ISSN 0159-4583

Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum* PRtECLARVM The Federal Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia. No. 6-95. December, 1995

SRH41400 John Elliott (A.C.T.) Thirty Years of the Silver Shadow

* Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble. — Royce, 1924. iROLLSl

It’s not the destination, but how you travel.

Uncompromising quality is the hall-mark of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars and uncompromising standards of sales and service are what you can expect from York Motors in William Street, Sydney, officially appointed Rolls-Royce and Bentley Distributor.

The pleasure of travelling in cars of such superb design and engineering has to be experienced to be believed. From the latest 1996 Silver Spirit Saloon, a motor car with seemingly limitless reserves of power, controlled by the world’s most advanced automotive technologies, to the sporting heritage of the range of Bentley motor cars. It really becomes a case of not where you are going but how you get there.

We also have a wide selection of pre-owned Rolls-Royce and Bentley models available for you the discerning traveller.

York Motors (Sales) Pty Limited Distributor of Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars 101-111 William Street, Sydney NSW 2011

DL428 Phone Ken Steeley 331 3377 AH (018) 689 589 DK17.275 PILECLARVM The Federal Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia.

PRAECLARUM (ISSN 0159-4583) is published six times per year by Issue No. 6-95. December, 1995 the Federal Council of the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia. Whilst every care is taken to check information published, no responsibility can be accepted for errors. Views expressed by the Editor and contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the Club. Nothing in this journal, including any advertisement, should REGULAR FEATURES be construed as endorsement by the Editor or the Club of the quality or suitability of any product, service or procedure. Editorial 2652 Subscriptions: PRAECLARUM is available to overseas non-members on a subscription basis at $A50.00 per year by air mail. Such subscrip­ tions carry no membership privileges. Events List 2654 Change of Address: Club members should notify their Branch Secretary (addresses below), not the Editor, in the first instance to advise change of address or non-receipt of an issue. Subscribers From the Federal President 2655 should notify Dispatch (see FEDERAL PUBLICATIONS, below).

Contributions: Articles, letters and/or illustrations for publication should be sent to the Editor, address below. Articles can be accepted Book Reviews 2670 as text file on 31*6* or 5 V4' computer disk, or as hard copy.

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE Market Place 2671

PRESIDENT: David Vann, 6 Burgundy St., Carseldine, Old. 4034 ARTICLES 07-3263-8572 (h) 07-3865-3287 (w) 07-3865-4822 (FAX) SECRETARY: Ian Dunn, 48RM — The Troubles and the Fixers P.O. Box 163, Lyneham, A.C.T. 2602 06-207-5455 (w) 06-251 -4040 (h) 06-207-5468 (FAX) Pat Brassil tells how two fellow Club members ‘mucked, in’ and helped with 48RM’s engine 2656 TREASURER: David Miller, 9 Banvard PI., Chapman, A.C.T. 2611 06-276-2172 (w) 06-288-6910 (h) 06-276-1223 (FAX) Thirty Years of the Silver Shadow FEDERAL PUBLICATIONS Ron Magrath marks the thirtieth birthday of the Silver Shadow and Bentley T Series family of cars 2660 PRAECLARUM EDITOR: Martin Bennett, ‘Allambi’, RMB 3310, Goulburn, N.S.W. 2580 048-29-7140 (’Phone/FAX) The Oregon Ghost Trail Kerry Wherry writes of her experiences on the REGISTRAR (‘CHASSIS PLATE'): George Forbes, 345-53 Clarendon St., Sth. Melbourne, Vic. 3205 scenic S.GA. ‘Ghost Train’ to Seattle 2664 03-9690-1455 (w) 03-9593-1455 (h) 03-9696-2996 (FAX)

DISPATCH: Eric and May Goudie, The Silencing of ‘Henry R’ 25 Cowper St., Ainslie, A.C.T. 2602 Peter Heuzenroeder reveals the simple solution to 06-248-5183 a mysterious noise problem in his Silver Dawn 2667 BRANCH SECRETARIES Spot the Difference — 1 Australian Capital Territory: Joy Burns, 29 Packer St., An example of how coachbuilders used Weetangera, A.C.T. 2614.06-254-5495 airbrushing to amend existing coachwork designs 2668 New South Wales: Judith Merlin, 31A Terry Rd., Spot the Difference — 2 Denistone, N.S.W. 2114. 02-808-3329 If the camera never lies, Roger Thiedeman shows Queensland: that it can at least be made to fib just a little 2669 Graham Leacock, 8 Hamilton Rd., Wavell Heights, Old. 4012. 07-3266-5042

South Australia: Carol van der Pennen, P.O. Box 199, Willunga, S.A. 5172 08-383-0393

Victoria: Robin Hickman, P.O. Box 330, Vermont, Vic. 3133. 03-9872-3233 Front Cover Photo: Clouds gather and shadows lengthen as 1980Silver Shadow II (SRH41400) pauses briefly Western Australia: Jacqui Walker, P.O. Box 1362, for photography near Goulburn, New South Wales. Representing the closing year of Silver Midland, W.A. 6056. 09-298-9116 Shadow production, this dramatic photograph was taken by owner John Elliott (A.C.T.) 2652 PRtECLARVM

