DOCSLIB.ORG

Sept. 1, 1963, Jim Adams Takes the Victory in F-Production at Santa Barbara, in His MGA That Doane Spencer Helped to Prepare

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Sept. 1, 1963, Jim Adams Takes the Victory in F-Production at Santa Barbara, in His MGA That Doane Spencer Helped to Prepare p68_FlawlessFast_124CX:vms_ 7/11/12 9:16 AM Page 68 Sept. 1, 1963, Jim Adams takes the victory in F-Production at Santa Barbara, in his MGA that Doane Spencer helped to prepare. L to R: Marilyn Fox, Jim Adams in MGA and Del Owens. vintagemotorsport.com p68_FlawlessFast_124CX:vms_ 7/11/12 9:16 AM Page 69 any racing enthusiasts M have probably heard of Jim Adams or Doane Spencer. Some may think of Jim Adams as the driver of a very successful Sunbeam Tiger or perhaps one of many IMSA GTP cars, and Doane Spencer as the builder of one of the most iconic ’32 Ford roadsters in hot rod history. What many don’t know, is how Adams and Spencer were stitched together for more than 20 years of racing—Adams manning the wheel of some of the most ingenious and well-turned out Doane Spencer-built race cars of the time. Though both were connected early in their efforts to go road racing, getting to that point was quite different for each. Doane Spencer was born in 1923, and brought up in Southern California. He graduated from North Hollywood High in 1941, despite the fact that he was more enamored with hot rods than school. After high school, Spencer joined the Navy, and his 5’10” 128lb. stature landed him the role of tail-gunner over the South Pacific in World War II. Working on airplanes while in the Navy certainly helped, but the reality was that Spencer was a self-taught mechanical genius and metal master. His first hot rod, M his ’32 Ford roadster, is regarded by many to U E S U be the most iconic of those ever built. The M O T U fact that he built this car at the age of 26 A L ’ T speaks to his innate brilliance. Though the N I E D I S Spencer Deuce is now well-known in its R E V I R present restored state, like all of his R E L H masterpieces, it was in a constant state of C I E R T evolution during his time with it. D L O Spencer’s capabilities and interests R A H O resulted in him being one of the first T O H P employees at Alex Xydias’ So-Cal Speed vintagemotorsport.com Jul/Aug 2012 VINTAGE MOTORSPORT 69 p68_FlawlessFast_124CX:vms_ 7/11/12 9:16 AM Page 70 M U E S Shop. While at So-Cal, Spencer played with U M O some “sports cars,” even stuffing a flathead T U A L ’ Ford (V8-60) into an MG, or as he liked to T N I E D call them, a “You’re a Peon” car. Several I S R E V articles and even more recent TV show I R R E coverage follows Spencer’s hot rod prowess, L H C I E but we’re sticking to sports cars. R T D L Following So-Cal Speed Shop, Spencer O R A H worked at Jim Parkinson’s Burbank Sports O T O H Cars. Another employee, Chic Vandagriff, P noted his work ethic and mechanical genius. Vandagriff said that Spencer was the only guy in the shop who could diagnose any problem, rebuild it better, and keep the cars and his work area clean. In 1960, when Vandagriff left Burbank Sports Cars to start 5Jim Adams in the HSC MGB. Note the changes HSC and Spencer made to the car for 1964 (Silverstone mag wheels, Hollywood Sport Cars (HSC), he made sure Spencer handmade cockpit tonneau and lower front valance brake ducts). that Spencer came with him. From 1961-63, of Spencer and HSC are worthy of more an Austin-Healey, sponsored by a local gas West Coast small-bore production discussion, but we need to stay on point. station owner, and won. Adams then bought M competition was dominated by an HSC Jim Adams was born in Los Angeles, an MGA and started road racing in local Cal- U E S U M Austin-Healey and MGB driven by Ronnie California, in 1937. His first real desire for Club events. It wasn’t long before Adams O T U Bucknum. In 1962, Spencer was even road racing occurred while working in the figured out