Magazine of the Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club Pambula

The Spoke Autumn 2021

1921 Model T Ford - see story inside

Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club Inc 15 Greigs Flat Rd Greigs Flat, NSW 2549 Australia www.schvc.com.au

PO Box 219, Pambula, NSW, 2549 Club Ofﬁce Bearers FROM THE PRESIDENT: PATRONS Geoff & Evonne Grenenger In theory from Rego Day until the General Meeting in February the club is in Summer Holiday PRESIDENT Geoff Dunstan 0433 434 283 [email protected] recess...... In practice we hardly stop! Both the Workshop and Panelshop have been busy right through. Senior Vice President Max Sinclair 0427 170 843 [email protected] A working Bee was held to remove the Catalytic Converters from the vehicles down the back before they were collected Junior Vice President Fred Silk 0421 516 501 [email protected] by the scrap metal dealer. Thanks to those members who turned up, rolled up their sleeves and got the job done!

Secretary Dinah Silk 0431 457 078 [email protected] We lost well known member, Norm Prattis in January. Godspeed Norm. Treasurer Philip Boyd 0404 595 850 [email protected] Life member Peter Learmont turned 90 in late January and some members celebrated with Peter and his family at the club. Registrar John Turbet 0431 431 141 [email protected] Thanks to Bob, Tony, Gary, Henry and the rest of the “T” team, our Model T is looking great and running well. Assistant Registrar Henry Petterson 0437 713 573 Gary arranged an earlier than usual scrap metal collection to help in managing the area and keeping it tidy. Thanks Gary Committee Members Ian Baker 0429 044 011 Fred removed and replaced the failed clutch in the club's ride on mower. Thanks Fred.

Ken Coates 0425 206 778 [email protected] We held a photo shoot at the club. Member Kim Armstrong brought his mobile photography scaﬀold and camera gear taking shots to be used for Grant Applications, Websites and Club Promotion. Gary Harvey 0421 159 321 A Grant Application to the Butler Bequest has been lodged with the National Trust to help fund the Railton Jim Hepburn 0400 763 607 restoration...... hoping for good news in March!

John McNair 0412 199 099 [email protected] An impressive and expensive book on the history of motoring in Victoria has been donated to the club. Speak to Alex McQueen if you'd like to borrow it. We also had a combined Microwave/steamer/convection cooker donated by new Neil Thiedeman 0488 020 031 [email protected] member Dennis Ward. Thanks Dennis.

Public Officer Michael Quinlan Gary's inititive in having the mentoring students learning panel work on club member's vehicles is not only helping fund the cost of supplies to teach them, it's enabling members to have work done affordably. Check out Max's Valiant when Membership Geoff Dunstan 0433 434 283 [email protected] you get a chance and John's Riley is next! Workshop Co-ordinator John Turbet 0431 431 141 [email protected] This is just a snapshot of what's been going on over the break, thanks everyone who has working, helping and involved over the break. Events Co-ordinator Charles Hodsdon 0439 952 441 [email protected] Fortunately Covid regs had been relaxed in time for our February General Meeting – 40 attended ! Acceptance Officers John Turbet, Fred Silk, Henry Petterson Saturday morning Feb the 6th was raining but members still got work done at the working bee.. The Railton frame was loaded onto the mobile trolley. Three cars straightened up in the Learmont Pavilion ready for the Vehicle Inspection Officers John Turbet,Fred Silk, Henry Petterson, Neil Thiedeman, Harry Keys first Bus Group. Gardening and tidying up. Baiting done and more. Thank you.

Mentors Bob Raward, John Turbet, Harry Keys, Dennis Kimber, Gary Harvey Members have stepped up to fill vacant Club Positions, thanks Mark, Charles, Rob and Ian. We still have some positions unfilled, if you can help I'll be pleased to hear from you ! Site Manager Gary Harvey 0421 159 321 We have quite a full calendar of events for 2021, something for everyone hopefully, please join in ! Club Merchandise Roger Budd 0425 326 040 Geoff D Hospitality Committee Marion Crowther, Ailsa Sinclair

Library & Motoring History Alex McQueen 0419 527 757

Media Manager John McNair 0412 199 099 [email protected]

Bus Tour Co-ordinator Ian Showman 0419 635 757 [email protected] The Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club

