For Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts PRÆCLARVM The National Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia No. 2-17 April 2017

2017 Federal Rally Edition Canberra ‘Celebrating our National Heritage’

Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile præclarum Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble. Royce, 1924

PRÆCLARVM The National Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia No. 2-17, April 2017 Issue 289 Features Regular Items Events Calendar 7133 From the Editor 7134 From the Federal President 7135 From the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Chairman 7136 News from the Registers 7156 Market Place 7160

The 2017 Rally Concours was judged in an Articles and Features empty factory where Judges examined each car. Here Graham Lawrence stands by to help Putting a face to the name: H.J. Mulliner. Martin Bennett (ACT) is 7138 as his 1965, Bentley S3 Continental struck by the proliferation of cars bodied by the HJ Mulliner coachbuilding HJM Flying Spur (BC96XE) is judged company and seeks out a photo of its famous founder. The 2017 Federal Rally, Canberra ACT: Rally Report. Ian Irwin 7139 (ACT) outlines the 2017 Rally organisation and how the Rally was enjoyed by all members who attended. 2017 Federal Concours Report. Kim Stapleton (NSW), Federal 7144 Registrar of Judging, gives the details of the activity surrounding the Judging of Cars in the 2017 Concours d’Elegance.. 2016 Federal Rally Concours d’Elegance Winners Full details of the 7144 Club’s Concours d’Elegance winning motor cars and their owners at the Bendigo Rally for 2017.

Federal Reports For 2017. The Federal and Branch Presidents report to 7148 The Dawn Patrol left Rally Headquarters in Members on the Club and its activities over the past 12 months. the dark, here (l-r) the SHRF Phantom The ‘High Country’ Overlander, March 2017. Steve McDonald (NSW) 7152 V (5VF155) and Noel Baker’s 1927 New outlines the route and activities that made this tour an entertaining trip to Phantom (85RF) Barker Tourer are prepared to take on members for the trip to breakfast. the Canberra Rally for members from all Branches of the Club. Twenty Topics No 67 - GTM28 Through the Years. In this edition 7156 David Davis (NSW) continues to discuss many interesting topics related to the Rolls-Royce 20 HP world.

front cover: top: The Overall Winner of the 2017 Club Concours, the much awarded car of Lex Lynch (VIC), his 1950 Bentley Mk VI, (B111JN) Standard Saloon. This car also won Crowds move around the cars parked on the the Masters Class at the event. (The Masters Class consists of eligible motor cars Patrick White Lawns near the National Library. Here a small number stand beside Keith which were Overall Winners, Best Pre-War, Best Post-War winners at the preceding Wherry’s 1912 Silver Ghost (2133) George three Federal Rallies). Williams Tourer. bottom: The three ex-Commonwealth Government Royal Fleet cars which attended the Federal Rally are posed in front of the Old Parliament House in Canberra the largest group of these cars to congregate in one of their old operating areas for many years. (l-r) SHRF Phantom V (5VF159), David Bick’s 1958 Silver Wraith HJ Mulliner Limousine (HLW48) and SHRF Phantom V (5VF155), the two Phantom Vs are Mulliner Park Ward Limousines.

Club Website: www.rroc.org.au Back Issues of Præclarvm: http://praeclarum.rroc.org.au/ At the Presentation Dinner the Club’s Trophies Views expressed in Præclarvm are those of the individual writers. were on display near the central stage area, convenient for the presentation to the owners The deadline for the June 2017 issue is 15 May 2017. of the Concours winning cars. 7132 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 Præclarvm (ISSN 0159-4583) is published six times per year by the Federal Council of the Rolls- Events Calendar Royce Owners’ Club of Australia. Whilst every Federal, Register & Overseas Events care is taken to check information published, no responsibility can be accepted for errors. Views 23-25 Jun RREC (UK) Annual Rally, Burghley House, Stamford Trevor Baldwin +44-1733- 262-680 expressed by the Editor and contributors are their own and do not necessarily refl ect the policies 22-24 Sep Dawn Patrol XVI, Albury, NSW John Harriman 0499-555-243 of the Club. Nothing in this journal, including 11-16 Apr 2018 2018 Federal Rally, Clare, South Australia Rory Poland 0422-163-827 any advertisement, should be construed as endorsement by the Editor or the Club of the quality Australian Capital Territory Branch - President: Ian Irwin or suitability of any product, service or procedure. 9 Apr Lunch run to The Loaded Dog Pub, Tarago. Peter Hyland 02-6286-4265 Change of Address: Members should notify their New South Wales Branch - President: Bruce Duncan Branch Secretary (address below), not the Editor, in the fi rst instance to advise change of address or 19 Apr General Meeting, Barnwell Park Golf Club, Five Dock Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 non-receipt of an issue. 17 May General Meeting, Barnwell Park Golf Club, Five Dock Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 Contributions: Articles, letters and/or illustrations 21 May Drive & be Driven Day, 2017 Motoring Heritage Day Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 for publication should be sent to the Editor, address below. Articles should preferably be sent as Text fi le 28 May Picnic Day, fund raising for SHRF P V, Wombat Flats Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 on CD, or emailed to [email protected] (otherwise 14 Jun Dineamic Luncheon, Venue to be advised Judith Merlin 02-4308-3811 as typed hard copy). Queensland Branch - President: Ian Maitland Federal Executive President: Neil Matthews, 23 Apr Golden Oldies Run to Flame Hill Winery, Montville Frank Carroll 0418-775-963 PO Box 443, Berwick, VIC, 3806 21 May National Motor Heritage Day, Queen’s Park, Ipswich Ian Warnett 0419-730-668 0408-995-720 (m) 4 Jun Angelhurst Charity Day, Tamborine Brian Carson 0403-307-198 Email: [email protected] Secretary: Steve McDonald, 18 Jun Navigation/Fun Run, Samford Brett Roberts 07-3353-9915 1/24 Homedale Cres, Connells Point, NSW, 2221 South Australian Branch - President: David Furniss 02-8064-9900 Email: [email protected] 21 May Heritage Day ‘Have a look, have a seat, take a ride’ Peter Forbes 0411-246-841 Treasurer: Peter Chan, 18 Jun Run to Penny’s Hill Winery, McLaren Vale Peter Forbes 0411-246-841 PO Box 827, Fyshwick, ACT. 2609 02-6161-7316 Victoria Branch - President: Noel Baker Email: [email protected] 16 Apr President’s Picnic, Carlsberg, Kilmore Brian Williams 0458-888-767

The Sir Henry Royce Foundation 25 Apr ANZAC Day March, Melbourne City Brian Williams 0458-888-767 Russell Rolls, 5-8 May 4WD Snowy Expedition, Karoonda Park, Gelantipy Brian Williams 0458-888-767 PO Box 140, South Yarra Vic, 3141. 11 May General Meeting, Bill Allsep House, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767 0418-325-086 (m) Email: [email protected] 21 May First Aid Course, Bill Allsep House, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767 21 May National Motoring Heritage Day 2017, Bellarine Brian Williams 0458-888-767 Federal Publications Præclarvm Editor: Tim Dean, 4 Jun Technical Session, Early V8s, LGSI, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767 1630 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, VIC, 3146. 8 Jun General Meeting, Bill Allsep House, Rowville Brian Williams 0458-888-767 0401-987-808 (m) Email: [email protected] Western Australia Branch - President: Diane Magrath Registrar (Chassis Plate): 23 Apr Classic Car Show at Ascot Racecourse Diane Magrath 08-9291-6549 David Neely, 23/1 Bay Drive, Meadowbank, NSW, 2114. 21 May British Car Day at Gingin Mick Rust 0418-915-356 02-8084-8465 (h) 11 Jun Concours d’Elegance at Stirling Park, Guilford Ron Magrath 0412-592-931 Email: [email protected] Mailing list: Ian Dunn, 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: Glenn Cuffe, 87 Kauri Road, Ashgrove, Qld, 4060 Tel: 07-3366-6306 (h) 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: Alan Dickson, PO Box 590, Kalamunda, WA, 6926. THE FINAL PHANTOM VII MARKS THE END OF AN ERA 08-9246-3295 Email: [email protected] AS ROLLS-ROYCE ENTERS ITS NEXT PHASE Section Contacts above: After 13 years defining luxury, the last Phantom VII left the Rolls-Royce factory earlier Northern Territory: Keith Preston, this year as a fitting tribute to the skills of the craftspeople at Rolls-Royce. This very last seventh PO Box 1066, Palmerston, NT, 0831. generation Phantom signals the end of the first successful chapter in the renaissance of Rolls- 08-8983-1029 Royce in West Sussex, England. From the creation of ‘New Phantom’ in 1925, every generation Tasmania: Carney Cox, of this most fabled name in luxury has served to define its moment, not only in Rolls-Royce’s 115 Gloucester St, West Launceston, TAS, 7005 history, but in world history. Quite simply, it has been the choice of the people who have defined 0400-098-197 our world and made it turn for the last 90 years.. (photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motors) PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7133 F rom the Editor An Impressive Federal Rally: would say when you compare our process Of course this will be the 60th I apologise for the slight delay in to Rallies of the past. 2500 photos would Anniversary Rally of our Rolls-Royce getting this edition of Præclarvm to you. amount to about 70 rolls of 36 shot, Owners’ Club and every member should It was always going to be late due to the 35mm camera film. Your Editor, for one, try to attend this historic occasion if they 2017 Federal Rally finishing just before would not have even tried to ferret out can. the usual date for final deadline for copy. the special photos that Brian excels in Missing in Canberra: supplying from that number. Members where asked to comply to a Theo and Edith Nelson (VIC) are slightly later deadline date, but some took Thank you Brian for you conscientious ling term members of our Club and a little bit longer to find their homes after work at the Rally. recently missed the Canberra due to driving to Canberra. 2017 Fred Engish Photography Theo’s health. Edith is well known on But, who would have known to factor Award: Overlanders and other Rallies for her in Cyclone Debbie, which would conspire As I am the contact point for the Fred lines of verse capturing the event then to delay matters as well? Such it was Engish 2017 Photographic Award I wish in progress. Here Edith captures many when one contributor could not reach his to point all Members to the Award’ entry of the features of a Federal Rally that all local letter box due to water, luckily he details on page 7137. members can share: was still electrically connected and some Th e A.C.T. is the place to be, preliminary files were transferred before Please start now in taking photos of Club events, this would seem to be a where people are gathering to attend a rally the larger versions arrived by post! Of Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars. fun way of earning the $500 prize if The ACT Branch, with its Rally traveling from near and very far you fulfil the requirement criteria for “a Organising Committee in particular, is To show off their engines all sparkling and photograph that exemplifies the “spirit” of to be congratulated in producing a Rally clean, Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars and of that was interesting in showing members Relating tales and adventures of where they the “friendly atmosphere” of Club outings.” some of the best of Canberra. A primary have been, treat was the National Gallery’s Treasures Good luck to everyone who enters. Some came by overland taking many days, of the Palace of Versailles Exhibition 2018 Federal Rally: others are delivered on the back of a tray??? But meeting together is the best part, everyone was more than impressed by Now that the 2017 Rally is finalised I with friendships rekindled that stay in your the quality and impressive grandness of have been asked to give Members some heart. each item displayed. of the details of next year’s Rally in Clare Treasures are found on the swap/sale table, A Thank-You to Contributors: in South Australia. Finding wonderful things, I want to thank all who contributed The South Australia Branch invite all like a spark plug or cable. to this edition. Special thanks to those members to the Rally which will be held Th en there’s the talks. - choose one of your who sped home to sit at their Computers between 11th and 16th April, 2018 with choice, With Russell Rolls paying homage to Sir to help. Three contributors stand who Rally Headquarters at the Clare Country Frederick Henry Royce. Club (tel: 08-8842-1060 quoting Rolls- between them were at every Rally event Th e lunches and dinners can increase your and saw them mainly through the lens Royce). waist line, of a camera. They were Chris Gillings Activities include: the Welcome Party When all dressed in fi nery and go out to dine, (NSW), Fred Engish (NSW/VIC) and Brian at the Clare Golf Club, Register Dinners Still talking about ‘who failed to proceed’, Carson (QLD). Their work is seen through at various locations, Concours d’Elegance Whose car won the Concours, this edition. and Fair Day at the Clare Showgrounds and when is the next feed!!!! Brian Carson, in particular, was himself and the Black Tie Dinner and Trophy We wish you all a really swell time, a feature of the Rally, capturing the major Presentation at the Clare Town Hall. The so enjoy yourselves, photo records of the proceedings. I would Rally will also include a number of touring and go easy on the wine confidentially say that everyone at the events for those interested to see the P.S. DON’T FORGET YOUR DRIP TRAY!!!! Rally was waved to pose themselves, or best of the Mid-Northern Area of South their cars, in one of his photographs. In Australia. Præclarvm wishes Theo a speedy the end he took over 2500 photographs, There will be full details included in the recovery. and provided them all to your Editor on next Præclarvm although early enquiries Thank-You: one small memory stick. Members of can be made with Rory Poland: 0422- I thank all the members I met in the far future will say something about 163-827 or Carol van der Pennen: 0415- how difficult this must have been, as we Canberra for expressing their thanks for 830- 600. my Editorship of Præclarvm, which they below: At the Presentation Dinner, President of the ACT Branch, Ian Irwin (to the greatly enjoy. I can but say, ‘thank you right in the photo), presented the Frank Cove Trophy, in recognition of contribution back for your congratulations, I enjoy to the organisation of the Annual Federal Rally, to Alastair and Diane Kinloch (to the challenge’. the left of the photo) Happy motoring,