that Doane Spencer was the most A L ’ T N I awarded “Mechanic of the Year” by the mountains of Southern California as a knowledgeable person around when it came E D I S SCCA. Spencer also built a Sunbeam Alpine lifeguard. While driving to and from work, to making a British sports car perform. R E V I R that Jerry Titus drove with success during Adams would street race an XK120 Jaguar Adams would go to HSC just to talk to R E L H this period. Again, on the roads between San Bernardino and Spencer and glean more information on how C I E R T these early successes Crestline. Adams did some local hillclimbs in to build or equip his MGA for success. D L O R A H O T Celebrating their Santa Barbara win, Vince Hotchkiss, O H Ronnie Bucknum (w/flag), Doane Spencer, Jim Adams, P unidentified, Marilyn Fox and Del Owens (w/flag) 70 VINTAGE MOTORSPORT Jul/Aug 2012 vintagemotorsport.com p68_FlawlessFast_124CX:vms_ 7/11/12 9:16 AM Page 72 S N E O I V I Coming Together T H No, you can’t peek! C I’ll note just one … the C E L R L A It’s stock, I tell you. O A As Adams remembers it, C engine. With the Tiger, C O C Doane Spencer to P S E O Ronnie Bucknum, the U Spencer was provided the T Chic Vandagriff. Q O A H R P driver for Hollywood - opportunity to couple his Spencer was the R E C 1962 SCCA Mechanic N Sport Cars, hurt his E hot rod expertise in a P S shoulder in a surfing of the Year. A Ford-powered road racer. N A O D accident and couldn’t race The SCCA homologation O T O one weekend. Adams had H for the Tiger forced P caught the eye of Spencer Spencer to keep the engine while racing his quick at 260cid, but his custom MGA, and Spencer head porting, the ultra- recommended Adams get high compression and the HSC MGB seat one handmade exhaust system weekend. Adams got the made it a match for the ride, and remembers rest of the larger turning a faster time than May ’65, Jim Adams in displacement competition. Bucknum had in the same the HSC Sunbeam Tiger. A standard head car, on the same course. gasket wouldn’t hold up Bucknum was still HSC’s main driver with Jim Adams. The feeling was mutual. to the 14-to-1 compression Spencer wanted after this performance by Adams, but it set Adams is quick to tell you that he’d have to use, so he used an old hot rod trick. He the stage for when Bucknum left to pursue “probably drove a roller skate, if Doane had used a 289 block, then sleeved it down to a an opportunity with Honda in Formula 1. built it for (me).” 260 bore with a cylinder liner, and left the Indeed, Adams got the job when Bucknum In November of 1964, the HSC MGB was liner proud of the deck. He then machined left. Adams believes he got the nod over invited to the inaugural American Road Race a groove around the cylinder, so that he several others because Spencer convinced of Champions (ARRC) at Riverside. Adams could install a copper generator wire to act Vandagriff of his natural abilities and showed very well, and finished second to as an O-ring to seal the combustion potential. This initial trust in Adams’ abilities Bob Tullius’ TR4 in the ultra-competitive D- chamber. Head gaskets and power were transitioned into a life-long mutual respect Production class. never a problem. The brakes however, were that produced an excellent team of mechanic marginal. and driver. If Adams thought something was Mold That Tiger With nine wins on the season—even wrong, Spencer didn’t question it; he just set After limited success with Lew Spencer in a some overall wins against A-Production out to correct it. Shelby-prepared Tiger in 1964, Ian Garrad, Shelby Cobras—they more than qualified Adams continued to have a great deal of West Coast manager of the Rootes Adams and the Tiger for the 1965 American success in the MGB that Bucknum had Group/Sunbeam, went looking elsewhere. Road Race of Champions (ARRC) at originally driven, and Doane Spencer added Garrad believed that Duane Spencer and Daytona, Florida. even more tweaks to