NSW HMA Delegate John Turbet 0431 431 141 [email protected] A Founding Member of the NSW Historic Motoring Association Inc https://historicmotoring.com.au Magazine Editor Ken Coates 0425 206 778 [email protected] Club Ofﬁce Bearers FROM THE PRESIDENT: PATRONS Geoff & Evonne Grenenger In theory from Rego Day until the General Meeting in February the club is in Summer Holiday PRESIDENT Geoff Dunstan 0433 434 283 [email protected] recess...... In practice we hardly stop! Both the Workshop and Panelshop have been busy right through. Senior Vice President Max Sinclair 0427 170 843 [email protected] A working Bee was held to remove the Catalytic Converters from the vehicles down the back before they were collected Junior Vice President Fred Silk 0421 516 501 [email protected] by the scrap metal dealer. Thanks to those members who turned up, rolled up their sleeves and got the job done!

Library & Motoring History Alex McQueen 0419 527 757

Media Manager John McNair 0412 199 099 [email protected]

Bus Tour Co-ordinator Ian Showman 0419 635 757 [email protected] The Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club

Club meetings are held on the ﬁrst Thursday of each month (except January), at the SCHVC clubrooms, MARCH commencing at 7:30pm. The SCHVC complex is located at 15 Greigs Flat Rd, South Pambula, with entry oﬀ the Princes Hwy via Settlers Rd. 1 MONDAY BREAKFAST IN MERIMBULA TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER Each Wednesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm the workshop is open for all members to work on their own or other historic vehicles, under the direction of the Workshop Coordinator. 4 THURSDAY GENERAL MEETING 7:30PM AT SCHVC CLUBROOMS The workshop is open daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm for Members to work on their vehicle. Members must check with the Workshop Coordinator beforehand to ensure access is available. 6 SATURDAY WORKING BEE FOLLOWED BY BBQ AT 12:30 9:00AM AT CLUB Members wishing to advertise cars or parts for sale/wanted are encouraged to use the website; please FRIDAY PIZZA & POKER NIGHT 6:30PM AT CLUBROOMS contact the website manager John McNair for further information: 0412 199 099 12

15 MONDAY LUNCH RUN TO CANDELO TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER Club Postal Address: PO Box 219, Pambula. NSW. 2549 Website: www.schvc.com.au 28 SUNDAY TON/MPG ECONOMY CHALLENGE TO TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER NAROOMA AND RETURN

APRIL

2020 Club Awards 1 THURSDAY GENERAL MEETING 7:30PM AT SCHVC CLUBROOMS

3 SATURDAY WORKING BEE FOLLOWED BY BBQ AT 12:30 9:00AM AT CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR APPRECIATION AWARD APPRECIATION AWARD Dinah Silk Ailsa Sinclair Richard Northam 4 SUNDAY IMAGINE EDEN EASTER FUN DAY 11AM - 2PM

5 MONDAY BREAKFAST IN PAMBULA TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER

19 MONDAY LUNCH RUN TO BERMAGUI TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER

25 SUNDAY NEW MEMBERS DAY AT CLUB - TIME TBA

MAY

3 MONDAY BREAKFAST IN EDEN TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER

6 THURSDAY GENERAL MEETING 7:30PM AT SCHVC CLUBROOMS

8 SATURDAY WORKING BEE FOLLOWED BY BBQ AT 12:30 9:00AM AT CLUB

S e c r e t a r y D i n a h S i l k Ailsa and her team are Since joining the club 16 SUNDAY NATIONAL MOTORING HERITAGE DAY TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER COMBINED CLUBS EVENT - FUNDRAISER stepped up to lead the backbones of the club. Richard has been busy C o m m i t t e e i n o u r Unsung heroes who year in, b e h i n d t h e s c e n e s i n Please note some activities may be effected by Covid-19 restrictions u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d year out, are at our club developing our application implimentation of Covid19 d o i n g t h e g a r d e n i n g , for Not-for-profit status. regulations for the club. cleaning the clubroom and More recently providing Dinah introduced the weekly in normal years catering for assistance to Tony Stove in eNewsletter which has kept events. Thanks Ailsa! t h e d e v e l o p m e n t a n d members informed and successful implimentation of entertained during this our new and up to date difficult time. Dinah also Constitution. The new played an important role in Constitution will enable the implimentation of our Richard to progress our new Constitution. Thanks Not-for-profit application. Dinah! Thanks Richard!

