For Rolls-Royce and Enthusiasts PRÆCLARVM The National Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia No. 2-14 April 2014

Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile præclarum. Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble. Royce, 1924 PRÆCLARVMPRÆCLARVM TheT National Journal of the Rolls-RoyceR Owners’ Club of Australia NNo. 2-14 April 2014 IIsIssue 271 Features Regular Items Events Calendar 6483 From the Editor 6484 From the Federal President 6485 News from the Registers 6504 Book Reviews 6510 Market Place 6511 Photo: NMM, Birdwood Articles and Features 1925 Rolls-Royce 20 H.P. Chassis GPK43 fi tted with stylish Vanvooren coachwork From the Sir Henry Royce Foundation. Gilbert Ralph (Vic), Honorary 6486 now at the National Motoring Museum, Archivist details the Barr Smith family and their association with Rolls- Birdwood, SA. Royce and Bentley Motor Cars. A Twenty Dressed up for the Ball. Ian Irwin (ACT) here describes a 6492 car now on display in the National Motoring Museum at Birdwood, SA, a 1925 Rolls-Royce 20 H.P. Chassis GPK43 fi tted with stylish Vanvooren coachwork. The Silver Ghost Association, Tasmania and South East Australia 6496 Tour 2014 full report by participant Jeanne Eve (NSW). The Sir Henry Royce Foundation Offi cial Opening of the Lionel 6498 Gell School of Instruction for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Owners on Saturday, March 29, 2014, report by your Editor. cont: The Silver Ghost Association, Tasmania and South East 6500 Australia Tour 2014 full report by participant Jeanne Eve (NSW). The Power Hammer versus the Wheeling Machine David 6503 Berthon (NSW) describes the process of manufacturing panels during

coachbuilding repairs using alternative methodologies. Editor Photo: your Twenty Topics No 49 - Touring in a Barker. David Davis (NSW) 6504 Lionel Gell, benefactor to the SHRF and again develops his thoughts on 20 H.P. matters, this time on movements Victoria Branch speaks at the by the bureaucrats in England to potentially march on the classic car opening of the SHRF’s Lionel Gell School movement. of Instruction for Rolls-Royce and SPOT THE DIFFERENCE! Geoff Down (VIC) tells of his recently 6512 Bentley Owners, witnessed by purchased, 1934 20/25, GED62 a sports saloon by H.J. Mulliner, and her Noel Baker, Chairman of the sister, GLG69, 1935 20/25 chassis with a sports saloon body by Freestone LGSI committee. & Webb.

Front Cover: upper: “High on a Hill above Hobart”. 2 Silver Ghosts on the Silver Ghost Association Tasmania and South East Australia Tour, sponsored by the RROCA, rest after climbing the steep road to the top of Mt Wellington. l-r the Sierra’s, 1913, 2491 (USA) and the Mead’s, 1919, 35TW (UK). (photo by Mike Sierra (USA))

lower: “Take me back to the 1920s”’ 5 more Silver Ghosts park in Zeehan on the west coast of Tasmania during their recent tour recreating the look of the 20s. l-r are: the Drew’s, 1923, 88LK (Aus), the Kirkby’s 1921, 106AG (Aus), the Milhous’s 1923, 357HH (USA), the Carey’s, 1915, 10AD (Canada) and the Forster’s 1921, 60NE (UK). (photo by Jeanne Eve (NSW)) Photo: Ralph Plarre Photo: Ralph The Silver Ghosts on the SGA tour Club Website: www.rroc.org.au arrived in Melbourne, here led by the Back Issues of Præclarvm: http://praeclarum.rroc.org.au/ Joyce’s 1922, 40PG (USA), to be greeted Views expressed in PRÆCLARVM are those of the individual writers. by Victoria Branch members who accompanied them driving to the Great The deadline for the June 2014 issue is 18 May 2014. Ocean Road, near Geelong, Vic. 6482 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 PRÆCLARVM (ISSN 0159-4583) is published six times per year by the Federal Council of the Events Calendar Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia. Whilst Federal and Registers every care is taken to check information published, no responsibility can be accepted for errors. 7-12 May 2014 Federal Rally, Hunter Valley, NSW Beverly Simpson 0407-705-040 Views expressed by the Editor and contributors 19-22 Sep Dawn Patrol XII - Details TBA John Harriman 03-9598-6702 are their own and do not necessarily refl ect the policies of the Club. Nothing in this journal, 31 Oct - 3 Nov NSW Branch Tour - Tamworth in Spring Rex Vincent 0411-689-972 including any advertisement, should be construed as endorsement by the Editor or the Club of the Australian Capital Territory Branch - President: Ian Irwin quality or suitability of any product, service or 13 Apr BBQ at Honeysuckle Campground, Namadgi Park Peter Hyland 02-6286-4265 procedure. 14 Jun Run to Braidwood, TBC Peter Hyland 02-6286-4265 Change of Address: Members should notify their Branch Secretary (address below), not the Editor, New South Wales Branch - President: Brian Crump in the fi rst instance to advise change of address or 12 Apr Cucina Viscontini, Breakfast, Homebush Bay Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 non-receipt of an issue. 16 Apr General Meeting, Canada Bay Club, Five Dock Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 Contributions: Articles, letters and/or illustrations for publication should be sent to the Editor, address 18-21 Apr Bush Council’s Easter Rally, Parkes Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 below. Articles should preferably be sent as Text 1-7 May “Four-ways” Overlander to Federal Rally Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 fi le on CD, or emailed to [email protected] (otherwise as typed hard copy). 18 May National Motoring Heritage Day - Berry Showgrounds Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811

Federal Executive 7 Jun Cucina Viscontini, Breakfast, Homebush Bay Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 President: Kim Stapleton, 19 Jun General Meeting, Canada Bay Club, Five Dock Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 297 Darley Road, Randwick. NSW. 2031 0407-290-099 (m) Queensland Branch - President: John Wright Email: [email protected] 13 Apr Golden Oldies Run, Wooford Lawn Bowls, Woodford John Wright 0419-678-260 Secretary: Wallace Moorhouse, 25 May Palmer Motorama Museum Drive Day and Lunch, Coolum John Wright 0419-678-260 7 Grant Street, Ashgrove, QLD. 4060 07-3366-5043 22 Jun Navigation Run John Wright 0419-678-260 Email: [email protected] South Australian Branch - President: Rory Poland Treasurer: Peter Chan, PO Box 827, Fyshwick, ACT. 2609 12/13 Apr Annual Concours & Picnic, Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley Peter Forbes 0411-246-841 02-6161-7316 15 Jun Adelaide Hills Run and Luncheon Peter Forbes 0411-246-841 Email: [email protected] Victoria Branch - President: Ralph Plarre The Sir Henry Royce Foundation 10 Apr General Meeting, Bill Allsep House, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767 Russell Rolls, PO Box 140, South Yarra Vic, 3141. 13 Apr Technical Workshop, Lionel Gell School of Instruction Rob Wort 0410-662-385 0418-325-086 (m) 20 Apr Easter Sunday Picnic, Warrragul Brian Williams 0458-888-767 Email: rolls@pacifi c.net.au 25 Apr ANZAC Parade, Melbourne CBD Brian Williams 0458-888-767 Federal Publications 8 May General Meeting, Bill Allsep House, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767 PRÆCLARVM Editor: Tim Dean, 18 May Family and Pet Picnic, Darling Park Brian Williams 0458-888-767 1630 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, VIC, 3146. 0401-987-808 (m) 03-9886-9024 (fax) 25 May Tasmania Section - Hertitage Visit, Clarendon House Carney Cox 0400-098-197 Email: [email protected] 12 Jun General Meeting, Nelson Bros Garage, Port Melbourne Brian Williams 0458-888-767 Registrar (Chassis Plate): David Vann, Western Australia Branch - President: Brian Tilbury PO Box 41, Lutwyche, QLD, 4030. 13 Apr Annual Concours d’Elegance, Tawarri Centre, Dalkeith Max Cuypers 0412-630-808 07-3852-2999 (w) 07-3852-6222 (fax) Email: [email protected] 27 Apr Whiteman Park - Classic Car Show, Whiteman Max Cuypers 0412-630-808 Mailing list: Ian Dunn, 19 May British Car Club Day at Gin-Gin Max Cuypers 0412-630-808 40 Murranji Street, Hawker, ACT, 2614. 02-6278-3763 Email: [email protected]

Branch Secretaries Australian Capital Territory: Peter Hyland, PO Box 773, Mawson, ACT, 2606. 02-6286-4265 (h) Email: [email protected] New South Wales: Judith Merlin, 9 Twin Lakes Drive, Lake Haven, NSW, 2263. 02-4308-3811 (h) 0421-690-299 (m) Email: [email protected] Queensland: David Balfour, 41 Richmond Street, Gordon Park, QLD, 4031. 07-3123-7903 Email: [email protected] South Australia: Peter Forbes, PO Box 355, Welland, SA 5007 0411-246-841 Email: [email protected] Victoria: Brian Williams, PO Box 21, Kew, VIC, 3101. 0458-888-767 Email: [email protected] Western Australia: Marie Hammat, PO Box 590, Kalamunda, WA, 6926. 0417-990-812 Email: [email protected] Section Contacts above: Recently at the 2014 Geneva Salon, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled their Ghost Northern Territory: Keith Preston, Series II. The car has re-sculpted LED headlights encircled by daytime running lights lending PO Box 1066, Palmerston, NT, 0831. a more dynamic visual signature. At the same time a tapered ‘wake channel’ on the bonnet, 08-8983-1029 emanating from the Spirit of Ecstasy, evokes the sight of a jet’s vapour trail of a fast luxury Tasmania: Carney Cox, yacht and hints at the car’s performance. The Ghost’s new bumpers create a stronger stance 115 Gloucester St, West Launceston, TAS, 7005 and a sense of extra width and height, while the famous waft line has been re-designed to 0400-098-197 lean further forwards emphasising the car’s effortless drive. (courtesy Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6483 F rom the Editor Excitement in the Club: The SHRF, FJ Engish Award for carburettor for sale in Victoria, Bob he New Year has brought some Club Photography 2013 Clarke (ACT) reports some more information. Tgood news around the country, n another SHRF matter, Russell He says that the carburettor has especially in Victoria. In the centre Rolls has asked that members be O been for sale for perhaps 10 years at spread of this edition you will see advised that the winners of the 2013 the Bendigo swap meet and his close details of the new SHRF workshop and Club Photography competition will be investigation has revealed that it is an training facility, now opened just round announced at the Club’s Federal Rally in early 20/25 pre-1933, R-R type, not the corner from the Bill Allsep House, May. There have been several inspiring from a 20 H.P.. More worrying is that the Victoria Branch Club Rooms. entries this year and Praeclarvm will the air valve had been forcefully re-fi tted The facility is to be known as the pleased to announce and display the at some time so that it is now cross Lionel Gell School of Instruction for winning entries in its next edition. threaded, requiring careful attention. Rolls-Royce and Bentley Owners in He has also thinks that the unit maybe a gratitude for the generous donation Swap Table At The 2014 Federal tad over-priced presently. made by long-term Victoria Member, Rally: As was said in the story, always Lionel Gell. t is also timely that Præclarvm advises keep your eyes and ears open when Lionel’s donation has allowed the Imembers again that the swap table will out-and-about in Australia - there are facility to be purchased and equipped again be operating at the Federal Rally on many Rolls-Royce “treasures” lurking for the benefit of supporters of the Saturday, 10 May 2014 at the Display Day out there for the eagle-eyed member! ideals of Henry Royce and engineering activities. It is to be run by members of excellence. The Branch’s Technical the Pre-War Small Horsepower Register. Good-luck for the Federal Rally Group will be avid regular users and the Goods on offer will include Pre- and nfortunately, Margie and I will not SHRF will be able to host information Post-War Rolls-Royce tools, handbooks be able to attend the up-coming and training sessions for automotive U (including those for Edwardian Ghosts), Federal Rally, the highlight of the Club’s apprentices and other interested Mascots, Lucas No. 40 oil cans, Edwardian year, as we are travelling in the good- parties on the ways the Companies and later spare light bulb holders, vintage old USA with our daughters and their have produced motor cars over the past feeler gauges, wheel discs, lights, books families on a well-deserved holiday. 100 years. and memorabilia etc. I wish to insist that all attending The workshop will be managed and This table is usually a hive of activity members have a great time and make maintained by a small group of Victoria at Federal Rallies and members are sure this one lives up to the ones of the Branch members, including Lionel. It reminded that if you want to sell anything past and can be declared “the best one will be their task to ensure the facility Rolls-Royce or Bentley, bring it along on ever”. is kept in pristine condition and that the the day and they will try to sell it for you. Happy motoring safety requirements for the use of some Please remember to take your want Tim Dean of the more “technical” equipment are lists to the Concours day. followed. GBK58, BSH20044 10% of takings are This facility is seen as a great advance donated to the Sir Henry and advantage to the SHRF and the Royce Foundation. Victoria Branch into the future. It gives both parties one of the best equipped More on Bits of a Rolls- Rolls-Royce and Bentley enthusiasts Royce facilities in the world. ollowing John Reis’s When you are in Melbourne next Fcontact note in the make plans to visit it and enjoy the Editor’s column last effort gone into its set-up and potential. edition (1-14), about a