Tim Dean (Vic) GBK58, BSH20044

7134 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 F rom the Federal President l and Di Kinloch, Ian Irwin with their The Mini Chassis Plate has been well will ensure that this new database Ahard-working committee did a terrifi c received and this will be an ongoing will have import and export function job in pulling together a wonderful 59th arrangement alternating with the so that current Branch databases can Annual Rally in Canberra. full version. David Neely as Registrar be merged/imported into the new The weather was good, not too hot, and Wallace Moorhouse as Database archival database to fulfi l my mandate not too cold, this makes a big difference Administrator were instrumental in of every chassis number being able to to the enjoyment of any event. Personal putting this together. My thanks for their be searched and information extracted highlights for me would be the lake cruise hard work. on the available history of each car. As I and tour of Government House, seeing the Thank you to all of the Branch have said in the past – provenance of a Royal Phantom of the Governor General Registrars for keeping their membership car can be as important – or sometimes parked outside its stable. This would make details up to date in the Federal database more important than the car itself. 4 Royal Phantoms displayed for us over which allows this production to continue Camaraderie in the Rolls-Royce the time of the Rally. I will leave it to and be relevant. Owners’ Club is alive and well! you to work out where we saw them all. We will be consolidating our insurances Terry Farrow and his sister Kaye were Also the Treasures of Versailles Exhibition to ensure no duplication of cover to ease travelling around the Rally in their Silver at the National Gallery of Australia was pressure of the considerable cost to the Shadow II and Mr Lucas struck with no spectacular, the French kings of the Branches. warning, in the form of a starting motor day really had a grip on how to live to In relation to the fi nances, I do have failing to proceed. No problems with the extravagance. to report that Præclarvm advertising extended Baker family on the Rally! With Of course the cars and the Members at has been challenging over the last 2 Victoria Branch President Noel Baker, his the Rally played a major role as you will years and this coupled with an increase sons and their cousin with a workshop see from this edition of Præclarvm. The in postage and printing costs will mean in Canberra, no match for the evil prince Concours was an excellent venue, good that Præclarvm cost to each member of darkness Mr Lucas! Within a day or lighting, undercover and the best of the will increase somewhat over the ensuing so, a new starter motor was delivered best cars on display. My congratulations to year. and installed. Allowing Terry and Kaye to all of the winners. drive home in comfort rather than with I would like to canvas the members Qantas. Such is the camaraderie in the My thanks to all of the Federal Delegates for someone to volunteer their services to Club – long may it continue! for their attendance on the Thursday. All help fi nd new advertisers for Præclarvm Branches were represented and a number so as to offset cost increases to our Whispers reached me that this was of decisions were made. I feel that having members. If anyone is interested in this not the only occasion that the Baker boys a day of meetings prior to the main rally challenge, please contact me. sprung in action with their mechanical start is a great way to allow all participants feats! The Trademark Agreement with Rolls- including Federal Delegates and Federal Royce Motor Cars Limited continues to Until next time, safe travels. Appointees to enjoy the full extent of what be negotiated, however we are now very Neil Matthews (VIC) the Rally has to offer. close to formalising the arrangements. There were a number of highlights There will be a new website established from the meeting which should be in the coming months to give a refreshed mentioned. and more modern look to our social The Jason Roger Fry Post War Non media presence, this will be coupled with Original Coach-built Trophy was awarded our new Facebook page. for the fi rst time this year and I understand As I outlined last year, the current there were 3 contenders for this trophy Federal Database only holds a snapshot at the Concours. Thanks to Ian Maitland, of current information and we are now President of the Queensland Branch for actively seeking an archival type of this initiative and also the fi rst recipient database where information is held of the trophy. in digitised storage for perpetuity. We below: There were 6 Phantom IIIs at the 2017 Federal Rally, here they were displayed in front of Old Parliament House. They were (l-r) 1936 HJ Mulliner Saloon (3AZ204) of Geoff Holt (NSW), 1937 Windovers Sports Saloon (3CM45) of Keith Wherry (NSW), 1938 HJ Mulliner High Vision Saloon (3DL126) of Steve Stuckey (ACT), 1938 Hooper Limousine w Division (3DL134) of Paul Hesse (NSW/ACT), 1938 HJ Mulliner Sedanca de Ville (3DL146) of Martyn Glynn (QLD) and 1939 Hooper Limousine de Ville (3DL150) of Alistair Kinloch (ACT).

PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7135 F rom The Sir Henry Royce Foundation Proposed Queensland Premises he past few years have seen The TFoundation in a period of consolidation. The Trustees are confident that it is now an appropriate time to be more pro-active in expanding Foundation activities. In this regard, at the Trustees Meeting held during the Canberra Federal Rally, the Trustees considered a proposal that would allow The Foundation to establish premises in Queensland. Such premises would require no capital outlay from The Foundation nor would The Foundation incur any owning and operating costs. The Trustees have agreed, in principle, to proceed with this proposal. It is very early days yet but the Trustees have a high level of confidence that they will be successful in establishing one of the core objectives of The above: Paul Lukes (l) receives the SHRF Foundation. Trophy for 2017 from Russell Rolls, a permanent Foundation presence in Chairman of Trustees, at the 2017 Federal Queensland. In the words of Sir Henry Royce – Rally Display Day in front of the The Sir Henry Royce Foundation Whatever rightly done, however humble, National Library. Trophy 2017 is noble. Silver Clouds, perhaps the most elegant The announcement of the award to The Trophy is awarded each year of post-war models. to a person who, in the opinion of the Paul and the presentation of the Trophy Congratulations to Michael for a most Trustees, has made a significant, long- was made during the Display Day at evocative photograph. term contribution to the ideals of Sir Federal Rally, Canberra. Henry Royce – the pursuit of excellence. The F. J. Engish Award for Club Phantom V 5VF155 and 5VF159 at the Federal Rally For 2017, The Foundation Trophy is Photography for 2016 awarded to Paul Lukes, a long-standing With the generous support of 50-year As reported in the last edition of Member of the NSW Branch. Paul has Victoria Branch and NSW Branch Member “Praeclarvm”, Victoria Branch Member Ian spent his adult life associated with Rolls- Fred Engish, The Foundation presents Tonkin has initiated the formal process for Royce and Bentley motorcars. He has an annual award to a Club Member for a the donation of 5VF155 to The Foundation. painstakingly restored Phantom II 4GY to photograph that exemplifies the “spirit” of Whilst this process has yet to be finalised, a very high standard of excellence. Paul Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars and of the Ian allowed The Foundation to exhibit the has donated to The Foundation the York “friendly atmosphere” of Club outings. car at the Canberra Federal Rally. It was possible, therefore, to have the two ex- Motors car service records for preservation The winner of the Award for 2016 – an extraordinarily valuable research is NSW Branch Member Michael Jeanes below: The 2016 FJ Engish Award winner resource for Australian car owners. He for his photograph titled “Day’s End”. for Club Photography, “Day’s End” was has contributed to the maintenance of Michael’s photo was taken at last year’s taken by Michael Jeanes at the end of the The Foundation’s Phantom V 5VF159. Federal Rally in Bendigo. It invokes the Concours Display Day at the 2016 Bendigo Paul has certainly made a valuable spirit of the Club with Members relaxing Federal Rally and features: the 1961 Silver Cloud II (SXC28) (l) & contribution to the pursuit of excellence, and socialising in company with their the 1957 Silver Cloud (SED347)

7136 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 F rom The Sir Henry Royce Foundation

Australian Government royal cars together If you have books, photographs or above: The two SHRF Phantom Vs (r-l) for the first time for over 30 years. any material of historical interest relating 5VF159 and 5VF155 stand together at the Federal Rally Display Day beside the other The Foundation is indeed fortunate to matters Rolls-Royce or Bentley please give consideration to donating them to Queen’s car present at the Rally, David Bick’s to have two such historic cars in its 1958 Silver Wraith HJM Limousine (HLW48). The Foundation. collection. below: All Branches were represented at Consultative Committee Russell Rolls the SHRF Consultative Meeting at the 2017 Chairman Of Trustees The formal channel of communication Canberra Federal Rally. between the RROCA Branches and The Foundation is the Consultative Committee. The Committee met again at the Federal Rally, immediately after the RROCA Federal Council Meeting. I was able to give Branch Presidents an update on Foundation activities over the past 12 months. This update will be passed back to Members via the normal Branch communication channels. A suggestion from ACT Branch President Ian Irwin was of particular interest. This related to the development of a strategy for The Foundation to reach a broader audience than just Rolls- Royce and Bentley owners. The Trustees are already working to follow-up this suggestion. It will form an important agenda item for the Trustees Meeting The Sir Henry Royce Foundation scheduled for April 29. Has Pleasure in Announcing the Donations of material for the “Archive” F J Engish Award for Club The Foundation “Archive” is an important repository for all historical Photography for 2017 documentation relating to the RROCA, Entries are invited for the 2017 F J Engish Award for Club Photography. the Club Branches, and Rolls-Royce The award has been named by the Trustees in recognition of Fred’s contribution of the and Bentley in Australia. Gilbert Ralph F J Engish Photographic Archive, which contains over 12,000 images of Club events. (Honourary Archivist) and his team of The Foundation is grateful to Fred Engish for his continued support of the award. The volunteers meet at Bill Allsep House every competition is now in its tenth year. second Monday to manage the “Archive”. The winner receives a cash prize of $500. The competition is open to members of the RROCA. The photograph must be taken at Since the last edition of “Praeclarvm” a RROCA event in the 2017 calendar year and there is a limit of one photograph per there have been further donations of member. The judging will be undertaken by the Trustees with the assistance of an external material to the “Archive”. The following artistic consultant, the criteria being for a photograph that exemplifi es the “spirit” of people made donations of a wide variety Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars and of the “friendly atmosphere” of Club outings. of interesting documentation: Ian Dunn, Also taken into account will be the “artistic composition” of the subject material. Roger Falkner, Margaret and Barry Gillings, Entries close on 28 February 2018. David Jones, Rory Poland, Alan Simpson, The Winner will be announced at the 2018 Federal Rally at Clare, SA, in April. Victor Steiner and Brian Williams. Please email your entry to the Præclarvm Editor: [email protected]

PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7137 Putting a face to the name: H.J. Mulliner Martin Bennett (ACT)

any readers will already be Britain and Ireland (later the Royal a number of Rolls-Royce retirees Min possession of background Automobile Club) of which Claude and widows. Lady Royce lived there, information on the coachbuilder H.J. Johnson, one of the principal driving as did Royce's adopted daughter Mulliner & Co. Nevertheless, a potted forces behind Rolls-Royce Ltd, was Violet and Ernest Claremont's widow history follows. Although some will the fi rst Secretary. Edith. Chief Engineer A.G. Elliott, inevitably have seen the photograph In 1908, after only eight years in Chief Metallurgist Horace Hall and before, perhaps most readers will be business, Mr Mulliner sold his thriving Ernest Caswell of the Experimental unable to put a face to the name H.J. business to John Croall and Sons, Ltd Department all retired there. Mulliner. of Edinburgh, a fi rm of undertakers Recently, I was able to put a The Mulliner family coachbuilding and carriage hirers founded in 1850 face to the name H.J. Mulliner. In business was founded in Northampton who expanded their business to the early 1960s when Mr George in 1760. The fi rm of H.J. Mulliner & include coachbuilding. H.J. Mulliner McGregor-Craig restored his 1910 Co. dates from 1900, when Henry & Co. continued to operate in London Silver Ghost 1390, originally a Barker Jervis Mulliner purchased the under the original name with Croall cabriolet, he opted for a replica of coachbuilding business Mulliner retaining its fi nancial interest – though the Charles Rolls balloon car. The London Ltd from his cousins Arthur in busy times unfi nished coachwork photograph, taken in 1962 soon after Mulliner of Northampton and was sometimes transported to John completion of the restoration, shows A.G. Mulliner of Liverpool. Mr H.J. Croall for painting, trimming and Mr McGregor-Craig in the driver's Mulliner was born in 1870 and was fi nishing. seat with, beside him, the then

apprenticed at his father’s Liverpool H.J. Mulliner’s business premises above: Mr George McGregor-Craig at the coachbuilding factory from 1888 to were located in Brook Street, Mayfair, wheel of his newly-restored 1910 Silver 1891, after which he spent two years quite close to Rolls-Royce Ltd’s Ghost, chassis 1390, in 1962. Mr H.J. Mulliner, then 92 years of age, is in the passenger’s in Paris studying the application of offi ces and showrooms at 14 & 15 seat. From the 20-Ghost Club Record. coachbuilding to the then infant Conduit Street (previously occupied motor car, his chief interest. by C.S. Rolls & Co.). As the Mulliner 92-year-old Henry Jervis Mulliner The new coachbuilding fi rm business grew and larger premises whose coachbuilding company had established a close association with became necessary, showrooms were built the original balloon car. Rolls-Royce Ltd from early in both acquired in Grafton Street, Mayfair, Although he had sold his business, companies' histories. Mr Mulliner and in 1906 a factory was established Mr Mulliner may have felt a glow and the Hon. Charles Rolls were in Bath Road, Bedford Park, Chiswick of pride when the fi rst Rolls-Royce friends and business associates. – London’s fi rst ‘garden suburb’. The Phantom IV, with its handsome H.J. Indeed, part of H.J. Mulliner’s Brook fi rm remained there for over half a Mulliner coachwork, was delivered Street premises was leased to C.S. century until it was acquired by Rolls- to Their Royal Highnesses Princes Rolls & Co. and the coachwork of Royce Ltd in 1959 and subsequently Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh Charles Rolls’s own 1908 Silver Ghost merged with Park Ward. in 1950. Indeed he must have been (chassis 60785, especially designed Having retired in 1908 when still very proud of all the coachwork for the transport of his ballooning quite young, and then living to a ripe bearing his name as it developed equipment) was built by H.J. Mulliner old age, Henry Jervis Mulliner enjoyed over the decades, culminating in & Co. an extraordinarily long retirement in such superlative designs as the Mr Mulliner was a co-founder the healthy sea-side environment of 'Flying Spur' saloons on ‘S' Series of the Automobile Club of Great Bexhill on Sea, a town that attracted Bentley Continental chassis. 7138 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 59th Federal Rally The 2017 Federal Rally, Canberra ACT Celebrating our National Heritage Ian Irwin President ACT Branch Photos: Brian Carson (QLD), Fred Engish (NSW/VIC) Chris Gillings (NSW) and your Editor