APRIL

2020 Club Awards 1 THURSDAY GENERAL MEETING 7:30PM AT SCHVC CLUBROOMS

5 MONDAY BREAKFAST IN PAMBULA TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER

19 MONDAY LUNCH RUN TO BERMAGUI TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER

25 SUNDAY NEW MEMBERS DAY AT CLUB - TIME TBA

MAY

3 MONDAY BREAKFAST IN EDEN TIME & VENUE TBA IN NEWSLETTER

6 THURSDAY GENERAL MEETING 7:30PM AT SCHVC CLUBROOMS

8 SATURDAY WORKING BEE FOLLOWED BY BBQ AT 12:30 9:00AM AT CLUB

The Club is always looking for volunteer helpers! The Flintstones after their recent makover! A working bee is held at the club the Saturday morning following each monthly General Meeting This is a great way to meet fellow members plus assist your Club. Cover Picture: RESTORATION OF THE CLUB MODEL T FORD CLUB HAPPENINGS Over the past three years members would have noticed the slow and steady progress with the full restoration of a 1922 Model T Ford Roadster in the Club workshop. Apart from Early in December Sarah Hudson from the Weekly Times did a further adjustments to the transmission, the good news is the restoration is complete to phone interview with Tony Stove and Henry Petterson. She visited the stage where it can be registered for HVS. Later in the year, a set of hood bows will the club in mid January to tour the site, complete the interviews and be made and a hood ﬁtted. Restoration has taken 3 years at a cost close to $12,000. As take photos. She completed her "research" with rides in Henry's '20 a Club asset it will be retained for display and use by the Club. Buick and FJ Ute. Most of what was originally a Model T was acquired by the Club as a Mentor Scheme Project from a collector in the Maitland area. Included in the purchase were the chassis, motor and transmission, steering, wheels and rims, radiator, bonnet front mudguards, running boards and scuttle. The Mentor Project students worked with their mentors on the complete restoration of the chassis, steering, motor, transmission and re-spoking of the wheels. The rest of the restoration; body frame, new panels, windshield, upholstery and painting was mostly undertaken by Club members. A special Working Bee was held in mid January to remove From what we have learned of its history, the rolling chassis form was manufactured at the Ford Canadian plant at Catalytic Converters from the wrecks down the back. They are Walkerville. Shipped to Australia, where the body was ﬁtted, it spent most of its working life in the Tamworth region. a good source of income for the Club. Thanks team! Whilst many Club members have from time to time assisted in some way, those mainly involved in the project have been the Late Bill Crowther, Bob Raward, Tony Stove, Denis Kimber, Harry Keys, Gary Harvey (panel and painting), Fred Silk and Grant Lewin (upholstery).

A “day at the ofﬁce” for Turbo!

Gary giving Vic’s MG Magnette a 2 tone facelift

USE OF HISTORIC VEHICLES REGISTERED UNDER NSW CONDITIONAL REGISTRATION SCHEMES

SCHVC members driving a historic vehicle with HVS or CVS registration must comply with the following;

•Be an active member of the Club.

•Be a current ﬁnancial member of the Club. Note: Membership lapses on December 31st each year.

•Carry your current membership card, or membership payment receipt when driving your historic vehicle. Merimbula Rotary asked us to put on a display at their annual New Year's Eve Market. At short notice we •If issued with a Log Book (optional for HVS and mandatory for CVS), ﬁll in the log book details before departing were able to provide seventeen vehicles. Special mention for Max Sinclair and his team of volunteer drivers, who showed up with ﬁve of them! on your journey.

•For Club promulgated events, it is not mandatory to ﬁll in the log book, but you must carry proof of participating in a Club event. Proof may be The Spoke or email newsletter (hard copy or iPhone).