From the Editor

Silver Shadow thirtieth October of this year marked the thirtieth anniversary of the announce­ ment of the Silver Shadow and Bentley T Series motor cars, codenamed ‘SY’ within the Company. By October 1965 a few Silver Shadow and Bentley T Series trials and motor show cars had been completed. How­ ever, deliveries to owners did not AX 201 commence until January 1966, hence the compromise of marking this impor­ tant anniversary in this our December 1995 issue, in which you will find an interesting treatise on the Silver Shadow by Western Australia Branch member Ron Magrath, himself the appreciative owner of a Silver Shadow II. Possession is nine-tenths of the law? Klaus-Josef Rofifeldt, who contributes photographs to No doubt you will have already PRAECLARUM from time to time, and AX-20-1, the Silver Ghost, are both regulars at R.R.E.C. noticed the superb photograph of A.C.T. Annual Rallies. Both look perfectly at home in the fertile Northamptonshire countryside. Branch member John Elliott’s Silver Shadow II on the front cover. This for­ from Denver to Seattle, taking in the his­ which took us to London in June (see last tuitously arrived in the post just as I was toric and scenic Oregon Trail and ending issue) meant that we couldn’t also go to agonising over a suitable front cover at the R.R.O.C. Inc. Annual Meet in the U.S. in August, so we reluctantly had shot! Washington State. to withdraw from the Oregon Ghost Trail. Having been invited by Derek du Toit It was on the return run from Seattle Oregon Ghost Trail to drive his 1920 Silver Ghost (78FW), to Denver that Derek, driving his 1913 Also in this issue you will find an article Manuela and I had planned to join this Silver Ghost (2577) was tragically killed. by Kerry Wherry on the ‘Ghost Train’ S.G.A. tour. However, a pressing matter Back to the future The Bentley 4V6 Litre Supercharged Brian Mathews (Tas. Sub-Branch), whose lovely Silver Wraith we saw in these columns in P.4-95, — the famed ‘Blower Bentley’ of 1920s sent this shot of his 1928 Twenty (GBM32). The delightful roadster coachwork is by Martin & racing fame — is a model of which 55 King of Melbourne. It is seen here on display at the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania were built, of which more than 100 in Launceston, following a 14 month restoration. survive! Demand in the market place does funny things! Now, Jack Barclay Ltd, the famous Berkeley Square, London, Rolls-Royce and Bentley retailers, are improving the survival rate still further by building a batch of new ones! Needless to say, this has set the cat amongst the pigeons. From the point of view of the old car enthusiast — and one does not need to be an inflexible purist to adopt this view — this project does nothing to advance the cause. Quite the contrary, in fact, because the basis of each car is a Rolls- §t Royce 20/25 chassis, which means one o £ less 20/25 on the road for each Blower s Bentley ‘replicar’. The engines are s 09IZ genuine Bentley 41/6 Litre engines, of J which apparently more have survived £ than the cars themselves. However, they © o are not genuine Supercharged engines o £ — the superchargers are brand new. 6-95 2653

The problem also arises of determin­ ing what make of car we are looking at for registration and club purposes. In the U.K. cars must be registered according : I I to the origin of the chassis and the first of 111 these new Blowers is registered as a Rolls-Royce! The Bentley Drivers’ Club, naturally enough, has determined that the car is not a Bentley, though it is welcome to race at B.D.C. race meetings in Class 16, for ‘modern non-Bentley cars’. Most Vintage Bentley enthusiasts nowadays show a preference for the lightweight Vanden Plas tourer, and replicas of this body style have been built in considerable numbers in modern times. Despite the fact that when new The wedding of Fiona to Federal Registrar George Forbes in Melbourne ealier this year was a this was the cheapest body style, today true Rolls-Royce, and specifically Twenty Horsepower, affair. Two of the Twenties, George's it is regarded as the most desirable. GOK74 (left) and Terry Bruce's GYK47 are seen here with the happy couple. Predictably enough, these Barclay look­ alikes are bodied accordingly! issue he posed the question ‘I wonder Bentley is so called because local rail­ Ten are to be built over the next three whether any other Royce cranes came waymen drive to work in it! years and will retail at around £137,500 to Australia?’ A partial answer is that at each, which is about the same price as a least one other example existed at McDermott’s new showroom new Turbo R. The cost to the Rolls- Sydney’s Cockatoo Island until just a few R.A. McDermott & Co., who sell more Royce movement will be ten 20/25s. years ago. Does any member know of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars by farthan any others? anyone else in Australia have opened a Successor to Spirit of Ecstasy? new showroom at 649 Chapel Street, The Spirit of Ecstasy has been an Workhorse? South Yarra, in one of Melbourne's more instantly recognisable feature of Rolls- In an article on the Lindsay Fox car renowned shopping strips. The new Royce cars since Charles Sykes's collection, the Herald-Sun (Melbourne, showroom (’phone 03-9804-7977) is in crowning achievement first appeared on October 22) reported that the 1934 addition to their Melbourne and Sydney Lord Montagu’s 1910 Silver Ghost Bentley is “Also known as the Derby workshops. chassis 1404, now owned by A.C.T. Bentley as the toffs favored (sic) the car Branch member Ian Irwin. for taking their ladies to the English Missing glovebox lid In 1898 Sykes was a scholarship Derby”. In response, Roger Thiedeman When my Silver Wraith (WHD101) student at the Royal College of Art in suggested that perhaps the Crewe was used as a taxi in Melbourne in the London. Now Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd have sponsored a challenge to the The Silver Dawn enjoys a well deserved reputation for silence, but South Australian member present day students of the College to Peter Heuzenroeder's 1951 car (SDB114) disappointed its owner in this respect until he see if they can come up with a 21st accidentally stumbled upon the reason. See The Silencing of 'Henry R’, this issue. Century interpretation of Sykes’s design. A Company spokesman admitted: “The existing Flying Lady would be an extremely tough act to follow. But we want to see how the students think she could look at the turn of the century.” A £5,000 prize is offered for the best design and the best six designs will be displayed at the Conduit Street showroom. However, it was stressed that any new design would not displace the original Lady from her lofty pedestal. “It will not happen ever, ever, ever. We are too proud of the Spirit of Ecstasy".