efl ections on the 2017 Canberra RFederal Rally. Planning: The prospect of running the 2017 Federal Rally was always going to be a challenge to the small ACT Branch. With a small local membership, but also a disparate membership spread about the southern regions of NSW, and interstate, the concern was to achieve a body with the staying power to run the event. The planning started more than 20 months out. The Rally Committee comprised Alastair and Di Kinloch, Peter Hyland, Ian Irwin, Ida Irwin, Ken Baldwin, Martin Bennett, Ken Lo, Chris O’Rourke and Peter Toet. The program for the event soon began to take shape. Canberra has so many national institutions that to plan such an event is always a case of making choices from the embarrassment of riches. Some of the planning was made for us with the request at the 2016 Federal Rally at Bendigo, for there to be included a seminar on aspects of conservation, and the desire for another focusing on the SHRF. Then we determined that the event should be one to celebrate much of the heritage of Canberra. While this city was founded in 1913, its major public buildings were fi rst created in the 1920s. And in the year 2017, the city celebrates its 90th Anniversary of the construction of Old Parliament House. This became a catalyst for the event. Then new developments in administration came along with increased diffi culty in gaining access to the Patrick White Lawns for the Display Day. There are now heavy fi nes for parking on National Capital Land without dedicated event permits, so this created administrative issues for us to protect entrants from being ‘stung’ on this account. As time progressed, Steve Stuckey from our ACT Branch, the recognised world expert on the wonderful Phantom III cars, put together a collection of these superb 12 cylinder cars. His enthusiasm for these cars, and his encouragement of the owners saw a collection of seven of these marvelous cars attend, by far the top: The Register Dinners were held in various meeting rooms at the National Press Club, the largest for many years at a Federal Rally. small group of the Ghost Register were comfortably seated in the Board Room., Thanks also are due to the SHRF and centre: At the National Press Club the large SMART Register group were seated in the David Bick for bringing the three Ex-Royal National Room were the Press Club telecasts political leaders and Cars formerly from the Commonwealth Captains of Industry speaking at its monthly meetings. Government Car Fleet. It is a long time bottom: Members on Friday were able to take a cruise on the MV Southern Cross since these cars graced the forecourt of around Lake Burley Griffi n before landing at Yarralumna to take a walking tour of what is now Old Parliament House. Government House as guests of His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7139 But the cohesive team planning and organising the event worked to integrate a program with wide appeal. The incorporation of Register Dinners at the National Press Club, the Offi cial Welcome held in the Members Dining Room at Old Parliament House, the exceptional after-hours private tour of the National Library’s Treasures of Versailles exhibition, and the display day held on the iconic Patrick White Lawns were all achievements that took a great deal of intricate detail in planning. Then the Black Tie Dinner held at the National Museum of Australia on the Sunday evening, with the announcement of the various winners capped off a wonderful few days for all participants. Our grateful thanks to all those who helped in the task of judging, especially the interstate judges. Your help was very much appreciated. The weather to our north was indeed dreadful, and we constantly feared that much of the event might be compromised if the rains came slightly further south. Thankfully, calm but overcast conditions prevailed throughout most of the event, interspersed with bursts of sunshine. The events of the Rally. Thursday night saw the four composite Register Dinners hosted at the National Press Club, just a few minutes’ walk away on a balmy autumn evening from Rally HQ. Collectively some 120 entrants attended these dinners, and all spoke highly of the food and the service. The three seminars were held in a large room in the Uniting Church Hall adjacent to Rally HQ. Laura Kennedy from the Australian War Memorial hosted the fi rst of these, with her talk on Conservation / Preservation / Restoration on Friday afternoon. There were 45 attendees, and throughout the talk, the participants were treated to concepts that were mostly a world away from their experiences. The intention of the presentation was to cause us to think about the many left top: Members were delighted to see the Governor General’s Phantom VI (PRH4587) in the Government House garage. This was the 4th Queen’s cars in Canberra for the Rally period. left centre top: His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove has rekindled the remaining Phantom VI ( PRH4587), in the Federal Government fl eet and now regularly uses it for ceremonial occasions. left centre bottom: Small groups of members took advantage of the interesting seminars presented at the Rally. They were conveniently held in the Church Hall immedi- ately to the rear of Rally Headquarters. left bottom: The Welcome Reception was held in the Old Parliament building. Members arrived at the event by bus and walked past the 3 ex-Commonwealth Government Royal Fleet cars at the Rally as they entered. 7140 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 issues that confront us when we are thinking of making ‘improvements’ to our cars. It was an inspiration address, and many came to us after it closed, saying their eyes were opened and their thoughts changed on how best to handle the ongoing preservation of their vehicles. Our Lake Cruises were well supported, and those who joined in the morning cruise and tour were delighted to have the unexpected opportunity to be invited into the Governor-General’s residence for a glimpse inside the historic home. Friday night found us all bussed off to Old Parliament House, attending the above: At the Welcome Offi cial Welcome Evening. The buses Reception Rally Director, dropped the participants just in time Alastair Kinloch, outlined to witness the extraordinary display of the up-coming program for two of Australia’s new Stealth Bombers the Rally to the Members in manoeuvres over Lake Burley Griffi n, assembled. conducting a trial run, and undertaking a mock bombing of King’s Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue Bridges. Their sounds were incredible and the display left: The 3 ex- brought enormous appreciation to us Commonwealth as organisers of the Rally. If you were Government Royal Fleet unable to be with us, ask a fellow vehicles posed for a photo Branch member of this. before the Old Parliament House. Russell Rolls, Chairman of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation is well known to us all. On Saturday morning, his address, attended by some 20 or so below: the 6 Phantom participants, covered the range of items IIIs at the Rally also took housed and preserved by the SHRF. the opportunity to pose before the iconic Old Examples were shown, and participants Parliament House. took the chance to thumb through some of the books or handle the artifacts displayed. Steve Stuckey’s presentation on the Saturday afternoon, placed the spotlight on the Phantom III cars. This began with images of a range of cars, including experimental cars, and the endurance tests which they undertook in France and the European scene in those hectic days of the late 1930s. The second part of his talk, again illustrated with copious period illustrations, gave an insight into some of the cars which led an interesting life, to say the least. On Saturday, the Concours Judging took place in a large new industrial shed under the guidance of Kim Stapleton and Chris O’Rourke, ably assisted by the many volunteer judges. It was completed in record time, which enabled all who wanted to attend the Phantom III seminar to do so. On Saturday night, all were bussed off again, this time to the National Gallery of Australia, attending a cocktail evening and private viewing of the Gallery’s Treasures of the Palace of Versailles Exhibition. Once more, the left: The Concours Judging was held in an empty factory building some way from Rally Headquarters. It did though have suffi cient facilities for the Club’s needs and was perfectly suited and sized to suit the total Judging requirements. PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7141 buses dropped the participants just in time to witness a repeat of the previous night’s extraordinary display by the two RAAF Stealth Bombers. By now, I think all realised that this was not something we had organised, but was part of the Canberra Week’s public celebrations in conjunction with the Skyfi re fi reworks evening. But, nevertheless, we took the credit. Throughout the weekend, participants had the option to undertake a ‘World Tour’… a tour of the embassies and high commissions of many of the diplomatic services. This was also very well supported. Sunday was the day for three more feature events. This year, the celebrated Dawn Patrol, with some 35 cars and 90 participants, left around dawn from the Rally HQ at Rydges Hotel, and drove to the top of Mount Ainslie. This is one of the high viewing spots around the lake, and is located at the rear of the Australian War Memorial. The rising sun basks the whole of Canberra’s lake and the major national buildings in sunshine, and gives a perspective like no other location in Canberra. And this morning was no exception. I understand that with the warm breakfast tucked away, it was cameras out for the snapping of photos, while taking in the breathtaking views across Canberra to the Brindabella Ranges. Thank you to all who offered their cars for this event. It is always a special component of the Federal Rallies, and we hope everyone found this run very special. On coming back down to earth, the cars then made their way to the Patrick White Lawns adjacent to the National Library, and the foreshores of Lake Burley Griffi n for the Public Display. The 154 rally cars were joined by local and interstate cars for the display, a truly delightful gathering. Sunday evening’s function was the event’s Black Tie Dinner and Awards Night, held in the main foyer area of the National Museum of Australia. Great location, exceptional atmosphere, convivial company and wonderful right top: All Cars in Concours were closely examined by their Judges to arrive at the scores for the day. Here Peter Jordan-Hill’s 1931 20/25 (GNS60) undergoes its judging. right centre top: Members were assem- bled in Gandel Hall at the National Gallery of Australia for drink and nibbles before making thier way up stairs to the Versailles Treasures from the Palace exhibition. right centre bottom: Small groups of members were able to be guided around the Versailles Exhibition, with the individual exhibits being fully explained.. right: The Dawn Patrol ended on Mt Ainslie, a short drive from Rally Headquarters. Here there were cooked breakfasts and the opportunity to inspect the various models of cars used for transport to the mountain top. 7142 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 food made for a truly great evening. Congratulations to the winners of the many coveted trophies and awards. The Farewell Breakfast was arranged to get cars out of Canberra before the morning peak hour traffi c chaos. This was catered for by the local Sutton community, with proceeds going to assist the local churches and the Rural Fire Service. It was very well attended on a glorious sunny morning. But the day soon deteriorated, and heavy rains and storm conditions prevailed in the afternoon. We hope that all who attended have taken home many memories. Our thanks to so many from interstate or outside who contributed, especially the seminar speakers, Bob Roberts who conducted the Swap Table, Allan Simpson who organised the Overlander, Jeanne Eve who organised a smaller pre-rally run, and the host of volunteer judges. Grateful thanks also to Federal President, Neil Matthews for his words of wisdom and advice on various issues. Thanks to the many local behind the scenes workers who, when asked, willingly undertook the many menial tasks. And many thanks also to Peter Toet’s band of helpers from the ACT Veteran and Vintage Motor Cycle Club who willingly gave of their time to co- ordinate the public display layout and marshalling. In closing, we are very grateful for the many, many emails and other words of appreciation for the event. Just two of these: “I just wanted to drop you a short note to thank you and the ACT Branch, and to say how much I enjoyed the rally. There were some pleasant surprises, like the Government House inside tour which delighted us all. Congratulations to you and your Branch for organising a unique and memorable experience.” (Bruce Duncan, President NSW Branch.) and “Mikki and I would like to extend to you and your friends our heartfelt thanks for a job beautifully executed, and for keeping away the inclement weather.” (Richard and Mikki Jones NSW Branch.) The Rally Team. 2017

left top: The Concours Display day saw the cars assembled on the Patrick White Lawns to the North of the National Library, between it and Lake Burley Griffi n/ left centre top: This location gave the opportunity for members of the Public to freely insect the cars close-up. left centre bottom: The Presentation Dinner was held in the National Museum of Australia. Here MC for the night , Diana Kinloch, outlined the agenda for the night. left: A hearty farewell breakfast was organised at the Public Hall in Sutton. This location was very convenient for members driving south and north with its close location to the Hume Highway. PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7143 2017 Federal Concours Report Kim Stapleton, Federal Registrar of Judging

This year we had 24 cars to judge at the Federal Patrick Ryan (NSW), Concours and these covered 12 of the 14 Classes Brent Baker (VIC), including Master’s Class. All in all a very good Alan Fife (QLD), representation. The Concours was held as a separate David Hughes (NSW), event in an industrial unit in Hume and so allowed all Noel Kennedy (QLD), judges and participants a free day to enjoy the Display Howard Wraight (VIC), Day on the following day. Frank Carroll (QLD), The judging commenced at 9.15am with four John Crawley (QLD), teams of judges descending on the entrants. Judging Greg Dunstan (QLD), concluded by 1.00pm with about another 40 minutes Angelo Baker (VIC), of deliberation and collation of the scores, so the entire John Reis (VIC) and event was concluded by 1.45pm. This year, for the fi rst Taylor Wood Davies (NSW). time, we presented the Jason Roger Fry Trophy for best This group of judges included four apprentice judges Post War non-Original Coachwork, the trophy having who were very enthusiastic. It was a great pleasure to been donated by Ian Maitland (QLD). work with this dedicated group of judges and I look I would like to acknowledge the time and commitment forward to working with them again at future rallies. of all the judges and to thank them for their effort. Our I would like to thank all participants for the time judges this year were: and considerable effort that went into preparing and Mick Rust (WA Federal Judging Committee), presenting their cars this year and to congratulate all Chris O’Rourke (ACT Chief Judge), those who were fortunate enough to win a trophy. Noel Baker (VIC), To those who were not so lucky this year do not be Chris Gillings (NSW), disappointed as the difference between winning a Sue Dunstan (QLD) trophy and not winning one, in most instances, was Mal Henderson (NSW), less than 1 point. Often this can be attributed to the Brian Crump (NSW), Age Allowance. Richard Holtsbaum (TAS), Kim Stapleton, Federal Registrar of Judging

2017 Federal Concours Winners

Class 3 – 20HP & 20/25 1922 20 HP (42G1), Tourer by Diskon & Molyneux. Owner: David & Clare Davis (NSW)

Class 5 – Derby Bentley 1937 4¼ lt Bentley (B80LS), Saloon by Park Ward, Owner: Alistair Kinloch (ACT) 7144 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 2017 Federal Concours Winners

Class 7 - Bentley Mark VI and R-Type 1953 Bentley R-Type (B582TN), Standard Saloon Owner: Abraham Wahab (NSW)

Class 9 – Silver Shadow, Bentley T Series and derivatives and Phantom VI 1980 Bentley T2, (SBH40622), Standard Saloon, Owner: Mike Mulvihill (NSW) Photos by Brian Carson (QLD) and your Editor

Class 10 – Silver Spirits and equivalent Bentleys and Derivatives 1990 Silver Spirit II, (ASL32222), Standard Saloon, Owner: Howard Wraight (VIC)

Class 11 – Silver Seraph, Bentley Arnage and Derivatives 2002 Bentley Arnage, (BF208844), Standard Saloon, Owner: Ross Johnson (VIC) PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7145 Trophies on these pages presented by Mick Rust (WA - Federal Judging Committee), Chris O’Rourke (ACT - Chief Judge) and Joe Quattrocchi (NSW) 2017 Federal Co Photos: Brian Carson (QLD) and your Editor

E. (Jack) Vidler Shield for Age & Authenticity & Class 1 – Pre-Ghosts & Silver Ghosts 1925 Silver Ghost, Chassis No. 122EU, Doctor’s Coupe by Gill Owner: Denis Deasey (VIC)

centre bottom: Best Post-War Trophy 1951 Bentley Mk VI, (B255LH), Standard Saloon, Owner: Bruce Duncan (NSW)

The Company Trophy – Awarded for Best Restoration & Post-War Coachbuilt Trophy & Class 6 – Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn & Phantom IV 1950 Silver Wraith, (WHD101), Touring Limousine by HJ Mulliner, Owner: Martin Bennett (ACT)

Class 13 – Bentley Continental GT and Derivatives 2005 Bentley Continental GT, (BE526304), 2-door Coupe Owner: John Cranley (QLD)

7146 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 The were no Entries in: Class 2 – Phantom I & Phantom II oncours Winners Class 12 – Goodwood Phantom and derivatives

Bentley Trophy Overall Winner & 1965 Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur, Masters Class (BC96XE), HJ Mulliner, Saloon. 1950 Bentley Mk VI, (B111JN), 1950 Owner: Graham Lawrence (NSW) Bentley Mk VI, (B111JN), Standard Saloon Owner: Lex Lynch (VIC)

left: Best Pre-War Trophy 1937 Phantom III, (3DL146), Sedanca de Ville by HJ Mulliner Owner: Martin Glynn (QLD) accepted by Qld President Frank Carroll.