•Your vehicle must be insured with current comprehensive insurance. Mystery Car: • Carry the Certificate of Approved Operations for the vehicle issued by SNSW. Can you identify this mystery car? If you participate in a Club event in violation of any of the above requirements, you are deemed to be driving an unregistered vehicle and may be fined according to the applicable law. Further, if you drive to the SCHVC clubrooms for Last edition mystery car was a 1953 Panhard Dyna Junior. any purpose, you must comply with the above. Cover Picture: RESTORATION OF THE CLUB MODEL T FORD CLUB HAPPENINGS Over the past three years members would have noticed the slow and steady progress with the full restoration of a 1922 Model T Ford Roadster in the Club workshop. Apart from Early in December Sarah Hudson from the Weekly Times did a further adjustments to the transmission, the good news is the restoration is complete to phone interview with Tony Stove and Henry Petterson. She visited the stage where it can be registered for HVS. Later in the year, a set of hood bows will the club in mid January to tour the site, complete the interviews and be made and a hood fitted. Restoration has taken 3 years at a cost close to $12,000. As take photos. She completed her "research" with rides in Henry's '20 a Club asset it will be retained for display and use by the Club. Buick and FJ Ute. Most of what was originally a Model T was acquired by the Club as a Mentor Scheme Project from a collector in the Maitland area. Included in the purchase were the chassis, motor and transmission, steering, wheels and rims, radiator, bonnet front mudguards, running boards and scuttle. The Mentor Project students worked with their mentors on the complete restoration of the chassis, steering, motor, transmission and re-spoking of the wheels. The rest of the restoration; body frame, new panels, windshield, upholstery and painting was mostly undertaken by Club members. A special Working Bee was held in mid January to remove From what we have learned of its history, the rolling chassis form was manufactured at the Ford Canadian plant at Catalytic Converters from the wrecks down the back. They are Walkerville. Shipped to Australia, where the body was fitted, it spent most of its working life in the Tamworth region. a good source of income for the Club. Thanks team! Whilst many Club members have from time to time assisted in some way, those mainly involved in the project have been the Late Bill Crowther, Bob Raward, Tony Stove, Denis Kimber, Harry Keys, Gary Harvey (panel and painting), Fred Silk and Grant Lewin (upholstery).

A “day at the ofﬁce” for Turbo!

Gary giving Vic’s MG Magnette a 2 tone facelift

USE OF HISTORIC VEHICLES REGISTERED UNDER NSW CONDITIONAL REGISTRATION SCHEMES

SCHVC members driving a historic vehicle with HVS or CVS registration must comply with the following;

•Be an active member of the Club.

•Be a current ﬁnancial member of the Club. Note: Membership lapses on December 31st each year.