TAMWORTH IN SPRING NSW Branch October Tour Friday October 31st--- Monday 3rd November

here is much more to visit in and free day in Tamworth will allow visits Taround Tamworth than the Country to the many local attractions and if so Music Festival, inclined, a matinee performance of “My The NSW Branch invites all members Fair Lady”. to join us at this Hub event, which has History, Driving, Good Company and been put together by local member Culture – What more could members Michael Jeanes. want. Tamworth, located in Northern Our 4 star accommodation with NSW, some 400 Km North of Sydney, safe parking is limited to 21 rooms so was originally settled in 1832 and expressions of interest are requested to with 60,000 inhabitants is to-day a Rex Vincent RNSGA@ bigpond.com vibrant centre for agriculture, mining, or text or call 0411 689 972 transport, aviation and commerce. For Sydney members and others from Day trips to Quirindi via Werris the South, a feed and return run, taking Creek, Armidale via Uralla and Nundle 2 days (leave Wednesday morning) is via Chaffey Dam are planned with planned via secondary roads for those historical points of interest to visit. A who don’t relish Highways. 6484 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 F rom the Federal President s we go to press a number of our The Branch was not successful in will be held at the Federal Rally in ABranches have already had the their earlier bid to obtain the use of May. The SHRF has now established opportunity to host the Silver Ghost premises via the Brisbane City Council, a Phantom V Conservation account. Association, at various stages along so they are now looking to purchase David Davis has resigned as custodian the route of its South East Australian premises directly. I understand that the of the Phantom V and the Trustees Tour. This will have given many of our premises currently being considered acknowledged and recognised David’s members the chance to view some are located in Brendale, north-west of long and dedicated generosity in lovely cars and the members of the the city. I will continue to watch with supporting this important symbol of SGA the chance to view some great interest to see how our friends in the the Foundation. Brian Crump (NSW) parts of our country. I trust that all sunny north progress with their Club has agreed to take on the role of the our friends in the SGA are travelling premises endeavour. custodian of the Phantom V. well and enjoying this fantastic tour. On the subject of premises I Since some of the SHRF collection I was in Canberra for the weekend attended the most recent meeting on display in Bill Allsep House is on of 15-16 March and caught up with of the Trustees of the Sir Henry loan from the Museum of Victoria, a number of our members and some Royce Foundation, which was held the Museum is obliged to conduct of our SGA friends. It was great to in Melbourne at Lionel Gell School inspections from time to time to see so many pre-war cars out and on of Instruction (LGSI). The LGSI is ensure the conditions at BAH are of display for all to enjoy. In particular I located in an industrial unit in Rowville Museum standard. As a consequence want to congratulate Ian the agreements for the Irwin on taking 1404 out continued load of the on its fi rst fully-fl edged sectioned Derwent and and registered run in 75 Eagle engines have been years. Talk about a labour renewed. The team from of love, well done Ian. I the Museum of Victoria think it’s defi nitely time were most impressed for you to treat Ida to a with both the facilities holiday and a break from and the extent of the car restoration duties. Collection. They were, in The preparation for fact, surprised that such Rally 2014 is well and truly an impressive collection in full swing now, with fi nal existed in a private tweaks to the programme museum. and activities all that Many of our members remains. Resort bookings in Sydney who have had and Rally Registrations dealings with Trivett have been very solid but Bespoke would know the Registrations are the Senior Bentley lagging a little behind Sales Specialist, Adam the accommodation Hannaford. However did bookings. Numbers attending look to very close to Bill Allsep House. The you know of Adam’s recent success in be in the high 200s and the Organising unit is approximately 13 m by 14 m Bentley circles? Adam attended the Committee is very confi dent that we and has a small offi ce with shower and Bentley Flying Spur Dealer Training in will have an excellent Rally. toilet facilities. The remainder of the Crewe in 2013 and placed fi rst out of fl oor space is open and there are now An important component to an 247 delegates from around the world. fi ve hoists installed, four fi xed and one event such as a Federal Rally is the Congratulations Adam. Your hard mobile. The offi cial opening for the ability to leverage the presence of work and passion for your product has LGSI will be held on Sunday 29 March so many magnifi cent cars in the clearly paid off. 2014 and I am sure this will be a well- one place, to generate some funds Finally, I would like to express my attended event. for a local charity. The Organising thanks to Brian Crump who is retiring Committee has been working with The workings of the SHRF continue as the Phantom Registrar. Brian many local business groups and our along well-planned lines and Russell has worked diligently to establish major sponsors to help fund-raise and his team of Trustees are working solid links with his contemporaries for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter diligently to administer the Foundation overseas and has been instrumental Service. You will see many of their and to re-establish the Club’s faith in in ensuring Phantom knowledge is volunteers around at the Display Day the Foundation. Tim Dean and Eric shared globally. He will be succeeded and in Morpeth on the Friday. These Henderson have been busy sorting out by Frank Carroll (QLD) and I wish volunteers will be collecting gold coin the out-of-date data on the website Frank all the best in his new role. donations from the public who would and correcting a variety of issues with If you are a Phantom owner please like to view our cars as well as a few the site. This is largely completed but help Frank to make a success of this other fund-raising activities. Part there is a lot more new content that function. of the proceeds from our raffl e will will be posted in the coming months, I am looking forward to catching also be going to the Westpac Rescue including the latest audited accounts up with as many of our members as Helicopter Service. I encourage those of the SHRF. These accounts have also possible at our 56th Annual Federal attending the Rally to help support been circulated to all Branches via the Rally in Cypress Lakes in May. this very worthy cause. Consultative Committee. It has been very interesting to The Trustees have been working Until then happy and safe motoring watch the process that the Queensland on the Strategic Plan and intend to to all. Branch is working through in their release this following the meeting with Kim Stapleton endeavour to secure Club premises. the Consultative Committee, which Federal President

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6485 From the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archives The Barr Smiths and their Proper Motor Cars Gilbert M Ralph Hon. Archivist SHRF

eaders will have read Ian Irwin’s Rfascinating history of Barr Smith’s Rolls-Royce, 1388, in the last edition of æ. By coincidence I have been researching the Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars owned by this family and it may surprise readers to learn that over three generations they had at least 24 such cars which may well place them in the category of the most prolifi c users of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars in Australia (with the possible exception on the O’Neil family). Sir Tom Barr Smith joined the South Australian Branch of the Rolls- Royce Owners’ Club of Australia in 1963 and his son, Tom, a year later. Tom, the younger, was a frequent participant in Club events until 1994. Recently I have had some discussions with Tom and he has been very helpful in preparing this account of the cars he above: Pic 1: Birksgate the and the family owned. Barr Smith family mansion The Barr Smith dynasty had its at Glen Osmond (State Library of SA) beginnings with Robert Barr Smith, the son of Rev Dr Robert Smith and right: Pics 2 & 3: The South Australian Railways his wife Marjory, nee Barr, hence the 500 Class 4-8-2 locomotive unhyphenated name, Barr Smith. named after Tom Barr Robert was educated at Glasgow Smith (Author) University and migrated to Melbourne bottom: Pic 4: 1911 Silver in 1854 as a partner in Hamilton, Ghost 1388 in the 1935 Smith & Co. In the following year Sporting Car Club of SA Robert moved to Adelaide to join A Rally from Adelaide to L Elder & Co and in 1856 he married Glenelg driven by James (Sir) Thomas Elder’s sister, Joanna. Gosse, Barr Smith’s Eight years later he and (Sir) Thomas nephew. (The Mail, Adelaide 30 March 1935) Elder became the sole proprietors of Elder Smith & Co, owned two thirds of who took an interest Adelaide Steamship Company and held in motoring at the turn extensive commercial and pastoral of the 20th Century. interests. The partnership fl ourished He became President bringing substantial wealth to both of the South Australian families. Automobile Club in Barr Smith, lived in Torrens Park, 1907. He was a highly a stately home which later became respected individual in Scotch College. Sir Thomas Elder, Adelaide community and among others who never married, lived in Birksgate things donated funds for the building of at Glen Osmond and on his death in the Barr Smith Library at the University 1897 it passed to his nephew, Tom and a South Australian Railways Elder Barr Smith and it remained in the locomotive was named in his honour in family for many years. (Pic 1) the 1926 (Pics 2 & 3). He died in 1941 Elder and Barr Smith were both by which time his 37 year old son, Tom noted for their business acumen and Barr Smith (2nd), held directorships in philanthropy and were generous in all the family enterprises. their support of the University and Tom Elder Barr Smith (2nd) was well many charitable organisations in South educated in Australia and England. He Australia. Both were patrons of the joined the Militia in 1930 and became arts and keen on breeding race horses. a Captain when aide-de-camp to Robert’s son, Tom Elder Barr Smith Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven, South (1st), succeeded Robert in his pastoral Australia’s Governor. Tom married and business interests. In 1886 Tom Nancy Greene in Victoria in 1936 had married Mary Isobel Mitchell and and moved into Birksgate. He held she bore six children, including Tom directorships in many notable Adelaide Elder Barr Smith (2nd) and it was he based companies. He served on the

6486 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 Adelaide City Council and his involvement in community affairs, sporting activities and philanthropy are legendary. He was knighted in 1959 and died nine years later. Sir Tom’s son, Tom Elder Barr Smith (3rd) grew up in Adelaide and he too became an enthusiastic motorist and participated in the activities of the RROCA attending at least three Federal Rallies. It was he who retained much of the family motoring memorabilia and recently donated an interesting assortment of Rolls-Royce and Bentley related material to the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archive in Melbourne. The fi rst Rolls-Royce bought by Tom Barr Smith (1st) was a Silver Ghost, 1388 described at length by Ian Irwin in the last edition of Præclarvm. It was no doubt the most prestigious motor car in Adelaide at the time. The car remained in the family and was used by his son Robert and later his grandson, Jim Gosse, who drove it in the Adelaide to Glenelg car rallies in 1934 and 1935. (Pic 4 see previous page) This important car was fi nally rescued in June 1958 by Laurie E Vinall of Adelaide and he spent several years restoring it and fi tting a Roi des Belges body. Laurie, and subsequently his son, David, successfully participated in many RROCA events in South Australia and interstate. More recently it has been owned by RROCA members Bill and Jacqui Hall in Sydney. Ian Irwin recorded a more complete history of this car in his book, Silver Ghosts of Australia and New Zealand. Tom Clarke and David Neely in Rolls-Royce and Bentley in a Sunburnt Country record that a 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost came to Australia in 1914 where it was fi tted with above top: Pic 5: Silver Ghost 47YB was thought to have been owned a tourer body by Angus & Son in Sydney and delivered to by the Barr Smith family. (Ian Irwin) Tom Barr Smith, at Birksgate, where it registered as SA- 6773 in April 1916. It was a four-speed Colonial chassis above: Pic 6: Jean Barr Smith married Tom O’Halloran Giles and Silver Ghost, 47YB. John Fasal and Bryan Goodman in their they owned this handsome 1922 Silver Ghost, 33KG with H J Mulliner defi nitive work The Edwardian Rolls-Royce record that this coachwork. (Rolls-Royce and Bentley in a Sunburnt Country) chassis came off test on 28th May 1914 and was fi tted with Landaulette coachwork by Regent Carriage Co for George below: Pics 7 & 8: The rebodied 1909 Silver Ghost, 1187, used by the Wills & Co in . Fasal & Goodman then record that it Barr Smith Family while touring Europe in 1926. was owned by T E Barr Smith in South Australia then R H Ursla Barr Smith in Pic 7 (TE Barr Smith) Meares, of Buyuma in Sydney in 1916. Ian Irwin in Silver Ghosts in Australia and New Zealand says it was reputed to be owned by Barr Smith but, more likely went to Sydney where is was owned by Richard Meares. In 1929 it was rebodied by Properts as a saloon. All three researchers agree it was owned by T Mulvey of Beecroft, NSW in 1936. Irwin states that it was destroyed in a bushfi re in January 1939. Tom Barr Smith (3rd) has no evidence of the family owning this car. (Pic 5) Jean Barr Smith married Tom O’Halloran Giles, who in 1923 purchased Silver Ghost 33KG, a short chassis ‘speed model’. They lived in Brougham Place, North Adelaide, where two near neighbors also owned Rolls-Royces. It was intended that this car was to be used by the Governor General, HRH Duke of Gloucester as part of the Victory celebrations in Adelaide in May 1945 but he was required to return to Canberra urgently. The car was sold soon after and passed through many owners, the last of whom was T M Tennant, an American teaching in Saudi Arabia. (Pic 6) When Tom Barr Smith (1st) and his family visited England in the 1926 they hired a car and driver for their tour on the Continent. The car was a 1909 Silver Ghost, 1187, which had originally been a Barker Limousine but had been converted to an ambulance during WW1 and subsequently fi tted with a tourer body in 1919. (Pics 7 & 8) Tom Barr Smith (1st) was in London again in March 1928 to take delivery of a long chassis New Phantom, 40EH, which had come off test in January. It was fi tted with a Park Ward V-screen limousine coachwork. After using the car in United Kingdom, and possibly the Continent, the car was shipped to Adelaide where it became the formal car for the Barr Smith

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6487 family until 1950. Tom Barr Smith (3rd) recalls this car and refers to it as ‘the fl ying bedstead’. He told me the story about travelling in this car to farewell a relative at Parafi eld aerodrome when a young boy and he asked the driver to wait on Main North Road (which is parallel with the runway) until the DC3 took-off with instructions to try and outpace the aircraft. He says the car was also fi tted with an exhaust cut-out. 40EH was sold to Bill Hayes of Dependable Motors in Adelaide in 1950. In 1953 it was in Perth and it passed through the hands of several dealers and owners until it was acquired by Paul Terry and exhibited in his Albany car museum in the 1980s. It participated in the 1985 RROCA Federal Rally in Perth. Later it was bought by Tan Ah Ee in Kelmscott. Its current whereabouts is uncertain. (Pic 9) Tom Barr Smith’s son, Captain Tom Elder Barr Smith (2nd), was an enthusiastic motorist, having had an assortment of large cars during the 1920s including a 3 litre Bentley. (Pic 10) His fi rst Rolls-Royce was a second-hand Phantom I, a 1925 short chassis H J Mulliner-bodied tourer on chassis 44RC. It had been used as a demonstrator car by Napier Birks, manager of Motors Ltd, the Adelaide R-R agents. Clarke and Neely in their book, Rolls Royce and Bentley in a Sunburnt Country, record that Capt T E Barr Smith owned this car in 1933 but that it was badly damaged. An article I found in the Adelaide News reported that it had overturned when a front tyre blew-out on Glen Osmond Road and that Barr Smith sustained a broken leg and concussion. He is reported to have taken the car to England for repairs costing £1500. What happened to it after is not known. When Capt Tom Barr Smith was in London in 1933 he took delivery of a new Phantom II Continental, 26MY, with above top: Pic 9: New Phantom, 40EH at Birksgate (TE Barr Smith) Thrupp & Maberly saloon coachwork. After touring the Continent it was shipped to Adelaide where it was greatly above: Pic 10: a 3litre Bentley owned by Tom Barr Smith (2nd ) (TE admired. Barr Smith was a prominent member of the Barr Smith) Sporting Car Club of South Australia and he was present at a Club event in 1935 which was reported in the Adelaide below: Pic 11: 1933 Phantom II 26MY currently owned by Peter Willcox in Victoria (Peter Willcox) Advertiser on 29th January; ‘In the other race - between Mr R H Dutton’s 57 h.p. V12 Packard and Captain T E Barr below lower: Pic 12: 1927 Phantom 69EF now owned by Mark Babidge Smith’s 40-50 Rolls-Royce – the cars raced against the wind. with its Roger Fry tourer body. (Author) From a standing start, the Rolls-Royce quickly overtook and passed the Packard, which had gained an early lead, but the heavy going retarded the Rolls-Royce’s speed, and the Packard passed over the fi nishing line about a car length in front’. The Phantom Continental was in the Adelaide News again on 13th March 1937, ‘when it was taken by two men and used on a joy ride during which a speed of between 80 and 100 m.p.h. was reached’ before it crashed. ‘The two men were subsequently convicted and sent to goal’. Barr Smith explained that he took the car to England with him on the Strathnaver on 25th March, ‘because the guarantee given by him by the Rolls-Royce Co stipulated that repairs to the car should be done in the Company’s factory at Derby, England.’ Obviously the car was returned to Adelaide and during the Second World War Captain Barr Smith made the car over to the Australian Army. 26MY was later returned to the Barr Smith family and Tom (3rd) says it became known as ‘Grannies car’ until it was sold and subsequently owned by several Victorians before returning to Adelaide in the 1970s when acquired by Frank Hannan and later by Brian Hallo. More recently it was bought by RROCA member Peter Crauford at Moyston. He sold it to Peter Willcox a well known collector in Melbourne in 2013. (Pic 11) Capt Barr Smith’s sister, Ursla, also had a new Rolls-Royce in 1933. It was a 20/25 H.P. fi xed head coupé body by H J Mulliner on chassis GRW67. It was shipped to Adelaide where she used it regularly. In 1935 Ursla married Edward (later Sir Edward) Haywood, one time Chairman and Managing Director of John Martins Ltd and they moved into Carrick Hill, a delightful Jacobethan style house at Springfi eld on 100