the MGB during 1964. HSC would build the most capable Sunbeam M Legs and Loyality U Per Cris Vandagriff, Bucknum noticed some Tiger, and that Adams showed the driving E S U M of these changes, and he gave Spencer a hard talent needed to beat the Shelby Mustangs To better illustrate the relationship between O T U A time for not doing this during his time with and Corvettes that were dominating SCCA the pairing, we need to step back months L ’ T N I the car. Though surely not mentioned to B-Production. before the ARRC. Adams broke his leg in a E D I S Bucknum, many believe and know that Though a book could be written on the dirt-bike accident.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • List of Vehicle Owners Clubs
    V765/1 List of Vehicle Owners Clubs N.B. The information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. The most up to date version is available on the internet website: www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/old-vehicles 8/21 V765 scheme How to register your vehicle under its original registration number: a. Applications must be submitted on form V765 and signed by the keeper of the vehicle agreeing to the terms and conditions of the V765 scheme. A V55/5 should also be filled in and a recent photograph of the vehicle confirming it as a complete entity must be included. A FEE IS NOT APPLICABLE as the vehicle is being re-registered and is not applying for first registration. b. The application must have a V765 form signed, stamped and approved by the relevant vehicle owners/enthusiasts club (for their make/type), shown on the ‘List of Vehicle Owners Clubs’ (V765/1). The club may charge a fee to process the application. c. Evidence MUST be presented with the application to link the registration number to the vehicle. Acceptable forms of evidence include:- • The original old style logbook (RF60/VE60). • Archive/Library records displaying the registration number and the chassis number authorised by the archivist clearly defining where the material was taken from. • Other pre 1983 documentary evidence linking the chassis and the registration number to the vehicle. If successful, this registration number will be allocated on a non-transferable basis. How to tax the vehicle If your application is successful, on receipt of your V5C you should apply to tax at the Post Office® in the usual way.
    [Show full text]
  • Download The
    ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA - 2016 NEW MACHINES Ford joins BMW and Ferrari in debuting new GTLM machines in 2016 READY TO RUMBLE AT THE ROLEX 2016 GTLM BATTLE FIRST to FIRST Ford, Ferrari, BMW Debut New Cars 2 If the first major race of the New Year asks, “what’s “When you have a brand new car you always find some new?” The answer is, “nearly everything.” things that are not ideal and then you work to improve The Rolex 24 At Daytona is the first event for the new those things or to adjust to them,” said Luhr, whose veteran IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and opens the BMW Team RLL finished second by a mere 0.48 seconds here stunning $400 million Daytona Rising Stadium. Icing the in 2015. new season cake is the spectacular array of new cars. While the popular Risi Competizione team awaited The highly anticipated debut of the Chip Ganassi Racing delivery of its new Ferrari 488 GTE, the team joined with (CGR) Ford EcoBoost GTs adds yet another top manufacturer longtime Ferrari stalwart AF Corse at the recent Roar Before and a pair of stunning cars to the powerful GTLM class. the 24 test with GTLM newcomers Scuderia Corsa and SMP Since Ford announced its return to competition at Racing in a thorough testing regimen of the new car. Le Mans last June, the Ford CGR team has been on an While the pace, traffic, and reliability challenges in the aggressive testing and development path in preparation for frantic Rolex 24 At Daytona are daunting, an even bigger its competition debut here.
