhannah. three inhabitants. considerable work for the judges However, a couple of “firsts” Food served was good, with plenty and points collators, but were appeared in this period, some of of it. Young Martin Franklin celebrated keenly contested. In 1984 the first his 6th birthday with a cake, while about which continue in 2003. 120 people sang “Happy Birthday.” “special builders/technical night” On 25 November 1984, the Shortly afterwards, an A7 cake with 30 was organised by Ian Jones; these Historic Motor Vehicles Club candles appeared. Fred Darling, who continued at regular intervals with

77 organised the first “Old Fashioned I am sure that the 45 members and Picnic Day” at Strathalbyn. David friends and the 18 children in A7 Club 1984 COMMITTEE cars had a very relaxing and enjoyable Searles’ report for Austin 7 Journals time. President – Barry Frost 86 said, in part: Vice President – Bob Piper

The first rally to the Port Pirie Treasurer – Greg Heinjus Only five entries nominated under and Districts Automotive Restorers the A7C banner; these being two A7s, Secretary – Mark Williamson two A30s and one A10. Those who took Club (PADARC), which had only Comp. Secretary – Phil Hanlan the trouble to attend, after an extremely been in existence for two years, was Committee – Bob Piper, pl easant driv e v i a C l arendon, held on 17-19 May 1986. It Wayne Polden, Kangarilla, Meadows and Macclesfield consisted of an oval display and Tim Williams, to the Showgrounds at Strathalbyn, dinner on Saturday, a rally tour and were rewarded with ideal picnic weather John Horsell and surroundings. A large number of dinner/dance on Sunday followed other clubs from within the Federation by a breakfast send-off on Monday A7 Owners – Stan Gafney, Kevin also attended, with 215 vehicles being Caire, John Horsell, David Hall, Bill morning. All those attending voted Austin, Jean Gilbert, Ruth Perry entered. it a very enjoyable weekend. A parking spot was found under Following the success of the Sports Sedan Register – Lou shady trees and by this time cars DeLuca, Wayne Sutton, George encircled most of the oval. Events were 30th celebrations in 1983, David Carter, Wayne Polden, Geoff Watson held on the oval, but it was too pleasant Searles and David Grear planned under the trees, so these were the next big rally to be on 19 Delegates: observed from afar. Voting for the best O c to ber 19 86 at the Wes t CAMS – Bruce Went Veteran, Vintage and Classic cars and FVCC – David Searles best motorcycle was conducted, but Parklands. As pre-event publicity none of our entries won. A parade of noted “Drive your Austin to the All participants who dressed in the era of Austin Day to celebrate the State’s raised – all was in readiness for the All their vehicles was also viewed from our Jubilee 150 and the A7 Club’s 33rd Austin Day of 1986. Some Austins vantage point near the eskies. started arriving before we were Those from our Club who enjoyed a birthday”. (The event was registered completely set up but this gave us the great day were: Bill and Doreen Caire for the Jubilee 150 celebrations and opportunity to gauge the row distances. (A30 Countryman), Kevin and Rose was featured in official programmes 114 Austin owners/drivers had Caire (David Grear’s A7), Brian Caire produced by the Jubilee 150 Board). indicated their intentions to attend this first rally; a final count on the day saw and Felicity Williams (A30), Kevin and The rally was designed to promote Jean Gilbert (A7) and yours truly (A10 115 Austins arrive and park. They tourer). the remaining Austin vehicles in SA ranged from the baby size of the A7 to along with those from interstate. the ginormous acreage of the A135 The next picnic day was on 5 A report by the organisers for Princess. By lunchtime the skies were Austin 7 Journals 97 giving way to brilliant sunshine and the October 1986, “when the weather covered the hordes of Austineers were enjoying was wet and cold and only 5 cars two days’ activities, and said in either packed sandwiches or barbeques from the Club attended”. part: – a real family picnic affair. The first “All British Day” was In the meantime, the helpers in the held on 15 February 1986 at the Mt Well, after a year in the melting pot Rally tent were selling soft drinks, All and the last couple of months of Austin D a y badge s an d other Barker oval, where “32 cars increased activity, the first All Austin paraphernalia to all and sundry. The attended the run; the weather was Day has come and gone. As far as A7 unique All Austin Day badges proved to good”. Jean Gilbert reported on the Club activities were concerned, our be particularly popular with all Rally 1987 run for Austin 7 Journals 99. celebrations began on Saturday attendees - even Jonesy! afternoon at the clubrooms. Only about The popular choice voting for the best Austin in each category proved to Departing from the practice of the a dozen Austins arrived and christened the converted tennis court for parking. be the highlight of the day, with 72 last few years in entering an A7 in Club voting slips returned for counting. events, it was novelty for Kevin and me Other members and entrants arrived in moderns, as the weather wasn’t Congratulations to these successful to be passengers in Garth and Heather entrants: Cooper’s Triumph Renown when we particularly kind to us with heavy rain squalls every 20 minutes, but between Best A7 – Vintage: attended the All British Day on 15 Doug Hogg in “Bubs” February. these, bright sunny conditions prevailed. Afternoon tea was dispensed by our Best A7 – Post Vintage: Members and friends left the Kevin Caire Colonial car park at 9.30 and made our willing band of lady members, while members’ photo albums kept all visitors Best A8 and A30 – Rob Ellery way via the Freeway to Stirling, then Best A10 and A40 – along the old road through Aldgate, busy. Saturday evening was the Club’s Harry Hewson A10 Mylor, Echunga to the Mt Barker oval. 33rd Birthday Dinner at the Morphett Best Other and Big Austin – We parked the A7 Club cars in a block Arms Hotel, where 65 members joined Gordon Pearse A12 formation with our flag flying proudly to in the celebrations over a four-course Directors’ Trophy – Max Chin A10 identify ourselves. The sun peeked meal. David Searles, who won one of tourer through the clouds about noon and it the prizes, drew the beer raffle. We thank all Austineers who ended up being perfect picnic weather. Sunday, weatherwise, was a little attended the first All Austin Day The organisation of this year’s event better; it only rained up till lunchtime. An organised in SA as part of the State’s was very good, with all cars parked on early start for some of us; the tent Jubilee 150 celebrations. We extend a the oval, entertainment for the children pitched, stakes staked, witches hats special thanks to all our interstate and and the novelty of fancy dress. positioned, bunting erected, Club flag country participants, to those who