6488 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 acres which was given to them by her father. The Haywards had no children and on Sir Edward’s death in 1983 the entire property was bequeathed to the State. In about 1934 Sir Edward had purchased a second-hand, long wheel-based 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I, 69EF, which originally had a Gill Landaulette body but was later re-bodied in Australia. After numerous owners, it was acquired by Mark Babidge in Perth and he had Roger Fry fi t a replica Barker tourer in 1995. (Pic 12 - see previous page) Later GRW67 had a succession of owners in SA, VIC, NSW and ACT. (Pic 13) It passed through Sydney R-R dealer George Sevenoaks in 1956 when it was sold for $1000. It was later owned by David Kenway in Victoria and he undertook an extensive refurbishment in 1973-4 and it won the Restoration Trophy at the RROCA Federal Rally in Perth in 1974. He sold it to Ursla’s nephew, Tom Barr Smith (3rd) but he only held it for a short time remarking to me that, ‘It was too pristine for me - besides it was not fast enough’. It was last known to be in the vicinity of Canberra. Clarke and Neely in Rolls-Royce and Bentley in a Sunburnt Country record that Capt Barr Smith bought a second-hand 1936 4¼ litre Bentley B172HK with Park Ward drop-head coupé coachwork which had previously been owned by J R Adams, British Trade Commissioner in Sydney. They record that Barr Smith sold this after the Second World War and it passed to other owners including Lady Cynthia Gengoult- Smith in Melbourne in 1956 but Tom Barr Smith (3rd) has no recollection of this car. 1936 was an auspicious year for Capt Tom Barr Smith. In March he married Nancy Leyland Greene of Melbourne and above top: Pic 13: David Kenway and Andrew Brownell in GRW67 they moved into Birksgate where their four children were about the time it won the RROCA Restoration Trophy in Perth (SHRF born. When they were in London in August 1937 they took Archive) delivery of what was to become their ‘family car’; a new above: Pic 14: The 1937 Bentley 4 ¼ litre Park Ward pillarless saloon, 4¼ litre Bentley, B47KU, with Park Ward pillarless saloon B47KU, owned by two generations of Barr Smiths. (SHRF Archive) coachwork. It was shipped to Adelaide a month or two later. below: Pics 15: Bentley B110MR when acquired by Tom Barr Smith in This car was sold in about 1950 but was for sentimental UK when at College (TE Barr Smith) reasons was later repurchased by Tom Barr Smith (3rd) below lower: Pic 16: Bentley B110MR after colliding with a pole in UK who used it when participating in RROCA Federal Rallies with an unhappy but uninjured Tom Barr Smith standing alongside. (TE at Mildura in 1965 and again in 1968. It won the Pre-War Barr Smith)) Trophy in 1965 and the Gymkhana Trophy in 1968 in the hands of Tom Barr Smith (3rd). He and the car appeared again at the 1978 Federal Rally in the Barossa Valley. It was subsequently owned by Club members William Hodder and Charles Lloyd-Jones but it is no longer listed in the Club Register. (Pic 14) As a young man Tom Barr Smith (3rd) went to England in about 1958 to attend the Royal Agricultural College near Cirencester and being familiar with Bentleys bought a second-hand 1939 Bentley 4¼ litre, B110MR, with an H J Mulliner saloon body. It bore the registration number FLH- 6. Tom recalls this car well and said, ‘It was unusual in that it had a central gear change, beautiful Marchal headlamps with a small green lens on top to indicate high beam and an ebonised dashboard’. (Pic 15) Tom had an unfortunate mishap in 1960 when avoiding a passing lorry he swerved and crashed into a pole. (Pic 16) Luckily he was not seriously injured but the car was a write- off and he salvaged some parts from the wreck including the switch box which is one of the items Tom donated to the SHRFA Archive. To replace B110MR Tom bought another 1939 4¼ litre Bentley, B101MX, which was fi tted with an overdrive top gear and Hooper Saloon coachwork. Considering the poor condition of this car he replaced the engine and some other components with what he had salvaged from B110MR. He used B101MX for the remainder of his stay at College and sold it in England before he returned to Adelaide. (Pic 17 - see next page) In 1951-2 Sir Tom acquired two MKVI Bentleys - a two- door Clubman by James Young and a four-door saloon body by H J Mulliner. The specifi cations and drawings of these

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6489 cars, together with some related memorabilia, are amongst the material recently donated to the SHRF Archive by Tom Barr Smith (3rd). Tom remarked that, ‘the story behind the two-door James Young car is that Mother lamented Father selling the pillar-less Bentley, B47KU, and he agreed to buy her a car of her choice. Subsequently Charlie Ellis, from Motors Ltd in Adelaide, called into Birksgate and presented sketches of various coachbuilders’ designs and Mother chose the James Young two-door Clubman saloon. In 1952 it (B260MD) arrived much to Mother’s delight and it became her favourite car for many years. Its registration number was SA 8260.’ B260MD was later sold to Tony Nelson, Austrian Consul in Adelaide and subsequently to Cyril Gove of Kinloch near Deniliquin, NSW. Several other RROCA members owned this car including, David Wilkie in NSW, Gerard Burkhardt in WA, Owen Bailey in Victoria and Peter Shellard in Victoria. It is no longer listed in Chassis Plate. Tom went on to say that, ‘Father disliked two-door cars and bought the H J Mulliner four-door saloon, B330MD, after it had been on display at the Melbourne Motor show in 1952. It was registered SA 17. He did a fair amount of travel in the outback and was disappointed that the car was not adequately dust-proofed. The car was returned to H J Mulliners for remedial works. They attended to the door seals and even put key-hole covers on the locks but to no avail. Mulliners just didn’t understand the dust problems existing on Australian country roads. Mother also liked this car because it was very comfortable to drive at high speed – she once drove from Melbourne to Adelaide in less than eight hours.’ Tom related a further story that, ‘Such was Dad’s dislike of two-door cars that Colonel Manning of Jack Barclays told me above top: Pic 17: The attractive Bentley 4 ¼ Hooper saloon, that it was because of Dad’s persistence that the four-door B101MX, used by Tom Barr Smith in UK. (TE Barr Smith) Continental was produced. I can recall being taken on a test drive up the M1 Motorway in a Fastback above: Pic 18: The two Mk VI Bentleys acquired by Barr Smiths in 1952, B260MD, left and B330MD (SHRF Achive) which he rejected only on the grounds of having two-doors. By now he had a bee in his bonnet about two-door cars’. below: Pics 19: A 1955 long-boot Silver Dawn believed to be SVJ15. B330MD, was sold to Doug Jarvis of Taperoo Industries (SHRF Archive) Ltd and later it passed to several other South Australian owners including Bob Burnett-Reid. (Pic 18) below lower: Pic 20: The 1955 Bentley BC30D at Tom Barr Smith’s home, Beachwood at Stirling. (TE Barr Smith) Tom Clarke and David Neely in Rolls-Royce and Bentley in a Sunburnt Country, list a 1953-4 , B2UM, as having been owned by Tom Barr Smith (2nd) and registered SA RLK- 033, but Tom Barr Smith (3rd) believes that the 1953-4 R Type Bentley, B230UM, attributed to the Barr Smith family (and currently owned by Bill and Barbara Busby in WA) might be an error. He does however confi rm that Eda A Barr Smith bought a Silver Dawn, SVJ15 in 1955. (Pic 19) Probably the most impressive car at the 1955 Melbourne Motor Show was a 1954 Bentley Continental, BC30D, with a two-door light-weight saloon by H J Mulliner capable of 120mph. It had arrived in November 1954 for Mrs Dorothea Lewis of Toorak and she allowed the Agents, Kellow-Falkiner to exhibit it on their stand at the 1955 Motor Show. In 1970 it was acquired by Tom Barr Smith (3rd) but it appears that he held it for less than a year after which it returned to Victoria and was owned by M P Reid, D Reid then J L Townsend until 1977 when it was bought by Graeme McK Miller in Victoria. (Pic 20) Tom Barr Smith (3rd) relates the circumstances which prompted his father to buy a Rolls-Royce when in London in the late 1950s. ‘On one of the occasions he didn’t take a car with him on a trip to UK there was a taxi strike so Dad bought a Harold Radford “Countryman” version of the Silver Cloud I and he liked it so much that he brought it back to Adelaide, rust and all. It had the full treatment – the Wabasto sunshine roof, picnic basket, table, padded seats on the rear bumpers etc’. It was chassis SHF187 and bore the registration number SA-1072. It proved popular with the family for visits to their various rural properties. It was later owned by RROCA member Ronald Hunter in NSW. A little

6490 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 earlier he had bought a second-hand silver grey which had belonged to Sir Ellerton Becker – possibly in the name of Lake Victoria Properties.’ (Pic 21) In 1957 Sir Tom Barr Smith collected a Bentley S1 Continental, BC7DJ, with an H J Mulliner four-door Flying Spur coachwork painted in what became known in the factory as ‘Barr Smith cream’, from Jack Barclay in London and soon after he and his wife, Nancy, began a tour of Europe. The S1 was fi tted with a three-band radio. Barr Smiths travelled about 50,000miles in this car before selling it to Clem Ryan in Adelaide in 1961. Clem had the car for about 40 years and covered another 50,000 miles before selling it to Rolls- Royce enthusiast, Peter Cox in 1990. In 2006 Peter won the Conservation Class Award with this car at the RROCA South Australian Annual Concours de Elegance. (Pic 22) Barr Smiths also had a Standard Steel Saloon which was purchased in the name of Lake Victoria Pty Ltd and Registered SA 5884. During the 1960s another Rolls-Royce appeared in the garage at Birksgate. Christine Barr Smith had married Dr Christopher Laurie and he shared the family’s interest in Rolls-Royce. He purchased an old Silver Ghost, 3PP, a short chassis which came off test in October 1919. Originally it was delivered to Sydney as Barker tourer. After a succession of owners Christopher purchased the car and with the encouragement of Tom Barr Smith (3rd) undertook its restoration and had it registered as SA 1919. It later passed to his son Hamish. Where is it now? (Pic 23) The last new Bentley bought by Sir Tom was B30FG, a 1964 Bentley S3, with H J Mulliner Flying Spur coachwork which her and Lady Barr Smith used when touring the Continent that year. For this adventure he had a Touring above top: Pic 21: The Radford ‘Countryman’ Silver Cloud I at Kit in the boot but found no need to use it and it is now in Birksgate with Sir Tom seated on right. (TE Barr Smith) the SHFRA Collection at Bill Allsep House. This was the last above: Pic 22: 1957 Bentley Flying Spur, BC7DJ, when owned by P Bentley bought by Sir Tom before he died in 1968. (Pic 24) Cox in Adelaide. (P Cox) Tom Barr Smith (3rd) bought a Rolls-Royce standard steel saloon, chassis SRH18981 from Edward Godfrey at Motors below: Pics 23: The 1919 Silver Ghost 3PP at Birksgate in the 1960s Ltd in Adelaide in 1974 and it was registered SAN 111. This (TE Barr Smith) car currently belongs to Henry and Helen Slater in Heathpool, below lower: Pic 24: The Touring Kit No 15 used by Sir Tom Barr SA. Tom also told me he owned a Bentley Turbo R which he Smith while touring in Europe. (Author) bought from Lance O’Neil. This was the last Bentley owned by Tom Barr Smith (3rd). His interest in motoring however continued and he has had an eclectic collection of exotic cars over the years and has been involved with numerous motoring clubs and at one time was proprietor of the Healey Workshop in Melbourne. Currently he has two Bristols, an Austin Healey and an AC in his garage at Flinders where he and his wife, Jenny, now live in retirement. Their son, Tom Elder Barr Smith (4th) lives nearby at Flinders but whilst he has an interest in sporty cars he has never owned a Rolls- Royce or a Bentley. It would seem that the Barr Smith family tradition of owning Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars has come to an end after nearly a century.

I would like to acknowledge the valuable input into this account by Tom Barr Smith (3rd) and for access to his collection of family memorabilia and photographs. I have drawn heavily on Tom Clarke and David Neely’s book Rolls Royce and Bentley in a Sunburnt Country and David Neely’s comprehensive history of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia, In the Rear-View Mirror. John Fasal and Bryan Goodman’s book, The Edwardian Rolls-Royce, was helpful in respect to the early Silver Ghosts as was Ian Irwin’s book, Silver Ghosts of Australia and New Zealand. Tom Clarke reviewed the draft and gave some helpful advice. I found The Australian Dictionary of Biography useful and appreciate access to photographs from the State Library of South Australia. I also drew on the records and photographs in the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archive in Melbourne.

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6491 A TWENTY DRESSED UP FOR THE BALL by: Ian Irwin (ACT)

This month, Ian Irwin turns his focus to a remarkable 20 H.P. Rolls-Royce that has turned heads wherever it has been. This magnifi cent coachbuilt car was in the vanguard of the pillarless automobile. Ian begins to unravel the origins of this magnifi cent vehicle but on behalf of the National Motor Museum, Birdwood, South Australia, seeks the assistance from anyone who can add to the carʼs history, its arrival in Australia and its earliest Australian owners.

very Rolls-Royce is a special car. But In any event, within a few years management of the fi rm. The fi rm Esome are more special than others. the car was destined to make history was to later employ another partner, The 20 H.P. Chassis GPK43, with as it had been delivered to Carrosserie one Robert de Prandiere, and together engine G1385 came off test in October Vanvooren, in Paris, for the fi tting of they patented a new fl exible metal 1925 to be sent to McKay coachbuilders, what, in its day, was extraordinarily reinforced body structural framework where it was fi tted with landaulette progressive coachwork. using the Silentbloc rubber anti- coachwork. Carrossie Vanvooren was established vibration mountings invented by a neighbouring fi rm, Repusseau et Cie. Sadly, there is no record of who in 1910 by Achille Vanvooren in This enabled the timber frame of the commissioned or purchased Chassis the north-western Paris suburb of automobile bodywork to be fi tted to GPK43 when new. A personal exhaustive Corbevoie, to produce coachwork for the ladder frame construction of larger search in to Mackey coachbuilders carriages and automobiles. Early known cars in a manner that largely eliminated has to date revealed nothing. I then surviving examples of Vanvooren body rattles and squeaks. Much of this approached Patrick Collins, Research coachwork include 1911 examples on development built upon the work of and Enquiries Offi cer of the British Mercedes 38/70, and 25 HP Panhard Carrossierie Weyman, the principles of National Motor Museum Trust at Levassor 25 HP chassis, and another on Beaulieu who kindly made an in-depth a 55HP 6-Cylinder inquiry into the vast resources of the Hotchkiss of 1912. Museum, be he has also drawn a blank. In 1919, Achille Mackay, Mackey, McKie and all other Vanvooren retired, derivatives have similarly drawn a blank. and the fi rmʼs Patrick even considered the French technical director coachbuilder, Macquet, but that fi rmʼs Marius Daste and full name was Macquet et Galvier, and Vanvoorenʼ s advises, ʻthere is nothing to suggest son-in-law that they ever bodied a Rolls-Royce.ʼ assumed

right: The impressive full frontal image of the 20 HP, Chassis GPK43 reveals the Vanvooren facelift has raised the radiator, possibly replacing the original with the new 20-25 radiator. The vertical shutters together with the apron between the chassis rails, and the assortment of lamps and horns conceal the car’s true 20 HP identity. (Photo N.M.M. Birdwood.) below:At fi rst, this photograph conceals the true identity of the 1925 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Chassis GPK43. The Vanvooren coachwork, believed to have been fi tted in 1932, is Worlds away from the original landaulette coachwork. Here we have an unimpeded view of the raised radiator, modifi ed bonnet profi le and the sweeping lines of the front guards that blend so well with the aerodynamic lines of the body. Note too, the extreme rake of the windscreen.