Royce cranes in Australia At the end of Gavin Sandford- Morgan’s excellent article in the last 2654 PILECLARVM

late 1960s, in order to make way for the taxi meter(!) the glove compartment door was removed. Unfortunately its where­ abouts is now a mystery. The owner at the time was Mr Jack Witham of Reser­ voir, Victoria, who was a Club member. While I was in London in June I obtained some suitable veneer, along with the correct type Yale lock and chrome hinge, to enable me to make a new glovebox lid if necessary. However, it occurs to me that the original lid 64 720 probably still exists somewhere. If any member is aware of the whereabouts of a this item or can help locate it, I would be extremely grateful.

Lost Silver Wraith Mystery car. Who can identify this Twenty Horsepower? It was photographed by your Editor A lost Silver Wraith glovebox lid is one circa 1966 in Domain Road, South Yarra, the traditional starting point of Victoriaft Branch outings. thing, but what about an entire Silver The saloon body, possibly Martin & King, is obviously later than the chassis. Wraith missing?! When I lived in Geelong in the mid- 1960s there were five Silver Wraiths there, all in regular use. One is still there, Events List one has gone to Tasmania, one to South Members planning to attend events of other Branches should contact the Australia and another to Western Secretary of the organising Branch (listed in the front of this journal) for details Australia — the last two safely in the of times, venues, etc., and of other events not listed here. Dates and locations hands of Club members. Only one of the of overseas events should be confirmed with the Clubs concerned. five remains unaccounted for. It was a black and dark blue H.J. Mulliner January 21 W.A. Observation Run, Rolls-Royce/aviation theme. sedanca de ville. It had the heavy bumpers and twin foglamps then only January 26 N.S.W. Australia Day picnic. fitted to export cars and as only one Mulliner sedanca came new to Australia February 18 W.A. Boating and driving, I feel safe in assuming it to be that car, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club. WHD93, dispatched new to Penfold Wines in October 1950. March 1-3 A.C.T./Vic. Ovens Valley Mountain Tour, If any of our members can shed any Harrietville/Beech worth, Victoria. light on what became of this car after I last saw it in about 1965,1 would be very March 31 N.S. W. Annual Commemoration Run and luncheon. interested to hear from them.

April 26-29 Federal. 38th Annual Federal Rally, First Aussie Silver Shadow Wollongong, New South Wales. Wayne Giles (S.A.) is interested in Hosted by the New South Wales Branch. finding out more about the first Silver Shadow to come to Australia. This was April 29-May 24 Federal. R.R.O.C.A./S.G.A. Australian ‘Wholly Ghost SRH1011, illustrated in P.1-86, p.1128, Tour'; Wollongong - Canberra - Melbourne - Adelaide - and in Rolls-Royce and Bentley: the Alice Springs - Ayers Rock - Sydney. Crewe Years, p.261. The last I knew of this car it was in the Centennial Park area Overseas in Sydney. It was, of course, the 11th production SY series car. April 25-28 New Zealand. N.Z.R.R. & B.C. Silver Jubilee Rally & If you have any information on this A.G.M., Wellington. car, perhaps you would be kind enough to give Wayne a call on 08-295-3073. June 15-16 U.K. R.R.E. C. Annual Rally and Concours, Althorp Park, near Northampton. Metric conversion Whilst we are all by now accustomed August 12-17 U.S.A. The 45th R.R.O.C. Inc. Annual Meet, to driving in kilometres per hour over French Lick, Indiana. distances measured in kilometres, and 6-95 2655 buying our petrol by the litre, most of us diametrically opposite way to miles per and you have the litres/100 km equiv­ seem to have a problem with getting our gallon in that the smaller the number, the alent. It works equally well in reverse. minds around fuel consumption better the fuel economy. With miles per Divide the 288 by the litres/100 km figure measured in anything other than miles gallon bigger is better. and you have miles per gallon. per gallon. It seems a little absurd to use Stan Spackman (Vic.) has sent an So, if your Phantom I achieves 8 mpg so many litres of fuel to drive so many article from the March 1960 edition of you now know that it guzzles 36 litres per kilometres and then to calculate the rate Practical Motorist (U.K.) which gives a 100 km. of fuel use in miles per gallon! But most conversion factor to convert miles per You always wanted to know that, of us do it, probably because the metric gallon to litres per hundred kilometres or didn’t you?! equivalent of miles per gallon — litres per vice versa. All you need is the number hundred kilometres — works in the 288. Simply divide 288 by the mpg figure Martin Bennett