Microwave/steam/convection cooker kindly donated by new member Dennis Ward

Railton History

Microwave/steam/convection cooker kindly donated by new member Dennis Ward

Railton History

Railton was the brainchild of which would go on to claim Noel Macklin, who had the Outer Circuit lap record at previously established the Brooklands – and the new line Invicta marque on premises of voiturette single-seaters within the grounds of his from ERA. Such was Railton’s home in Cobham, Surrey. The involvement that he agreed to most powerful Invictas used lend his name to Macklin’s the 4½-litre straight-six project.The first Railton- Meadows engine and could Terraplane appeared in July reach 100mph. They were successful in competition, with 1933, and was fitted with a Ranalah touring body. All of Donald Healey winning the 1931 Rallye Monte-Carlo and Macklin’s main goals seemed to have been achieved: the Tommy Wisdom that year’s Ards TT, but hugely expensive to car received positive reviews for its acceleration and 90mph produce. With Invicta sales falling away and the business top speed, and it cost less than £500. In due course, it also failing, Macklin looked towards building a more ‘off the became available as a drophead coupé and a saloon. The shelf’ sports car.He settled upon Hudson’s Terraplane as the ‘Terraplane’ part of the name was dropped in 1934, when basis for his latest venture. The Detroit-based firm also had Macklin switched to using the major components from the a factory in Canada that built right-hand-drive models, plus Hudson 8 Challenger instead. Engine capacity increased an assembly plant in London that had originally been slightly to 4168cc, and the new powerplant gave established to produce cars for subsidiary brand Essex. 113bhp.The cars were frequently seen being used in Macklin obtained a chassis on which to start development, competition: journalist and former Bentley Boy SCH with subsequent kits being delivered direct to Cobham from ‘Sammy’ Davis drove a tourer in the 1934 Rallye Monte- Canada. The Terraplane frame was noted for being stiff and Carlo and, at that year’s Brighton Speed Trials, Railtons took light, but that didn’t stop Macklin embarking on a second place in both the unlimited and open classes. programme of modifications.He was assisted by engineer Production peaked the following year, with 377 cars built Reid Railton, who was in the midst of a busy few years using the Hudson Series 54 chassis. A greater variety of during which he would have a hand in the Bluebird Land body styles was offered, too, including three tourers and Speed Record cars, John Cobb’s fearsome Napier-Railton – two coupés. The Schlumpf Collection changes of mind and threats” according to Hugh followed within months by criminal warrants issued for Conway.Also in 1963 the Schlumpfs acquired 14 more both brothers’ arrests on charges of embezzlement. The Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse, France has been described as the most prestigious automobile collection Bugattis directly from Ettore Bugatti’s Molsheim factory, The French government refused further in the world. Without doubt, no other collection in the world has a history more filled with intrigue. recently purchased by Hispano-Suiza who were subsidies and ordered all Schlumpf assets—including desperately in need of money. The lot included Ettore the museum—to be seized. Then, on March 7, 1977 a Bugatti’s personal Bugatti Royale and the rear-engine group of 15 workers approached the darkened Schlumpf Bugatti Type 251 grand prix car that was meant to mill in Mulhouse. After being refused entry by a single, Fritz and Hans Schlumpf Except that only a very small few restore Bugatti’s racing fortunes in the 1950s. The resolute guard they scaled a ledge and entered the mill were born to a Swiss father and an even knew of the existence of the Bugattis were purchased with many original spares and through an unlocked window.“It would take the workers Alsacian mother—a native of the collection, and far fewer were ever patterns—over the strong objections of the managing some hours merely to count the cars spread over the Alsace region that passed back and granted admission by the Schlumpfs. director and Roland Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti’s surviving equivalent of more than three football fields,” wrote forth between French and German son.Still the acquisitions continued. The assortment of Jenkinson and his co-author Peter Verstappen. “When control following frequent conflicts. other automobiles in addition to Bugattis was they finished, their tally would be 427 automobiles, Coming from a reasonably ordinary A COLLECTION TO RIVAL ANY IN astonishing. These included virtually all in showroom condition background the brothers, a THE WORLD racing cars and well-known and the majority in superb salesman and a banker respectively, luxury marques such as Hispano- working order. But while the earned their fortune through the Suiza, Rolls Royce, Mercedes- workers were looking at a Benz, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, completed museum, they were clever accumulation of stock in The Mulhouse woolen mill Maserati and Ferrari, as well as not looking at all the cars. Another woolen mills in the Alsace was purchased in July 1957 to house the collection, with marques that contributed 150 were stashed away in the region.Their first acquisition was completed in 1940. an adjacent building converted to a restoration shop significantly to French automobile workshops.” Beyond the sheer ‘Jenks’, as Denis Jenkinson was known to his legions of employing ten workers at