78 entered more than one Austin and T h e u p g r ad in g o f t h e above and which took longer to especially to all our workers behind the Clubrooms was began as a major organise than had been first scenes during the lead up and on the day. project during 1984 and by March envisioned) had been completed, a 1985, Austin 7 Journals 87 noted: new water heater had been installed The first Hills Luncheon was in the kitchen and the long awaited held on 17 July 1983 at the Stirling During the last twelve months, Tony library cupboard had been built and Grove has been endeavouring to obtain installed by Tim Williams. Hotel and became a regular outing quotes for the refurbishing of the in July to eating establishments in outside of the Clubrooms. We are now Austin 7 Journals continued to the hills around Adelaide. It became ready to proceed – this is the first stage be edited by David Pound until very popular; so much so, that of a long-term plan to upgrade them. issue 83 in April 1984, when he had attendances at the Annual Dinner to relinquish his duties due to fell away and it was no longer held By July, the work of installing pressure of work. Issue 82, January after 1985. new cladding, new doors and 1984 reporting on the 1983 AGM, However a progressive dinner in windows had been noted, “One very important February 1985 was a success; five completed. Austin 7 Journals ceremony was performed. The A7s, two A8s, an A30, an A10, a 89 had this to say: President was pleased to award Life Chevrolet and a Sunbeam, along Membership to Merv and Ruth with nine moderns, were used to Thanks are due to Tony Grove for Perry for services rendered to the his continual over-seeing of the project ferry the diners from house to and the resolving of the many day-to- Club over a period of 14 years.” house. day problems that cropped up. Still on The committee produced issue 85 An event - “The Car Club our Clubrooms; we have a new address for October under a caretaker Olympics” - began in 1981 but our – no, we haven’t moved, but the Council arrangement until a new editor has renumbered us and we are now could be found. The contents of Club was not involved until 1984, 262-264 Tapleys Hill Road. when Mark Williamson took on the each issue during David’s tenure as role of organising our team. A The President’s Piece from editor, as for every preceding editor, relied on members to supply him practice session was held at the Austin 7 Journals 93 March 1986 Clubrooms on 12 February in continued with the story: with articles and some issues were readiness for the real thing at the light on for reports of club Tea Tree Gully oval on 4 March. Our Clubrooms have recently been activities, particularly A7 runs. The events were tests of various white ant proofed and will soon have the During 1984, the deficiency in skills, both athletic and mechanical floor surfaced and resealed. During the the printed quality of the Journals and gave a chance for all members Christmas period, several members laid was recognised and costs were concrete along the eastern wall and my to participate, as teams consisted of thanks go to Bruce W ent, David obtained to have the Journals males and females. Our men’s Tug Searles, Ian Jones, Jean Gilbert, Nell printed professionally on a monthly of War team lost in the final while and Bruce Williams and Merv and Ruth basis. In October 1984, the A7 the ladies team were third, as was Perry for their time and effort. Owners Committee submitted a our team of Dean Qualmann and proposal, with costing, to the Debbie Grear in the blindfold- The new wall cladding was so general committee recommending driving test. These results netted us attractive that a swarm of bees soon that the Journals be printed in A5 three trophies. In 1985, “the A7C made it their home along the eastern size, 6 times per year, be handed to team won the prize for the lowest wall and it took several attempts to members at meetings to reduce number of points, partly because we eradicate them, the last being in postage costs and be produced by were unable to field a team in all March 1987. p hoto c op yin g. T h e ge nera l events”. The 1986 event was the Of more importance, also in the committee accepted these and last attended. first week of that month, we made when, in November Nell Williams The September Camp and the final payment on the Clubrooms agreed to be the editor, everyone Capers weekends, organised by Ian several years earlier than the period looked forward to 1985’s issues Jones, continued each year, with of the loan and they were ours at with enthusiasm. various locations chosen; eg the last and 58 members attended a Issue 86 incorporated the Angaston area in 1983, Bruce and “Celebratory Dinner” at the changes; pre-printed orange covers Brenda Bridgart’s farm at Wynarka Clubrooms on 25 October. on card for all the year’s issues, in 1985, the Myponga area in 1986 Working bees continued to be with advertising on the inside back and near Mannum in 1987. needed and as noted above, page and at A5 size. Nell took the Regular runs continued each achieved many things. However, opportunity to express her thoughts month, with some over two or three not all were well supported, as the on the role of the Journals. days and some at the invitation of minutes of October noted “the other car clubs; all were well working bee was not successful, I am happy to have been given the received and contributed to the which was disappointing for the privilege of becoming the editor of committee”. Austin 7 Journals for the next 12 growing use of A7s in the club. months. The general committee has By the end of the year, the floor resurfacing and sealing (noted