6492 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 left:The gorgeous Vanvooren-bodied 1938 Phantom III 3CM81, when owned by John Harwood. Steve’s comment on this car is that this photo does the car more justice than any of the photos of it that he has taken at an event. (Photo John Harwood.) centre: The tall and handsome coachwork of 3BU140, a 1936/37 Vanvooren-bodied Phantom III with division, from the Schlumpf Collection in the National Motor Museum, Mulhouse, France. (Photo: Steve Stuckey, 2005.) below: 3CP158, a very stylish 1937 Phantom III, by Vanvooren, when offered for sale by Jack Barclay many years ago. (Photo Jack Barclay). we do not know for certain just when this chassis was in the Vanvooren which had been licensed to Vanvooren other Rolls-Royce was ever fi tted with Corbevoie factory, legend has it that in 1923. Achille Vanvooren passed away Vanvooren pillarless coachwork before this was in 1932. I have run this past in 1924, doubtless very pleased with the end of 1936. No doubt there are Andre Blaize, our most knowledgeable the successes achieved by the company Vanvooren experts who can verify or French resident on matters Rolls-Royce founded in his name. debunk this belief. A number of Derby and Bentley, and it is his belief that the The combination of the principles Bentleys however, were shipped across car may have been shown at the 1932 of Weymann and Repusseu were the Channel to have this exotic art Paris Salon. undoubtably crucial to the ground- deco-style coachwork fi tted. The Wikipedia website sums up breaking coachwork developments by Reverting now to specifi cs of our Vanvooren’s recipe for success: Vanvooren from the early 1930s, and focus car, the 1927 20 H.P. Chassis “Vanvooren caught the mood of the enormous success and prestige GPK43, it is believed that this chassis the luxury car market in the 1930s, of Vanvooren coachwork in the years was shipped from the UK to Paris, with combining high quality standards with leading up to the Second World War. a commission to construct pillarless a careful combination of advanced style In 1930, Vanvooren bodies using saloon coachwork. Just who may have and conservative elegance.” but it was these principles were exhibited at the owned the car at that time, and who quickly adopted by , Hispano- Paris Salon and three Delage cars were commissioned Vanvooren is still a Suiza, Delage and Delahaye amongst shown at the London Motor Show in the complete mystery. Maybe GPK43 had other top- end manufacturers. same year. The concept was exciting been purchased by its fi rst Australian The pillarless concept as developed indeed, and coachbuilders hastened to owner, Charles Pamphilon, and that by Vanvooren was one of the most obtain a licence to copy the patent. it was he who was inspired by the innovative and exciting developments in company’s imaginative concepts. While The unique concept of the pillarless saloon became the signature concept of Vanvooren throughout the 1930s. With the front doors hinged at the front and the rear doors hinged at the back, the doors when opened revealed no central pillar. In June 1927, Carrosserie Vanvooren fi tted Saloon coachwork to the new Phantom, Chassis 27EF (registration YE9735). The writer cannot establish if this was the fi rst Rolls- Royce to be bodied by the fi rm, but it is likely to have been so. As far as can be established no

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6493 coachbuilding. With both doors opened on one side, access to both front and rear was unimpeded. Like all innovations, it was subject to further refi nements over subsequent years. But in the case of this car, the extraordinary features extend to the inclusion of a division between front and rear seats, a feature that had long been the province of the limousine and landaulette body styles. It is known that Rolls- Royce maintained a close interest in Carrosserie Vanvooren for some time before submitting the 3½ litre Derby Bentley B187BL in late 1934 for the construction of pillarless sedan coachwork. In 1938, Vanvooren were chosen by cars were rebodied early in their lives, scenario. the renowned Greek racing driver, Mr and questions whether this might be a Subsequent owners are known to Embericos to construct for him what refl ection of their early craftsmanship. have been Terry Bruce of Caulfi eld, who became the prototype of the Bentley (See Steve’s summary in the appendix owned it, sold it, and reacquired it. It Continental, with Embericos’ own to follow.) was with him the second time as late design on a 4¼ litre Derby Bentley Charles James Pamphilon was born as 1958. It was subsequently with Dr chassis specially engineered by Rolls- in Prahran in 1893, and by the early Ferguson of Melbourne in 1959. It is Royce with high ratio back axle, and 1920s was a tailor in his own business understood that Oliver Mayo of South 4-speed gearbox with overdrive. The in downtown Melbourne. He was a Australia bought the car in 1963. It is designer’s brief was for speed and the resident in the Albert Park area from believed that at one time it was in the attainment of aerodynamic perfection, at least 1919, but his business was ownership of Anton Simmonds. and the 2-door coupe achieved 114.8 located in the Australian Buildings, 49 A photograph of the car taken by mph at Brooklands driven by Capt Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. This ten- Robert Smith of Tasmania, appeared in George Eyston. While the car achieved storey structure in the heart of the city Præclarvm 6/96, November-December perfection from the design aspect, it of Melbourne housed no less than 98 1996, page 2844. Robert indicated the left much to be desired as a potential businesses, so the siting of Pamphilon’s photo was taken in the early 1960s, commercial proposition. business on the 1st fl oor, adjacent to still registered carrying its 1930s In consulting with our local ACT a fi rm of lawyers, would suggest his Victorian registration plate. It was said Branch member Steve Stuckey, the tailoring was a lucrative enterprise in to then be still in excellent condition. In undisputed world’s supreme authority those far-off days long before off-the- Mayo’s ownership, the car was initially on the Phantom III, it is established rack suits. registered (SA) RDL912 and later (SA) that 3 of these cars were fi tted with It is known that Charles Pamphilon 14.162. coachwork by Vanvooren. Steve advises owned the 20 H.P. Chassis GPK43 in The motor was rebuilt in the 1960s also that there were 18 bodies in all the 1930s, registered as Victoria 200- along with the rear axle. During the from this manufacturer fi tted to Rolls- 599 in January 1935, but unfortunately 1990s, Chassis GPK43 underwent a Royce chassis. This number includes we have no information on when it was major restoration in the workshop of the subject 20 HP car and the Phantom imported into Australia. It is tempting to Gavin Sandford-Morgan in Adelaide, with I 27EF mentioned previously, plus 2 consider that the successful Melbourne Oliver Mayo fastidiously overseeing his on Phantom II chassis, 4 on 20/25 tailor had taken his young bride to the car being returned to a state of perfection Chassis, 3 to Phantom III chassis and UK, purchased the car of his dreams and 7 on Wraith Chassis. The Derby Bentley commissioned owners however were by far the most the coachwork. prolifi c in employing the services of This is likely the Vanvooren, for 16 were fi tted to the 3½ stuff of dreams, litre chassis, 46 on the 4¼ litre chassis but equally and 7 on the Post-War Mark VI chassis. possible, that Steve makes the point that many of it is close to the Vanvooren-bodied Rolls-Royce the correct above: Light, roomy and sumptuous. The interior of the 20 HP, GPK43. The extraordinary division which can be seen clearly here, could perhaps have been the fi rst such division fi tted to a pillarless saloon. right: The Vanvooren pillarless Saloon body and the sumptuous interior are well revealed in this image. Note the ease of access, comprehensive dashboard arrangement and the remarkable sunroof concept.

6494 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 once more. The black (non-original) above left: Interior of GPK43 showing It is surely the fi rst pillarless saloon another view of the glass division, exterior was replaced with the two-tone with division. The engineering behind unsupported by the car’s frame fi nish seen in the accompanying photos, that division would have been no mean above right: a view of GPK43 engine - and the interior tastefully restored. The feat. And the sun-roof combined with showing it to be a true Rolls-Royce incorrect headlights fi tted in earlier the extraordinary sweeping lines of the times were replaced with appropriate coachwork earn for this car a place in the the car, or have photos or information original lamps. global annals of pioneering coachwork. about the past history of the car in In 2013, after fi ve decades in Mayo’s In the Australian context, GPK43 is a Australia, or if you know anything of its ownership, the National Motor Museum national treasure. Our nation should be original owner, please contact the author at Birdwood, South Australia was gifted very grateful that fi ne cars such as this on [email protected]. this magnifi cent car under a grants are preserved in this country by such scheme, and the car is now on exhibition actions, and we acknowledge the gift of CKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The for us all to see. the car to the National Motor Museum. Aauthor gratefully acknowledges GPK43 is a very desirable and valuable As with all of the author’s articles the assistance of Matthew Lombard, Rolls-Royce and would be very much in in Præclarvm, comments and/or Curator, The National Motor Museum, place at the forecourt of the opera, the photographs which will enhance the Birdwood, South Australia, Patrick State Ball or on the Concours platform historical record will be very welcome. Collins, Research and Enquiries Offi cer, at Pebble Beach. In the case of GPK43, the National Motor National Motor Museum Trust, Beaulieu, Regardless of whether it can be Museum is very anxious to compile as UK, Andre Blaize (France), Steve Stuckey established that GPK43 was the fi rst full a record as possible on the car and (ACT). Peter Crauford, (SA) Clarke / Rolls-Royce to be fi tted with Vanvooren to obtain biographical data on its fi rst Neely: Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the pillarless coachwork, it is a very Australian owner Mr Charles Pamphilon. Sunburnt Country, Lawrence Dalton, signifi cant milestone car. It is one of the Member assistance is eagerly sought. If The Derby Phantoms, Johnnie Green, fi rst, if not the very fi rst pillarless saloon. you can shed any light on the history of Bentley. Fifty Years of The Marque. APPENDIX: VANVOOREN-BODIED ROLLS-ROYCE CHASSIS (Contributed by Steve Stuckey (ACT) Twenty H.P. GPK43 – (1925 model) rebodied in 1932 saloon with division New Phantom 27EF – (1927 model) Saloon landaulette, in 1927/28. Now a caravan! 20/25 H.P. GAU47 – (1932 model) Sedanca saloon (??) body number 2897 Since 1937 a Ranalah drophead coupe GZU16 – (1932 model) Saloon. Perhaps at Paris Salon 1932. Now a drophead coupe GZU24 – (1932 model) Saloon. Hooper saloon in 1933 GTZ39 – (1933 model) Saloon. Now a sedanca coupe Phantom II 207AMS – (1932/33 model) rebodied as a saloon 164PY – (1933 model) Sedanca de ville Now a Kellner drophead sedanca coupe Phantom III 3BU140 – (1936/37 model) Saloon. Sold to a Frenchman. By 1970 in the National Auto Museum (the Schlumpf) in Mulhouse, France 3CP158 – (1937 model) Sedanca de ville converted to limousine 1939. To be on the Vanvooren stand at the 1937 Paris Salon and then to be sold to Andre Embericos (he took a Bentley instead!). Taken back by R-R as partpayment for a 25/30 H.P. Used by RR Inspection Department, converted to limousine and sold to Colonel Edward Treffrey in September 1939. In the UK now 3CM81 – (1938 model) 2-seater Drophead coupe. Sold to Count Stefan Czarnecki a Polish arms dealer who lived in Paris and Warsaw. He was only 34 when he bought the car. He sold arms to both sides in the Spanish Civil War and was a spy for both Germany and Poland! Car to UK in 1939, and used by General Wladyslaw Sikorski, head of the Polish Govt in exile. He was killed in a plane crash in 1943. Car is now in the UK Wraith WXA11 – (1938 model) Saloon. Paris Salon 1938. Sold to Peru – still there WXA15 – (1938 model) Saloon WXA16 – (1938 model) Saloon. Paris Salon 1938. Now in Argentina WRB54 – (1938/9 model) Saloon with division WRB79 – ((1938/9 model) Limousine. Sold to Argentina – now in Brazil WLB15 – (1939 model) Saloon. In USA WEC14 – (1939 model) Fixed head coupe. Sold new to Argentina – now in Japan

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6495 Silver Ghost Association Tasmania and South East Australia Tour February - March 2014 report by Jeanne Eve (NSW)

very few years the Silver Ghost Association, which is USA- Ebased but has 45% overseas membership, organizes an international tour. This year it was Australia’s turn so Keith Drew and Keith Wherry were the organizers for a month-long tour around Tasmania then running up the eastern mainland through Victoria and NSW to fi nish in Sydney, from February 17th to March 20th. Prior to the welcome dinner in Melbourne at the rally commencement, the Sir Henry Royce Foundation and the Victoria Branch of the RROCA invited participants to morning tea in their club quarters before a visit to the SHRF Lionel Gell School of Instruction. Russell Rolls as Chairman of SHRF introduced everyone to the impressive Archives where the leather suitcase of James Radley, complete with his passport and diaries, was a drawcard. The link here was the video shown that evening at the dinner from the 20-Ghost Alpine Rally 2013. Another Silver Ghost link was the booklet sold for charity on the 1996 Red Centre SGA tour. Simon Elliott and Robert McDermott opened their workshops for perusal in the afternoon where clothing attire was not an issue. Unlike the Melbourne Docks, where on a hot summer’s day, some participants were prevented by staff from collecting their cars as they were wearing sandals. Luckily Keith Wherry came to the rescue and lent his closed shoes, in turn, to sandalled owners so as they could collect thier Silver Ghosts collection from the warehouse. Commencing from Port Melbourne, on board the Spirit of Tasmania were 24 Silver Ghosts of which 11 were from USA, 3 from NZ, 2 from England and 9 from Australia plus the luggage van kindly driven by RROC-A members Michael and Liz Williams. The fi nal Tasmanian Ghost met us at our landing base of Devonport, 150 miles to the South across Bass Strait. Organizer Keith Drew and wife Robyn’s attention to detail was obvious with detailed distances and careful instructions in the route notes, enclosed within a weatherproof, insulated bag. Our fi rst stay was up on the heritage wilderness-protected Cradle Mountain. Wallabies posed for cameras, fl aming log fi res hinted at extreme temperatures and the decibel level rose in the bar with over fi fty participants. It rains for 245 days a year on Cradle Mountain and so we had a wet day to drive, with special permission, for a group photo at Dove Lake. Six inches of rain fell overnight and drenched the Silver Ghosts parked in the open causing some damp magnetos. Such continuous rain is almost novel after widespread drought and bushfi res on the mainland. Heading westwards, the tour began its anti-clockwise Tasmanian exploration. Apart from wilderness, Strahan is known also for its Sarah Island penal colony and convict labour boat building during the early 19th century. Nearby are the salmon and ocean trout fi shing farms in the brackish water of Gordon River before it fl ows into Macquarie Harbour and out of Hell’s Gates into the Southern Ocean. above top: at the Langham Hotel, Melbourne are l-r: Rex Vincent (NSW), Doug White ( USA) and John Matheson (NSW) above centre: Ron & Nanette Elenbaas’, 1911, Silver Ghost (1676) at the Langham Hotel before departing for the ferry above lower: Mike & Cynthia Sierra’s, 1913, Silver Ghost (2491), follows others loading onto the Spirit of Tasmania left: Alex Joyce’s 1922 Silver Ghost (40PG) stand closest at the Cradle Mountain Chateau.