Jason Roger Fry Post-War Non- Original Coachbuilt Trophy & Class 8 – Silver Cloud I, II & III, Bentley S1, S2 & S3 1957 Bentley S1, Chassis No. B464EG, Drophead Coupe Conversion by Roger Fry & Sons, Owner: Ian Maitland (QLD)

Australian Coachwork Trophy & Class 4 – 25/30, Phantom III and Wraith 1937 25/30 (GRO4) Martin & King Limousine Owner: Rory Poland (SA)

PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7147 FEDERAL REPORTS FOR 2017 FEDERAL PRESIDENT normally have no platform to compete. It was wonderful to see these Neil Matthews (Vic) cars in their original condition on display, some with very low mileage and well preserved. The award is only available to post war cars over 50 years old which of course encompasses, Bentley MK VI, Silver Wraith, The 58th Annual Rally hosted by the Victoria Branch in Bendigo last Silver Dawn, all Cloud and Bentley S derivatives, early Shadow, T and May seems like only yesterday. derivatives to 1965. Also last year NSW Branch celebrated 60 years of the Club. This I attended the NSW Presentation Night at The Royal Automobile year Victoria Branch celebrates this milestone. Many members have Club in Macquarie Street, Sydney. This evening marked the fi nal event received 50 year badges and some even 60 year badges. A wonderful of the 60th Birthday celebrations of the NSW Branch. It was a terrifi c achievement indeed! Congratulations to all members that have received night. My thanks to all of the NSW members who made Louise, myself these well-deserved honours. and a number of other Victorian Branch members feel so welcome. At the very start of my term back in Fremantle, one of the major Trade Mark Agreement with Rolls-Royce plc thoughts in my mind was collecting and maintaining the provenance of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars in Australia. Rolls-Royce plc was the holder of the Rolls-Royce trademarks and has transferred those rights to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. The Rolls- I have been looking through older Præclarvms recently and one of Royce Owners’ Club of Australia had an agreement with Rolls-Royce plc the queries that always comes to mind is – where is that car today to utilise those trademarks. I wonder? The fact that we are all just custodians of the cars for a relatively short time is very true in most cases. But provenance of the This means that our agreement with Rolls-Royce plc has ceased and car is an ongoing and a very important factor which we, as custodians, I am seeking a new agreement with Rolls-Royce Motors Cars Limited. need to document and record for the future. This is progressing well and I expect a fi nalisation of this agreement shortly. It would have been perfect if the arrangement completion date After discussions with Wallace Moorhouse, our Federal Database was before the Canberra Federal Rally, however this was not to be. I will Administrator and other Branch Registrars, we will work together to advise all Branches as soon as more information is available. ensure that we have the right and relevant software that will capture not only the information of today, but also the information of yesterday. We Federal Executive Team need to ensure that this information is captured and recorded for future Both Steve McDonald and Peter Chan have been instrumental in generations of members that can answer the question of – where is that keeping the background information and fi nances running smoothly. car today I wonder?, by saying “let me just look at the application on The Club is lucky to have such diligent people working behind the my phone, I can tell you the full history from the build date”. What an scenes. I cannot thank Steve and Peter enough for their work this year. achievement that would be! There have been numerous phone calls, texts, emails by the dozen – Louise and I attended the RREC Rally in the UK in June and met thank goodness for the ease of communication the modern era has up with a large number of Australians who had also made the journey. given us! Burghley House makes such a wonderful back-drop for a Concours and Federal Appointees the sheer number and variety of cars in attendance is amazing. Kim Stapleton is again Federal Registrar of Judging with Mick We had a terrifi c time on the 15th Dawn Patrol, wonderful scenery, Rust and John Virgo making up the Judging Committee. With the great food and lots of stories to tell. A job completed yet again by the amendments and improvements being implemented this year, I look Registrar John Harriman and his able assistant this time around in Bruce forward to a good balance of judging at Canberra Rally Concours. My Duncan. thanks to the Judging Committee for keeping the judging platform fair A very successful Victoria Branch Concours was held in September left: Attendees at the Federal Appointees Meeting with a good number of entries and also many entrants for the second below: Attendees at the Federal Registrars’ meeting year of the Preservation Award. This Branch trophy is hotly contested as bottom: Attendees at the 2016 Federal Council meeting - taken at there are a number of good original cars owned by members who would the Presentation Dinner.

7148 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 for all Concours entrants. members and all have been offi ce bearers both State and Federally. I Chris Gillings has kept the website intact over the year, with many offer the Foundation my complete support in the ethos of their principle members utilising the technical information on the site. objectives. Brian Carson, a Queensland member, has taken up the challenge of In closing, I thank all of the Members for their support this year. establishing a Facebook page for the use of members and interested parties worldwide. I look forward to posting information on the Facebook page over the coming year (once I work out how to achieve this!). It is ACT BRANCH an immediate fi x for “right now” information on Rolls-Royce and Bentley. No Report presented. Tim Dean this year has again provided members with a really top rate periodical. The quality of this production is outstanding and Tim is to be NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH congratulated for his efforts. I am always amazed at the number of in Bruce Duncan. President. depth articles he manages to fi nd to keep the production interesting and appealing. I am glad to report Tim has agreed to continue his services. 2016 was the Diamond Anniversary of the founding of this branch Ian Dunn has kept the Præclarvm mailing lists up to date with the of the RROCA and was celebrated during the year with a number of information supplied by the Branches and I thank him for his part in events. ensuring that Præclarvm arrives to us on time and at the right address. Every year we celebrate the 15 mile running of the fi rst Royce car on Included with the December Præclarvm last year was a “mini” 1 April 1904 by holding a Commemoration Day on the Sunday nearest Chassis Plate. What a terrifi c job the Federal Registrar David Neely and April 1. This time we visited the Southern Highlands, met for morning our Federal Database Administrator Wallace Moorhouse achieved with tea and then proceeded to drive 15 miles (24 kms) along a number of this publication. It has taken many months of preparation by David and quiet back roads arriving at “Craigeburn” reception centre for a cele- Wallace coupled with the information provided by Branch Secretaries bratory luncheon. Around 100 members and friends enjoyed the day and Registrars. I thank them both for the hugegp amount of time spent in including two visitors from the United States. preparing this fi rst “pocket” edition.on. On the same dayday,, and at the same ttime, sixty years after the original Model Registrars foundingfououndiding of the RROCA we held a cecelebratory cocktail party opposite Registrars have an invaluablee part in the Club. TheTheyy aarere a hhugeuge the sisitete off theth fi rst meeting. meeting. At 8.30pm,8.30 the time the meeting com- conduit of information about ttheirheir particular reregistergister caccarsrs and ititss mencedmenced in 191956,556, we toasted the Club and its founders. members. The camaraderie enjoyedyed by reregistergister memmembersberrs iissss ssecondecond tto FounderFoFoundeder members,members, MargaretMargaret and BBarrie Gillings, were present and none and I ask you all to considerder takintakingg on such a popositionosition foforr tthehe receivedreceived theththeirirr 60 year membership babadges.d benefi ts it provides. It has been mentioned that bebeingingg a RegRegistraristrar is all about weekends away and fi ne ddining.ining. This is only ppartartrt ofo ththeere rroleole of Our CoConcoursncours DisplayDisplay was held at VVaucluse House in the same area a Registrar. The support, both technicallyechnically and sometimsometimesess eveeveevenv n mmorallyorally it hadd bebeenenn hhelheheldd fforor manmanyy yyears.ears. enables us to keep our wonderfull vehicles on the road. ManyMaaany ssaidaaididd it was like comincomingg homhome. Again there was an excellent Peter Jordan-Hill as his role aass ReRegistrargistrar of the SmalSmalll HHorsepower,orsseepowewer, displaydisplay ooff mmotorootor cars coverincoveringg 100 yeyearsa of Rolls-Royce existence. has written some very interestingg and informative articles iinn PPræclarvm.ræcclarlarvmvm. As this iiss a motorinmotoringg club an extenextensives week long run was organised We look forward to Peter’s plan foror the next 12 months. to runn fromfromm thet coast of NSW into the TTamworth area via winding roads John Harriman with his cohortort Bruce Duncan, organisedorganisiseed a rreallyealallly throughthrougugugh qquietuieet iinterestingnteresting towns. terrifi c Dawn Patrol to Wagga WaWaggagga last year. A momostostst enenjoyablejooyoyay blee ThisThhhis rrununn wwas fi lled to capacity, thethe capacity being dictated by the weekend and Bruce enjoyed organisinganising the event so mmuch,uch, hhee hhasass noww amountaamount ooff acaaccommodationcommodation aavailablevailable in some of the small towns we agreed to be SMART Registrar – yyouou jjustust cannot hold a googogoodd mmanan ddowdown!n! visited.visitedd. Bruce Duncan is the new manman to the jjobob of SMASMARTRT RRegRegistrar.isttrar.I. I AndAnnd fi nanallyallyy our PresentationPrP esentation EveninEvening was held at the Royal Automo- understand we will we will look forwardforward to a ververyery ssmartmart SSMARTMMAMARTTe eeventvent bilebile ClubCllub ofof AAuAustraliastrralia aandndn we were ddelightede to have the company of shortly. FederalFederaraalPl President,Prresidedent,nt NeNeilil Matthews and Louise as well as Victoria Presi- Bill Coburn continues to keep our interest in alalll tthingshingss tectechnicalhnicalall anandnd dentdenennt NNoeloel BaBaker.keker. I am a huge fan of his inimitablee ststyle.yle. How could thee didisastroussasastrous eveeeventntt DuringDuring ththee PresentationPrreresentation EveninEveningg wwe were pleased to recognise the of your Shadow not starting, becomeome an enjoyableenjoyable read andnd enencouragecouourage effortseffef ortrts ofof threethrehr e of our members by awardingaw them the George Seve- anyone to pick up a screwdriver aandnd have a ggoo at fi xinxingg it yyourself.ourrself. noaksnoano ks MeMedMedal.al. This is ggiveniven only to memembersm who, in the opinion of the Bryan Inder, the Silver Ghostst ReRegistrar,gistrar, always has such a bbusyusy committee,commitm tee, have worked tirelesslytirelessly for the enrichment of the Club over schedule of events in his report. I am alwaalwaysys amazed at the number off a lengthylengthy period. The award is not gigiven lightly. In our Diamond An- events he achieves every year. niversaryniversary yearyear we honoured RobRobynyn HHenderson,e John Hiscox and Allan Simpson BEMBEM. My thanks also go to Bryan Inder of the Silver Ghost Register, Frank Carroll of the Derby Phantom Register, Mal Henderson of the Derby Other events during the year included our Annual General Meeting Bentley Register, Geoff Down from the Cloud Register. at which our President for the past fi ve years, Brian Crump, stepped down leaving this Club in fi ne condition and fi nancially very sound. Now Thank you all for your tireless work, both in organising social events, it is my turn to try to maintain the high standards set by Brian over the but also the very important aspect of technical help to enable our years. Much of our Committee has remained the same however we wonderful cars to remain on the road. are pleased to also welcome some new faces. This will give us stability Spare Parts Co-ordinator matched with new ideas – a very healthy situation. Bob Roberts has been our swap meet co-ordinator for well over 10 Our ladies luncheon group, The Dineamics, met several times during years now and is looking to pass the baton on to another member. the year to relax, enjoy lunch and discuss secret women’s business! Mick Rust and David Axe have helped Bob over the years and the sales These popular outings have already been well planned for 2017. have made a considerable sum towards the Sir Henry Royce Foundation, A new Classic Car Museum opened in Gosford in the middle of the as 10% of all proceeds are donated to this worthy cause. It was a year. The owner has joined the RROCA as a member and we visited the wonderful concept that has now been running and growing under Bob’s museum in its fi rst few weeks. Over 400 magnifi cent vehicles to inspect watchful eye. What a great way for other Club members to fi nd that and, yes, plenty of “appropriate” vehicles to enjoy. missing part to fi nish a project or an opportunity to purchase some rare memorabilia. The task is becoming so large now that an idea for the A different style of afternoon was held in July with a private concert most effective way this worthy project to continue is for the Rally State given in a member’s home by world famous pianist Roger Woodward. hosts to appoint a small sub-committee to administer the arrangements. What an event, to be able to sit so close to such artist and later chat I would like to thank Bob for his achievements and feel certain this informally with him as well. A fabulous concert enjoyed by a number project will continue for many years at future Federal Rallies. As the task of members. has become so large, Bob is now looking to the future and anyone who Our Wombat Flats day was a success with members and friends would like to help out is most welcome to contact Bob or myself. enjoying a barbeque and perfect weather at Bob Doyle’s property about The Sir Henry Royce Foundation 80 kms south west of Sydney. The Phantom V was featured and people I have attended most of the Trustees meetings this year and I must were able to have a ride in the car along quiet back roads after making say that the Foundation is making great strides ahead as custodians a small donation. The focus of the whole day was to raise funds to help of everything pertaining to the marques. I do understand that the maintain the car in pristine condition. Foundation is a separate organisation, however the ties of the Trustees Our usual Drive or be Driven Day was held about an hour north to the Club cannot be any closer as all of them are current RROCA of Sydney where we have easy access to a friendly café who served PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7149 FEDERAL REPORTS FOR 2017 (...cont.) excellent coffee and comestibles, convenient parking plus a nice quiet August event was a family day to Caboolture Historic Village. Morton stretch of road along which one can drive or be driven in a wide range Shire council should be very proud of this venue. Great to see members of cars. bring their children and grandchildren to this event. Members were also asked to bring their Roll-Royce or Bentley or September was the Qld branch AGM at Palmwoods Golf Club. Our another “interesting” car they may own. So as well as many Crewe committee and executive remain much the same. We have a great and Derby cars we were also treated to a couple of Jaguars, a Rover team working well together to run the club effi ciently and successfully. and Michael Jeanes entertained us with rides in one of his enormous Thank you. American behemoths. All cars added to the experience, the fun and In October we visited John and Pam Rowney’s shed at Burleigh fellowship of the day. west. Paul Creighton’s 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was put on a hoist Shannon’s Classic Day was held at Sydney Raceway and we had a for us to see her in all her glory. small display as well as a line up on Pit Lane of special vehicles to com- Thank you to all our members who attend functions. It would not memorate various anniversaries such as 70 years of the Bentley Mk VI. be a Club without you. Two of our Club cars entered the Concours and both received awards in this high standard display. A couple of laps of the raceway followed at a much more graceful pace than would normally be seen at this venue. The always popular “All British Day” was held and we delivered an SOUTH AUSTRALIA BRANCH impressive array of Club vehicles plus the Foundation owned former David Furness, President. Vice-Regal Phantom V and the latest Roll-Royce Dawn Drophead. Both cars were popular with the spectators and certainly drew visitors to Our club has had a year of successful events and support with our our display. usual runs and some variation with recent events. Our Picnic Day was enjoyed at Linnwood House, a former grand Membership has remained steady with the resignation of some and home built in the late 1800s. Again we invited a number of other British a number of new members joining with strong interest in our events car clubs so enjoyed marques such as Alvis, Daimler, Jaguar, Morgan, and an interesting variety of cars. Rover and others as well as our own vehicles of course. The AGM was held in August at the Kooyonga Golf Club with strong We have planned an exciting calendar of events for 2017 ranging attendance and an impressive lunch following the offi cial prerequisites. from our usual offerings as well as a number of new events including I was re- elected President and Michael Henningsen has become Vice the chance to climb 96 steps to the top of a lighthouse north of Sydney! President. Another fi rst for us in 2017 is participation in “Clean Up Australia” I thank all committee members, past and present for their efforts. day in early March. We had a good attendance at the 2016 Federal Rally in Bendigo Our bi-monthly magazine continues to be enjoyed by members as starting with an Overlander capably organised by Rory Poland. Thirteen it reports activities and events with plenty of great pictures. Also our members and partners from SA in eight vehicles and three from WA monthly electronic Bulletin reminds members of events as well as other with one vehicle drove to Robe, Port Fairy and the Great Western area news items relating to our favourite motor vehicles. of Victoria. It was a great drive through interesting country and towns, Our web site, which was totally re-vamped almost two years ago, good accommodation and meals and an enjoyable social experience has helped to draw several new Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners to with a nice group of people. Thanks to Rory Poland for the organisation. join us and our Face book pages are very popular especially with our The Rally was a major success for Mark Roberts and Rory Poland. younger members. Both these are kept up to date and indicate what an Mark won Class 3, 20 H.P. & 20/25 with his 1929 20/25 GXO21. He exciting organisation we are! thoroughly deserved this win as he has worked tirelessly on this car During 2016 we were fortunate in gaining 30 new members and since buying it a couple of years ago, rebuilding and tidying up a car already in 2017 (as at 31 January) we have acquired 6 new members that had not been used for decades. As well it was driven from Adelaide giving us a total of 427 – the year is shaping up well. to Bendigo. Rory won Class 4-25/30, Phantom III and Wraith with his 1937 25/30 GRO4 which was also driven to Bendigo. As well he won 2017 is going to be another excellent year for Rolls-Royce Owners’ the Trophy for the best Australian Coachwork. Again thoroughly de- Club of Australia [NSW] served and he won the Master’s Class in our Concours. Our runs have been well attended and enjoyed, starting with the run to Coriole Winery for a top meal in a pleasant setting with views QUEENSLAND BRANCH over the rolling hills and vines. Ian Maitland, President. In May, 33 club members enjoyed a most successful day with a drive through the Adelaide Hills to Tanunda to see and experience the 1877 This is my third term as state president of the RROC Qld branch of Hill and Son Grand Organ followed by lunch at the Tanunda Community the RROC Australia. It has been a privilege to serve the branch during Club. The run included some nice driving roads including the infre- this time. quently travelled but beautiful road through Forreston. On a typically During the year events have included:- cool but fi ne winter’s day in June about 35 drove up the old Mt Barker April, Golden Oldies to Canungra Valley vineyard and restaurant This Rd to Ngeringa Winery passing the Ngerina Art Centre before reaching had an attendance of 64 members and 30 cars. A delightful day. the winery and its rustic outdoor setting for our lunch. In May Alan Fife and Geoff Hiley organized the Qld section of the We have had a couple of breakfasts at Penfolds Magill Estate Kitch- Overlander to the Bendigo rally. 22 members enjoyed this wonderful en with members enjoyed a convivial breakfast of high standard with outback experience. views over the city to the sea. May also included Picnic in the Park for National Motoring Heritage Bay to Birdwood September 26th, we had good number of Club Day at Ipswich. 24 members and 12 cars attended. A lovely day. Our entrants in this year’s Bay to Birdwood, some in other Marques due to intention is to return to this event once again this year. the age requirements which alternate each year. June was our annual navigation run. A fun and frivolous day ending We have had a focus on car servicing with a technical session con- up at club members Ben Olsen and Will Thompson’s estate for a BBQ ducted by Tom Johnston on Silver Shadows and subsequent models. lunch. The need to keep our cars serviced and repaired is ongoing, not made easier by the task of fi nding repairers that will do quality work at rea- July was our State Concours held again at Ormiston house. Frank sonable prices. and Joan Carroll managed the event wonderfully with the much needed support of the committee and other club members. This was a fantastic There is a need to foster and support any places that will do such day with 60 cars including 20 Concours cars. 550 attendees passed work and we have an ongoing focus on this area with sessions and through the gates, a record I believe. articles. This event was proudly supported by Sunshine Automotive who dis- South Australia is hosting the 2018 Federal Rally and we have a played a new Rolls-Royce Ghost. A sight to behold next to a 1909 Rolls- small team hard at work planning this. Royce Silver Ghost. Thank-you also to Bentley Brisbane for their fi ne Once again I thank all our committee members who help our club to display of 3 brand new Bentley cars. Your support is greatly appreciated. run, and I express my pleasure to be part of it all. 7150 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 VICTORIA BRANCH BRANCH ued and there are now eighty one members. Considering the natural Noel Baker, President. attrition that occurs in a Club of our aging demographic, this increase of fi ve members is pleasing. Another Year has passed and it is time to refl ect on some of the The latest count of cars in Chassis Plate indicates the WA Club great times we have enjoyed. Sunday outings have been wide and consist of one hundred and eleven cars ranging from 1912 to 2015 varied with something for everyone. Our Ladies continue to enjoy their models representing both the Rolls-Royce and Bentley marques. In Luncheon get together. Guest speakers at meetings have been informa- 2016 the annual Concours was well attended with over twenty present tive and topical keeping the General meeting attendance strong. and eleven cars judged. The introduction of the midweek run has been a great success, real The 2017 Concours in June will once again be held in the pictur- driving days to enjoy our cars. The Federal Rally in Bendigo was a esque and historic grounds of Stirling Park in Guildford. The Chief great time for the Club. Well planned over 12 months by a small but Judge is anticipating an equally healthy number of cars on display for dedicated Committee, this was a highlight of the year. The Drive and judging as last year. The winner of the 2016 Concours d’Elegance be driven day is continuing to grow and is looked forward to with great was a 1976 Silver Shadow – a result which vindicated the revised tally excitement each year. The Concours d’Elegance brought out some scheme for judging and encourages members with younger cars to special cars again and of course having the facilities of Lionel Gell participate in the competition. School of Instruction for Judging and our Technical sections completes The events/social calendar for the year was well balanced with a a well-rounded picture for the Club. variety of runs and functions to interest members. There is usually The Death of Jean Allsep was met with sadness but we remem- something to attend each month and the committee has been delight- ber and feel her presence as we enjoy Bill Allsep House and the ed with a regular enthusiastic ‘roll up’. These events are recorded contributions Jean made. in the quarterly Club magazine ‘The Winged Messenger’. This pub- lication is a credit to our editor Terry Walker and provided members Looking to the future our committee has many exciting events with a permanent reminder of the Club’s affairs. Throughout the year planned for 2017. It will be the 60th Anniversary of the Rolls-Royce there are a number of events organised by external car organisations Owners Club Victoria Branch on the 7th of April next year and we are and these are interspersed between Club-generated functions on the planning events to celebrate this important milestone in the Club’s His- calendar. As always the committee would like to see more members tory. volunteer to contribute events to the calendar, and are grateful to Many thanks to my committee for their support and teamwork those who do. throughout the year putting together a diverse programme catering The Club is fortunate to have an effi cient committee which meets for all members. Having a reduced membership fee for our younger monthly to face the issues that appear regularly. I express my sincere members has been encouraging and they have a strong input to club appreciation to these hard-working members without whose efforts events. Our Tasmanian section continues to fl ourish with many outings the Club would not be able to operate. held in their beautiful state. It was an outstanding year for the Club. Unfortunately, due to the tyranny of distance and a variety of personal circumstances, there will not be as many West Australian members at the 2017 Rolls-Royce Federal Rally in Canberra in March WESTERN AUSTRALIA BRANCH as we would have liked. We look forward to reading of the Rally in Diane Magrath, President. Præclarvm in coming months. A warm welcome is extended to any Eastern States R-R members Stability and consolidation are two words that describe the state of intending to visit the beautiful West. Any assistance and hospitality the R-ROC WA over the past twelve months. The encouraging growth will be offered to extend the camaraderie that exists between Rolls- of membership which I commented on in my 2016 report has contin- Royce and Bentley enthusiasts.