79 agreed to the Owner’s suggestion that continued to produce the Journals the size and format be altered for 1985. every two months, noting in issue 1985 COMMITTEE Here is the result – I hope you like it and 96 for September that she would be look forward to further suggestions for President – Barry Frost improvement. reluctantly resigning after the Vice President – Bob Piper I am grateful to Jean Gilbert and November issue and that Ron Malcolm Lake fo r thei r back-up Burchett had agreed to once again Treasurer – Bob Frost assistance, Debbie Grear for typing and take on the editor’s role. However, Secretary – Mark Williamson Peter Hardwick especially, for making Comp. Secretary – Bob Piper printing facilities available to the Club. before the November issue came Committee – Ian Brown, Wayne A magaz ine p e rforms many out, Ron had had second thoughts important roles in maintaining Club spirit and we were again in need of an Polden, Bernie Schults, and is vital in recording our activities for editor. Tim Williams, David posterity. I hope I can maintain the Searles, David Grear Journals’ high standard but this can only Despite attempts during the year be achieved from material received from to get someone to take on the role, A7 Owners – Stan Gafney, John all sections of the Club. I look forward no one was forthcoming so Barry Horsell, David Hall, Bill Austin, Kevin therefore to receiving contributions from Frost again took over for 1987, Gilbert, Jean Gilbert, Ruth Perry, as many people and sources as David Searles possible. producing issues 99-102 at quarterly intervals. Sports Sedan Register – Ken Leigh, Ian Statham, George Carter, Wayne Members responded to Nell’s Polden requests for articles and the six Delegates: issues for 1985 each had 20 pages. CAMS – Bruce Went; For 1986, the printing arrangements FVCC – David Searles enjoyed during the previous year could not be continued and another President’s Piece Austin 7 offer was accepted to produce the in Journals at a reasonable cost. Journals 81 reported: One consequence of this was The past two months have seen that each issue was reduced to 16 two of the poorest attended events we pages and the cover was no longer have ever held - a circuit sprint with only on card. The quality of issue 93 in 13 entries and a dirt sprint with zero March 1986 suffered, as at very entries! The circuit sprint was a shared meeting with the Superkarts and but for short notice, this service became no this we would not have run it and longer available. The poor quality naturally enough, the dirt sprint was a nd other m a tters caus e d cancelled well before the day. It is most considerable angry discussion at the Ron Burchett was persuaded to disturbing to me that our competition 10 March A7 Owners meeting, events are not receiving support from accept the editor’s role again for members who profess to be in the Club where it was announced that Nell 1988 and his first issue was 103, for just such events. would not continue after the May April 1988. issue. The meeting recommended The general competition events The circuit sprint referred to “the magazine be commercially continued as for previous years. As above was on 18 September at AIR, printed so that it continues to be of well as circuit sprints, members where Lee Nicolle set FTD in his quality; if that means an increase in continued to make use of invitations Holden sports sedan. Other events fees then we agree to pay”. The from other clubs to autokhanas, during the year followed the committee agreed and so Nell generally at Birdwood, and dirt previous years’ pattern of Club sprints. sprints, autokhanas and dirt sprints 1983 Club competition began plus invitations from other clubs. with a sprint at Lanac Park on 27 Ho we ve r, the decline in February. Next was a circuit sprint competitors in our dirt sprints was at AIR on 17 April where FTD, in a linked to the closure of the field of 27 cars, including the A7 of rallycross track at Tailem Bend. The David Grear/Tim Williams, went to President’s Piece in Austin 7 Steve Brown, A30 sports sedan. Journals 80 in July 1983 reported: An innovative event planned for 28 August (see report below) was a In previous years our Club was dirt sprint at Speedway Park, involved through many people with the rallycross at Tailem Bend, from its consisting of a track laid out on the opening meeting to the last. The affairs sp eed w a y t r ac k re q ui ri n g of the SA Motor Racing Club have now competitors to do ¾ lap, turn around been finalised and although the course a marker and return to the starting is available for hire by other clubs, line. FTD was to receive $50. The rallycross has finished there.

80 The first AIR sprint on 1 April Our annual Trophy Race meeting I would particularly thank Bob Piper, 1984 drew a very poor entry, as was held at AIR on Sunday 16 Wayne Polden, Ian Brown and Bob September on a foreboding day, with a Frost for their efforts towards this year’s Austin Journals 83 noted: strong w i n d blo w ing a nd rain success as well as the Timing team, threatening. who all did an excellent job. Although other clubs were invited to However, a lot of organisation had attend, the number of competitors was been put into this year’s event and an With the growth in popularity of not enough to co ver the costs excellent entry of 95 drivers had been associated with putting it on. In received, including 23 from WA and 1 the Street Sedans, our 1986 meeting particular, the number from this Club from Victoria. on 7 September included the Street was down on previous sprints. With The attraction was the SA round of Sedans’ Tri-State Challenge, with ever-increasing costs we need the full the Twin State Challenge and the drivers from SA, WA and Victoria, support of members to make these chance for Street Cars to compete in events viable. their o wn race. 22 rac es we re as well as the Twin State Challenge programmed and with practice starting for Sports Sedans, in an 18-event For 1985, the first sprint was on at 9.30, promised a day full of motor programme. During the day, 5 lap 10 March at AIR and had 41 entries, racing. records for the AIR short circuit The feature race of the day was the were broken, indicative of the with FTD going to David Mahon. final of the Twin State Challenge over Austin 7 Journals 90 reported on the 12 laps, incorporating the Denis Dix keenness of the driving. These race 25 August sprint. Memorial for the first SA driver. 20 cars reports are extracted from Austin 7 faced the starter and the winner was Journals 97. The final sprint for 1985 attracted Dick Ward (WA) from Lou DeLuca and an excellent entry of 59 cars. Practice Jim Anderson (WA). Lou was thus the The Garrie Cooper Memorial was was completed in fine sunny weather Denis Dix winner. The winner of the for FVs. Peter Ormsby and Bernie but during lunch it was obvious that the Twin State Challenge was Dick Ward Stack, in their Pete’s Golf Factory cars, forecast change was approaching. Sure from Jim Anderson and Lou DeLuca. cleared right away from the rest of the enough, 2/3 of the way through the first The last trophy race was the Garrie field in the middle stages of the race. run the wind and rain arrived. After ½ Cooper Memorial, for sports cars over On lap 7, Peter pulled out all stops and hour of solid rain, a break appeared and 10 laps. By this time, 3.30, the weather set a new FV record of 55.8 secs, by 2pm the sun was shining and the had turned for the very worst – even beating the existing record of 56.3, track was drying. We resumed and stronger head winds down the straight which was also beaten by Bernie Stack three complete runs were held. FTD and heavy rain. On lap 4 Ian Davis was 56.0 and Mark Poole 56.1. went to Bob Piper, Mazda. dicing with Bernie van Elsen going The final trophy race was the down the straight, when the front lifted Sports Sedans Denis Dix Trophy and After that encouragement, the and his car spun into the wall. Ian was final heat for the Twin State Challenge. first AIR sprint in 1986, on 6 April not injured but with the rush of rescue Mick Monterosso was the victor, but vehicles onto the track, the Clerk of was poorly attended. Austin 7 Alan McCarthy (WA) claimed second Course had to stop the race. Bernie van place after an inspired drive. He spun at Journals 94 noted: Elsen thus won the Garrie Cooper the first turn on the opening lap and Memorial. rejoined in last place, 11 seconds Despite the invitations to five other The rain had by now started to behind Mick. He then lapped very clubs to attend this meeting, the teem down and all the handicap quickly, his times only varying by 0.6 response from members, including this calculations became a waste of time but secs, and on lap 11 he set the fastest club, was poor with only 20 competing. most drivers braved the conditions and lap of 46.9 to finish only 4 seconds However, those who did drive were able got in some wet weather driving. behind Mick. Final placings in the Twin to have 7 runs and many practice laps. After the final event, the trophies State Challenge were Mick Monterosso FTD went to Peter Whitbread. Our next were presented and everyone departed from Alan McCarthy and Grant Jarrett. circuit sprint is at Mallala on July 20 and for warmer and drier places. In the first heat of the Street unless the response from this club Man y thanks to all officials, Sedans Tri-State Challenge, Ivan increases, then the future of speed especially those who worked in the wind Piatanesi and Warwick Massey (Vic) events must be placed in jeopardy. and rain, to keep the meeting running staged a race-long battle. Ivan won by smoothly and particularly to Alan 0.2 secs with Warwick setting a new lap Things picked up for that McLean who stayed in the windiest, record of 52.5. The six interstate drivers coldest spot until the very end. (from WA and Vic) ensured that there Mallala sprint and 33 drivers competed in eight classes, including was close racing throughout the field. In The 8 September 1985 meeting the final heat, Warwick and Ivan again two A7 specials driven by David at AIR received 80 entries, raced in close company for the entire Grear, Daryl Beasy and David including 7 street cars from race. Warwick won by 0.6 secs; both Searles. FTD went to Lee Nicolle, Vic t or i a , an d th e 1 8 - e v e nt had a best lap of 53.4. These two Torana sports sedan. But for the 5 drivers held the same placings in the programme was held on a fine, overall placings in the Challenge, with April 1987 sprint, numbers were warm spring day. The Garrie Rob Collins (WA) in third. again poor: only 19 entries in total Cooper Memorial was for FVs and The final races were the handicaps. with seven from our club. was won by Ian Franklin. Lou In the Group N event, the Mustang of Gary Brock won by 0.9 secs from the The 1984 A7 Club race meeting DeLuca dominated the Sports was on 16 September at AIR, Cortina of Simon Aram, who set a GpN Sedans, winning all scratch races, record of 55.5 in his chase from the having moved from the April/May including the Denis Dix Memorial. back of the field. date that we had held since 1972. The President’s Piece in Austin The success of the meeting was Austin 7 Journals 85 carried a full 7 Journals 90 noted for this due, in no small way, to the hard work done by Ian Brown, Secretary of the report, parts of which follow: meeting:

81 meeting, Wayne Polden, David Grear, from Jim Doig and Dave Evans. Daryl Beasy, Merv Perry and the timing In sports sedans, Mick Monterosso 1986 COMMITTEE team members. continued his unbeaten run in his Escort and won all three races. He was President – Barry Frost Champion from James Rosenberg and For 1987, the Club again took a Vice President – Ian Brown major step forward in motor sport, Jim Myhill. In road registered, Greg Mildren Treasurer – Daryl Beasy or g a ni si n g th e t w o - r ou nd also won all three races and was Secretary – Bernie Shults “Champion of AIR” series, to give Champion from Phil Hanlan and Chris Comp. Secretary – Brian Jericho Bowcock. SA competitors more racing at AIR Committee – David Searles, as the major title meetings held In GpN winners were Daryl Schultz and Steve Dew (2) with Daryl being the Lee Nicolle, Ian Brown there did not always cater for local Champion from Steve. A7 Owners –– Merv Perry, Jean categories and drivers. The superkarts champions were: 80 Gilbert, Kevin Gilbert, David Hall, Austin 7 Journals 99 and 101 cc – Peter Oates, 125 cc – Mike David Searles, Kevin Caire, Rose reported on the success of these Barham and 250 cc – Daryl Belskyj. Caire, Bill Austin meetings. Issue 101 also reported that at Sports Sedan Register – Ian Statham, Robert Smith, George Racing ‘Round 1987, issue 99 Mallala on 3 August: Mick Carter, Trevor Kennedy The first race meeting for 1987, on Monterosso won the SA sports 21 February at AIR, attracted 103 sedan championship from Tony Delegates: entries, spread over six categories. Ross and James Rosenberg; Ivan CAMS – Bruce Went; Sponsored by Hoffmann Dry Cleaners, FVCC – David Searles the 24-event programme was the first in Piatanesi low e red th e road the “Champion of AIR” series. FV, registered lap record to 1-22.5; Greg racing cars, and for the first time at AIR, Mildren scored two second placings Denis Dix Memorial for sports sedans. superkarts, raced during the daylight Steve Wright won the FV trophy hours while sports cars, sports sedans and Peter Whitbread lowered his class record to 1-13.7. from Paul Tucker. In this race, the usual and road registered cars (renamed from FV train of cars, all swapping places, the street sedans of 1986) ran under The report for the 23 August resulted in a very nasty accident. Bronte lights. meeting at AIR said that “it was a Rundle, in the all-new design Kestrel FVs had six races, as their entries wet miserable day for all involved, and Paul Witter tangled in the esses required them being split into two fields. and Bronte rolled twice, then flipped Winners of the main point scoring races notable only for the fact that Mick Monterosso was beaten in a scratch end-for-end four times, dragging his were Tony Hastings, Bronte Rundle and helmet along the track in the process. Neil Corey. The consolation race race for the first time since the Fortunately – and maybe due to the fact winners were Mick Monterosso, in his beginning of the 1986 racing that he was wearing a neck brace – first FV drive, and Rob Newman. Bronte suffered only slight injuries, In racing cars, Craig Sparks won all season!” Tony Ross won the start in the first sports sedan race and was including a broken tooth. three races and in sports cars, Peter During the lunch break, a parade of Whitbread won two and David Evans able to keep Mick in his spray for Austins took place; thanks to Ken one. In road registered, Greg Mildren the 5 laps. Greg Mildren won the Virgin, Merv Perry, Dean Qualmann, won the two heats but Ivan Piatanesi road-registered class in both scratch Bruce Williams and Colin Miller. won the feature. Mention must be made of the work Mechanical troubles struck Graham events, finishing fourth outright each case. done by other members, who manned Masters, Lee Nicolle, Stephen Cowie, gates etc., and Ian Brown who was Grant Jarrett, Peter Whitbread, Jim Our 6 September 1987 Trophy Secretary of the meeting until a work Doig, Tony Ross, Peter Ormsby and race meeting at AIR was reported in accident left him incapacitated and Bob Jennings during the meeting. unable to attend the meeting. Daryl and Austin 7 Journals 101 and included the following. Margaret Beasy capably manned the Racing ‘Round 1987, issue 101 race office in Ian’s absence and helped The final round was held on 12 July ensure the meeting ran smoothly. at AIR when a 15-event programme For our Trophy race meeting, the decided the champion in each category. weather was kind and turned on a Held on the long circuit, one existing lap beautiful day. With the support of 22 For 1983, the Australian record was equalled, one was broken ra ce s p o n s o r s a nd 5 pr og ra m Touring Car Championship series and three were set, in an exciting day’s advertisers, the meeting produced saw a larger field of challengers racing. excellent racing, several accidents – than ever before to the traditional In FV, race winners were Paul none causing injury – 4 records were Tucker, Steve W right and Peter broken and one was equalled. Fords and – the Moffatt Ormsby, with Peter equalling the lap Garrie Cooper Memorial for racing RX7 and the George Fury turbo- record. Champion was Steve Wright cars. Rob Newman was able to dictate powered Bluebird in particular. from Neil Corey and Peter Ormsby. the speed of the race from Still running an eight round In racing cars, winners were Craig and won easily, easing up on the final Sparks (2) and Tom Coull, Craig being laps; second was Bob Jennings. Peter series, the AIR meeting on 1 May involved in an accident entering the Whitbread won the sports car section featured one of the closest finishes, bowl on the last lap of the final race. from Ian Davis, who started from the when Moffatt, using an almost However, he was Champion from Tom rear of the grid and set a class record of perfectly timed slingshot off the Coull and Mike Drewer. 46.8 in the process of catching up. final banked corner on to the In sports cars, winners were Bernie Mick Monterosso, who was given van Elsen, Peter Whitbread and Jim plenty of competition by second straight, just failed to catch Brock. Doig. Champion was Peter Whitbread placegetter Geoff Watson, won the By the end of the series, Moffatt