    [Show full text]
  • RSR Final Desc.Pages
    ! The 1973 Sebring 12 Hours Winning 1973 Porsche 911 2.8 RSR Ex. Hurley Haywood, Peter Gregg Chassis No. : 911.360.0705 • Without a doubt one of the most significant Porsche 911 of all time. • Run by the legendary Brumos Team and driven to outright victory in the 1973 Sebring 12 Hours by Peter Gregg, Hurley Haywood and David Helmick. • Retained and preserved in the long term collection of well known Porsche collector Dr. Bill Jackson. • A once in a lifetime opportunity to own the car that claimed one the three most important outright wins for the Porsche 911 of all time. Since the company was founded in 1931 by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Porsche has been responsible for some of the most iconic cars of all time. Perhaps the most important of these is the Porsche 911, a design concept which has endured for more than half a century and is still successful both commercially on the road and in competition on the race track. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche’s son Ferry, the 911 was a replacement for Porsche’s 356 model and made it’s debut at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was originally badged as the 901 and had a 128hp, 1991cc flat 6 engine in boxer configuration, which was air cooled and rear mounted and mated to a five speed manual transmission. After a mere 82 cars had been produced, a legal challenge from Peugeot concerning the car name, led Porsche to change the name to 911. T. + 44 (0)1285 831 488 E. [email protected] www.williamianson.com ! The Porsche factory did not decide to start racing the 911 immediately choosing to focus its attention on the purpose designed 906, 908 and 910 prototypes.
    [Show full text]
  • Shelby Prototype Sunbeam Tiger
    Shelby Prototype Sunbeam Tiger Shelby Prototype Sunbeam Tiger, at the National Auto Museum, 2012. This document is to provide an overview of the Shelby American built, “Prototype” Sunbeam Tiger. Within the document, for clarity and accuracy, this car may be simply referred to as the “Shelby Prototype Tiger.” Though there is a good amount of detail within this piece, it is only a brief synopsis of what has been collected by the past owners of this vehicle. Past owners, period and marque experts have assisted in an effort to provide the most accurate informational document. There is additional documentation and memorabilia that goes with this vehicle, but not all of it will fit into a single, somewhat concise document. Original Idea and Construction at Shelby American The early 1960s had shown that the Sunbeam Alpines had been enjoying reasonable success in the US, both as a competent production sports car, but also in competition against various other small bore adversaries in SCCA road racing. Rootes Group (Sunbeam’s parent company) West Coast Sales Manager received a bit of feedback from Jack Brabham, after a race and win in a Sunbeam Alpine, to suggest a more powerful engine in the Alpine chassis. Garrad garnered sufficient interest from a few executives at Rootes Group (though not Lord Rootes himself), and approached Shelby about building a prototype. Originally constructed in the Shelby American shop on Princeton Drive in Venice, in early 1963, this car became the model example that more than 7,000 production Sunbeam Tigers followed. The Princeton Drive location is where the Shelby Cobras, the Shelby Racing Cobras and first 20-odd GT350’s were built, before Shelby moved to the larger warehouse at Los Angeles Intl.
    [Show full text]
  • The Porsche Collection Phillip Island Classic PORSCHES GREATEST HITS PLAY AGAIN by Michael Browning
    The Formula 1 Porsche displayed an interesting disc brake design and pioneering cooling fan placed horizontally above its air-cooled boxer engine. Dan Gurney won the 1962 GP of France and the Solitude Race. Thereafter the firm withdrew from Grand Prix racing. The Porsche Collection Phillip Island Classic PORSCHES GREATEST HITS PLAY AGAIN By Michael Browning Rouen, France July 8th 1962: It might have been a German car with an American driver, but the big French crowd But that was not the end of Porsche’s 1969 was on its feet applauding as the sleek race glory, for by the end of the year the silver Porsche with Dan Gurney driving 908 had brought the marque its first World took the chequered flag, giving the famous Championship of Makes, with notable wins sports car maker’s new naturally-aspirated at Brands Hatch, the Nurburgring and eight cylinder 1.5 litre F1 car its first Grand Watkins Glen. Prix win in only its fourth start. The Type 550 Spyder, first shown to the public in 1953 with a flat, tubular frame and four-cylinder, four- camshaft engine, opened the era of thoroughbred sports cars at Porsche. In the hands of enthusiastic factory and private sports car drivers and with ongoing development, the 550 Spyder continued to offer competitive advantage until 1957. With this vehicle Hans Hermann won the 1500 cc category of the 3388 km-long Race “Carrera Panamericana” in Mexico 1954. And it was hardly a hollow victory, with The following year, Porsche did it all again, the Porsche a lap clear of such luminaries this time finishing 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th in as Tony Maggs’ and Jim Clark’s Lotuses, the Targa Florio with its evolutionary 908/03 Graham Hill’s BRM.