DAWN PATROL XVI Federal Finances 22nd to 24th Profi t Statement – Year ended 31 December 2016 September 2017 Surplus from Praeclarvm advertising revenue, and Th is year the Early Post-War Register’s annual weekend Sales to Branches, less printing, postage and away will be based at Albury NSW. Direct expenditure $21,061 We are staying at the Quality Resort Siesta at 416 Wagga Interest received $ 104 Road, tel: 02 6025 4555. $21,165 Many members do know this location very well. Excellent Overhead expenses see note 1 below $ 9,598 accommodation and facilities, hosted by our very own Profi t for year $11,567 member Ray Jones, son Stephen and their very profession- al staff . We shall be well looked-aft er! Interesting scenic Balance Sheet at 31 December, 2016 drives and attractions are being planned with entertain- Cash, Term Deposits and debtors $66,687 ment and fun along the way. Creditors $10,129 Th ere is a choice of accommodation from $155.00 per $58,558 night for a Queen Suite, 3 dinners at approx. $120.00 per Trophies at valuation $35,460 person, breakfast is available at discount, fully cooked or continental, and all can be charged to your room account Net Worth $92,018 if requested. Th ere will be a small levy for social or enter- tainment expenses, to be confi rmed. Note 1 : Includes accountancy charges, bank fees, You know the drill! Book your room fi rst [mention you Editor’s Honorarium and member register upkeep. are with the R-R Rally] and then phone Kate on 03 9598 6702 to confi rm attendance and update contact details, or Summary Prepared by Peter Chan – Federal Treasurer e-mail me at, [email protected] A great start to the Spring driving season to blow away the Winter cobwebs. Looking forward to seeing you all, John Harriman Registrar.

PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7151 The ‘High Country’ Overlander, March 2017 Photographs and story by: Steve McDonald (NSW)

his was my fi rst Overlander. I was Tenticed to participate by the many stories I had heard over the years from some members of the fun and adventure to be had on these events. Other members had spoken of the great times to be had through the interaction and camaraderie with the wonderful people I had come to know through the many years of my membership in the RROCA. Besides, a few of my closer friends said they were eager to go, so it was really a ‘no brainer’ to sign up. Around 10.00am on Day One of the ‘High Country’ Overlander (March 9, 2017), my good mate and fellow NSW Branch member Martin Cherry arrived at above: Overlander cars parked at the my southern Sydney home and we set bearing the highly recognisable PMC001 off in Martin’s 1965 black Silver Cloud Twofold Bay Motor Inn - number plate, with Queenslander “the most expensive car park in Eden”! MPW (aka a ‘Chinese Eye’ 2-door saloon) Wallace Moorhouse at the helm enjoying This diabolical device is presented daily SJR583C for our fi rst rendezvous point in the solitude of a quiet drive down the (in a fun way, of course) throughout Berry, just over two hours south of Sydney south coast of New South Wales. and slightly inland from the Pacifi c coast. the event to some hapless member for We had previously motored together in After a couple of diversions we arrived having either made a comical mistake, this car to the West Australian Federal in the picturesque township of Berry. The or for having done something that draws Rally in Fremantle, via the Great Ocean directions to the Berry Village Boutique attention to themselves, or even at times Road in Victoria, and then across the Motel were easy to follow in the very for a rare act of gallantry! ‘What happens desolate Nullarbor Plain three years ago helpful handbook provided to us all. on the rally, stays on the rally’, so without a hitch, so we were confi dent of Upon arrival we found some of the other unfortunately I’m bound by the Offi cial a stress-free ride. Martin, originally from Overlanders were already booking in. Secrets Act not to disclose to anyone Western Australia, wanted to check out With several Rolls-Royces and Bentleys who won the ‘back-scratcher’ award, or some unseen seaside towns along the seen parked in the open section of the why. I can tell you, however, that it was way, which set the scene for the rest of motel’s parking area, we managed to presented every night for different and our adventure. Having previously been secure one of the prized and very limited amusing reasons and was accepted with supplied with rally points along the way under-cover parking spots for SJR583C. grace each time. where motels and dinners had been Once checked in we had a little time Our Overlander organiser, Allan pre-booked, the approximate times and for a wander around the village before Simpson (NSW), meticulously planned route had been meticulously set out for returning to the motel to participate in the whole event over many months, with us, so any diversions were possible. the now all-familiar gathering for a chat the assistance of an expert consultant Not long after leaving home and just on the verandah, getting acquainted with – his wife Beverley. During dinner each past Wollongong in the Illawarra Region, friends old and new. Then the fi rst of night, Allan ensured that everyone was we soon became aware that there was many welcome drinks, during which we familiar with the next day’s program. were able to check out who was there more than just one RR on the road when For instance, the next day after and who was straggling. This was a we caught up with a well-traveled and staying in Berry, the participants were good precursor to the group’s fi rst meal familiar Caribbean Blue Silver Shadow offered the choice of a guided tour of together, during which the longstanding the (former) RAN Fleet Air Arm Aviation tradition of ‘winding Overlander below: Overlanders ready to cast off on the Museum at HMAS Albatross near Nowra; participants up’ with the presentation MV “Seabird” cruising Lakes Entrance to the continuing on a longer drive towards our village of Metung for lunch. of the ‘back scratcher award’ continued. next destination for a visit to the Mogo Zoo, famous for its white lions; or doing ‘our own thing’. As all members of the group arrived safe and intact at the next rally stopover point in Eden, it seemed that those who had gone to the zoo to see the white lions had missed feeding time! Our route that day took us through many interesting hamlets, villages and towns on the New South Wales South Coast, including Batemans Bay, Moruya, Bodalla, Central Tilba, etc, with little time to stop for cheese purchases from these dairy-producing areas. Beautiful Eden, situated on Twofold Bay, was reached late in the afternoon of the second day’s touring, following a 4½ hour predicted approximate drive time