82 had won his first championship. In 1985-95 Adelaide 1984, the series became seven Park- lands Grand Prix rounds as WA was omitted. The 1 circuit. Length was 3.778 July meeting at AIR was the grand km and racing was clockwise. finale and was won by Alan Grice from Brock and Johnson, who had already won his third championship. For 1985, the series ran under the new regulations, meaning most competitors had to build new cars. At the 21 April meeting at AIR Jim Richards,

BMW won the race from Brock’s Com m odo r e an d Jo hn s o n ’ s Mustang: Richards then won the Championship. A similar result occurred the next year as Robbie Francevic, Volvo 240 turbo, won the 27 April race and the Williams before a crowd of championship, which by now was over the Albert Bridge near the zoo, over 100 000. held over ten rounds. Dick Johnson Botanic Park and Hackney Road. Three weeks after the race, the moved to Ford Sierra turbo power They also considered Wakefield Sunday Mail reprinted this editorial in 1987 and won at AIR on 3 May Str e e t , Pu lt en ey St re et and from Britain’s world-renowned but J im Richards, won the Hindmarsh Square, before taking up monthly magazine Autosport. Championship again, driving his the offer to use Victoria Park An Instant Success - The BMW M3. racecourse. Despite vocal protests , first run in But the biggest news in motor from a section of the community 1929 on a circuit on Phillip Island, racing from 1984 onwards was the opposed to using the area, the pits, is one of the World’s longest preparations for the Australian F1 grandstands and control buildings e s t a b l i s h e d m o t o r r a c e s . Grand Prix as part of the World were built in the Park, on a new Australians claim it is the second Championship, to be held in piece of track which linked public oldest race to hold the title Grand Adelaide on 3 November 1985. roads to created a challenging Prix. The experience this month of Planned as part of the State’s course. all involved in F1 racing made them Jubilee 150 celebrations, the By March 1985, the date had regret that, as with the French GP, original intention was to stage it in been confirmed for 3 November and the Down Under race could not 1986. However, when Labor “members who were keen to be have been included in the FIA Premier, John Bannon went to involved were urged to contact World Championship every year London in 1984 to conclude the CAMS and register their name as since its introduction in 1950. deal with Bernie Ecclestone, soon as possible”. Other AGP T h e r e l a t i v e l y r e c e n t President of the general meeting speakers were: Mr development of air transport and Constructor’s Association, he was Bob Barnard, the project manager, the financial boom of F1 racing told that if Adelaide wanted the race in April and Mr Glen Jones, the now make its regular inclusion for 1986, it had to hold it in 1985, marketing manager, in July. possible. And we are delighted to leaving just 10 months to design Promoted by the slogan of report the first F1 race in Australia and build the track and organise the “Adelaide Alive”, the 1985 has been such an outstanding meeting. That this was achieved to Australian Grand Prix was a success. In every way, it justified the International acclaim is now part of resounding success in every aspect. investment of the State and Federal history. Both The Advertiser and The News governments, attracting a capacity At the September 1984 Club produced special Grand Prix crowd and watched by up to 700 general meeting, Mr Bill O’Gorman souvenir guides, which explained to million on television. spoke of the background to the the non motor-racing public all the Every facet of the organisation negotiations to getting the AGP for intricacies of the F1 turbo-powered was of the highest quality and F1 Adelaide and gave the latest news cars and the racing rules, as well as insiders are serious when they say on the design of the circuit. The comprehensive histories on the that Grand Prix organisers the organisers needed a site that would drivers and the previous AGPs. world over can learn from cause the least disruption to City 25 cars competed, including the Australi a. Ou r pleasu re, in life: they had considered a layout Beatrice-Hart of Alan Jones, who congratulating everyone involved in starting north of the River Torrens, had the distinction of being the first the organisation of the AGP, running along King William Street, F1 driver on the track. The 82-lap derives from our satisfaction in race was won by Keke Rosberg,