From the Federal President

to come along, enabling us to hold a and it will be a time of great opportunity Branch visits Federal Executive meeting. I particularly for some ambitious celebrations which Over the past couple of months I have thank New South Wales Branch President could be on a world-wide basis. The been privileged to be invited to attend Kim Stapleton for his hospitality and the Company sees it as a time of tremen­ two more important events of our Branch members for their kindness during dous opportunity for owners of Branches. Firstly I attended the my visit, and I commend the Branch for its Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars, and are Queensland Branch Concours and this fine organisation for the day. planning to involve Clubs around the was followed a couple of weeks later by world, including of course Australia, in a visit to the New South Wales Branch 1996 Federal Rally the planning of an appropriate celebra­ Concours. Both were held in a true By now you should have returned tion. This will present an opportunity for British atmosphere — it rained. One has your registration form to attend the 1996 a large number of owners to become to feel a certain amount of sadness for Federal Rally at Wollongong, sent out involved and it is intended that the Com­ judges, particularly when they have to with the last issue of PRAECLARUM. pany will set up a planning committee in attempt to climb under cars to check the The Federal Rally is the highlight of the the year 2000 to get the project ‘up and chassis in this type of weather. We were Club year and it is a great opportunity to running’. As 2000 approaches there will all impressed by the large number of catch up with old friends, meet new be opportunity for each of the Branches desirable cars at both of these events friends, see a large number of lovely cars to submit ideas for an appropriate and I am sure you will all agree that the and enjoy the hospitality of a host Branch celebration. I am sure that there would standard of both restoration and general who ensure that we have a great time be opportunity for an event to cover the presentation of cars in our Club con­ and see some beautiful Australian Company’s market areas and for all Club tinues to get better. countryside. The 1996 Rally is shaping members to take part. This is still eight Vaucluse House is a fine venue for a up to be one of the largest yet held, years away and by then the Company Club outing and certainly added atmos­ particularly with the large number of will have released a new range of super­ phere to the day. The Queensland overseas guests who will be joining us lative Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars. Branch hold their Concours at a delight­ and also participating in the Outback This issue of PRAECLARUM brings ful, quiet park in the City of Brisbane Wholly Ghost Tour. We should have an us to the close of another successful under the Story Bridge, with a panorama enviable parade of all models from Silver year in the life of our Club, and on behalf overlooking the Central Business Dis­ Ghost to Silver Spirit. If you haven't yet of the Federal Executive I thank you all trict. A peaceful Sunday brings a different planned to be part of this Rally I urge you for your support during 1995 and take atmosphere to a city. The judging was to make the positive decision NOW to this opportunity of wishing you and your very intense at both events. attend — you will not regret it. families a Merry Christmas and a bright Whilst I was in Sydney for the N.S.W. and prosperous 1996. Branch Concours it was possible to Rolls-Royce Centenary arrange for our Federal Secretary Ian The year 2004 will mark the Centen­ Happy Motoring, Dunn and Federal Treasurer David Miller ary of the meeting of Rolls and Royce David Vann 2656 PRjECLARVM

Owner Pat Brassil (left) and fellow A.C. T. Branch member John Elliott working on the engine of 48RM in Pat's garage. The aim, and achieved end result, was an engine and under-bonnet appearance that fully did justice to the Silver Ghost.

48 RM — the Troubles and the Fixers

By Pat Brassil (A.C.T.)

It was really the old Ghost’s fault. If have another coil and I would have it back we found that the oil valve, normally she had continued in her usual fashion, Friday. opened by the accelerator, was stuck open. none of the following would have Returning home, I gazed at the extraor­ I considered the problem. Obviously occurred. But she would go her wilful way dinarily dirty engine that I had and decided the pipe had to be repaired. But it had to be and I think it was because the was being that I should try to pin-point the oil leaks. repaired in such a way that it kept its shape taken for granted, or at least she felt so. She I had a theory that the leaks occurred at the and would still refit to the engine so that had been to Echuca and come back to points where oil pipes entered the crank­ the six joints from the pipe and the six Wagga Wagga and apart from exhibiting case at the front of the blocks, between the joints to the cylinders would still line up her insatiable thirst for petrol and oil, she blocks and the rear of the blocks. The and be leak free. had behaved well. Admittedly, on the connection between the two blocks is near­ return journey, she’d demonstrated a ly impossible to get at with the carburetter Enter the Fixers desire for water but I regarded this as the in place, so I removed it. natural reaction to a rich and plentiful diet, This exposed the whole off-side of the I thought of all the people who could do just as anyone might like extra water after engine including the oil pipe which carries this and decided that it had to be John a grand dinner with rich red wine. oil to the cylinders when the accelerator Elliott, a man well known to all A.C.T. pedal is depressed for high speed motor­ Branch members and many others as an Out of spark ing. extremely fastidious Rolls-Royce owner It was broken! and multiple concours winner including She did a couple of small, local trips Right in the centre of the bend between the Silver Cloud Trophy at the Federal after her return from Echuca, though al­ the two blocks where it makes way for the Rally in 1987. John is the owner and ways demanding water, until she finally carburetter. As though it had been cut with operator of ‘Keen Saw Service’, Wagga indicated that she’d lost her spark. The a hack-saw blade. Wagga and can make chain saws, circular magneto, good and faithful servant that it This was a major problem. It explained saws, whipper-snippers, brush-cutters and had been, had stopped sparking. I therefore the enormous oil consumption I’d had to lawn mowers of all types operate just as the removed it and took it to my old mate, Bob Echuca and back as much of the travelling advertisements say they should. He is a Anderson (Anderson’s Auto Electrics, had been at “high speed”. There was worse qualified mechanic, a man who can solder Wagga Wagga). Naturally he happened to but this wasn’t obvious until later, when and weld, an extremely accurate machinist 6-95 2657