    [Show full text]
  • Award Winners
    Presented by The Rotary Club of Forest Grove Sunday July 17, 2016 Award Winners Best in Show Sponsored by: BMW Portland 1937 Cord Super Charged 812 Norman and Judi Noakes, Lake Oswego, Oregon Best Classic Car Sponsored by: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company 1937 Cord Super Charged 812 Norman and Judi Noakes, Lake Oswego, Oregon Best Open Car Sponsored by: Knights of Pythais 1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet Ernie Spada, Lake Oswego, Oregon Best Closed Car Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Forest Grove 1947 Chrysler Town & Country Alan and Sandi McEwan Redmond, Washington Pacific University President's Award Sponsored by: Columbia Bank 1971 BMW 3.0 CSL Alpina B2S Peter and Jennifer Gleeson, Edmunds, Washington Guy and Flo Carr Award Sponsored by: Carr Chevrolet Subaru 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Steve Chaney, Vancouver, Washington Best Rod Award Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Forest Grove 1934 Ford Roadster Randy Downs, Portland, Oregon Allen C. Stephens Elegance Award Sponsored by: The Stephens Family 1964 Jaguar XKE Clifford Mays, Vancouver, Washington Best Custom Award Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Forest Grove 1958 Chevrolet Impala Ray Hamness Portland, Oregon Rotary President's Award Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Forest Grove 1967 Lincoln Continental Ron Wade Vancouver, Washington Larry Douroux Memorial Award Sponsored by: Howard Freedman - Packards of Oregon 1940 Packard 180 Bill Jabs Eagle Creek, Oregon People's Choice Sponsored by: Sports Car Market Magazine 1931 Lincoln K205 Larry Knowles Tulalip, Washington Spirit of Motoring Sponsored by: Sports Car Market Magazine 1962 Volkswagen Beetle Timothy Walbridge and Cera Ruesser, Beaverton, Oregon Jerry Hanauska Memorial Award Sponsored by: Howard Freedman - Classic Car Club of America - Oregon Region 1923 Lincoln Roadster 111 Mike and Diane Barrett, Nooksack, Washington Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Amelia Island Concours D'elegance
    One more for the bucket list: Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance It was Sunday at 10:30 AM, and I had missed my chance to enter the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance before the line into the show field grew to what looked like thousands of people. This was just the tip of the iceberg, as thousands more already had gained entrance. It was my first Amelia Island Concours, but no, I don’t regret being late to the show. Early that morning, I had walked down to the parking garage on a tip that there would be a couple cars worth photographing on their way out to the field: the Porsche Museum’s 909 Bergspyder and hallowed flat-16-powered 917 PA. In the garage, it was easy to admire their curves, their history, and their cylinder count — 24 between the two of them. Behind the chain-link fence guarding the RM Auction cars, the two Porsches sat. Not another car back there could sway my attention. At 8 AM, they were tugged from their slumber by a golf cart and pulled to the show field. A few Porsches parked on my side of the fence were able to peel me away from the museum-kept racecars for a few moments. The first was the No. 67 BF Goodrich 1985 962, which was driven by Amelia Island honoree Jochen Mass at the 1985 24 Hours of Daytona, where he placed third overall. PCA member Bob Russo, the man who restored it, was standing by its side and spoke to me about the build and how it was finished just the week before.