83 seeing a job well done. They began operate, so CAMS began working with the intention of boosting the on setting up an officials’ licensing 1987 COMMITTEE

image of the city, a State and a and grading system, which would President – Barry Frost country. They ended with the set the standard for Australia. Vice President – Ian Brown achievement of boosting the image Austin 7 Journals 91 reported Treasurer – Daryl Beasy of motor racing. briefly on the AGP, noting that the Secretary – Bernie Shults This meeting introduced all A7C timing team did all the timing Comp. Secretary – David Grear officials to the new world of other than for the F1 cars and that Committee – Ian Brown, credentialing and brought the Tony Grove had organised the team Lee Nicolle, RAAF FA/18 Hornet to town for of course commentators. David Searles, the beginning of a love affair CAMS brought together its David Pound, between those who speed on the most experienced race officials Margaret Beasy ground and those who speed in the within Australia to organise and run air. It also brought Glen Dix’s the event. Peter Nelson was the A7 Owners – Merv Perry, Jean Gil- unique style of flag waving to an Secretary of the Meeting (a position bert, Kevin Gilbert, David Hall, Bill Austin, David Franklin, Dianne Frank- international audience. he has held ever since). Writing for lin, David Searles the daily newssheet, the AGP Gazette, at the 2003 AGP in Sports Sedan Register - Ian Statham, David Pound, George Carter , he recalled how it all went together. Delegates: CAMS – Bruce Went In 1985, there was almost no FVCC – David Searles guidance on the running of such an event (a Grand Prix). The British had a good minute-by-minute but it was six The News and The Advertiser pages long and told the village again produced souvenir editions on

policemen when to change the direction Monday after the race. Alain Prost, of the traffic in the village of Silverstone. There was no GP manual either. The McLaren won the race, International racing rules applied but which featured the spectacular tyre there was nothing specific to F1; blow out on Nigel Mansell’s

likewise any Operations manuals that Williams Honda on lap 63 of 82. circuits had were not much help to us. This race was also the first where Some of our seniors had run a few international races before then and Tim in-car cameras were successfully used on F1 cars. Schenken had raced in both F1 and Sports Car races. We had a picture of Chief Timekeeper Barry Frost what we thought applied and we had reported on the meeting for Austin 7 expectations of what we wanted – as it Journals 98 The medical requirements for turned out, we aimed higher than the . the AGP were much more stringent existing standards and we created what than for local racing and many more became the new standard for the World There are many millions of words doctors and paramedical staff were to adopt where appropriate. We ran written about the AGP – the build up, practice and the race itself. These notes needed. Because of this, a large over four days with twice the support events that everyone else ran and we are about some personal observations number were recruited into motor ran to time. We produced an Operations and events from the beginning of the racing for the first time and to Manual that actually referred to our race week to the end of the Grand Prix. manage them and ensure that the organisation and procedures. Monday: Most of the teams are highest standards were maintained, And perhaps the most important of already working on their cars, rebuilding all was our first minute-by-minute them from crates, after the trip from the Med i ca l M o to r S port sch edu le whe re we docum ented Mexico. Williams, McLaren and Lotus Association was formed. This had everything that we wanted to happen. are the most advanced, with the cars the benefit for local race organisers This was at a track that did not exist yet nearly completed by the evening. It’s a of providing a contact to organise and to a set of rules that we had to work fine sunny warm morning and the parachute teams have a practise drop – doctors. through as we went along. The result was similar to what we use today. After all goes well. An innovation this year is There were over 1200 officials the first year, copies were taken back to the use of cyclone catch fencing along working at the AGP, from all states a GP promoters meeting in Europe and the pit lane to keep the many spectators of Australia and overseas. With handed out as an example of what they back; pit lane can then be controlled by such a diverse group, it was found should be doing in the future. only two security guards. Tuesday: Celebrities are more that there were inconsistencies in obvious today – Greg Norman and how to work trackside, as not The Jubilee 150 meeting on 26 David Graham come by and I discuss e v e r y o n e u s e d t h e s a m e October 1986 had a lot to live up to, the celebrity race practice with Greg. terminology, even though all as the 1985 event had won the top Murray Walker is gathering facts from international awards for the best the teams and mechanics. The Arrows worked to the same rules. It was team are becoming a nuisance – obvious that this was not the way to organised and staged event and the everything is not as they want it, despite best television coverage. every other team being satisfied. All the

84

to sign autographs. The vintages and system which was being trialled. historic cars, Wayne Gardner…the line Contact was established with GP up of all the F1 drivers for an official photo…suddenly it’s time for the cars to Timekeepers from Sydney who come on to the grid…and so do all the were developing timing programs people! The race gets underway. Prime based on Commodore 64 home Minister Mr Bob Hawke come to see the computers. timing equipment and spends some time with us – signs a few autographs, T h e ne xt s t ep tow a rds then returns to the official party. The computerisation was at the 21 April drama of the race; Alain Prost is World 1985 Australian Touring Car C ham pi on agai n. T h e of fici al Championship round at AIR. This presentations; the showering of both was the first SA race meeting to be Balestre and John Large (CAMS President) with champagne by Prost timed by computer, using the and Piquet. The solid mass of people on system being developed by Calder. the pit straight, the dismantling and The timing team adapted so well to packing up of all the timing equipment this system that they were taken to …then it’s all over and time for all to enjoy the night, including the Premier Calder for the following week’s John Bannon. ATCC round. They then became a Race Control /Timing box at the 1985 permanent part of the Calder AGP It was still “Adelaide Alive” for organisation for Australian and World championship meetings. garage doors are resprayed to remove the 15 November 1987 AGP. An last year’s advertising. The Clerk of entourage of 15 teams brought 27 Formula 1 used the Longines- Course, Burdett Martin, arrives after a cars to the meeting. The power of Olivetti timing system, which was 9-hour trip from America. the turbo-engined cars was reflected the ack now led g ed le ader in Wednesday: The first of the rain in the speeds reached: fastest was computerised timing. Whereas the sends all teams into the garages. The local systems needed manual input Tyrell team have a lengthy photo Nelson Piquet, 321.6 km/h on session with a joey kangaroo and koala Brabham Straight and 254.8 km/h at of times and car numbers, the F1 from Cleland National Park. Both the finish line. sy st em us ed au t o m a t i c c a r animals create a lot of interest from the 26 cars started in the 82-lap recognition and ti m i ng b y other teams’ mechanics. The chief of transponders mounted on each car FISA, Monsieur J-M Balestre, arrives in race, which was won by Gerhard a chauffeur-driven Mercedes 600 Berger Ferrari from Ayrton Senna and a bank of computers to process limousine; embarrassment all round L o t u s H o n d a , w h o w a s the data, producing lap times and when it drops a gear linkage and can’t subsequently disqualified at post race positions. The Advertiser be moved from pit lane! The pit fencing race scrutineering for having printed an interview on 1 November is removed; the Ligier team is the last to 1985 with Barry Frost on the timing appear to prepare their cars. The illegally large brake ducts, handing atmosphere begins to pick the feeling of second to the Ferrari of Michele system and how it operated and he last year – all the last minute checking Alboreto. Only the two Ferraris concluded with “To me, working becomes intense. finished on the lead lap; third placed with this lot is the biggest thrill in Thursday: An extremely busy day the World. This is the pinnacle of for the timekeepers as all the local Thierry Boutsen, Benetton Ford was categories practice: grids are finalised one lap back and only 9 cars motor racing.” for the races, despite the rain. finished, giving the circuit its T h e A G P pr o v ed t hat Friday: Another busy day. The rain reputation as a car-destroyer. computerised timing was the only continues and spoils the day – firstly Berger set the of the way to go. The timing team then curtailing the F1 practice and then bought Commodore C64/C128 destroying the Superkart race (stopped race on lap 72, 1-20.416, which after two laps due to an accident). The even with the reduced boost that the home computers and a printer and car park areas are awash and ankle cars were now running, stood as the the 16 March 1986 Mallala meeting deep in mud. record. was the beginning of the computer Saturday: F1 practice sets the pace age for the team. for a record-breaking day. Nigel Mansell These three AGPs had been the claims pole; Johannsen crashes twice last on each year’s calendar and the In 1987, Calder hosted the on the wet track. The FA18 calls again, teams appreciated the relaxed and second of two Australian rounds of but every one is ready this time. Alan friendly atmosphere that Adelaide t h e W o r l d T o u r i n g C a r Grice wins the touring car race, gave them. Championship on 11 October and repeating his Bathurst victory. The last event is the Celebrity practice – Greg Even before the first AGP, the the timing team were proud to be a Norman flies in by navy helicopter in timing team had been looking at part of that meeting. time to see the practice end; he learns using computers. In December The team’s involvement with the track as a passenger in an official 1984, Barry Frost went to Sandown Australian Grand Prix meetings was car. about to gro w a nd include Sunday: The Celebrity race - a for the first World Championship farce at the start but some steady rapid race to be held in Australia - the motorcycles. Bob Barnard driving by the leading stars. Afterwards, World Sports Car Championship - had established his Glenn Shorrock and Jon English pay a to investigate a computer timing own promotion company visit to see how the timing operates, and and was working towards