the beginning. history including Panhard- number of automobiles, the fans, reported that Fritz and Hans Schlumpf maintained a The methods employed by the Schlumpfs to Levassor, De Dion, Peugeot, variety and rarity of some balance between their adopted homeland and the build the collection were as secretive as their business Renault, and Citroen. examples exceeded any German-backed French Vichy government throughout affairs. As the existence of the collection and the The earliest automobiles collection ever seen. Over 120 WWII, showing neither open resistance toward the brothers’ interest in acquiring automobiles—particularly included a profusion of names Bugattis alone included examples occupying force nor war profiteering. Schlumpf assets Bugattis— became known in the collector world, seldom if ever known even to of virtually every type and multiple eventually grew in the post-war years to include a significant cars were often brought forward to a network historians, including an 1878 Jacquot tonneau à vapeur, examples of many types. Two-dozen examples of Bugatti substantial estate at Malmerspach and four spinning of dealers that emerged to funnel cars to Mulhouse. Menier and Georges Richard.A 200,000 sq ft space was Grand Prix cars enjoyed pride of place. Twenty-two Type mills. The Schlumpfs’ relationship with their workers was The Schlumpfs demanded, “cars must be in prepared in the Mulhouse mill for a museum to house the 57s with various body styles were arranged nearby. Two initially paternalistic. Housing, transportation and other perfect working order from mechanical and bodywork collection. The space was as opulent as the automobiles of the six Bugatti Royales, the Coupe Napolean (41.110) benefits were available to loyal employees although the point of view”, and they were often prepared to pay well. to be displayed. Vast areas were prepared with gravel to which had been the personal car of Ettore Bugatti and character of the relationship turned acrimonious over They appeared to be less discriminate in the quantities exhibit the automobiles, while broad tile walkways the Limousine Park Ward (41.131), were included in the time, particularly under the vindictive control of the of automobiles they were prepared to purchase. In the separated these areas in anticipation of visitors who collection as well as another surprising discovery—a former banker Hans Schlumpf. summer of 1960 alone, ten Bugattis, three Rolls Royces would one day enter the museum. Three restaurants recreation of a third Royale, the Esders Roadster, sitting The change may also have begun with the and a pair of Hispano-Suizas were added to the were constructed, with incomplete on stands. A Type unwelcome intrusion of trade unions immediately collection, now numbering 40 automobiles. seating to accommodate 56 battery powered carriage following the war. The entreaties of the Communist trade Historians Jenkinson and Conway recalled how 1,200 people. But the built for the personal use of union, CGT, was first met with indifference as the “many Bugatti devotees reviled the name Schlumpf”. crowning touch—aside from Ettore Bugatti to travel about brothers simply paid shop stewards and workers more Post-war collectors, by and large, worked on their the automobiles—was the the Molsheim works was one as they sought to maintain their own luxurious lifestyle. vintage automobiles themselves and drove them. They 800 gas-style lamps of many unique Bugattis. The Schlumpf brothers became more secretive during were outraged that the Schlumpfs appeared to be modeled after the elegant These cars—and others— this period, spying on employees and withholding interested in neither, but only in filling space with an lamps lining the Pont remain in the collection today, benefits. unprecedented collection of early automobiles.When Alexandre III bridge in Paris. freshened once again and But while the Communists—and later, Socialists Hugh Conway published a Bugatti Register in 1962, Fritz This extravagance was at accessible to visitors. —were looking out for the welfare of French workers, the Schlumpf obtained a copy and promptly sent letters to once characteristic of both acquisitive Schlumpf brothers were looking out for their each owner with an interest toward purchasing every the best and the worst of the own. Their ever-increasing holdings included over 60% Bugatti! Fritz Schlumpf sent a personal letter to Hugh Schlumpfs’ obsession. of the town of Malmerspach, as well as personal Conway stating, “I confirm that I am always a buyer of Another workers’ extravagances such as the private label champagne Bugatti and beg you to put me in touch with anyone in strike in 1971 led to an impasse that would never be they served to guests although they owned no vineyards. your acquaintance who is likely to sell”. The Schlumpfs resolved. Confrontations took place at both the mills and Jenkinson reported, “as the 1940s ended (the brothers) purchased nearly 50 Bugattis in 1962. From late 1962 the estate in Malmerspach. The brothers fled to had begun to assemble a wide variety of objects”. These into 1963 a stunning negotiation was ongoing between Switzerland, while the regional government became included automobiles. the Schlumpfs and American John Shakespeare who involved to protect more than 2,000 jobs. An awkward Fritz purchased a Bugatti Type 35B grand prix had assembled an extraordinary collection of more than agreement was reached, but the brothers refused to deal car immediately before the war and added a Type 57 30 Bugattis, including one of the six Bugatti Royales. directly with their workers any longer. This