and, most importantly, a man who thinks unused replacements and some old, used effectiveness of the- seal even with a at all times. Could there be a better? ones and I couldn’t get any new ones gasket. The proper way to cut gaskets, he John accepted the commission and immediately. We soaked them all in water claimed, was to make the necessary holes decided to replace the U-shaped piece of and refitted them successfully. in the right places with the right-sized pipe rather than just solder the break. I Refitting the inlet and exhaust punch. You then cut the outsides with suggested that he might bring the repaired manifolds is always interesting. First, scissors. John demonstrated this method piece to my place and look at the rest of the there is the problem of holding the gaskets and annoyingly, got them right every time. engine to see if we could find other in place. We solved this by virtually gluing I couldn’t find my great little ball-peen possible leaks. them to the blocks with a sticky gasket hammer (no doubt stolen by a child) so we Not only did he repair the pipe and compound. The inlet manifold fitted like did it John’s way. 1. bring it back, but he also brought Brian a glove but the exhaust manifold was recal­ The parts were put back on the engine McDonald with him. You know Brian, citrant. On 48RM this is a fearsome with remarkable attention to detail. Silver Cloud III owner, Federal instrument. The change to four-wheel The magneto was re-installed and what I Concours ‘Best Post-War Car’ winner in brakes meant changing this manifold so may be described as its adjuncts examined. 1989 and Class Winner in 1995, electrician that it consists of two parts, one for each The high tension leads pass through a short extraordinare, etc. Brian and John decided block, joined in the centre by a flange and stubby pipe made of Bakelite or similar that the engine was disgustingly dirty and large nut and meeting the exhaust box material quite close to the magneto and that there was no possible way of finding through a pipe at the front of the engine. then through a similar longer pipe held oil leaks until it was cleaned up. They The adjustment of all this was a matter of vertically on the dash with a neat little immediately started on this in my door­ some nicety but was successfully com­ bracket and through which the leads reach less, draughty shed in the middle of winter pleted. the level of the inlet manifolds. Both at night. Replacing the water pipes required gas­ Bakelite pipes were judged to be good, They scraped oil, dirt, grease, paint and kets cut from a thin gasket material and after a clean-up, but the beautiful little rust off the blocks. They took out the brass caused considerable discussion. One of bracket had disappeared, no doubt fallen core plugs (John making a special spanner my fortes is cutting paper gaskets. You off on some long forgotten trip. John made for these). They took off the oil lines, the take the part that has the holes rather than another one which proudly does its job on water pipes, the accelerator-operated oil the studs, stretch the gasket material over the dash. Number 6 lead then goes to its valve, the inlet and exhaust manifolds, the the part and tap it with your ball-peen plug and the rest travel along two pipes in fan and the valve-covers. We took out the hammer in such a manner that you cut the line held above the inlet manifold, one valves. It was only by insisting that I had holes for the studs in the right spots, the either side of the starting carburetter. At certain rights as the owner that I prevented hole for the water exactly correctly, and the appropriate spot each lead exits the them taking off the blocks. Of course, all the edge of the part so that the gasket is pipe via a slit. Numbers 3, 2 and 1 exit the this wasn’t done in the one night. There exactly to size. Putting the right size bolts rear pipe, curve around the starting car­ were many nights and Saturdays and Sun­ in the stud holes as you cut them ensures buretter, enter the front pipe and number 1 days over a period of two months. complete accuracy in the process. John lead comes out the end and dutifully goes pooh-poohed this method. He claimed that to number 1 plug. The pipes were of some Getting the right finish belting away with a pall-peen hammer on Bakelite material but these cracked and a part would only cause indentations on broke over the years and I replaced them The blocks were painted after much one of the mating surfaces and destroy the with copper pipes some time ago. The discussion. There was no argument about the colour — black — but I voted for a The carburetter and other 'brass bits’ on the bench for various rectification work and polishing. brush applied old fashioned gloss engine John casting a critical eye over his handiwork. enamel. Brian wanted a spray can matt finish (which we couldn’t get, though I believe one is available now, such is the rate of technological change). We got a matt finish by brushing the gloss on and spraying with a flat finish. The effect is great. Every part that was taken off was treated in some way. All brass pieces were buffed and polished, core plugs, valve covers, oil pipes, water pipes and the inlet manifold. Some of the core plugs were replaced and operate there as a tribute to John’s machining skills. They were all replaced with new washers. The valves were replaced and ground into the old seats. The gaskets for the valve covers caused a momentary concern as I had some 2658 PR^ECLARVM