    [Show full text]
  • Excellence Monterey 98
    The Magazine NOVEMBER I 998 ll llllilillllililllllllll llrfiril $4.95 (Canada $5.95) have a further distinction, as Porsche hardly looked like the progenitor of all AG chose to celebrate its 50th those snorting beasts that surrounded anniversary at Laguna Seca during the it in Laguna's pit lane, Monterey Historics weekend. The f irst Porsche built at GmUnd The most notable aspect of the after the war 356 00 1, was supposed weekend at the track was the opportu- to lap the track this year with Dr. Wolfgang Porsche at the controls This - annua i.': seminal car last visited the U.S. in includes.'='.' 1982, when it took pride of place at the Porsche Parade Concours at '.2 Concou rs Reno. Unfortunately, it was damaged ,,. happen .- upon arrival in the U.S. and was miles of : .- eaa- = rnable to be repaired in time for the Thrci'. n ., _-= -' - =.3-. E,.,en the 356 specialists at tion t g' . ., s.'==. J .::,'l--'e.'. .p the,r hands in dis- enthus as: a :'-.. l - a.. .. -=' asl.ed to perform a quich worid and is eas '::t-, . So the remains of 356 001 are weekend has oeco--e aa./ - Germany now, waiting for mier vintage car eve 'e ca' Dr Wolfgang Porsche did his Monterey weekend, how aos aboard a 1951 twin-windscreen 72 EXCELLENCE November1998 --l a : -="' -Z' :.' =e", Porsche and Vasek Polak are roadster first raced bY Sauter. .^--^=e''=:'-'Z'. -^ :':')=) gone now, but the excellence theY Those who attended the Historics J= -; - =,.-- Z '::'a"'-3 O' exhrbited lingers on This Year, the 16 years ago may recall that 001 did T-='=:'=Z'.-':: pinned their Dc'sc-: s ':::3s: 'ace car' the N,4obY Iegions of drivers who f parade laPs of the track at our full caieers on Porsche returned again to Seca on August 21 1982 D c<-s:y'e Kreme r K-3 evo.
    [Show full text]
  • August 2012 CIRPCA President’S Message
    The Official Publication of the Central Indiana Region, Porsche Club of America 2012 / #8 CIRCIRCULARCULAR IN THIS ISSUE: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE EDITORS MESSAGE BRICKYARD GRAND PRIX STORY AND PICS! Tom Wood Porsche 317-848-5550 877-859-5550 CIRcular 2 The Official Publication of the Central Indiana Region, Porsche Club of America Central Indiana Region Please visit the CIR Web Site for the 2012 Board of Directors latest CIR News. It lists the latest Por- sche related wire news, member photos, President event photos, upcoming events links, the Rob Fike (317) - 244-1166 latest forum postings, site info and more [email protected] If you haven’t yet, join other members Vice-President and “LIKE” CIR on the home page OPEN [email protected] Visit the Calendar for the latest event in- Treasurer fo Simon Robinson Visit the Gallery for the latest event pho- [email protected] tos Secretary OPEN Visit the Member Car Photos for mem- [email protected] ber car photos. If yours isn’t there yet, Membership contact the CIR Webmaster. Bob Snider - (765) 282-7985 [email protected] CIRcular newsletters can be found at Activities OPEN The CIR FORUMS has many individual [email protected] forums from CIR info, to for sale, want- Past President ed, specific model info, general mainte- Don Shuck—(317) 374-8772 Members at Large nance and suggestions box discussion Randy Faunce - (317) 861-0755 areas Merritt Webb, CIRCULAR Editor - (260) 497-0856 [email protected] Got to Contact Us to contact any board David Weaver, Webmaster - (317) 769-5802 member [email protected] The CIR Driver Ed Links menu item lists CIRCULAR IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE the upcoming DE event, DE FAQs, Put- CENTRAL INDIANA REGION, PORSCHE CLUB OF AMERICA.