outcome was shortly after the war. A small collection in a shed at Conway communicated between both parties, eerily similar to Ettore Bugatti’s exile from Molsheim to Malmerspach was also noted as early as the end of the although he always made clear that he profited in no way Paris following a 1936 strike. Affairs went from bad to war. Fritz was also an enthusiastic racer, driving the other than finding good homes for the beloved Bugattis. worse, hastened by inexpensive textile imports from the Bugattis and other automobiles.This became the tipping Shakespeare’s asking price was $105,000 to sell all of Editors Note: I visited this museum several years ago Far East that undermined French mills in spite of point for the creation of a private automobile collection the Bugattis as one lot, said to be the same amount he government support. In June 1976 the Schlumpfs placed and it is a display not to be missed if you have the that rivaled any in the world, including the Harrah paid for the cars. It is simply incomprehensible today to their mills in receivership, a form of bankruptcy. This was opportunity to visit Mulhouse. Collection in the U.S. at its prime. imagine that an agreement was reached for a lesser https://www.citedelautomobile.com/en amount and only after “horse trading, angry words, The Schlumpf Collection changes of mind and threats” according to Hugh followed within months by criminal warrants issued for Conway.Also in 1963 the Schlumpfs acquired 14 more both brothers’ arrests on charges of embezzlement. The Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse, France has been described as the most prestigious automobile collection Bugattis directly from Ettore Bugatti’s Molsheim factory, The French government refused further in the world. Without doubt, no other collection in the world has a history more filled with intrigue. recently purchased by Hispano-Suiza who were subsidies and ordered all Schlumpf assets—including desperately in need of money. The lot included Ettore the museum—to be seized. Then, on March 7, 1977 a Bugatti’s personal Bugatti Royale and the rear-engine group of 15 workers approached the darkened Schlumpf Bugatti Type 251 grand prix car that was meant to mill in Mulhouse. After being refused entry by a single, Fritz and Hans Schlumpf Except that only a very small few restore Bugatti’s racing fortunes in the 1950s. The resolute guard they scaled a ledge and entered the mill were born to a Swiss father and an even knew of the existence of the Bugattis were purchased with many original spares and through an unlocked window.“It would take the workers Alsacian mother—a native of the collection, and far fewer were ever patterns—over the strong objections of the managing some hours merely to count the cars spread over the Alsace region that passed back and granted admission by the Schlumpfs. director and Roland Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti’s surviving equivalent of more than three football fields,” wrote forth between French and German son.Still the acquisitions continued. The assortment of Jenkinson and his co-author Peter Verstappen. “When control following frequent conflicts. other automobiles in addition to Bugattis was they finished, their tally would be 427 automobiles, Coming from a reasonably ordinary A COLLECTION TO RIVAL ANY IN astonishing. These included virtually all in showroom condition background the brothers, a THE WORLD racing cars and well-known and the majority in superb salesman and a banker respectively, luxury marques such as Hispano- working order. But while the earned their fortune through the Suiza, Rolls Royce, Mercedes- workers were looking at a Benz, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, completed museum, they were clever accumulation of stock in The Mulhouse woolen mill Maserati and Ferrari, as well as not looking at all the cars. Another woolen mills in the Alsace was purchased in July 1957 to house the collection, with marques that contributed 150 were stashed away in the region.Their first acquisition was completed in 1940. an adjacent building converted to a restoration shop significantly to French automobile workshops.” Beyond the sheer ‘Jenks’, as Denis Jenkinson was known to his legions of employing ten workers at the beginning. history including Panhard- number of automobiles, the fans, reported that Fritz and Hans Schlumpf maintained a The methods employed by the Schlumpfs to Levassor, De Dion, Peugeot, variety and rarity of some balance between their adopted homeland and the build the collection were as secretive as their business Renault, and Citroen. examples exceeded any German-backed French Vichy government throughout affairs. As the existence of the collection and the The earliest automobiles collection ever seen. Over 120 WWII, showing neither open resistance toward the brothers’ interest in acquiring automobiles—particularly included a profusion of names Bugattis alone included examples occupying force nor war profiteering. Schlumpf assets Bugattis— became known in the collector world, seldom if ever known even to of virtually every type and multiple eventually grew in the post-war years to include a significant cars were often brought forward to a network historians, including an 1878 Jacquot tonneau à vapeur, examples of many types. Two-dozen examples of Bugatti substantial estate at Malmerspach and four spinning of dealers that emerged to funnel cars to Mulhouse. Menier and Georges Richard.A 200,000 sq ft space was Grand Prix cars enjoyed pride of place. Twenty-two Type mills. The Schlumpfs’ relationship with their workers was The Schlumpfs