gauge as did many other Silver Ghosts though I believe that more modem ones than mine (and there are not many of them) were fitted with one. However, many years ago, John Vawser, of considerable fame, gave his opinion to me that a temperature gauge was a valuable engine protector and that, generally speaking, every Ghost should have one. Accordingly I fitted one. I did this by buying a cheap Japanese unit which consisted of a gauge, a thermal unit to fit into the block and a connecting tube. Where to fit it? I selected a core plug in the top of the front block about half way along it. I ex­ tracted a core plug, drilled and tapped the The engine coming back together, 'brass bits' going back into place. appropriate hole, cut a hole in the dash­ board for the gauge and fed the unit beautiful brackets which support these through the tubes with the connections on through the hole in the dashboard, through tubes on the manifold are basically a figure and you wouldn’t want to solder them over an already existing hole in the aluminium eight with the lower part of the eight being the engine. The same applies to the dis­ dash (though I had to expand the hole using a large circle to fit over the manifold and tributor high tension leads. the trusty wood rasp) and thence to the cut in half like a bearing and secured with Now you think we’ve finished with the prepared hole in the core plug. It worked. two bolts. The upper circle is much smaller magneto, but not so. Like a lot of other things however, it didn’t to carry the tubes for the leads and is not The magneto brake had no lining to work forever and all this attention to the cut in halves but slit with a bolt through the brake the magneto, so we went to our brake engine seemed to make an appropriate slit to tighten the circle on the tube. experts, bought a piece of lining that we all time to replace it. Besides, both John and Now if you think about all this, and I agreed was suitable and John fitted that. He Brian were very critical of the way the hope you are all still concentrating, you also got disgusted with the plethora of tube connecting the temperature sensor at will notice that fitting the five leads into washers and other parts which had been the engine and the temperature gauge on the rear tube is much more difficult than added over the years to the brake adjusting the dash board wandered across the top of fitting the three remaining leads into the spring and screw mechanism to compen­ the engine with an occasional coil in it to front tube. In fact it would be good if the sate for the lack of tension in the spring. relieve tension and rattle through the enor­ rear tube were a slightly larger diameter John found a new spring and made a new mous hole in the dash on its way to the than the front one. part but retained the original adjusting gauge. Naturally, Royce had thought of this screw. Another good job. I was allowed to buy a new unit, Korean and I discovered something that I had this time, which I suppose reflects the in­ never realised before, the four brackets Getting the little bits right ternational impact of the car, and this was form two pairs, with the brackets for the fitted but in a far different way from before. rear part of the manifold being slightly The final piece of detail and the one The hole in the dash was rounded properly larger than those for the front. Finding tube which really amazed me, was John’s dis­ and John tapped the hole to accept a brass of the exact right size was difficult but satisfaction with the tops of the spark plug through which a hole had been drilled achievable. The two sizes we used were plugs. You know, the little bit at the top and machined to accept a split rubber 3/4" and W O.D. The is easily bought which you unscrew, fit the lead on and grommet through which the tube could but the %" was only obtained, after much replace. John thought that the normal com­ pass. He also made up small brackets hous­ searching from Councillor Vidler of mercial top was unsuitable so he machined ing similar grommets and these were Wagga Wagga City Council who is also up beautiful brass knurled threaded nuts attached to the brackets holding the tube Vidler’s Automotive Industries, Wagga which now adorn the spark plugs. I’m for the distributor high tension leads to the Wagga, and who is noted for never throw­ trying to get John to make a very limited top water pipe. The temperature gauge, ing out anything. He’d had the piece of supply of these and appoint me as his sensor and connecting tube were then pipe from years ago. Actually 13/i6" O.D. marketing manager. They should have a fitted but in a more disciplined way. The would have been better, but the W was great sale among the Cognoscenti and tube now travels from the sensor through O.K. marketing managers get an enormous in­ the brackets alongside the other pipes on Incidentally, if you ever do the job of come. The price will reflect the status of top of the engine to the dash, through its replacing your leads, you have to cut the the product rather than the cost of produc­ brass plug and on to the dashboard. It not leads to size, solder your connections on tion. only works, it looks good. and feed the leads from the plugs back The temperature gauge was the next As I said before, all parts were refitted. through the tubes to the magneto as there item which received special attention. The nuts for the water pipes were not is no way of pushing the connections 48RM started life without a temperature painted but “blued” according to some 6-95 2659 secret method of John’s. 48RM in particular and who hopes to not tight on the face on the inside of the The dash of 48RM has a number of either inherit or buy 48RM, was coming to hub next to the brake drum. We decided holes drilled through it. At this stage, per­ Wagga Wagga one evening. He was that what was needed was a shim attached haps I should explain what I mean by tremendously jealous of the fact that work to the hub, on which the wheel could “dash” and “dash board”. The “dash” is the had been done on the old car without tighten. But, what dimensions and how to large metal wall (aluminium, in the case involving him, as he had moved to Bowral. cut it? of Silver Ghosts) between the engine com­ I have explained to him that if one goes I was allowed to do some calculations partment and the passengers. Some people to or even close to the capital cities of and cut a pattern from thin cardboard call it the “firewall”. The “dash board” is Australia, then of course one is going to (nearly paper). We ended up with con­ the board, in old cars of timber, and in miss out on the action. He was most inter­ centric circles, one of 130 m.m. radius and newer cars of metal and even nowadays ested in what we had done and could he the outside one of 150 m.m. radius. When plastic, which carries the instruments, have a look? Of course he could. this annulus was cut out, the semicircle switches and such like. Very early cars I contacted Brian and John and invited was found to form a “collar” when the ends only had a “dash” though often with some them to a “no work” night out in the shed were drawn together and the collar nearly instruments fitted to it. Cars of my ilk often to see Ossie go green with envy at what can exactly fitted over the inner face of the hub. had both a “dash” and a “dashboard” and be achieved with spit and polish and a John took this pattern and cut a shim from modem cars seem to have a “dashboard” certain ingenuity (as exhibited mainly by 0.5 m.m. brass sheet. This semicircle is a referred to as the “dash” and a “firewall” both John and Brian). They came and fraction too long and must be shortened rather than a “dash”. I mention all this Ossie came and we had a fine party, the on each end so that it doesn’t overlap but merely to explain that when I refer to holes four of us, in the freezing cold shed. rather meets on the hub when the wheel is in the dash, I mean holes in the large Speeches were made, with Brian achiev­ tightened on to it. We attached the shim to aluminium wall between the engine and ing the ultimate in short addresses. Gifts the hub using Silastic and then tightened the body. These holes appear to have no were exchanged and I was particularly the wheel on to it. It worked, so we are purpose, are mostly 1/4" and have been put pleased with mine, a little ball-peen ham­ fitting them to all four wheels. there to carry some long forgotten wire or mer bearing a plate inscribed “Pat Brassil I fear that all is not over. John and Brian pipe and must have seemed important at 48RM”. A grand finale! are murmuring about putting the car over the time. I claim to responsibility for them. the pit and attacking the underneath. I fear But, what to do with them? A wobbly wheel that they will do this next winter when the John solved the problem again by cold air descends into and collects in the making up some special square headed As a matter of fact, it wasn’t, isn’t and pit creating a temperature inversion which short W bolts and nuts so that it looks as won’t be a finale, no matter how grand. A will startle the meteorologists. I will report though the holes were intended. Another pre-registration check revealed that the if this occurs. brilliant solution. off-side rear wheel wobbled. The commit­ Meanwhile, my thanks to John and There are two more things that I should tee, by majority vote of John and Brian Brian for their help to me and 48RM and mention, before I move on to the road against mine, decided that I had been care­ more importantly for their interest in and wheels. less in tightening it but no one could dedication to preserving the Rolls-Royce One, and most importantly, is why did tighten it further. We decided that marque in the finest traditions of the Club. Brian and John give up their nights and sufficient wear had occurred so that while weekends to work on my Rolls-Royce? the wheel tightened on the thread, it was Photographs by Brian McDonald There are a number of reasons. First is their extreme generosity with their knowledge, Nearly there! 48RM's engine looking just as Royce intended a Silver Ghost’s engine to look — time and energy. Second is their tremen­ with no over-finishing of any part. dous commitment to seeing that the Best Car in the World acts, and looks as such, in the very best traditions which were in­ spirational in founding the Club. The third factor was not a reason at all, but rather a happy adjunct to activities. We found that we were all pleased to interrupt our labours to quaff a few cans of Victoria Bitter from time to time, sometimes in recognition of a replaced or refitted part doing its job better than before, sometimes in recogni­ tion of the lateness of the hour and sometimes just in the sheer joy of being together on a project that interested us all. The second is the final night. Ossie Miller whom I have mentioned before, who is a son-in-law (the one who flies aeroplanes), who loves Rolls-Royces and 2660 PR/ECLARVM