85 h o l d i n g t h e 1 9 8 9 W o r l d drivers took the offer to test their cars Over the years since then Doug C h a m p i o n s h i p f o r 5 0 0 c c against the clock. and I have been in regular contact as he Rides in competition cars were very had become associated with a number motorcycles at Phillip Island. To popular; off road buggies, rally cars, of m ot or r ac i ng gr ou ps a n d gain expertise for his company, he road registered cars and sports sedans organisations where he used his organised and pro mo ted the were on offer. It is estimated that 2000 considerable skill and workmanship to motorcycle AGP at Winton on 1 people attended during the day and produce a great variety of expertly built their reactions to the day were very racing cars. November 1986 and asked the Club positive. Doug’s passing is a great loss to to undertake the timing. Thanks must go to these members the sport; he takes with him all the skill, In a 6-week period from 11 who assisted on the day. Bruce Went, knowledge and expertise which he had October to 15 November, the team Brian Jericho and Daryl and Margaret built up over his comparatively short life. worked at Calder twice (World Beasy ensured that the sprint ran I will always remember him for his smoothly: Tony Grove manned the PA; friendship, his enjoyment of a joke, his Touring cars and the first Truck Lee Nicolle and Tony Ross supplied infectious laugh and his fortitude in Super Prix race meeting there) and their sports sedans – Tony lent his car facing a crippling illness in the last years the two AGPs, bikes and cars. for valuable publicity beforehand – and of his life. CAMS seized on the favourable Greg Mildren and Steve Cowie supplied their road registered cars. Alan Mander had been a Club publicity generated by the AGP to promote Club level motor sport, member since 1974 and had been a Peter Wright retired as CAMS regular contributor to Austin 7 beginning with a promotion at the State Secretary in late 1984. Phyl West Lakes shopping centre from 7- Journals: issue 100 reported his Stuckey became full time manager passing. 12 July 1986, featuring static from 1 July 1985 and the office then displays, videos and an information moved from Magill Road to 1 Sturt It is with regret we record the loss booth. Cars were from off-road Street Adelaide. Bruce Went of our member and friend who passed racing, rallying, superkarts, sports continued in his role as Club away suddenly on 28 April 1987. Alan sedans and street cars. delegate to the state council. had been a faithful, respected and enthusiastic member of our Club for a T h e s e A7 Cl u b me mb e r s The CAMS racing driver of the provided display cars: Jean Gilbert, good number of years since his year awards were won by: 1983 – retirem ent. H e re ceiv ed great Bryant Lawson and Ken Virgin – Bernie van Elsen, 1984 – Mick satisfaction from owning his A7, getting Austin 7s; Lee Nicolle, Tony Ross Monterosso, 1985 – Peter Ormsby, it to the excellent condition it is and also and Mick Monterosso – sports 1986 – Mick Monterosso and 1987 enjoying the many friendships gained sedans; Ivan Piatanesi and Steve from our hobby. His many friends will – Greg Mildren. The CAMS club sadly miss his presence. Cowie – street cars. This was such a driver of the year awards were won success that it was held again on 14- by: 1983 – Mike Trengove, 1984 – Ken Virgin, who had joined the 21 September 1987, when these cars John Virgo. Peter Wright died in Club in 1958, died on 15 were displayed: Ken Virgin, A7 1985 and this award was renamed November, the Sunday night of the special and VW; Tony Ross and The Peter Wright Memorial in his 1987 AGP, after working as a Lee Nicolle, sports sedans; David honour. The first winner in 1985 marshal in the support paddock. Grear, A7 special; Steve Hosking, was Bernie van Elsen, 1986 – Mick Best known for his VW racing days club car and Greg Mildren, road Monterosso and 1987 – Greg at Mallala, in 1982 Ken had registered car. Mildren. purchased the A7 Special built and