    [Show full text]
  • Tigers on the Field at Hilton Head
    Vol 45, No. 12 December 2018 Tigers on the field at Hilton Head May you enjoy this end of the year holiday in your garage! Or wherever feels right to you! IN THIS ISSUE: President's Message ................................ 3 Sunbeams at Hilton Head ...................... 4-7 Concours Judging Update ........................ 8 Tigers on the field at Hilton Head Island Other Favorite Car Magazines ................. 9 Rare Rootes: Venezia ............................ 10 n November 3 and 4, 2018 there was a gathering of Sunbeam Tigers on Hilton Head Island, SC New Members ....................................... 11 O that I believe to be unprecedented in North Member Spotlight ................................... 12 America. Continued on Page 4 Tool Tip .................................................. 14 2018 OFFICERS PRES ENT Upcoming Events Joe Parlanti 240-632-0649 [email protected] August 15-18, 2019: Rootes United VICE PRES ENT La Crosse, WI James Lindner 703-329-1763 Details at teae.org/united-38 [email protected] SECRETARY Jackie Parlanti 240-632-0649 [email protected] TREASURER Robert Harter 202-986-3680 [email protected] REGALIA Eric Gibeaut 803-408-0206 [email protected] SUBSCR TION RATES US International 1yr 2yr 1yr 2yr Printed $39 $69 $42 $76 Electronic $34 $60 $34 $60 What’s this? Robert Jaarsma’s Venezia in his basement garage. Membership Information and Read more on page 10 address changes: Joe McConlogue [email protected] Checks payable to TEAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mail to: Joe McConlogue 820 Fishing Creek Valley Rd
    [Show full text]
  • The Oily Rag the Newsletter of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Calgary
    Fall 2020 the Oily Rag The Newsletter of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Calgary 1 Editor’s Comments I must apologize for the lateness of this issue. As I have mentioned in the last issue, my Jaguar has been out of service as it receives repairs and the replacement of the entire exhaust system due to the damage caused when I ran over a starter or al- ternator that had fallen off the truck ahead of me. I therefore I haven't been able to participate in the club drives which have taken place over the summer. As the Oily Rag is the club’s newsletter, I have put off issuing this issue as I have not received any re- ports as to how these events have transpired and therefore one of the main rea- sons of the newsletter existence was missing. I must admit to calling for more participation should have occurred several weeks ago and I was remiss in do- ing so. Recently I put out a plea to the Club’s Executive to please submit some photos and possibly a short article to describe the latest Club outing which was a re- peat of our annual Fall’s Colour tour. I was very pleased to receive several photos from Keith Wilford, Sterling Rempel and Chris Gorrie who not only sent in several photos but also authored an article that is enclosed in this issue! Hopefully the wonderful fall weather that has been the norm in September will continue through October which will allow me to reclaim my Jaguar and enjoy driving this amazing car until at least Halloween! It is my fervent wish that you and your family and co-workers are all doing well.
    [Show full text]
  • 20 7584 7403 E-Mail [email protected] 1964 Sunbeam Tiger Le Mans Coupe
    14 QUEENS GATE PLACE MEWS, LONDON, SW7 5BQ PHONE +44 (0)20 7584 3503 FAX +44 (0)20 7584 7403 E-MAIL [email protected] 1964 SUNBEAM TIGER LE MANS COUPE The Sunbeam Tiger was a high-performance V8 version of the British Sunbeam Alpine Roadster built Rootes, and designed in part by American car designer and racing driver Carroll Shelby. Just over seven thousand Sunbeam Tigers were built in total between 1964 and 1967, but three special lightweight racing cars were built in 1964 aimed to compete in the GT category of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These three cars were highly modied versions of the production cars and tted with attractive lightweight, fastback coupe bodies built by Lister. The car oered here, 7734 KV, was the rst of the three competition cars and was used in the 1964 Le Mans tests. Post Le Mans, Ian Hall, the deputy head of the Rootes Competition department took possession of the car for his personal use and competed in a number of sprint races. 7734 KV was released to the private market in February 1965. The car was sold to John Eccles and John’s son, Roger competed in the GT class at the GRSCC Mallory Park sprint in April 1965. The car went on to compete at both Snetterton and Brands Hatch during ’65 – the Brands race being a signicant one, being the only race that all three of the Le Mans Tigers competed in. From 1966 to 1972, the car had a number of owners, all of which used it for competition use before in 1973, Dick Barker from San Diego in California purchased 7734 KV, at which point the car was exported to the USA.
    [Show full text]