Bi S- js I ■ ■ ;

Eight Silver Shadows lined up outside the Crewe factory in 1971. This was a single order for the Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong. Thirty Years of the Silver Shadow A Thirtieth Birthday Celebration of the Silver Shadow and Bentley T Series

By Ron Magrath (WA.)

October of this year saw the thirtieth other unquestionably was the Silver through models built in conjunction with anniversary of the announcement of the Shadow. Ghost production or subsequent to it. Al­ then revolutionary Silver Shadow family of The production of motor cars began as though myriad engineering improvements motor cars. Western Australia Branch simply a side issue for Frederick Henry were, of course, introduced with the evolu­ member Ron Magrath tells the story in the Royce, for the company that bore his name tion of the Company’s models, including following article, adapted from his article in was principally a manufacturer of heavy independent front suspension with the the W.A. Branch newsletter Winged electrical equipment including high lift 1936 Phantom III, the early principles Messenger. cranes. Indeed, this endeavour com­ established with the Silver Ghost lived menced with the successful manufacture through until production of the Silver As with any enterprise which through­ and sale of electric door bells by Royce and Cloud III ceased at the end of 1965. out its history establishes unassailable his partner Ernest Claremont, who history Technology is a rapidly developing standards of excellence, a review of the records was none too enchanted with the phenomenon of the 20th century, of late history and development of the motor cars diversion into motor car manufacture. frighteningly so, and to be able to claim a built by Rolls-Royce is a rewarding ex­ However, once the great man took an in­ 58 year development heritage cannot be perience. However, notwithstanding the terest in motor cars it quickly led to the surpassed in automotive development many derivatives from basic line models design and production of the Silver Ghost, history — such is the legacy of the in­ built by the Company, an objective ap­ which was to continue in its direct form for comparable Silver Ghost. praisal shows that Rolls-Royce have only some 18 years. The Silver Ghost estab­ Notwithstanding the engineering ex­ produced two distinct models from which lished the chassis design and suspension cellence of the 40/50 and derivatives, all subsequent models can trace their geometry, together with power train con­ automobile construction was not able to parentage. These two models were, of figuration and braking system, which claim a contribution to the Rolls-Royce course, the incomparable 40/50 h.p„ or would be perpetuated long past the cessa­ Ltd balance sheet. Since 1914 the Com­ Silver Ghost as it is now known, and the tion of Silver Ghost production in 1925, pany had been producing aircraft engines 6-95 2661