demanded, “cars must be in prepared in the Mulhouse mill for a museum to house the 57s with various body styles were arranged nearby. Two initially paternalistic. Housing, transportation and other perfect working order from mechanical and bodywork collection. The space was as opulent as the automobiles of the six Bugatti Royales, the Coupe Napolean (41.110) benefits were available to loyal employees although the point of view”, and they were often prepared to pay well. to be displayed. Vast areas were prepared with gravel to which had been the personal car of Ettore Bugatti and character of the relationship turned acrimonious over They appeared to be less discriminate in the quantities exhibit the automobiles, while broad tile walkways the Limousine Park Ward (41.131), were included in the time, particularly under the vindictive control of the of automobiles they were prepared to purchase. In the separated these areas in anticipation of visitors who collection as well as another surprising discovery—a former banker Hans Schlumpf. summer of 1960 alone, ten Bugattis, three Rolls Royces would one day enter the museum. Three restaurants recreation of a third Royale, the Esders Roadster, sitting The change may also have begun with the and a pair of Hispano-Suizas were added to the were constructed, with incomplete on stands. A Type unwelcome intrusion of trade unions immediately collection, now numbering 40 automobiles. seating to accommodate 56 battery powered carriage following the war. The entreaties of the Communist trade Historians Jenkinson and Conway recalled how 1,200 people. But the built for the personal use of union, CGT, was first met with indifference as the “many Bugatti devotees reviled the name Schlumpf”. crowning touch—aside from Ettore Bugatti to travel about brothers simply paid shop stewards and workers more Post-war collectors, by and large, worked on their the automobiles—was the the Molsheim works was one as they sought to maintain their own luxurious lifestyle. vintage automobiles themselves and drove them. They 800 gas-style lamps of many unique Bugattis. The Schlumpf brothers became more secretive during were outraged that the Schlumpfs appeared to be modeled after the elegant These cars—and others— this period, spying on employees and withholding interested in neither, but only in filling space with an lamps lining the Pont remain in the collection today, benefits. unprecedented collection of early automobiles.When Alexandre III bridge in Paris. freshened once again and But while the Communists—and later, Socialists Hugh Conway published a Bugatti Register in 1962, Fritz This extravagance was at accessible to visitors. —were looking out for the welfare of French workers, the Schlumpf obtained a copy and promptly sent letters to once characteristic of both acquisitive Schlumpf brothers were looking out for their each owner with an interest toward purchasing every the best and the worst of the own. Their ever-increasing holdings included over 60% Bugatti! Fritz Schlumpf sent a personal letter to Hugh Schlumpfs’ obsession. of the town of Malmerspach, as well as personal Conway stating, “I confirm that I am always a buyer of Another workers’ extravagances such as the private label champagne Bugatti and beg you to put me in touch with anyone in strike in 1971 led to an impasse that would never be they served to guests although they owned no vineyards. your acquaintance who is likely to sell”. The Schlumpfs resolved. Confrontations took place at both the mills and Jenkinson reported, “as the 1940s ended (the brothers) purchased nearly 50 Bugattis in 1962. From late 1962 the estate in Malmerspach. The brothers fled to had begun to assemble a wide variety of objects”. These into 1963 a stunning negotiation was ongoing between Switzerland, while the regional government became included automobiles. the Schlumpfs and American John Shakespeare who involved to protect more than 2,000 jobs. An awkward Fritz purchased a Bugatti Type 35B grand prix had assembled an extraordinary collection of more than agreement was reached, but the brothers refused to deal car immediately before the war and added a Type 57 30 Bugattis, including one of the six Bugatti Royales. directly with their workers any longer. This outcome was shortly after the war. A small collection in a shed at Conway communicated between both parties, eerily similar to Ettore Bugatti’s exile from Molsheim to Malmerspach was also noted as early as the end of the although he always made clear that he profited in no way Paris following a 1936 strike. Affairs went from bad to war. Fritz was also an enthusiastic racer, driving the other than finding good homes for the beloved Bugattis. worse, hastened by inexpensive textile imports from the Bugattis and other automobiles.This became the tipping Shakespeare’s asking price was $105,000 to sell all of Editors Note: I visited this museum several years ago Far East that undermined French mills in spite of point for the creation of a private automobile collection the Bugattis as one lot, said to be the same amount he government support. In June 1976 the Schlumpfs placed and it is a display not to be missed if you have the that rivaled any in the world, including the Harrah paid for the cars. It is simply incomprehensible today to their mills in receivership, a form of bankruptcy. This was opportunity to visit Mulhouse. Collection in the U.S. at its prime. imagine that an agreement was reached for a lesser https://www.citedelautomobile.com/en amount and only after “horse trading, angry words,

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