7152 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 to present to the hotel’s staff, allowing for a couple of choices of mains and desserts. Following our lunch we wandered around for a while in Metung where we couldn’t help but notice that the Cobra Car Club was obviously in town with quite a few nice examples of that rather unusual marque seen parked in the nearby main street. The cruise on the smooth Gippsland Lakes was a great idea and a good opportunity to relax and chat after driving such long distances. In fact I must admit to having been so relaxed that I just may have dozed off to sleep for a while during our return journey. That evening we again walked – above: Martin Cherry’s Rolls-Royce “Chinese his vicinity, which tended to ensure some went by taxi – to the iconic Lakes Eyes” Silver Cloud II MPW 2 door saloon lots of free-fl owing and often animated Entrance Central Hotel where members (SJR583C) ponders the view to Mt Kosciuszko conversation. on the way to Bright. of our group had dinner in a private from Berry. This 370km journey was the On the fi rst of the two-night weekend section of the hotel’s dining room, longest single day’s run on the Overlander stay at Lakes Entrance the Overlander’s chosen individually from an extensive à and it took longer if you diverted from the numbers had swollen to become a group la carte menu. of 53, and with four more persons joining plan as some did, including ourselves. The next day (Monday, March 13) us the next night. It was therefore We easily found our overnight venue, the was a Public Holiday in Victoria. This necessary to have our (by now) rather Twofold Bay Motor Inn, and then met for day’s journey took us up into the large group split into two, with some of a delicious dinner in a private dining room ‘High Country’, through some of the the participants occupying the adjacent at the Eden Fishermen’s Club, which is most spectacular places I have seen in Heyfi eld Motel. Due to the limited directly opposite the motel. Four more Australia. The Alpine National Park is just amount of seating available in the Banjo participants joined us in Eden for dinner, amazing! Driving up through some steep Patterson’s restaurant, those staying which further expanded our group. winding roads, through the ranges, past there enjoyed their dinner that Saturday the ‘snow poles’, and noticing the change The next morning as we were night in the motel’s dining room, whilst from white to yellow road markings preparing to depart, someone described the ‘other’ contingent (those staying we knew we were now in the winter this as the most expensive car park in at the Heyfi eld) – were conveyed in a snowfi elds. Motoring onwards (and town with some 20 or more Rolls-Royce courtesy minibus to the Lakes Entrance seemingly forever upwards) to the old and Bentley motor cars of varying eras, Bowls Club for their evening meal. models and shapes. Unfortunately, NSW historic gold mining town of Omeo for member Andy McFarland was soon to The following morning (Sunday, lunch, we became very aware that the discover that his well-traveled Silver March 12) most of the group walked a road, with its endless twists and turns Dawn was a little lop-sided due an object few hundred metres to a jetty which is through these alpine hills, is extremely puncturing his off-side rear tyre and, a utilized by Peel’s Cruises, and is home popular with motor cyclists. to lots of black swans and pelicans. screw was discovered embedded in the One of the Overlanders sprung a Those of our group who found walking off-side front tyre as well! It’s not an easy leak in his Silver Spirit’s steering line a little diffi cult were catered for by being task to change a wheel on a Silver Dawn which created a nasty ‘growl’ when the transported from the motels to the wharf but the NRMA contractor soon had him wheel was turned. This was, fortunately, – and back – by taxi. We boarded the MV sorted and on his way. As far as I know, temporarily remedied with a top up of ‘Seabird’, a comfortable catamaran made this was the only fl at tyre sustained appropriate fl uid. I can report that the available for our group’s exclusive use, for during the entire event. auto spares shop in town did great a leisurely cruise to the lakeside village business selling steering fl uid that day! Following breakfast at the motel and of Metung, where the main attraction before leaving Eden, some visited the is a large and historic hotel that serves below: David Ross’ 1981 Silver Spirit nearby Killer Whale Museum whilst others lovely food. In order to streamline the (ASB02134), Rory Poland’s 1937 Rolls- went to nearby Boydtown, a former waiting time for our luncheon orders, we Royce 25/30 (GR04) and Martin Cherry’s whale-processing town established were provided with coupons beforehand Silver Cloud II (SJR583C) oblige for a photo in the 1800s by the entrepreneurial opportunity on the way to Bright. businessman, Benjamin Boyd. The drive to our next destination, the picturesque town of Lakes Entrance, was around 240km or 2½ hours - a much shorter drive. This trip took us through some amazing country in the Victorian East Gippsland Region, past beautiful pine forests and sunfl ower farms that dotted the highway. We ultimately arrived at the Banjo Patterson Motor Inn at the southern end of Lakes Entrance for a two-night stay to be greeted by the Victorian contingent which swelled our numbers even more. Mal Henderson was a very popular fi gure as he most generously offered his fi nest Scotch to those standing within

PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7153 Our journey was now drawing to a close, with our last night of the ‘High Country’ Overlander. After a 240km leisurely and easy drive to Tumbarumba, we met up for dinner where we were all staying at the Tumbarumba Motel and engaged in more riveting ‘car talk’ conversation. This type of events are full of surprises! New NSW Branch members, Gail and John Robison, recruited me as the ‘props’ man and entertained our group with a ‘vaudeville-type’ skit, set last century I suspect in the UK about a poor woman who became stuck on a freshly-painted toilet seat on a railway station. Although not going exactly to plan, the act did draw laughter from the audience and was quite the topic of conversation thereafter. Following dinner, and just as most had above: Rory Poland’s 25/30 (GR04) spectacular through parts of the Snowy disappeared for the night to bed, a few effortlessly glides through the Snowy of us gathered around a very old worn- Mountain ranges to Bright with Mick Rust at Mountains as we traversed picturesque the helm. valleys, went past lakes and over rivers, out Victor piano. Ralph Plarre (Vic) gave an impromptu performance with some On this leg of the trip we often through small villages, all on excellent fascinating boogie-woogie juxtaposed stopped for photo opportunities and, roads. with some complicated classical pieces. on occasions, encountered a few fellow During this sector it was fun to see He really let loose with those boogie travelers. On one such stop while looking ‘classic’ cars tootling along in front of pieces, with six ivories literally fl ying off across a valley to Mount Kosciuszko, us. The Henderson’s Derby Bentley, the keyboard! Obviously Ralph is well we noted the silent arrival of a 1937 the McFarland’s Silver Dawn, and Denis trained in piano and kept us enthralled 25/30 HP Rolls-Royce (GRO4) owned by Deasey in his magnifi cent 1925 Silver for some time. Rory Poland (SA) with his co-driver, Mick Ghost Doctor’s Coupé. They all made Rust (WA), at the wheel. We were soon for some great photos! Then, just when we thought it was over, Allan Simpson showed what joined by NSW members David Ross and On arrival in Corryong for lunch we he could do. With an obvious love of Bruce Gibbs, then Anderson Leong & encountered some Victorian RROCA George Gershwin, Allan gave wonderful LeRoy Jones, followed by Mike Mulvihill members, including the Federal renditions of some beautiful Gershwin & Alex Joyce.(NSW / USA). Now that was President Neil and the lovely Louise pieces – plus a few others. Now time a good photo opportunity. Matthews, all headed for Canberra on for bed, the ivory naturals were picked The town of Bright was our next their own little Overlander – but going up from the fl oor and the old Victor stop. After a 240km journey we in the opposite direction via Cooma. piano put to sleep. entered this beautiful alpine village Allan set a ‘deliberate mistake’ Next morning – the fi nal day of the and found our motel at the end of - (or so he said!) - in his written Overlander (Wednesday, March 15), town. As had been necessary in Lakes direction to turn off towards Keiwa it was off to our fi nal stop, Canberra. Entrance, due to the sheer number of and Tangambalanga - (try saying that Although there was a suggested Overlander participants it was again fast when you‘re explaining directions route, many decided on a different necessary to split the contingent into to the driver!) - with a slight variation course. With Kim Stapleton and Tim two groups, with some staying at the in the Victorian road number. It was Siedenkranz in the lead, we chose to go Ovens Valley Motor Inn and others correctly the C533 and not the C537, via Cooma and Tumut to see whatever being accommodated at the (aptly- as listed. A prize was awarded by Allan we could of the remaining sights of the named) High Country Motor Inn, which to the fi rst person who noticed it. I was was basically next door. only second to Kim Stapleton, so sadly below: Overlanders (l-r) Martin Cherry, Kim didn’t get the prize of a bottle of red! Stapleton and Tim Seidenkranz admire the An informal and relaxing barbecue view from the spillway of the Snowy Hydro had been arranged for that evening at Electric Blowering Dam. the Ovens Valley Motor Inn. As it was sprinkling with rain, most were seated in the dining room with the overfl ow under a pergola just outside. After the meal - and a few drinks for ‘lubrication’, we were entertained by Patsy & Ralph Poppenbeek (Vic) who sang a few songs whilst playing his ukulele, and led a few more. That evening soon fl ew by and the next morning (Tuesday, March 14) we set off to our next destination, Tumbarumba in NSW, a drive of about 2¾ hours (give or take) over 260km. Following the suggestions outlined in our travel guide, we met in the town of Corryong (home to the Snowy Mountains Festival) for lunch. The drive from Bright to there was

7154 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 Snowy Mountains and the massive feat of engineering that took more than 20 years to complete construction which is the Hydro-Electric Scheme. We visited the Blowering Dam with its magnifi cent lake and picturesque waterways. The dam water feeds into the Murray River and the scenery around the lake is absolutely spectacular. That morning we stopped at the Victorian-era town of Cooma for morning tea. The interesting buildings and wide streets refl ect a prosperous town of past times. The amazingly large hydro turbines at Tumut were a must to visit. The sight of the feeder pipes to the turbines, which were large enough to hold a bus, was a sight to behold. Six in all fed the turbines, which produce electricity for parts of both NSW and The Overlander now over, we above: A view of the Tumut No.3 Snowy Victoria. arrived in Australia’s capital city of Hydro Power Station over Martin Cherry’s The fi nal afternoon of what had Canberra and our fi nal destination, Silver Cloud II (SJR583C) bonnet with Kim Stapleton’s 1977 Silver Shadow (SRH26587) been our six-day journey to Canberra Rydges Capital Hill, to the sight of leading the way. took us through dramatically different many beautiful Rolls-Royce and terrain where we experienced wild Bentley motor cars lining the hotel’s A sincere thank you, on behalf horses (brumbies) herded by drovers forecourt, as if from an era gone of all the Overlanders, is extended in the Henry Lawson image, and on by. The 59th RROCA Federal Rally, to Beverley and Allan Simpson for the plains, herds of horses roamed hosted by the ACT Branch, awaited providing us all with a really spectacular free and quietly grazed. us ! ‘High Country’ experience! Cars and Participants on the ‘High Country’ Overlander

Rolls-Royce 1937 25/30 H.P. Sports saloon Green/Black GRO4 2530 POLAND Rory & RUST Mick (SA/WA) 1951 Silver Dawn Standard saloon Oyster Grey SDB84 WM169 HISCOCK Yvette & Peter (VIC) 1951 Silver Dawn Standard saloon Garnet SDB124 RSD051 MCFARLAND Alex & Andy (NSW) 1958 Silver Wraith Limousine Black HLW48 RR1958 BICK David (VIC) 1961 Silver Cloud II Standard saloon Oyster/Tudor Grey SZD313 61RR MULVIHILL Mike (NSW) 1965 Silver Cloud III MPW 2-door saloon Black SJR583C 65RRSC CHERRY Martin & McDONALD Steve (NSW) 1965 Silver Cloud III MPW 2-door saloon Green/Black SJR613C KDF514 DEASEY Dennis (VIC) 1973 Silver Shadow Standard saloon Caribbean Blue SRH16864 PMC001 MOORHOUSE Wallace (QLD) 1974 Corniche MPW Convertible Regency Bronze DRH17099 DDQ156 PECK David & TELFORD Pamela (VIC) 1977 Silver Shadow Standard saloon Oxford Blue SRH26587 69301 H STAPLETON Kim & SEIDENKRANZ Tim (NSW) 1980 Silver Spirit Standard saloon Cotswold Beige ASA01198 AERO81 POPPENBEEK Patsy & Ralph (VIC) 1981 Silver Spirit Standard saloon Ice Green ASB02134 55781H ROSS David & GIBBS Bruce (NSW) 1982 Silver Spirit Standard saloon Exeter Blue ASB03938 RR1982 PETERSON Alex & BARRETT-FOYE Rae (NSW) 1984 Silver Spur Long Wheelbase Black AND07493 AGF003 FIFE Alan & GYDE Yvonne (QLD) 1984 Silver Spirit Standard saloon Magnolia ASE10089 62222H ROBISON Gail & John (NSW) 1990 Silver Spirit II Standard saloon Midnight Blue ASL32080 YTQ519 HUTCHINSON Justin & HUTCHINSON, Frank (NSW) 1995 Silver Spur Long Wheelbase Silica Metallic ANS55236 FC1365 PEARSON Deirdre & Ivan (TAS) 1999 Silver Seraph Standard saloon Royal blue AAX01759 CC000 CHELLIAH Charles (NSW) 2000 Silver Seraph Standard saloon Black AAY04424 55555 RYAN Susie & Edward (Allan SIMPSON’s car) (NSW) 2005 Phantom VII Standard saloon Black Sapphire/Silver AS500225 GO RR PLARRE Margaret & Ralph (VIC) Bentley 1936 4¼ litre Coupe Green B201HM 32820H HENDERSON Robyn & Mal (NSW) 1955 S1 Continental Drophead coupe Burgundy BC25AF BDC1955 WALTER Cheryl & Julian (WA) 1963 S3 Standard saloon Maroon/Silver B10EC BES364 ROSE Pamela, David & Merinda (NSW) 1997 Brooklands Standard saloon Blue BEV59640 137 COLWELL Kate & Peter (NSW) 1999 Arnage Standard saloon Silver Pearl BEH01721 QKK11Z KOOYMAN Lyn & Arie (NSW) 2007 Continental GTC Black BEC49387 VAL025 WAYMAN Greg & BRYANT Gareth (VIC) 2012 Continental GT Black BEC76860 OO1000 SIMPSON Beverley & Allan (NSW) Other Marques 1969 Jaguar E-Type coupe British Racing Green SI9857 DREW Robyn & Keith (TAS) 2005 Lexus RX330 Beige RR450 MISSEN Shirley & Lloyd (NSW) 2007 Honda Civic Dark Grey DLQ78F JONES Leroy & LEONG Anderson (NSW) Rider JOYCE Alex (NSW / USA)

PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7155 News from the Registers

engine which was rectified by the selling cannot believe that we are not able to Twenty Topics No. 67 agent in London. Peter Hampton collected decide. I still think it is GUJ32 but should Lanchesters and had an interesting anyone have ideas as to its identity, I GTM28 Through the Years collection of them including one of the would be pleased to hear. ver the years I have collected many very early ones with leather dash and Examining the “Doings” Oof The Rolls-Royce Bulletins which tiller steering. Bill Duchesne has owned One should always look in the oil was a House magazine published and 20 Derby cars and stated that the best drained out of the engine, gear box circulated to owners before and after of them was a late 1939 Bentley MX with and differential. John Humphris drained World War II. They are not intellectually overdrive and central gate change, the the gear box oil from GF9, a 1923, 3 challenging but have many interesting only one built! Shame, what about the speed Tourer and found a gear tooth in photographs following the passage of Twenty? Bill has written many interesting the bottom of the pan. Dismantlement the years. The August 1934 Edition has articles for the RREC Bulletins of the revealed that Second gear had a missing a photo of a Twenty at the summit of the 1970/80s about his experiences with R-Rs tooth. John said that he had no inkling Simplon Pass: not a Twenty friendly spot, which are well worth reading. He died in of the problem when driving the car. The I would have thought. 1983 aged 84. tooth had dropped to the bottom of the Careful scrutiny with a magnifying Another Mystery gear box out of harm’s way. glass evidenced double shackles at the Another identification issue has arisen front indicating that it was a four speed A used spare gear has been located and I am amazed to say has the experts and examination of the number plate but, wisely, John is having the two flummoxed. Ian Irwin has referred to a identified the car as 1928, GTM28, relevant gears made and matched so photo rescued among others from the a Melhuish Tourer supplied to C.L. that the car should be in working order tip at Daylesford in 2003 and reprinted in Hampton. The car was rebodied in 1934 again soon. Should anyone be able to Restored Cars No: 240, January-February by James Young as a drophead coupé use the two used gears, then contact 2017. Tom Clarke and Bob Clarke both and very elegant it is too. However, it John. That is the second case of second have examined the photograph with some probably gained some weight, the enemy gear trouble I have heard about. exactitude as I have too. The six light of all Twentys. There are ‘photos of it as GNK50 a Park Ward Saloon – see Page saloon bodywork is very square, fitted a tourer and as rebuilt on pages 396 153/4 of Sunburnt Country - had a similar with fabric covering and a bonnet without and 7 in Fasal’s book, The Rolls-Royce problem in the early 1960s prior to it louvres. Twenty. Designed by C.L.’s son Peter the being driven overland to Europe by Tony car was later owned by Bill Duchesne, There is a lady sitting in the driver’s Strachan. The foresight of Rolls-Royce in who had worked at the Cricklewood seat surrounded by family, it would seem. making all its pre-War drawings and the Repair Department. I speculated that it was GUJ32 which like available to the Foundation at The originally was a Weymann Saloon built During the Second World War, Bill Hunt House, enables the manufacture of by Howe and Son of Norwich, the second covered a large mileage in it with a Police so many parts now at reasonable cost so owner being Mrs W.P. Thompson who I Lamp fitted as he was a founder member that we should be able to keep our cars presumed is the lady at the wheel. Bob of the Mobile Police Force. After the War running indefinitely. The main difficulty is Clarke thought that it might be GWL33 the car was sold to H. Travers-Ellis, a the rebuilding of the owners. with its original Park Ward body. Tom went New Zealander travelling in England who Cracking Nut Issues through a number of cars including GUJ62 took it home and where it remains today. and looked up other Howe bodies, looking Those with good memories will On arrival in New Zealand, a serious for similarity, concluding that he doesn’t remember the controversy surrounding problem developed in regard to the think the car in the picture is GUJ32. He the fitting of split pins to castellated nuts. The RREC Bulletin No.127 of July Registrars / August 1981 has an article by Bill Duchesne, referred to above, which Bryan Inder, 7 Pibrac Avenue, Tel: 02-9487-4153 states; Registrar, Warrawee Fax: 02-9489-8323 “We were told that complaints had Silver Ghost Register NSW, 2074 [email protected] come from chauffeurs that their wash Peter Jordan-Hill, PO Box 54, Tel: 0412 204 321 leathers tore on the split pin ends on Registrar, Kalista, [email protected] spring shackles opened the normal way, Small Horsepower Register Vic 3791 so they were held in a vice by the eye Frank Carroll, P.O. Box 6007, Tel: 07-5446-6881 and given a 90 degree twist and, when Registrar, Upper Mt Gravatt, Fax: 07-3343-4299 used, the two halves could be opened Derby Phantom Register QLD, 4122 [email protected] around the nut and the points fitted into Mal Henderson, PO Box 150 Tel: 02-9542-8401 the adjoining slots in the castle nut”. Registrar, Caringbah, [email protected] Age and Authenticity Judges have Derby Bentley Register NSW, 1495 yet another detail to check, having ascertained whether or not the car being John Harriman, Registrar, 5 Moor Street, Tel: 03-9598-6702 judged was driven by a chauffeur. Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn, Sandringham, [email protected] Bentley MkVI and R-Type VIC, 3191 Præclarvm No78-6, December 1978 Register has the following on page 421; Geoff Down, PO Box 18183 Tel: 03-9415-6760 “Method of fitting fuse wire; Registrar, Collins St East [email protected] It is important, when fitting fuse wire, Silver Cloud, Bentley S Series, Melbourne that the correct method is adopted. Phantom V and VI Register VIC, 8003 Ensure that the wire is wrapped around Bill Coburn, Registrar, PO Box 1775 Tel: 02-6161-7316 the bollard on the fuse holder one and a Silver Shadow, Bentley T Fyshwick Fax: 02-6296-5892 half times and passed across the air space Series and Derivatives Register ACT, 2609 [email protected] along the ledge, parallel with the bottom of the holder then wrapped around the Bruce Duncan, Registrar, 5 Fadden Place, Tel: 02 9487 3095 other bollard one and a half times.” Silver Spirit, Bentley Mulsanne Wahroona [email protected] and Related Types (SMART) NSW, 2076 Again, Age and Authenticity judges Register take note! 7156 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 News from the Registers

Members’ Tales: Jim Kelso recently drove his 1924 Barker Cabriolet GRK81 to Gosford claiming that he covered the whole trip in top gear. Anyone who has driven up the hills from the Hawkesbury River and the Mooney Mooney Bridge will think of fishy tales but Jim assures me of the truth. I suggested the fitment of a leather bag at the fish tail to collect the white metal from the main bearings! Geoff Harrison’s GPK42, at Woods and Woods of Woy Woy, is progressing with the body now off the chassis having wood work replaced before a repaint and renewal of the upholstery. Geoff says that the number of tacks and nails taken out of the framework was astounding. Clearly above: Silver Ghost chassis #1958 that when speaking with his father Sir the car will be faster without them. No in Australia when owned by Jim Weir, Lawrence Kadoorie [later Baron Kadoorie] doubt former owner Dr C.W. Abernathy previously George Green. they needed the best cars for the best is to blame as he was a great one for hotel so they approached Rolls-Royce and Weir and under both the custodianship of modernising his Rolls-Royces by altering as he says “the rest is history”. Originally George Green and Jim Weir it was seen on the body profile and fitting smaller wheels they had a fl eet of green Silver Shadows many Australian rallies. Foundation and with mudguard valances to suit. and they then placed the biggest order Life Members Margaret and Barry Gillings Sunburnt Country confirms that it was with Rolls-Royce at the time for twelve sent me the photo of Chassis #1958 he who lowered the windscreen of GPK42 Peninsula Green Phantoms. The most when under Jim Weir’s custodianship in and fitted a Californian Top with 19 inch number of these Phantoms we saw on the Australia. wheels and mudguard valances as well drive at any one time was fi ve. So fi ve out of It was then sold to Sir Michael Kadoorie as fitting the steering box from GAJ4. twelve isn’t bad? Recently a Macau casino and shipped to P. & A. Wood in the United The Doctor fitted that car with a 20/25 operator has ordered thirty red ‘last of the Kingdom for a very through restoration. steering box. Originally it was a Gurney line’ Goodwood Phantoms/Phantom VII to The result of which I would say is the Nutting “Weymann” fabric saloon which Dr be delivered sometime soon. Outside The best I have ever seen. I saw it on the P. Abernathy altered by raising the roof line Peninsula, Beijing we also saw a number & A. Wood stand almost completed at by 4 inches, changed the windscreen angle of the Phantom VII models and you now the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Annual and had panelled in metal! He so changed fi nd these vehicles on the driveway of most Rally in 2001 at Towcester Racecourse, his New Phantom, 92FH, so that it was of the luxury hotels world wide, but The Northampton where it would be started almost unrecognisable. Peninsula, Hong Kong was the fi rst! at regular intervals and, yes, you could From Depot Sheet 511 of 26/2/1926, The Peninsula Chairman, Sir Michael have put a penny on edge on the radiator “It is generally a wise step, when Kadoorie, is also a very enthusiastic Rolls- and it would have happily remained on something appears to be done in a manner Royce owner who also has a number its edge with the engine running! At this different from what one would normally of very special and interesting vehicles. rally there were 27 Silver Ghosts and over expect, to ask questions about it, as Of special interest to our Register is his 2000 Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles on nothing is done abnormally by guess, but 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost tourer the fi eld. That same weekend we drove invariably has an underlying reason, which Chassis #1958. This underslung London some distance to the Bentley Club Annual is just as well for the Depots to know” to Edinburgh model was initially used in Concours at Arbury Hall, Nuneaton, Warwickshire to view their 300 vehicles. David Davis (NSW) 42G1 India as a demonstration vehicle before being sold in 1913 to H.H. The Maharajah Tell me where all the cars have gone? of Patiala, India. Shortly after in 1916 it In August 2004 in the United States Silver Ghost Register was sold to a person in Victoria, Australia Chassis #1958 was in the prestigious and after several custodians there it was Recognising 110 years of in 1959 sold to George Green of Sydney below: Silver Ghost chassis #1958 at the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club International the Silver Ghost one of our Club’s Foundation Members and Celebration at Monterey, California in 2004 n our way to join a cruise ship in a Life Member. In 1984 it passed to Jim now owned by Sir Michael Kadoorie. OHong Kong, we decided to make the visit there our last ‘Harrah’ to Hong Kong. In the old days of fl ying to the UK or Europe, Hong Kong was a regular stop over, but sadly now the airlines and the route dictates the stop over is in Singapore or Dubai. So for our last Harrah we decided to stay at The Peninsula, Hong Kong. One of the highlights of the trip was our arrival at the forecourt of the hotel and being surrounded by Peninsula Green Goodwood Phantoms. This model is now known retrospectively from a company memo as the Phantom VII. On an interesting video in our room detailing the hotel’s history their Chairman, Sir Michael Kadoorie explains

PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7157 News from the Registers

There were 2 Derbys at the RROC annual rally, which is about where we have been for the last few years. USA had 1 Derby at the Florida annual. Clearly we aren’t getting out a lot anywhere. There are some events in Europe, usually quite small. I have broken the driver’s side front spring on the 3.5 litre. Rex Vincent has advised of a source of reasonably priced imperial spring steel and a possible manufacturer who can make the necessary repairs. This will force me to start the restoration process so I will try to keep you informed of progress. I have booked for the RREC annual rally and they usually have an excellent range of tools and parts, so I will see what that above: Peninsula Green Phantom VII on at the “Golden Oldies Run” to Flame Hill produces. the forecourt of The Peninsula, Hong Kong. Winery at Montville on 23 April 2017, to Attached a photo of “oops” at a motel. Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance and which we have invited a couple of other Driver error, no excuse. then I again saw it one week later at the Clubs. Attached a photo of the broken spring. Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club International Frank Carroll (QLD) 39LF Not sure where it occurred but I found it Centennial Celebration at Monterey, when checking the car for the overlander. California. It has also taken part in various Must have happened on the wild rivers run other Silver Ghost celebrations and the Derby Bentley Register to northern NSW. Bit lucky probably that Alpine trial, again proving the incredible nothing further happened. stamina, reliability and long life of the Another year without a Derby event. Any requests or suggestions are Silver Ghost. If we are to have an event then the welcome Bryan Inder (NSW) 12HG owners will need to be interested, so it Email [email protected] or ring 0457 is really a decision that you all need to 244 331 Derby Phantom Register consider individually. Mal Henderson (NSW) If anyone has any ideas I am happy to B111EJ, B201HM Displaying Your Car’s History promote them. below upper: The broken spring (arrowed) was pleased to participate in the recent I will support any other organisation on Mal Henderson’s 3½ l Bentley (B111EJ) I 59th Anniversary Rally at Canberra and that would like to arrange an event. The below lower: The minor parking damage my family entourage really enjoyed the cars come fi rst. inflicted on Mal’s 4¼ Bentley (B201HM) in range of organised activities along with the Hotel’s car park. many other sights to see! Our Register Dinner at the National Press Club provided another opportunity to discuss vehicles with custodians of the same vintage motor cars. Though there were no entries for Judging in the New Phantom / Phantom II class, we were privileged to have Martin Glynn’s exquisite 1937 Phantom III in competition, recognised with the award for “Best Pre-war Trophy” – this popular vehicle attracted admiring attention everywhere, including the Public Display on Sunday, so we acknowledge the time and special effort taken by Queensland member Martin to show this motor car to southerners once again! My Annual Report presented at Canberra for this Register mentioned that we still have a total of 73 vehicles in this Register, with 33 New Phantoms (down from 34 last publication), 27 Phantom II (28 in 2015) and 11 Phantom III vehicles (13 in 2015). We can add one more, for Queensland member Alan Robert has invested in a 1933 Phantom II Landaulette in fi ne condition – details will appear in the next edition of the Australian Club Register. We hope to see many of the Queensland cars from the Derby Phantom Register 7158 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 News from the Registers