6496 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 down the mountain terrain with 1 in 20 gradients and around gorges and across rivers. Today a restored steam train engine and carriages tootled us back in time, up steep hills as we marvelled at the tenacity and toughness of early pioneers and railtrack workers. Soon it was time to leave the west coast and drive to Tarraleah in the Central Midlands. Roads through the World Heritage Gordon-Franklin wild rivers Park were perfect for Ghostly touring, across more hills and over rivers under a sunny sky. Peace reined at glacial Lake St Clair; the deepest freshwater lake in Australia and we admired trekkers arriving after their six day trek on the rugged Cradle Mountain Overland Track. From bushland to deep gorges, the day’s sting in the tail was the steep descent and ascent, past the Tarraleah Hydro-electric Power Station and up into the manicured grounds of the former Tarraleah Village which once housed the Power station staff. Our pre-dinner drinks overlooked thick pipelines sliding down the steep gorge and many of us slept in restored cottages, with memories of former inhabitants seen in the black and white photographs of wintry snow and power station construction in the 1930s. Hobart beckoned and the route followed much of the road linking the North to South Tasmania in the 1830s, through the West and Central Midlands with its grain, sheep and cattle farms. The air temperature rose as the wind whipped our faces. And the wind was the reason for the colonial Callington Mill, Oatlands to be built in 1837. However the wind’s unreliability meant it was converted to steam until its closure in 1892 due to the Depression until its recent restoration. Recovery of costs may be slow for the mill, but tourists enjoyed the charming village of Oatlands with its plethora of Georgian architecture and sandstone buildings plus its Augustus Pugin designed church. He also designed Big Ben tower in London. City driving for Silver Ghost owners is always fraught even when Hobart only has a quarter million inhabitants. So a four night stopover on the waterfront with its picturesque Hobart Harbour and Constitution Dock was welcomed. It would be a stay full of great surprises, reactions and many photographs. MONA, the museum of old and new art, is now becoming world renowned as a private collection of David Walsh, a mathematics whizz and professional Most American participants were surprised by the cold winds, gambler, on especially after the high summer temperatures in Melbourne. the Derwent Unlike the watery pristine environment, a drive to Queenstown, river. After once the largest copper smelting site in the world in the late one walked 1800’s revealed Mt Lyell with its acid-scorched, poisoned land three storeys and rivers from sulphur dioxide; a by-product of pyritic smelting down a spiral and fl otation, long before conservation became a political issue. staircase, The Abt railway system, named for Roman Abt, a Swiss engineer feeling like who devised the rack drive system for railways, with its rack-and- Alice in pinion third rail was purpose built to carry the copper up and Wonderland, above top: l-r: Ed Rowan & Susan Sparks’, 1913, Silver Ghost into muted (18NA) and Gervase & Margaret Forster’s 1921 Silver Ghost (60NE) light, melodic were wet at Cradle Mountain as 6 inches of rain fell overnight chanting and above centre: Bill Johnston under his 1915 Ghost (2BD), from the cavernous USA spaces, one above lower: Ron Elenbaas drying our his 1911 Ghost (1676) also explored from the USA Continued on left: Ghosts stand cheek-by-cheek at the Callington windmill, Page 6500 Oatlands, Tasmania. PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6497 he Sir Henry Royce Foundation offi cially opened its Tnewest acquisition on March 29th. The Lionel Gell School The Sir Henry Ro of Instruction for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Owners. This was made possible by a signifi cant donation from Victorian Member, OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE Lionel Gell, to assist in the training and education of both Club members and the general public in the philosophies of Henry INSTRUCTION FOR ROLLS-RO Royce that the Club acknowledges on the front of every edition Saturday, Ma of Præclarvm. Report and photo The recently renovated factory houses 4 hoists, 1 which is fully moveable, tools and ancillary maintenance equipment, an offi ce with computer to allow storage of manuals and other information, a kitchen and washing facilities for service rags etc as well as a toilet and shower facility to allow hard working persons to clean up before they return home. It is planned that the Victorian Branch Technical Section will make full use of the facility as the SHRF begins to introduce training sessions for apprentices and other interested groups. All Club members are invited to visit this site, 3 Neutron Place, Rowville, and Bill Allsep House, just round the corner, when next in Melbourne. At the opening the generous donation by Lionel was acknowledged by the Foundation and the Victoria Branch with a function of great signifi cance to the SHRF and the Victoria Branch. The following is the edited highlights of Russell Rolls, Charinamn of Trustees, opening address at the Lionel Gell School of Instruction: n such an important day for the Foundation, I think it is Oimportant to refl ect on the journey so far. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation was established over 15 years ago at the initiative of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia. It is a charitable foundation, controlled by Federal Government taxation legislation governing the operation of above: Vic m such foundations. As a consequence, and subject to onerous Gell, stands p corporate governance policies and procedures, donations to the SHRF Sch The Foundation are tax deductible. that bears his The Deed of Trust governing The Foundation’s operations states, amongst other aims, that it will seek to promote the left: SHRF Ch engineering ideals of Sir Henry Royce and will engage in Trustees cong educational activities in furtherance of this aim. thanks Lionel opening, whi So, The Foundation has amassed a signifi cant collection of Chairman of t Rolls-Royce and Bentley “hardware” and technical and historical Committee lo documentation. For example, The Foundation’s collections contains: right: 3 ph top: the kitc • An ex-Federal Government Phantom V Limousine, Chassis laundry wi No 5VF159. The Phantom V is under the custodianship of the NSW Branch. The Foundation is committed to ensure that the centre: the Phantom V attends all Federal Rallies. • Two Australian-built Silver Ghost bodies • A Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engine • An Australian-built Rolls-Royce Avon jet engine • A Rolls-Royce “C” Series diesel engine Perhaps just as important as The Foundation’s own collection

left and above: the 4 cars presently in aerial residence at standing on lift hoists to give room underneath for other a l-r: 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom, 56MC: 1936 Rolls-Royce 2 GBK58: 1950, Bentley Mk VI, B111JN: and 1952, Bentley B128NZ

6498 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 is the fact that we have been “accredited” by Museum Victoria oyce Foundation who have loaned The Foundation an early Rolls-Royce “Eagle” aircraft engine and a Rolls-Royce “Derwent” jet engine from E LIONEL GELL SCHOOL OF their collection. Also, the Australian War Memorial has a Rolls- Royce “Merlin” engine on permanent loan to The Foundation. OYCE AND BENTLEY OWNERS With respect to The Foundation’s historical documentation, arch 29, 2014 under the auspices of Honourary Archivist Gilbert Ralph, os by your Editor we have a signifi cant collection of Rolls-Royce and Bentley memorabilia, including: • A complete set of “Praeclarvm” the RROCA bi-monthly magazine • A complete set of Victoria Branch “Newsletters” • A near complete set of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club “Bulletin” • The Rolls-Royce and Bentley Service Records from York Motors, the former NSW Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealer. • Important and irreplaceable documentation, scrapbooks, etc. relating to James Radley, the famous Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost driver in the 1912, 1913 and 1914 Alpine Trials and an early aviation pioneer. Following the generous support of Jean Allsep, the Foundation was able to purchase Bill Allsep House to house the Foundation’s collections and to provide a “home” for the Victoria Branch of the Club. An important part of the Victoria Branch’s annual calendar is the activities of the Technical Section. This Section focuses on the educational aspects of our hobby – giving Members a broader understanding of the care and maintenance requirement associated with our great cars. Lionel Gell has been an enthusiastic supporter and participant in the Section’s activities. The Foundation plays a broader role in the automotive industry in Victoria by providing a $1,000 prize annually to ember, Lionel the “Apprentice of the Year” at the Kangan TAFE Automotive proudly before Centre of Excellence – an important educational initiative for hool of Instruction the Foundation. s name Lionel Gell has a passion to ensure that the ideals of Sir Henry Royce are passed on to future generations. So, you hairman of can see that Lionel’s passion and the broader aims of The gratulate and l Gell at the Foundation are “in sync”. le Noel Baker, Following the generous support of Lionel, The Foundation the LGSI has been able to purchase this building and under the watchful ooks on eyes of both Peter Jordan-Hill and Lionel, we have been able to hotos of the interior: establish the fantastic facility we see before us. chen/meeting room/ The LGSI will be operated under the auspices of the Victoria th toilet and shower Branch. It will be used as the “home” of the Branch’s Technical room behind Section and will be used as the base for an educational outreach e offi ce area with computer and storage area for servicing information and manuals programme to spread the ideals of Sir Henry Royce to the wider bottom: the 4th movable lift that can be positioned as required to lift vehicles community, concentrating on younger people. being worked on or for training With the establishment of LGSI, The Sir Henry Royce Foundation is a major force in the classic and historic car below right: Chairman of Trustees for the SHRF Russell Rolls (at left of photo) movement nationally and arguably internationally. welcomes members to the opening of the LGSI Russell Rolls - Chairman of Trustees

the LGSI activities 20/25, MKVI,

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6499 Silver Ghost Association Tasmania and South East Australia Tour February - March 2014 report by Jeanne Eve (NSW)

(continued from page 6497) paintings, artefacts and multi-media installations. Among the Ghosters, responses varied from ‘It was an experience’ to ‘confronted’, ‘enthralled’ and ‘intrigued.’ In contrast to the modern, next day’s drive and boat ride was to the infamous and brutal Port Arthur penal settlement where isolation and psychological techniques were perfected for Australia’s hardened colonial convicts. However the highlight was the three hour bumpy boat ride past majestic cliffs and caves with wheeling albatross and fi shing seals. Sunny skies shone for the fi nal day’s drive in Hobart along the south coast to Cygnet, across from Bruny Island, then up through the Huon Valley famous for wines and apples under brooding Mt Wellington at 1270 metres. Several maintenance jobs have kept drivers busy in the hotel underground garage; replacing burnt out coils after new points were inserted or tightening nuts and bolts after wheel wobble plus the usual oiling and greasing. Farewell to the early nineteenth century converted sandstone warehouses, colonial cottages and Salamanca Saturday markets steeped in history as the tour continued northwards on the east coast. Cobalt waters of the Tasman Sea sparkled with sandy bays and Andrew and Margaret Baillie kindly invited us for a light lunch at their beach house. Many gasps of delight and admiration for their fi ne nautical views from a bushland setting where sometimes whales and dolphins come in to play in the bay below. Further on lay eco-tourist Freycinet Lodge; home for two nights and a rest day to fi x both over and under oiling of clutches on a couple of Ghosts. Dancing possums in football boots on the roof woke us next morning. Time to continue northwards with the calm ocean on our right through Bicheno before heading inland across rural valleys where sleek dairy cattle supplied milk for the Pyengara cheese factory to our fi nal Tasmanian night in Georgetown on the Tamar River. Dirty fuel in the tank caused one Ghost to have a blocked high speed fuel jet as well as a malfunctioning auto-vac, necessitating the temporary installation of an electric fuel pump as well as an in-line fuel fi lter. Loose spark plugs and valve caps caused angst but were readily fi xed in other Silver Ghosts. A few participants would leave us soon and it was time to hand-over from Keith Drew to Keith Wherry for the next leg on the mainland. To much cheering, Graham Singer won the award for the most helpful participant for assisting anyone stuck on the roadside. After 33 years of touring and a wealth of mechanical knowledge, he can solve most issues. He also thanked Morris Franklin and Graham Mead for their input. On behalf of the SGA, Morris thanked the Drews and their Tasmanian team; Andrew and Margaret Bayley and also Michael and Liz Williams for driving the luggage van. With a full day before the ferry departed Devonport, Keith Drew had organized more bucolic rural roads south to Clarendon House before afternoon tea in Devonport.

above top: Cars assemble by Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain above upper centre: John Matheson (NSW) & Andrew Bayley (TAS) stand in front of David Baillie’s 1921 Silver Ghost (106AG) at Frecinet above lower centre: on the left Ron & Billi Carey’s 1915 Silver Ghost (10AD) leads the stand at Coles Bay, Freycinet above lowest: Autovac pow-wow with Singers (Aus), Forsters (UK) and Julian & Beverley Smith (NZ) left: l-r Ron & Nanette Ellenbaas’ 1911 Silver Ghost (1676), Nigel & Jane Price’s 1924 Silver Ghost (57AU) and Julian & Beverley Smith’s 1922 Silver Ghost (14KG) get ready to leave at the end of the Tasmania tour