While it is not the intention (or raced by Henry Short from 1950- possible) to record the death of 1964, when it went into the every member the Club has ever Birdwood Mill Museum. had, it is appropriate to note the He last drove it at the SA

passing of four members in this Hill cl im b Cham pionship at CAMS new logo, from 1987 period. Jim Bishop’s death in 1984 Collingrove three weeks before his and memorial run in 1985 has death and in the Climb to the Eagle This had been preceded by a already been noted. on the Friday preceding the race. CAMS motor sport participation Doug Trengove, a member A7C Trophy winners day on 15 February at Mallala. since 1958, passed away on 31 May 1983: Goldsworthy Motors Lee Austin 7 Journals 99 reported on 1986 and Bruce Went wrote these Nicolle, Hoffman Dry Cleaners our involvement. words for Austin 7 Journals 95. Peter Whitbread, Attendance trophy Lee Nicolle, Geoff Lobb Bryant On 15 February, we, along with 28 I first met Doug when he was a Lawson, A7 Owners Jean Gilbert, other CAMS clubs, were at Mallala for committee member of the Club in the the first motor sport participation day, late 1950s. I was also on the committee De ni s Di x M e mor i a l Mick which was designed to let the general and we shared at that time a common Mo n t er os s o, Ga r r i e C o o p e r public sample club level motor sport. interest in building A7 specials. I found Memorial John Ampt Included were displays of club cars and him then a likeable person who was 1984: Goldsworthy Motors the opportunity to drive in an autocross, always willing to pass on to me his Steve Hosking, Hoffman Dry gymkhana and in a sprint, which we knowledge on how to “hot up” A7s. organised and during the day, 95 Cleaners David Grear, Geoff Lobb

86

Cooper Mem o rial Rob Summary Newman. The 30th year celebrations at Members who competed in the Birdwood Mill Museum, had racing and club speed events been successful with great support included the following. from all members.

SPORTS SEDANS The Clubrooms were given a Mick Monterosso, Escort; Ivan face-lift and the many years of Piatanesi, Mazda, Imp; Wayne Polden, Capri, Escort; Miles fundraising now bore fruit, resulting

Jackson, Escort; Bob Smith, in them being paid off in 1987, earlier than the period of the loan. Torana; Bob Piper, Renault, Mazda; Trevor Kennedy, Holden However, the Club still needed to EH; Lou DeLuca, Anglia, Escort; raise extra funds and these I a n Statham, Bellett, Torana; Wayne continued, mainly with the annual Trash and Treasure effort at Sutton, Escort; Paul Godden, Ma z da; Jame s Ro s e nb er g , Marion. Torana, Commodore; Ken Leigh, The Champion of AIR series of Torana; Lee Nicolle, Holden, race meetings was another Club Torana; Graham Masters, Escort; innovation. This benefited Alan Packer, Cooper S; George our racing members who Carter, Datsun; Peter Whitbread, continued to feature strongly in Renault; David Pound, Capri; the yearly C A MS Graham Hawke, Torana; Tony a w ards w ith Ross, Holden FX. Mick Monterosso and STREET CARS/ Greg Mildren ROAD REGISTERED winning both racing driver awards Greg Mildren, Mazda; Phil in 1986 and 1987. Hanlan, Mazda; Ivan Piatanesi, The arrival of the AGP, as well Display at West Lakes Mall July 1986. Mazda; Steve Cowie, Torana. as bringing Adelaide to the World’s From top: A7s of Bryant Lawson and HISTORIC GROUP N attention, had the added benefit of providing the impetus to have a Jean Gilbert ; Ken Virgin's (ex Henry Short) A7 Serge DeLuca, Cortina; Daryl medic al gr oup for me d, thus racer; Sports Sedans of Tony Ross and establishing the last of the groups Mick Monterosso. Beasy, EH Holden; Graham Hawkes, EH Holden; Daryl needed to run a race meeting – the Schultz, Mini; Graham Hicks, EH medicos. Stan Gafney, A7 Owners Kevin Holden. The second plus was it was the Caire, Denis Dix Memorial Lou SPORTS CARS beginning of a system to ensure that DeLuca, Garrie Cooper Memorial Peter Whitbread, IDS. all officials would be trained and Bernie van Elsen RACING CARS licensed to perform to the highest 1985: Goldsworthy Motors Eddy Pfeifer, FV; Steve Wright, FV, standards. This would have benefits Steve Hosking, Hoffman Dry Graham Hawkes, FF. later when CAMS sought Cleaners Phil Hanlan, A7 Owners CLUB EVENTS Government funding. Jean Gilbert, Geoff Lobb Jean Charlie Adams, A7; David Grear Austin 7 Journals had Gilbert, WA Currie Cup Brian and Tim Williams, A7, HD Holden; Tony weathered the changes of editorship Caire, Denis Dix Memorial Lou Laube, Datsun; Dan Wilkinson, Corolla; and its quality was improved by DeLuca, Garrie Cooper Memorial Steve Furlong; Steve Brown, A30; Mark being printed commercially. Ian Franklin W illiams on, Da tsun; Ian Brow n, Merv and Ruth Perry were 1986: Goldsworthy Motors Charger; Steve Hosking, Mazda; Colin rewarded with life membership for Steve Hosking, Hoffman Dry Zytveld, Bellett; David Poole, Bellett; services to the club - the first time Graham Benneche, Torana; Bernie Cleaners David Grear, A7 Owners that a husband and wife had Schults, Torana; Ashley Wells, Renault; Jean Gilbert, Geoff Lobb Jean received this honour. Dean Qualmann, Midget speed car; Gilbert, WA Currie Cup Rob Ellery, Attendances at Club meetings De ni s Di x M e mor i a l Mick Kevin Caire, Daryl Beasy, A7; Ian Sweetman, David Mahon, Torana. and events continued to fluctuate, Mo nte r os so , G a rri e C o o p er despite the efforts of the various Memorial Peter Ormsby committees to organise suitable 1987: Goldsworthy Motors outings: e.g. in 1987 there were 74 Steve Hosking, Hoffman Dry meetings, runs and competitive Cleaners David Grear, Geoff Lobb events. Membership continued to Jim Field, A7 Owners Jean and decline from the heady days of the Kevin Gilbert, WA Currie Cup late 70s and, after peaking at 185 in Arthur Addyman, Denis 1985, settled at 150 in 1986 and Dix Memorial Mick Monterosso, 1987. Garrie

87 However, there were signs that members’ interests were changing and this would have a profound effect on the Club in the next few years.

Champions of AIR, 1987 1985 Camp and Capers, Wynarka

A7 in the Grampians, Border Run, June 1987

Clubrooms, 1985

All Austin Day, West Parklands, 19-10-1986 30th Birthday Rally at the Birdwood National Motor Museum, 23-10-83

88