clearances were starting to recede, the 12 thou. Gaps were down to 9 thou. After some thought, and knowing that re-adjusting these is a bit tedious, I decided to go as is and do the work at home later. However, that was not to be. The night before we were to leave, all packed up and ready to go, Kate’s back problem fl ared up again and in the dawn light she knew she would not be comfortable with a 9 hour trip ahead and with a long and active weekend to get through she did not want to be holed up in the hotel room in discomfort. So, we had to make a decision. Wisely, as it turned out, we decided that it was not in her best interest to go, so on the Wed. we unfortunately had to cancel everything, and she hobbled back to bed. As the Rally was fi nishing she was fi nally above: Nancy and David Axe stand beside their 1932 20/25 Thrupp and Maberly Sports reporting that her back was returning to Saloon, named ‘Isabella’, st the 2017 Federal Rally Display Day. The fi rst owner was His normal. Excellency Dr Jose Ignacio Carendas, Venezuelan Ambassador to Holland and France and the car is fi tted with all modern facilities for 1932, including a rear seat “Pissoir”. Harriet was most despondent. We missed catching up with all our 1931 20/25 HP GNS60 “Buttercup” friends. Small Horsepower Register Peter Jordan-Hill (VIC) Good News 1926 20 HP GCK10 Robert Clarke (ACT) I hear that the Rally was a great 1923 20 HP 83K5 Richard & Mikki Jones mall Horsepower cars at The 59th success so I’m looking forward to read (NSW) SFederal Rally included the winner the Reports. We wanted so much to see of the Class 3 Concours Trophy a 1922 1933 20/25 HP GBA1 Phil Sproston the Versailles exhibition. Hopefully we Twenty, chassis 42G1 Reg. No. DGD020 (ACT) may fi nd another time. However, most owned by David Davis, and the winner of 1934 20/25 HP GXB81 Ken Swinbourne importantly, our very own Lex Lynch not Class 4 Trophy a 1937 25/30 HP GRO4 NSW only won the Masters Class but was also reg. No. 2530 owned by Rory Poland. 1937 25/30 HP GRO4 Rory Poland (SA) the Overall Concours Winner. Well done Also at the Rally was a 1932 20/25 HP to Audrey [and to Lex ] Our Register has A great time was had by all that chassis GHW75 Reg. No CVD 65Z. Owned lots of the top cars and the Best of the attended the 59th Federal rally. by David and Nancy Axe, this Van Den Plas lot too! Limousine is unique. It is armour plated Peter Jordan-Hill (VIC) GYD29, GNS60, WRB60, 56MC. Hoping we have a great turnout with hard glass and has massive rubber of Register cars in September. Which bumpers that are meant do just that, i.e. reminds me, must give Lloyd a call! bump other cars out of the way. There is Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn a steel gun box under the front seat and a Enjoy all your motoring “Pissoir” in the back seat that allowed the and Bentley Mark VI/R Type John Harriman (Vic) SBA74 fi rst owner His Excellency Dr Jose Ignacio Register Carendas, Venezuelan Ambassador to Holland and France, to relieve himself as September News SMART Register required. The “Pissoir” has a leather guard ur annual weekend away, Dawn Patrol that prevents blow back into the cabin OXVI, will be based at Albury this year, when traveling at speed. Dr Jose Ignacio staying at the Quality Resort Siesta. A number of us met at the Register Carendas had been Ambassador to Spain great place to stay with lots of in house ADinner in Canberra during the 2017 from 1910 to 1925 and was awarded the attractions and hosted by member Ray Rally. As the “new kid on the block” Grand Order of Isabella by the Queen of Jones and family who will ensure we all (to quote our Federal President) I Spain, hence David and Nancy have called get well looked after. didn’t realise at the time other models GHW75 “Isabella”. were also included at our dinner and See our Advertisement this Edition. The government of Venezuela and their passed out a brief survey to everybody There are many scenic drives and Ambassador Dr Jose had fascist leanings when it really only needed to go to attractions in this area and is a comfortable and it is probable that this respectable SMART participants (Sorry, but now I drive from both Sydney and Melbourne. Rolls-Royce “Isabella” attended many know better). I have asked for some We are planning a fun weekend and if the functions with Mercedes staff cars and feedback on what members would like weather is really good, bring your bathers many senior members of Germany during to do as part of the SMART Register for a swim or sauna if you so desire. There the WWII period. as I am keen to organise appropriate will be limited spaces for logical reasons, events. Whilst I am enthusiastic for This car has beautiful interior so please book in early. us to increase the activeness of our woodwork in excellent order and Maintenance and Malady register I recognise the need to offer magnifi cent headlamps and Art Deco events in which members would like I completed a thorough service and side lights by Willoq & Bottin made in to participate so seek your comments tune up on Harriet in preparation for the Brussels. regarding suitable events. run to Canberra. Everything was fi ne and Other Small Horsepower cars at the she was purring like a young one, with Please let me have your views rally included, lots of clean oils and fi lters and new bits when you can. 1934 20/25 HP GAE15 Bryan & Sheilah as needed. The only problem was that I Bruce Duncan (NSW) Harper (VIC)r found that 3 mid. Cylinder’s exhaust valve (B255LH, ASK26816) PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7159 Market Place - Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Classifi ed Advertising

1926 Rolls-Royce 20 HP (GUK76) 4 speed 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 (GXB81) 1949 Bentley MkVI (B48FV) HJ Mulliner gearbox/four-wheel brakes. Coach-work by Reliable and sweet-running club car. Six-wheel bodied MkVI has sat in the shed for 27 Bryden & McKay of Sydney, fi tted in the early 30’s. equipped. Work done includes: s.s. exhaust, years. 99% completed ready for restoration, Finished in burgundy over black with burgundy overhaul of brakes, carburetor and autovac, but unable to fi nish due to ill-health. This leather interior in art deco style, in good four new Dunlop tyres. Coachwork by Mulliners beautiful girl needs preserving, will pass condition. Rebuilt Engine o/hauled clutch and Ltd of Birmingham. $75,000. Ring Ken 02- her on to new carer $15,000 phone Luke or suspension, original tools. $70,000 Call James 9558-0005 or [email protected] Greg 0427-750-600 0419-819-443

1949 Bentley MkVI (B474DA) Freestone and Webb aluminum saloon body, 1 of 103 F&W MkVIs. 1950 Bentley Mk VI (B151GT) Delivered 1970 Rolls-Royce Mulliner Park Ward Car in excellent condition with 78k miles. Original new to Australia in August 1950. One owner Fixed Head Saloon (CRH07297) leather & woodwork, part respray & new carpets, from 1970’s to 2013. Mist Green paintwork Melbourne delivery. Known history. not concours but in original splendor with many with cream leather and burr walnut interior Fanatically maintained from new. Kellows original features. Routine maintenance always all in “as new” condition. In excellent referred to the car as ‘cosseted.’ It took carried out & drives well. Price: $42,500, consider mechanical condition. Complete original me years to fi nd this low kilometre, pristine part trade for a/c coupe, Corniche or GT. Contact tool kit, original owner’s handbook, and rare example. Sadly must now sell. Recently Gos 0414-999-222 two-volume original workshop manual. Price serviced. Price $58,000. Call Roger on 0412- $55,000. Contact Peter on 0401 329 702 or 613-678. [email protected]

1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche (CRH11150) Currently unregistered. Good condition only slight damage to front right fender. Regularly serviced by Paradise Garage from 1990s up to 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 2007. Possibly only one previous owner. Owner 1972 Rolls-Royce Corniche (CRH13522) (SHR23132). Original colour Mahogany is 86 years old, is not driving and would like it Two-door saloon by H. J. Mulliner - Park and Sand. Second owner for 30 years. to go to a good home. 72,000 km. Located in Ward. Regal Red with Beige upholstery. Very 93,450 miles. Always garaged and main- Cremorne, NSW. Asking Price $39,990 Contact: good original condition (never restored). tained. Club Plates. Set of RR Workshop Peter Atherton 0416-154-246 email: thecoach@ Showing 118,400 miles, believed genuine. manuals included in price of $25,000 ONO. sydneyoutrigger.com.au Delivered new by Kellows, Melbourne to For Details call John on 08-8552-3180 RROCA member. Car is in Tasmania. Price $65,000 neg. Contact Brian 03-6326-1873 evenings

For Sale: One complete set of laser cut and formed radiator shutters. Ready to be assembled 1989 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur and soldered on (ANK25792) Fuel Injected LWB Silver For Sale: wide range of Rolls-Royce parts to the pivots as Spur, Black with light blue interior. Australian [new and used], complete Silver Wraith grill fi tted to early delivered, with all build details from the RREC. and mascot, books, 1:12 AX201 Franklin Mint 20 HPs. Made of tin plate, as per original, Car has undergone many improvements to the model. Contact Peter at invercarron1835@ they can be painted or nickel plated to your motor and suspension as well as undergone gmail.com for listings. Or phone 0408-894- desire. I have assembled a new set on my much general maintenance meaning the car is 604 car. Happy to provide instruction if needed. now a very comfortable and relaxed country $750. I could get more made if there is a tourer. Price $65,000 neg. Contact Robbie on: Wanted: Hub cap for a 1981 Silver Spirit. demand. Nigel Steele Scott, 0419-838-626 0439-707-499 Please contact Cornelis 02-9427-7926. or [email protected] 7160 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 Market Place Book Review

internals in a way that benefi ted the actual designer. In 1928 he joined the design team at Henry Royce’s private home in West Witter- ing and saw, close up, how Royce’s mind worked. His description of these days is de- lightful. In 1932 he returned to Derby and even- tually moved into aero engine design and the beginnings of the jet engine. It was his good fortune to have worked in his early 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III Drop- years for Royce and for another genius, Dr. Head (ADL30116) my car the last 16 A.A. Griffi th. Griffi th’s job was to look into years. Light oyster over magnolia hides. the future so that Rolls-Royce would have The fi nest car in my collection. Complete in the materials technology, designs, and fu- every respect & is as-new. Consistent fi rst ture aeroplanes to ensure the company’s place winner. Australian compliance. 36,300 50 Years with Rolls-Royce, success. miles. Full history, R-R Motors as their show Eyre translated Griffi th’s concepts and car when built. $260,000. Ring Richard on My Reminiscences sketches into fi nal designs, Their work is still 0417-700-808. by Donald Eyre seminal today. Eyre and Griffi th went on to Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust, 2005 design the famous Flying Bedstead in 1953 150 pages, 78 illustrations, softcover which gave Rolls-Royce the vertical take-off List Price: £8 to members, otherwise and lift breakthrough it needed. £12, includes shipping Eyre was given the honor of designing ISBN-13: 978-1872922300 the memorial window to Sir Henry Royce at Westminster Abbey in London. He retired in Although these memoirs were written in 1970, the only member of Royce’s personal 1969 there was then no immediate avenue staff to be still employed by Rolls-Royce and for publication. Only after the establishment he died in 1978. of the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust in 1981, Eyre’s sketches of scenes whilst working 1995 Bentley Turbo R (BRS55676) 1995 we can now read about some of the gi- for Royce in England and in France, and the build registered 1996. Australian delivered by ants at Rolls-Royce fi rst-hand: Eyre (whose anecdotes he recalled, make this a delight- York Motors. Diamond Blue Silver with blue name, in customary Rolls-Royce manner is ful memoir. All the Trust’s Historical Series leather and walnut door inserts. 65,000 Km. abbreviated in internal communications to show how important the preservation of in- State and National Concours class winner. DE) worked with most of them. He was born dustrial history is and what depth and qual- Making way for a new arrival and sadly for in 1905 and joined Rolls-Royce in 1920 as ity are achievable with the right corporate sale. $80,000 Contact John 0408-788-767 a draughtsman. His artistic skills became vision and leadership. Email [email protected] legendary and enabled him to illustrate the Tom Clarke/Sabu Advani (speedreaders.info). For Sale

1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Sedanca de Ville (GZR4) Original colour and correct in every detail. This car is in 2015 Continental GT V8 S 2006 Phantom excellence condition both inside and out and having had (BEG52609) Extended Wheelbase a complete engine rebuild, new clutch and new tyres. Current model (AS400408) Offered in Perth (but can deliver) Price $85,000 neg. Highly optioned Sydney Motor Show car $349,777 + ORC $349,777 + ORC

2001 Arnage Red Label 2000 Continental SC (BCY05472) (BZW65004) 1936 Rolls-Royce 20/25 2 door FHC by Mulliner (GTK16) One owner. 9,300 kms from new. One of only 79 Rare vehicle, only 12 cars produced, fi tted with body Extravagantly optioned Sedanca Coupés ever built #4017. Recent engine rebuild, new clutch, ring gear etc, $129,777 + ORC $279,777 + ORC and is fi tted with new rims and tyres. Car in excellent condition both inside and out. Visit our NEW WEBSITE for our latest arrivals Offered in Perth (but can deliver). Price $105,000 neg. www.davidekberg.com.au For more information and photographs 14-16 George St, Sandringham VIC, 3191 please contact Malcolm on 0419-799-297 ph: 03 9533 5777 or email: [email protected] LMCT 10169

PRÆCLARVM 2-17 7161 Præclarvm Advertising PRESTIGE MECHANICS 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 MECHANICAL SPECIALISTS and to conform to a standard format, and may be rejected at the • Engine & Gearbox Rebuilds discretion of the Editor without discussion. Photographs: Digital prints are preferred, please forward by email • Brakes & Suspension or CD. • Steering & General Servicing Dealers: Parties dealing in motor cars must, where required by law, quote their dealer’s licence number and comply with all other statutory • Full Restoration requirements relating to their advertising. • Pre-purchase Inspections Cost: Full Page: $600; Half Page $320; Quarter Page $160. Ads with • Auto Electrical Repairs photograph are free to non-trade members and are placed in up to two consecutive issues. Non-members are charged $38 (inc. GST) for • Mobile Service ad and photograph. Trade ads at commercial rates. Where applicable, • New and Used Parts cheques made payable to RROCA must accompany advertising copy. Send ads to the Editor at: 1630 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, VIC, 3146. Phone Bob Evenden Tel / Fax: 03-9886-9024. (07) 55 632475 OR 0400 085789 Email: [email protected] Note: Præclarvm allows advertisements to support owners/enthusiasts on the Gold Coast, Queensland at: and to allow businesses to promote themselves and make people aware of the services they offer. Præclarvm cannot and does not recommend 21 DEMAND AVENUE, ARUNDEL, 4214 or endorse the advertising businesses or offer any comment on the [email protected] quality of the services provided. Anyone contacting these services should satisfy themselves in the normal way as to the standard of prestigemechanics.com.au services offered, by asking for references if necessary. Damaged or non-running cars bought for cash Mastercard / Visa / AMEX all welcome - no extra charge Next deadline: 15 May 2017 for the June 2017 Edition.

Paradise Garage carry in stock a comprehensive selection of regularly used service parts for all models. By fitting trusted parts you will avoid quality compromise. We offer genuine and selected new, reconditioned and used parts for all Rolls-Royce and Bentley models. Specialist testing, overhaul and component rebuilds. Our factory training and expertise ensures you get the right parts for your car. We can help protect your investment in Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Paradise Garage Australia Pty Limited 25-27 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery NSW 2018 Ph: 02 9313 7866 Fax: 02 9663 2105 [email protected]

An Association devoted to the conservation of Rolls-Royce and Bently Motorcars

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 7162 PRÆCLARVM 2-17 T R U S T Y O U R M O S T P R I Z E D P O S S E S S I O N S W I T H S H A N N O N S For almost 30 years Shannons have been committed to providing tailored insurance products for the motoring enthusiast. We understand what motoring enthusiasts want from their insurance. Shannons have designed a Home & Contents insurance policy specifi cally for the motoring enthusiast including $10,000 worth of enthusiast cover for those things unique to an enthusiast. Plus extra features like a 10% Multi policy discount when you add a home and/or contents policy to your existing Shannons car or bike policy. You can even pay your premium monthly at no additional cost. So call Shannons for a quote on 13 46 46.

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