6500 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 Newman (President of the SGA) and Denis Deasey greeted the disembarking Ghosts before they, and other Victorians joined our throng. (See inbox.) A few 20-Ghost Club and RROC-A members also joined us for the day as it is the national club which has assisted with public liability insurance for this motoring event. The distance was not great but Keith Wherry packed a punch with our fi rst day on the mainland; with a visit and morning tea at Archie’s car museum and a Cape Schank lighthouse tour on the Mornington Peninsular before we lunched at Portsea (where former Prime Minister Harold Holt drowned when swimming in the sea and his body was never found). Even the 6 km car ferry over to Queenscliff, was fun as the water police were practising chasing the ferry on zodiacs then coming alongside to unwind and zoom up fl exible ladders onto the top deck rail. It is a brave hotel, such as the graciously elegant late 19th century Vue Grand Hotel, which stages a ‘Faulty Towers’ production throughout dinner with John Cleese’s twin accompanied by popular Spanish speaking ’Manuel’ and Mrs Faulty. With our numbers swelled to over 70 from extra 20-Ghost club members and a mix of nationalities, there were interesting reactions to this successful British TV comedy from the 1970’s. It certainly brought back memories for those who recalled the twelve episodes and great one-liners and play on words. Our education continued the next day when we visited the Queenscliff Fort and its history in defending Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne from the Gold Rush days and during both World Wars. Favourites were the ‘disappearing gun’ restored from the 1888 on its hydro pneumatic carriage and also the black basalt lighthouse. A few participants discovered the small but fascinating Tiger Moth museum at Barwon Heads. The rest of the day was fun, but tiring for those with 2-wheel brakes, driving on the spectacular and twisting Great Ocean Road as it hugged the Southern Ocean. The sun shone but the wind was cool. Perfect for Silver Ghosts as we explored Torquay and Lorne to fi nish the day in Apollo Bay. Misty rain then pea-soup fog were portents for our winding drive along Shipwreck coast where 180 boats have fl oundered and 2500 souls perished, since Melbourne was booming with gold and emigrants hoped for a new life in Australia. From the Cape Otway lighthouse balcony one experienced the winds and later the craggy and treacherous coastline. Today only seven ‘apostles’ stand and ghosts are almost heard echoing from the tragic Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck tale which was brought to life at the Warnambool’s evening Sound and laser light show. After the cool weather, the route headed north past sheep and cattle properties, across the southern Grampian ranges and onwards to Ballarat for a rest day. The light and sound theatrical re-enactment of the Eureka Stockade in the 1850’s, on the gold fi elds between the miners and the government on Sovereign Hill was our history lesson. The thermometer has risen to low 30’s Centigrade but today was a short run to Bendigo with some cars detouring to wildlife parks and art galleries. Still muggy and hot, it was onwards to Echuca on the slow-fl owing Murray River. After three days of fl at parched grain and sheep country with dry dams, and only a few towns for respite, it was a relief for driver and cars to fi nd some Goodbye Tasmania. A wonderful, well - paced fortnight of hills into historic Beechworth. driving 2000kms with a choice of highlights to suit everyone. After another calm crossing of Bass Strait, we landed in Port Melbourne at dawn. Through the twilight, Maggie above top: Ghosts making a display of themselves at Archie’s motor museum Mornington Peninsular above upper centre: l-r Mike & Cynthia Sierra 1913 Silver Ghost (2491), Julian & Beverley Smith’s 1922 Silver Ghost (14KG) and Will & Margaret Kirkby’s 1921 Silver Ghost (56NE) at Cape Otway lighthouse above lower centre: Silver Ghosts on display on Lake Burley Griffi n, Canberra above lowest: another view of Ghosts at Shannons Wheels display and charity day, Canberra left: l-r Morris Franklin’s 1924 Silver Ghost (55EU) and Graham & Dorothy Singer 1920 Silver Ghost (62FW) on a lunch break in Echuca PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6501 One Ghost came into a petrol station with a huge backfi re above: Peter Crauford (SA) and Denis Deasey (VIC) discuss a and the driver described how he’s constantly having to pump his successful tour at the end of a day on running board of Peter’s 1923 petrol tank to keep pressurization. Another driver is tired after Silver Ghost (38EM) changing a punctured tyre on the roadside. A rest day is most left: Graham & Dorothy Singer in Echuca in their 1920 Silver Ghost welcome and this is when several Victorian participants said (62FW) farewell. Kerry Ely visited last night as she organized the fi rst SGA Australian rally to Ayers Rock in 1996. Graham and Dorothy testament that they are not museum pieces and bring pleasure Singer headed home to Queensland and Graham’s mechanical to both custodians and members of the public. Thanks to both expertise will be missed, as once again he’s played the good Keith Drew and Keith Wherry who organized the Silver Ghost Samaritan with several engines. Association’s Tour of Tasmania and South East Australia. After a rest day in Beechworth, sunny weather was perfect for the 250km Silver Ghost Association 2014 Tour Participants run to Thredbo across the Tasmania, Victoria and NSW Murray River into NSW and over the 1,580 metre Great YEAR CHA NO COUNTRY NAMES TAS &/ SE Aus Dividing Range. With popping 1910 1492 Australia Barrie Gillings Victoria ears, eucalyptus fragrance 1911 1676 USA Ron & Nanette Elenbaas Both with fl oral overtones wafted 1911 1749 NZ Adrian & Sylvia Garrett Tas & Vic through the air as we ascended 1912 2009 Australia George & Fiona Forbes Victoria 1913 2133 Australia Keith Wherry & Marie Harland Both through national parks, past 1913 2320E Australia Ken Russell & Sue May Victoria Hydroelectric dams to end 1913 2491 USA Mike & Cynthia Sierra Both the day in alpine ski country. 1913 18NA USA Ed Rowan & Susan Sparks Both In the carpark that evening, 1915 2BD USA Bill Johnston & Rhonda Stryker Both many radiators were fi lled 1915 10AD Canada Ron & Billi Carey Both with extra water. The following 1919 35TW UK Graham & Barbara Mead Both day’s easy run to Canberra was 1920 154BW Australia Neil & Glenys Walker Victoria uneventful. In the capital city, 1920 62FW Australia Graham & Dorothy Singer Tas & Vic 1921 87CE USA Koke & Andrea Twigg-Smith Both some would have preferred 1921 60NE UK Gervase & Margaret Forster Tas & Vic the extra sleep rather than 1921 56NE Australia Will & Margaret Kirkby Tasmania the Sunday 8.30 am parking 1921 106AG Australia Andrew & Margaret Bayley Tasmania time for the Shannon’s Wheel 1921 38MG Australia Dean & Christine Prangley Tasmania display and Charity day at 1922 14KG NZ Julian & Beverley Smith Both King’s Park, with Lake Burley 1922 6PG Australia Robert & Anne Banks-Smith Victoria Griffi n as the backdrop. For 1922 40PG USA Alex Joyce Both the display, Ian and Ida Irwin 1922 12HG Australia Bryan Inder Canberra 1922 7KG USA Bruce & Sandra Massman Tasmania (ACT) brought along 1910 1922 49HG USA Amy Petronis Rand Both Silver Ghost 1404 and Jacqui 1923 357HH USA Robert & Gail Milhous Both & Bill Hall (Sydney) drove 1923 65LK Australia David & Ellen Bailie Victoria down 1910 Silver Ghost 1388. 1923 88LK Australia Keith & Robyn Drew Both Other NSW and ACT RROC-A 1923 38EM Australia Peter & Elizabeth Crauford Victoria members supported the day 1924 123EM Australia Rex & Norah Vincent Tasmania too. 1924 353LF Australia David & Marilyn Forward Victoria 1924 15RM Australia Richard & Wendy Shenfi eld SE Aust After driving through the 1924 57AU NZ Nigel & Jane Price Both Southern Highlands it was on to 1924 55EU USA Morris Franklin & Debra Nagle Both Sydney for the fi nal day of rest 1924 64EU Australia John Matheson & Jeanne Eve Both and fi nale on Sydney Harbour 1925 122EU Australia Denis Deasey SE Aust at night. RROCA Federal 1925 125AU Australia Peter & Suzanne Willcox Tasmania President, Kim Stapleton congratulated everyone for RIDERS Doug & Mary White ( USA) with Vincents Tasmania driving Silver Ghosts on this Maggie Newman (USA) with Denis Deasey S E Aus tour and welcomed anyone Steve & Marilyn Hubbard (UK) SE Aus staying on for the Federal Rally Michael Maestri & Jesse Strzok (USA) with A Joyce SE Aust in the Hunter Valley, NSW in Philip Kinsella and Ken Swinbourne (Aust) with B Gillings May. Helen La Fontaine & Coralie Ogle Aus with B Inder Canberra Over 4000 kilometres driven Tom & Mary Jo Heckman USA with R Millhous Tasmania Lee Belf (USA) with A Joyce Tasmania in these fi ne machines is a Nick Channing & Ruba Jurdi (UK) with J Smith S E Aus

6502 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 The Power Hammer versus the Wheeling Machine by David Berthon (NSW)

his is a story of a young man who this panel forming technique. Thas built a business in panel forming The power hammer is faster than for the collector car and custom car traditional wheeling and has the restoration movement which deserves capacity to shape larger panels without special mention. assistance - the downside is it is noisy Jamie Downie at the Kustom to use and ear protection must be worn. Garage at 36 Sydney Road Bayswater, Jamie visited state-of-the-art metal in Melbourne, is an exceptional young forming workshops in Massachusetts, trades person who has specialised in New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah and the American Power Hammer technique California and gained a wealth of of panel forming as distinct from the experience. traditional wheeling method developed His initiative in striving to achieve in Great Britain. this faster alternative in metal forming The power hammer is used is to be commended and the superb extensively in restoration shops in the panel forming on Neil Walker’s 1920 US and Jamie became interested in 40/50 H.P. 154BW tourer is testament the device when he purchased a rare to his new found skills. Such is the fi t of power hammer in Australia. As there is the mudguards to the body arch that no no formal education course or business jointing material was needed between providing training in power hammer the two. shaping techniques Jamie was granted Jamie also produced the rather a fellowship by the International complex mudguards and bonnet for Specialised Skills Institute supported my 1913 40/50 H.P. 2583 Peel torpedo by the Department of Education, tourer to an exceptional standard. The Employment and Workplace Relations accompanying photos tell the story. to travel to America and be trained in Visit www.kustomgarage.com.au

above upper: The wheeling machine, or English wheel as it sometimes called. The wheeling machine is made up of an upper rolling wheel and a lower anvil wheel which is interchangeable and one of a set. The anvil wheel sets are all the same diameter, with the fi rst in the set almost above: Jamie working metal in his press for Neil Walker’s Silver Ghost, 154BW. fl at and the consecutive ones progressively increasing in radii. The different radius below left: The body of 154BW takes shape on the anvil wheels is important, as the wheels need to be changed as the shape in below right: The near completed body on the Author’s Silver Ghost, 2583, the panel progresses. The anvil wheel sits showing the complex wheel arch formed on a power hammer, rather in a cradle together with a quick release than the traditional English Wheel. mechanism that allows the operator to change the wheel and release the tension without affecting the pressure. This also allows the panel to be removed and placed back effi ciently. The pressure is set by a screw thread under the cradle much like the ‘G’ clamp arrangement, and gives the operator the ability to adjust the pressure as the metal thins during the shaping process.

above lower: Jamie Downie with his power hammer. Power hammers are faster, provide more control in the shaping of high-volume areas and they are more time effi cient. The power hammer has the ability to shape a 0.125 inch single sheet of steel, shrink fourteen gauge steel sheet and stretch four Photos by the author and from: Power Hammer Techniques and Applications for sheets of 0.057 inch thick steel stacked Creating Compound Curves in Sheet Metal - Fellowship report together. to the International Specialised Skills Institute Inc, 2010 by Jamie Downie PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6503 News from the Registers

Twenty Topics No. 50 accident. Gavin probably bought the achieved so much in redeeming body and fitted it to 53S7. Nigel has Britain from its awful financial mess Touring in a Barker some mechanical issues with the engine after the Second World War. He was a to address before the car is mobile controversial character but I was not igel Steel Scott has recently again but judging by his restoration impressed by recent criticism for the Npurchased 53S7 which has been of 42G7 many years ago, they will not ownership of an R-R. a South Australian car for many be a problem. I have often wondered Movements in the UK years. It first surfaced in its present how 41G8,” Red Wings”, as we called it The legislation relating to the use form through Gavin Sandford Morgan got into the dreadful state that it was of old cars is being re-considered in in the 1950s as a Barker tourer. Its in before it left for England some years the UK with the object of changes history and how it came to be as it is ago. I have recently learned that it was being introduced in four year’s time. now was a mystery . It was originally involved in an accident and many of its The changes are influenced by EU sold in Tasmania through Nettlefolds parts were used elsewhere. Accidents thinking. The bureaucrats obviously who built a tourer body for it. There with 2 wheel brake cars were common have not enough to do when they get is a picture of Nettlefolds workshop in the early years of the Club and I feel around to old cars! The starting point taken in the 1920s which show the sure it was due to unsuitable brake seems to be that cars which are as car during construction of the body. linings being fitted. The accidents gave originally built will be considered as The car was sold to Victoria, acquired 2 wheel brake cars a bad reputation for worthy of conservation and hence, a Martin and King saloon body in the not stopping and being subject to wheel registration. Discussion is orientated 1930’s and was eventually bought by lockup, particularly in the wet. I realised around mechanical originality so far but Gavin in 1953, according to Sunburnt that 2 wheel brakes could be effective it brings into discussion modifications Country. Gavin must have replaced on my many drives of 56AG - “601”. Its including overdrives. Bodywork has not whatever bodywork was on the car in brakes were as originally set up and been raised separately so far but in the about 1953 with the Barker tourer it were very effective including in the wet. case of R-Rs, obviously it could be a now sports. Where did it come from, They did not lock up and were very troublesome issue in view of bespoke such were not plentiful on the ground progressive. They more than effectively and replacements. The present here even in those days? The original stopped what is obviously a very heavy approach so far seems to be very floor boards are still in the car so they car. It’s a matter of knowing what has to restrictive and there is a lot of discussion are no help in identifying the body. be done and doing it properly. There is a number on a tool box lid going on between government and the which is the earliest of any known I recently had reason to count up the representitive bodies which, rightly, Twenty Barker number, of which the number of pre-war R-Rs owned by the are very concerned. We, in Australia, records are thin, in any event. By a Arnott Family which came to 16. Three need to watch what develops as such process of elimination, it is thought were Twentys. I wonder if the fact that matters have a habit of popping up that the body came from 64H6 which Col. JM Arnott’s father-in-law was the here. Chairman of Dalgety’ had anything to was an early Barker Tourer bought Movements Locally by LKS MacKinnon of stakes fame. It do with it! My Twenty is having newly made appears that 64H6 was dismantled in I am an admirer of John Maynard brake drums fitted at present with about 1940, no doubt the result of an Keynes, the English Economist who new brake shoes, linings and springs so am looking forward to improved Registrars retardation. I had 4 drums made incase any should not be satisfactory. Bryan Inder, 7 Pibrac Avenue, Tel: 02-9487-4153 They are all more than satisfactory so Registrar, Warrawee Fax: 02-9489-8323 should anyone need two new brake Silver Ghost Register NSW 2074 [email protected] drums, please let me know. The two Les & Carol Hearne, 10 Morvan Street Tel: 02-9874-3486 wheel brake drums are narrower than Registrars, Small Horsepower West Ryde [email protected] the later cars. I am presently having Register NSW 2114 new hubs made (G 50783 and 4) so if Frank Carroll, P.O. Box 6007, Tel: 07-5446-68810 anyone needs hubs, now is the time. Registrar, Upper Mt Gravatt, Fax: 07-3343-4299 The National Library’s “Trove” Derby Phantom Register QLD 4122 [email protected] research facility has added much Mal Henderson, PO Box 150 Tel: 02-9542-8401 more to its archive and my spies have Registrar, Caringbah, [email protected] searched out more Twenty stuff. The Derby Bentley Register NSW, 1495 Mail of 2nd and 9th December, 1922 has John Harriman, Registrar, 5 Moore Street, Tel: 03-9598-6702 articles , no doubt motivated by Motors Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn, Sandringham, [email protected] Limited, the Adelaide agents. Included Bentley MkVI and R-Type VIC, 3191 is a fine drawing of a tourer which has Register a very smart hood. The Cumberland Geoff Down, Registrar, PO Box 18183 Tel: 03-9415-6760 Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate of Silver Cloud, Bentley S Series, Collins St East [email protected] 28th October, 1927 has a picture of a Phantom V and VI Register Melbourne tourer “ on the road between Sunta and VIC 8003 Rewah in the Calcutta Province”. Why Bill Coburn, Registrar, PO Box 1775 Tel: 02-6296-5893 an Indian picture of a Twenty appeared Silver Shadow, Bentley T Fyshwick Fax: 02-6296-5892 in a Parramatta paper is not explained. Series and Derivatives Register ACT 2609 [email protected] A story I have not heard before; a David Doyle, Registrar, 5 Boschetti Road Tel/Fax: 03-5829-8416 chap was driving his new Twenty along Silver Spirit, Bentley Mulsanne Tallygaroopna Mob: 0439-621-385 a country road in England when he and Related Types (SMART) VIC 3634 [email protected] came across a man walking in gum Register boots. He stopped and offered the

6504 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 News from the Registers

walker a lift, who responded that the vehicle.] I found the information provided in he did not have far to go. The driver After watching a television program “Præclarvm Annus Quinquagesimus” insisted so the walker hopped in the on train journeys across the Nullarbor, an index or summary of all Præclarvms front. The driver asked him had he Graham Mead and Barbara decided compiled recently by Fred Engish to be been in a Rolls-Royce before to which to drive the route on the fi rst of their absolutely invaluable. I would not have he replied,” I have not been in the many crossings. The fi rst time they been able to write this article otherwise. front, I travel in the back.” drove across the Nullarbor was in This now leads up to the Federal Happy Motoring November 1994 in Silver Ghost chassis Rally in 2015 again in the west and in David Davis 42G1 NSW 3PK. Their next crossing was in chassis Fremantle. An ‘East to West Overlander’ 1330 together with Tony Dyas in chassis is being planned for Club members. 1179. In 2009 in Silver Ghost chassis It will not be as exciting as crossing 35TW Graham and Barbara did it again, Australia in a Silver Ghost. It will be Silver Ghost Register this time accompanied by Rex and Nora a more comfortable crossing of the Vincent in Silver Ghost chassis 122EM. continent in a modern descendant of Many other Silver Ghosts have also that famous model Rolls-Royce vehicle. Crossing Australia in a Ghost ventured across the Nullarbor including This time taking a longer route both in In 1974 George Harris drove across Life Member Gavin Sandford-Morgan in time and kilometers and travelling via the Nullarbor in eleven days in his 1914 his 1921 Silver Ghost chassis 88NE for Mt Isa, Darwin and Broome and many Silver Ghost chassis 6TB travelling from the Federal Rally in Fremantle and Perth interesting stops in-between. Sydney to Perth for the Federal Rally. in 1997. At this Federal Rally there were In one hundred years time I This vehicle then returned to Sydney an amazing eleven Silver Ghosts, many wonder if they will look back to 2015 by ship. Then in 1979 George Harris, owned by local members. and previous years and marvel at our in an epic journey, again crossed the A number of Silver Ghosts which call exploits in crossing Australia in forty-six Nullarbor in the same Silver Ghost in Western Australia home have ventured hours fi fty-seven minutes or casually the record time of forty-six hours and across the Nullarbor, and include Jeremy in thirty days when they can cover the fi fty-seven minutes including all stops. Greene 65UE, Brian Tilbury 4PG, Maurice same distance in a matter of minutes or Keith Wherry then drove it back across Brockwell 40EU, and Con Keogh 106AG. seconds in a ‘teleporter’? I know it will the Nullarbor on its way home. Roger Fry also drove #PG across the not be as much fun! The earliest photograph of a Silver Nullarbor. Other Silver Ghosts have A number of Club members are Ghost on the Nullarbor that I could fi nd visited the west for Federal Rallies and I travelling later this year to Pebble Beach was of chassis 113AU. This photo is of suspect they travelled by train or truck or and the American National Rolls-Royce a “Refueling” at Nullarbor Homestead in ship? These include Silver Ghost chassis Meet in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, the 1960s and sent to me by Jeremy numbers 1388, 1853E, 2009, 2145, USA. I am sure there is much to be Greene. Note in the photo this vehicle 69TE, 57AU, 14PK and chassis 51FW gained by these inter-club visits. At has an extra large reserve fuel tank, did it in reverse by travelling to the east the American ‘Meet’ part of this years as this is the Silver Ghost that was coast. Signifi cant numbers have been technical program is devoted to Silver driven overland across the Indian sub- through the hands of master restorer Ghosts and called ‘The Silver Ghost continent from Ireland to Australia by and Life Member Roger Fry and his team University’. For a Silver Ghost enthusiast the Haisley family. The fully restored in the west. this Meet is not to be missed. car is now in the Birdwood Mill National There must be more Silver Ghosts Motor Museum in the Adelaide Hills that have crossed the Nullarbor and I donated there by Club member Ray would love to hear from members with below: Silver Ghost # 65UE at Kambalda Pank. [See Register Report in Præclarvm information on these journeys. In doing in 1988 before Jeremy and Breda Greene 3-13, June 2013 for a current photo of my research for this Register Report drove across the Nullarbor.

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6505 News from the Registers

above: Silver Ghost 113AU “Refuelling” at the program and discussion will be led Phantom grew too great and he is Nullarbor Homestead in the 1960s by well travelled Silver Ghost enthusiast now the proud owner of a 1927 New Rex Vincent. Phantom, 39LF. Federal Rally Silver Ghost Register Technical Sessions I am sure you will fi nd both sessions Frank is an active member of the Overseas Touring in your Silver interesting and all Club and Register Queensland Club and this year became Ghost members are invited and welcome. the Chief Judge for the state. Frank’s Bryan Inder 12HG NSW family and grandchildren support him he Silver Ghost Register is planning in his endeavours and he says of the Ttwo programs open to all Club Club that it is; “…the best Club in members and enthusiastic Silver Ghost Derby Phantom Register which I have been a member.” Register members and supporters. The theme is ‘Overseas Touring in your Welcome Frank and we look forward to your time as Derby Phantom Silver Ghost’. Welcome to the New Phantom Registrar. Part A: This will be an interesting fi lm Registrar Brian Crump NSW on the recent European tour by Silver t is with pleasure that I introduce Retiring Derby Phantom Registrar Ghosts commemorating the centenary IFrank Carroll, our new Derby of the successful 1913 Alpine Run. Phantom registrar. Born in Brisbane A few words from the New Part B: This will be on Silver Ghosts and a graduate of the University of Phantom Registrar recent technical touring issues and Queensland, Frank is a senior partner hen invited to consider this role, below: George and Fay Harris in Silver in a Queensland law fi rm and a retired WI readily agreed. I fi nd the long Ghost 6TB with Bryan Inder outside the member of parliament for the state seat and colourful history of Rolls-Royce Chateau at the Federal Rally in Surfers of Mansfi eld. and Bentley truly inspiring – their Paradise in June 1977. In 2013 the appeal of a Derby development of the New Phantom Photo taken by Fred Engish. in the 1920s, followed by constant improvement and refi nement through the 1930s, despite tough economic times, were remarkable victories for Rolls-Royce. I am keen to know more about these wonderful machines and those of our members who care for them. Serving as Registrar will allow me to give something back to the Club at the same time! I look forward to meeting both Register and general members at the up-coming Federal Rally, please do make yourself known to me. On behalf of the Register I wish to thank Brian for his hard work and we all look forward to his continuing involvement in our activities. Frank Carroll QLD Derby Phantom Registrar

6506 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 News from the Registers

Frank Carroll’s 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ecoming the custodian of an Bearly Rolls-Royce brings many joys. There is the thrill of mastering its comparatively complex controls and the luxurious indulgence of being chauffeured in classic comfort, but perhaps of most importance is becoming part of a signifi cant car’s history. New owners join an often long line of past custodians, and they inherit not only the tangible nuts and bolts of the vehicle, but also the stories and adventures of the people in the past who have owned, cherished and travelled in the grand car. Rolls-Royce enthusiast Frank Carroll, based in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, purchased this 1927 Phantom I – chassis number 39LF – in its current immaculate condition from fellow Queenslander Alan Robert, who over to be delivered to Mrs Fuller at the Hyde on this page: various views of Frank Carroll and his 1927, Windovers long wheelbase the previous 15 years had meticulously Park Gate Hotel on the 11th August Limousine, Phantom I, 39LF restored what was a basket case of a 1927 complete with Windovers royal vehicle. Mr Carroll already counts a blue and black limousine body No. 5207. 1987 Silver Spur, 1979 Silver Shadow The Fullers planned to run their new Royce gave the car a louvered bonnet. II and 2000 Bentley Arnage Red Label Phantom in with some style thanks to Perhaps the engine was overheating in in his collection, but the 87-year- a Continental tour, and optioned the car some of the hotter European countries, old Phantom I takes his Rolls-Royce with six wheels (two spares) for their and the Fullers wisely assumed the passion to the next level. The sense of European jaunt, as well as the Spirit of same would happen once it arrived in history that comes with piloting such Ecstasy mascot, dimming lights, side the sunburnt country. a car was one of the key reasons he lights and wheel discs. During the course of the restoration purchased it. These wheel discs - which will have project, Alan Robert said he made According to Mr Carroll’s paperwork saved time on cleaning the multiple contact with the Fullers’ son John Jr. that came with the long wheelbase spokes - are seen in a delightful photo An old man by then, Mr Fuller said he 39LF, it was originally purchased for that’s been kept with the car, showing had learnt to drive in the Phantom, £2855 by John and Lavinia Fuller of the Fullers in front of the Eiffel Tower but when he returned from war in Fullers’ Theatres in Sydney. The couple in Paris. After the grand European tour, 1945 his father had sold it. With little were in London to receive the Phantom and before the car was shipped to chance of getting tyres or fuel to keep I, with the sales invoice showing it was Australia, the chassis cards show Rolls- the big Rolls-Royce running during

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6507 News from the Registers

wartime, it must have been a hard but understandable decision to part with the car. Its history is unknown until about 1960, when Mr Robert said it was resident under Brisbane’s Story Bridge as a chassis only, and apparently it was seen driving through the city with only a red armchair for the exposed driver. It endured further dismantling and attempts at restoration after this, but was eventually seen by Mr Robert in the late 1990s, advertised in Unique Cars magazine in dismantled state. “The chassis was part of the guy’s fence, and I was disappointed to fi nd the car in pieces,” Mr Robert said. “There were just bits in boxes and it took me three days to sort through everything and take the right parts, but there was still a lot missing.” The seller told Mr Robert about a separate body, currently on a Silver provide good information to get it right,” on this page: more views of Frank Ghost, which was near identical to he said. “The fl ywheel and clutch that Carroll’s 1927, Windovers long wheelbase the original Windovers limousine item. came with the car were wrong - it took Limousine, Phantom I, 39LF me ten years to fi nd replacements.” “It is a Jackson, Jones & Collins body, for the Rolls-Royce Owners Club of who were coachbuilders in Parramatta The whole restoration process took 15 years, with Mr Robert sourcing parts Australia. “Alan (Robert) deserves a lot Road, Sydney,” Mr Robert said. “It was of credit for the resurrection; I’m full very sound and so similar to the original from all over the world, greatly helped by internet searches. of praise for all he’s done on the car,” that the $15,000 I paid for it seemed a Mr Carroll said. The Phantom’s most He admits he wouldn’t undertake good price.” With chassis 39LF being recent custodian has already proved such a project again, but is proud to long wheelbase however, the body himself a dab hand at mastering the have saved a car that more than likely needed modifying to fi t. Mr Robert controls, and takes great pleasure would have been sold for parts. “I’m a built a new scuttle seven-inches longer in embracing the sense of history project person, so once it was fi nished to fi t the wheelbase, with a happy by- when he sits in and drives the luxury I asked myself would I use it or not. My product being more leg room for taller limousine. drivers. The mudguards were adapted wife wasn’t in to it as the conversation to fi t too, while a nice addition was the was lacking when driving - there’s too As with so many of these early Brooks rear-mounted trunk that came much going on and it’s not an easy car Phantoms, it’s had a compelling with the wattle yellow and black body. to drive,” he explained. and chequered history, but of most importance, it is a survivor. In Mr That was when Frank Carroll took Mr Robert said the engine, although Carroll’s careful and respectful hands, over ownership, and is sure to maintain thankfully original, was a disaster. it’s sure to continue as such. The main engine internals had to be it at its current very high level as the re-machined by a professional, but incoming Derby Phantom Registrar Iain Curry (Writer & Photographer) ultimately Mr Robert was able to re- assemble the 7.7-litre six-cylinder himself. “I did the wiring myself as well, after Rolls-Royce was kind enough to

6508 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 News from the Registers

Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn and Bentley Mark VI/R Type Register t is very good to get feedback as II work through my new role as Registrar, and even better when it comes from different States. So, thank you Dean Sullivan (SA) for contacting me. It was good to have a follow-up chat to catch-up on news and get the latest on your lovely R-Type. Thanks also to Peter Anderson from NSW. A former resident of Darwin and long term member of the NSW branch now living in Tasmania, Peter has a 1951 Silver Dawn (SFC26) and a 1949 Silver Wraith (WGC24) shown on this page and both in fi ne fettle. Peter also has another 1949 SW that is apparently beyond restoration and that he plans to dismantle, so if anyone needs or wants any parts, please give him a call, his phone number is in Chassis Plate. Thanks to both of you for making the time to say “Hello!” I have also been in contact with my counterpart in the UK, the long- time Registrar, Tony Jenkins, and he will be updating me on what is going on in his patch, and his views and opinions on running the Register. I shall report back next issue. As I noted last time, my water pump had sprung a leak, so I bit the bullet and pulled it off the car. As I have my Air-conditioning compressor where the generator was, and the generator now on top of it, it made access just a little more diffi cult. it, and it leaves you with a feeling of top: Peter Anderson’s 1949, Hooper With a struggle I got it off, and in great satisfaction. The coolant was Touring Limousine, Silver Wraith, WGC24 hindsight I realised I should have discarded and the cooling system above: Peter Anderson’s 1951, Standard unbolted it WITH the spacer directly fl ushed out. It was good overall but Steel, Silver Dawn. SFC26 off the engine block thus only having even after a couple of years there was to remove 5 nuts. Ah Well! So I took a small build-up of crud. So take note! I was asked if I could do a future the spacer off and after the overhaul If you haven’t changed your coolant article about our Brakes. That’s quite of the pump reassembled and refi tted for a while, do it NOW, regardless of an ask, and probably a bit outside as a unit, a better way but only slightly use or mileage as degradation doesn’t of our sphere of infl uence in this easier. To make things a bit easier I stop when your car is not in use. Every section of the Magazine. We could removed the generator and taking 2 years should be the aim. That is all perhaps simplify the action of the advantage of it being out, I cleaned for the Tech stuff. whole system for those with limited understanding of it, but I am sure and undercut the commutator, as Our Dawn Patrol XII Social Weekend there are many learned members necessary and cleaned and repacked in September will be fi nalised straight who could pen a couple of “Golden the end bearing with fresh grease. after the Federal Rally, so details will Rules” or “Servicing Secrets” that The brushes still have a few years be in the next edition, if not earlier we can share with all. So, if you’ve life left in them, I can’t show pictures via your newsletters. It will be a successfully sorted a problem with as they are on my new computer and memorable tour, well worth the drive, your brakes, please let us know. I that is ‘ down’, but this was a timely so keep the dates free, September must stress however that one should job well done! The water pump went 19th-22nd. off to Uncle Bob’s and after a new not attempt any adjustments unless bearing, new impellor, new fan fl ange I assume you may be reading this you thoroughly understand what and a new modern seal it came back before the Federal Rally and that your you are doing. I await your E-mails Register steed is now in fi ne shape looking brand new. When I started Keep your wheels turning and for the run to the Hunter Valley. I am the engine after the reassembly the ‘Keep Motoring’ looking forward to a great turnout pump turned over beautifully and John Harriman SBA74 of our Register cars and to meeting the fan spun without trace of any VIC waver! A hard day’s work, but worth everyone again.

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6509

Book Reviews

the range of variants that grew out of seventies, Bourdain has certainly the Silver Spirit as the V-8 was further racked up enough years, and enough developed for high performance. It all miles, to have a few tales to tell. makes a wonderful story, with much He is, it should be noted, a member to be proud of. All in all this booklet of the marque club in the US, the is highly recommended, with much Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club (and, no, useful information to glean and with these days you do not need to be an commendable balance. As a Christmas owner to belong), and this illustrious stocking fi ller it would be perfect. organization plays a distinct role in Now that Rolls-Royce has moved his experiences. It is also relevant to from Crewe Bobbitt reminds us that note that he is a long-time amateur the company’s fi ne history in the photographer. Now, many car club town means it will there ‘be known as members, or anyone at all for that Royce’s for a long time yet’. matter, might at fi rst sight think Tom Clarke, U.K. that “anyone” who’s been around interesting cars for a while and knows how to wield a camera could put such a book together. Well, yes, but do they? Do you? Rolls-Royce Motors: The fi rst 40-odd pages are The Crewe Years Bourdain’s reminiscences about the by Malcolm Bobbitt. cars he owned, some of which he (Manchester: Crecy Publishing for probably wished he had kept (cheap Nostalgia Road, 2013. 64 pages, to buy in his day but now fetching color and b&w illus, 6 x 8 1/4 astronomical prices) so as to fi nance inches, index). ‘Classic Marques’ an even more colourful retirement. series. ISBN 978 1908 347183 His interest in the marque went so far www.crecy.co.uk that in the mid-1970s he attended the Rolls-Royce School of Instruction that taught chauffeurs how to properly ize isn’t everything and this booklet Kings And I, My Life With Rolls- handle and maintain a Rolls-Royce Scertainly packs a surprising punch Royce Cars in its coverage of the post-1945 Rolls- car. Subsequent chapters focus in Royce story. Malcolm Bobbitt is no by A. David (Lieberdavid) Burdoin chronological order on European and stranger to the subject, with several Self-published, 2012 mostly US club tours and meets from larger books to his credit, but this has 212 pages, color photos, 1975 to 2011. to be the best encapsulation of the hardcover, List Price: $81.99 All the photos are Bourdain’s. Crewe story around. ISBN: none There is, it must be said, rather too To start there are many evocative little detail when it comes to dates, images of Crewe’s 1938 origins as ow does a high school teacher chassis numbers, or coachbuilders. an aero ‘shadow factory’ to build Hcome to own a Rolls-Royce, Another couple of sets of eyes on the Merlin, and several of these several in fact, and make that last for the manuscript by his fellow club photographs were entirely new to 40 years? For that matter, how come members could have easily fi lled me. Though space is limited the he gets to live in Thailand and summer many of the gaps. author also manages to evoke the in Maine? Must be some high school! Long-time RROC members will human side with the legendary names He taught mathematics and computer meet in these pages many people from the business and engineering science so working with numbers and and cars they’ve long known or long sides. The discussion of the Styling high-level concepts probably helped, forgotten. And, who knows, it may Department down the years is but that is not the story here. just inspire someone else to rummage particularly good for example. The Actually, this book is not so much through their own collections and experimental cars get good coverage a cohesive “story” at all—the author self-publish such a book! too; and it gets into its stride with himself thinks of it as “a memoir with Sabu Advani the revival of the company through a lot of photographs.” Now in his speedreaders.info

left: This Silver Wraith cutaway drawing appeared in The Australian Monthly Motor Manual for May 1951 page 119 in the journal’s report of the Melbourne Motor Show. Rather than use an available cutaway from a British journal or a Rolls-Royce catalogue the journal employed a young Australian draughtsman called Graeme Russell Fimmel (d.1959) to execute this fi ne interpretation. The coachwork is loosely based on a Mulliner or Freestone & Webb design. Fimmel also gained public notice for modern housing design in Box Hill in 1953. Our eagle-eyed readers will notice that Fimmel has included integral Smiths ‘Jackall’ jacks front and rear, a feature of the prototype cars but not production cars. Tom Clarke (WA)

6510 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 Market Place - Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Classifi ed Advertising

1993 Bentley Brooklands (BEO46078) 1952 Silver Dawn (SKE44), Local 1989 Bentley Turbo R – (BRK26896) Vehicle from the estate of the late David delivery, Engine No S22E, 4½ Lt With Brooklands Green. Registered until 2014. Cornish. The vehicle has done 170,000km manual transmission from new. Vic rego Fully checked out and serviced regularly by and will be sold with RWC. Rosewood in No, RR-1952. Good mechanicals, tyres, Crewe motors. It is a very reliable motor car colour, Full service history with Lance Dixon, new battery and as new interior (Full and all the regular maintenance required other records and log books included. Car interior replaced in 2002) Extensive service has been done each year since acquired in cover, recent full inspection by Bentley history, All rear end bearings replaced in 2004 and is in excellent order. Used mainly expert and included RWC Price: $43,500 2006.Chassis cards details. Owner’s manual on Club rallies and outings. Class Winner ono Contact: Thea Cornish 03-5762-5342 and service handbook available. 127,277. at the Victorian Concours d’Elegance 2013. Complete tool kit, spare fan belts and 88,000 miles. Reason for selling - Purchased radiator hoses, wired for GPS Needs new a Bentley Arnage. Best offer over $35,000. spring gaiters.,Sell with RWC. Price $45,000 ontact John Link 0419 -361-237 Please contact Michael Newham on Phone; 03-5862-1788

1997 Bentley Continental R (WCH63012) built by Crewe to 1998 specifi cations. 59,000 kms, colour wildberry with magnolia hides. A consistent concourse show winner, perfect and complete in every respect. $152,000 for further details please call Richard Erskine on 0417-700-808

1953 Bentley R type (B368TN) in Old English White with grey leather interior trim. Manual transmission. All original EKBERG & LANG tools plus handbook, manual and workshop manual and tow bar. Recent work on water pump, brakes, radiator and new battery. Also included; rare European Touring Kit issued to the car when new and valued at FOR SALE: Bentley $1000 or more as few of these kits survive. Mk VI 1951, Owned now for 16 years. The car is in Body Shell only, presentable condition $31,500. Contact: with all associated Martin McCarthy (02) 4995 6197. panels, completely refurbished and 1914 T Model Ford. 95% restored, rare RRolls-Royceolls-Royce Corniche FHC ((1975)1975) BentleyBentley Continental S (1(1995)995) fi nished in 2 pac. (CRH(CRH20403)20403) (SCH52364) roadster body style as most are tourers. silver paint to a Well known Melbourne car from new, Silica with St. James Red interior. Recon. Engine & transmission etc. New very high standard, lovely condition. One of Three delivered. $64,777 EGC $119,777 EGC midnight Blue paint $28,000. Contact: $6,500 or near offer, Martin McCarthy (02) 4995 6197 far below repair cost! please phone Andrew on home: 02-9402-5417 or mob: 0403-314-854.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur Rolls-Royce Ghost (2012) (2008) - (C053776) (BUH15400) Highly optioned, including Mulliner Darkest Tungsten Driving Spec. with Consort Red interior $165,777 EGC $459,777 EGC

Just a small selection from our current stock

www.ekbergandlang.com.au FOR SALE - 1929 Phantom II Body 14-16 George St, Sandringham VIC, 3191 H J Mulliner 4 door Weymann Saloon Ph: 03 9533 5777 Fabric body, set on it’s own chassis frame, complete with four guards. Price $6,500 LMCT 10169 ono Phone Andrew Bayley on 0417-142-779

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6511 SPOT THE DIFFERENCE! by Geoff Down (VIC)

aving recently acquired 1934 20/25HP GED62 (left above), tyres, re-cored radiator, new brakes, new stainless steel exhaust Ha sports saloon by H.J. Mulliner, (see Præclarvm 5-13), I system and new spring gaiters. He had been so pleased with was very surprised to fi nd a twin sister in the hands of the same the colour scheme of GED62 that he decided to replicate it, dealer very soon afterwards. This turned out to be GLG69 (right inside and out. He also had new wings made in the style of H.J. above), a 1935 chassis with a sports saloon body by Freestone Mulliner, and installed twin sidemounts. Cutaway wings were & Webb. out of fashion by 1935, so the change in frontal appearance is The exterior colours and paint scheme are identical: cream signifi cant, but it still makes for a very handsome motor car. and coffee brown, with a dark red-brown waist stripe highlighted Unfortunately, the work was hardly fi nished when family issues by a cream coachline. The interior trim is also identical: same forced the owner to part with this one too. cream leather upholstery, same green carpet. The lights, front Nevertheless, there are some differences. The side windows and rear, are identical. Both cars have cutaway wings, louvred in GED62 are full wind-up panes, while in GLG69 there are bonnets, twin sidemounts, and the same pair of Desmo mirrors. quarter-panes front and rear. GLG69 has a chrome waist strip, I wondered how this had come about, so I asked. in which the door handles are located. The bonnet louvres The answer turned out to be simple. The previous owners in GLG69 are vertical, while in GED62 they are sloped at 11°. of the two cars were the same person. He had parted with Inside, the fascia layout is different, and so is the steering GED62 and taken on GLG69 to restore it very comprehensively: wheel. So the twins are not absolutely identical: they remain including re-framing of the body, new wings, complete repaint characters in their own right. Perhaps one day they will be seen and re-trim, rewiring, full engine overhaul, new clutch, new together at an event

6512 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 SHARE THE PASSION

“SHE WAS SO SWEET, For almost 30 years Shannons have been committed to providing tailored insurance products for the motoring enthusiast. WeSO understand PERFECT. the passion and the sheer STILL emotional attachment IS.” motoring enthusiasts have for their special vehicle - even Goggomobils. Today,The Shannons passion, the is pride the ofinsurer ownership, of thechoice sheer for emotional motoring attachment enthusiasts – no one across Australia, providing innovative and fl understandsexible insurance it better thanoptions, Shannons. like Soa 10% when it comesMulti to policy insurance fordiscount your when you add a home and/or special car, daily drive, bike or even your home, there’s only one person you should contents policy to your existing Shannons car or bike policy. You can even pay your premium monthly at talk to-afellow enthusiast at Shannons. So call Shannons for a quote on 13 46 46. no additional cost. So call Shannons for a quote on 13 46 46. INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU Shannons Limited is an authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited, the issuer of this product. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement by calling 13 46 46.

PRÆCLARVM 2-14 6513 Ken Balmforth PRÆCLARVM ADVERTISING Independent Information: Classified advertisements must be factual and accurate. Persons misrepresenting cars, parts or services will be denied further Rolls-Royce & Bentley use of this space. Ads for cars for sale must include chassis number and asking price. Ads may be edited to optimise use of available space Specialising in 1965 vehicles onwards and to conform to a standard format, and may be rejected at the discretion of the Editor without discussion. Currently Dismantling: Photographs: Digital prints are preferred, please forward by email • 1970 Silver Shadow or CD. • 1973 Bentley T Dealers: Parties dealing in motor cars must, where required by law, • 1974 Long Wheel Base Silver Shadow quote their dealer’s licence number and comply with all other statutory • 1976 Long Wheel Base Silver Shadow requirements relating to their advertising. • 1981-88 Silver Spirit / Silver Spur x 5 Cost: Full Page: $496; Half Page $273; Quarter Page $157. Ads with • 1985 Bentley Turbo R photograph are free to non-trade members and are placed in up to • 1988 Bentley 8 two consecutive issues. Non-members are charged $38 (inc. GST) for • 1990 Bentley Turbo R ad and photograph. Trade ads at commercial rates. Where applicable, Always buying damaged Rolls-Royces & Bentleys for cash cheques made payable to RROC of Australia must accompany 43 years in the business (23 years in Brisbane) advertising copy. Send ads to the Editor at: 1630 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, VIC, 3146. New & Used Parts: Tel / Fax: 03-9886-9024. Reconditioning Service Exchange Units including Email: [email protected] Hydraulic Parts, Spheres, etc Note: PRÆCLARVM allows advertisements to support owners/ enthusiasts and to allow businesses to promote themselves and make MasterCard, Visa welcomed (no extra charge) people aware of the services they offer. PRÆCLARVM cannot and does not recommend or endorse the advertising businesses or offer any For Fast, Reliable and Friendly Service comment on the quality of the services provided. Anyone contacting these services should satisfy themselves in the normal way as to the Phone Ken (07) 3856 4911 standard of services offered, by asking for references if necessary.

Next deadline: 15 May 2014 for the June 2014 Edition.

Protecting your Investment in Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Customer Care Technical Expertise Showroom Sales

Rolls-RoyceRllR and dB Bentley tl owners deserve and expect only the highest level of professionalism and expertise to be involved with the repair, maintenance and presentation of these famous motor cars. At Paradise Garage, we give our customers as much attention as their cars. We listen, when we deliver the car to our customer we explain what was wrong and how we fixed the problem. We have the credentials and the commitment to support owners and their cars. “The owners know us, they know they can rely on us.” Call Warrick or Paul to discuss routine maintenance, major overhaul, buying or selling, or advice on any aspect of Rolls-Royce and Bentley ownership. Messrs Appleby and Booth at Paradise Garage Heaven for Cars - Salvation for Car Owners 25 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery, NSW, 2018 PG025 Tel: 02 9313 7866 Fax: 02 9663 2105 www.paradisegarage.com.au DL: 13746 UNION OFFSET CO. PTY LTD Print Post Approved PP229219 100048 16 NYRANG STREET, FYSHWICK, ACT 2609 (02) 6295 4500 Lodgement Office: Canberra Mail Centre, Fyshwick, 2609 6514 PRÆCLARVM 2-14 As a Bentley owner, you will share the above sentiment. It’s only by using a Bentley dealership for your servicing and And you will also acknowledge the vigilance and passion repairs that you’ll enjoy the reassurance of Bentley-trained it takes to keep your car looking and functioning as technicians with access to original technical information, vehicle beautifully as when it first rolled out of the Crewe factory. updates and specialist equipment. Insist on the use of genuine With 57 years of motoring heritage behind us, our dealership parts. Not only are they built to the original specification, but network covers the country, offering Bentley owners they are covered by a comprehensive Bentley warranty. It’s the competitively priced, genuine parts and genuine know-how. only way to assure the genuine care your Bentley deserves.

Bentley Adelaide Chellingworth Bentley Bentley Sydney 32 Belair Road 101 Stirling Highway 75-85 O’Riordan Street Hawthorn, 5062 Nedlands, 6009 Alexandria, 2015 South Australia Western Australia New South Wales 08 8272 8155 08 9273 3131 02 8338 3988

Bentley Brisbane Lance Dixon Bentley 570 Wickham Street 6565 Hood Doncaster Street Road Fortitude Valley, 4006 Collingwood,Doncaster, 3108 3066 Queensland Victoria 07 3257 7222 03 9848 9000 www.bentleymotors.com

Overseas model shown. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © September 2012 Bentley Motors Limited.

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