which, by the conclusion of World War I, had become the mainstay of the Company’s manufacturing activities. That the production of piston aircraft engines ensured the survival of the Rolls-Royce motor car is a fact for which all Rolls- Royce enthusiasts can be thankful. More t. importantly, that aero engine production led to the design of the Merlin series is a fact for which the whole of the free world can be thankful, as it was this engine that provided the power for the Hurricane and Spitfire fighters of the Royal Air Force & which, in the hands of a relatively small number of young and courageous airmen, thwarted the ambitions of world dominance by the Axis powers in the dark days of 1940. But for these endeavours the Rolls-Royce marque might have withered, and it is therefore ironic that it was the Aero Engine Division of the Company that brought it into voluntary liquidation in 1971. Following World War II Rolls-Royce resumed motor car production, but the cars represented little more than a perpetuation A 1975 publicity shot showing 100 new Silver Shadows (actually a few are Bentleys and some of pre-war design philosophy and became are the coachbuilt Corniche derivative), photographed on a new, yet to be opened motorway. quickly and increasingly antiquated in concept and performance. terns, however, which placed the Silver The big V-8 has proved to be a superb By the mid 1950s, while it was obvious Shadow ahead of all contemporaries. A engine and while technically capable of that a conceptually new car was required dual circuit, multiple caliper disc brake developing around 600 bhp given the to replace the existing Silver Cloud and system with two camshaft-driven necessary ‘treatment’, the fact that it was Bentley S Series models, Rolls-Royce fol­ hydraulic pumps supplying 2,500 psi and still is only required to produce about lowed standing principles of extensive operating pressure backed up by a conven­ 225 bhp in the Silver Shadow and sub­ testing and evaluation of designs before tional master cylinder circuit was a far cry sequent (non-turbo) models ensures its the new car eventuated. Called Project from the previous mechanical servo longevity, provided of course that the cor­ Burma, preliminary design studies com­ operated system of 1920s origin, and owed rect service schedules are adhered to. menced in 1956 from an earlier Project more to aircraft practice than to automo­ Other than on cars for North America, the Tibet, a smaller car subsequently sub­ tive. engine was coupled to the Rolls-Royce sumed by Burma. Similarly, a new power By far the most advanced step was the four-speed automatic gearbox and fluid unit, an aluminium 90 degree V-8 of 6,230 use of aircraft technology in the form of flywheel of G.M. ‘Hydramatic’ deriva­ c.c. capacity had been under development monocoque, or unitary construction of the tion, but in 1968 the GM.400 torque since 1952. This new engine was ready body shell. Although not new to the converter transmission fitted to American before Burma and was introduced in the automotive industry, Rolls-Royce was not models became standard for all markets. Silver Cloud n, Bentley S2 and Phantom about to introduce the concept until all This transmission, brought in complete V in 1959. Company design parameters were met, not from Detroit, was probably the best auto­ Revealed to the public for the first time the least of those being strength and matic transmission ever devised up until at the London (Earls Court) Motor Show silence. The shells were produced by that time. in October 1965, the Silver Shadow was Pressed Steel Fisher of Cowley, who had For driver and passengers the usual quickly appreciated for the revolution in provided all the standard steel body shells standard of luxury was provided in what Rolls-Royce motor car design that it rep­ since 1946. was essentially a four-seater motor car. resented. It was a total and irrevocable Although now devoid of a full separate Although a fifth person could be carried in break with the past. chassis, truck-strength engineering was the centre of the rear seat, this was a ‘ crush ’ Gone was the massive chassis that put still to be found in the sub-frame support­ provision for relatively short journeys all light trucks and most medium commer­ ing the power train and front end only. Individual front seats limited accom­ cial vehicles to shame. Gone too was the suspension components. Equally, the rear modation to two persons and allowed the rigid rear axle with semi-ellyptic springs, independent suspension comprising semi­ between seat console to be used for a feature with its origins in the horse- trailing arms with a massive transverse stowage. The 1950s concept of a six-seat drawn coach of the 1700s. It was the differential carrier was of very substantial car had never been embraced by Rolls- braking and automatic height control sys- construction for a passenger car. Royce and with the advent of the Silver 2662 PRJECLARVM

the introductory Silver Shadow, but this was soon deleted from the front suspension where it was found to do very little of the actual levelling work. Emission control requirements and in­ evitable weight increases led to an increase in the stroke of the V-8 engine, giving a swept volume of 6,750 c.c. from 1970 onwards, in order to maintain power levels. During 1974 the direct master cylinder braking circuit was deleted, leav­ ing the two independent high pressure systems. The ultimate modifications to the Silver Shadow/Bentley T family of cars were in­ troduced as a single package in 1977 on the Silver Shadow II and Bentley T2. At the same time, the long wheelbase model received its own distinctive, if confusing, model designation Silver Wraith II. It is disappointing that many authors on the subject of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars dismiss this event, usually with a short paragraph citing automatic split-level air conditioning and rack-and-pinion steering as the principal changes. In fact, the car was somewhat transformed in handling David (later Sir David) Plastow, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd during the Silver and passenger amenities compared to the Shadow era, with a line of newly completed Silver Shadows at Crewe. earlier cars, and included refinements in many areas which would carry through to Shadow was abandoned entirely. much development work took place the next model, the Silver Spirit. Although the Silver Shadow series was throughout the life of the model and early The substitution on the Silver Shadow to enjoy a production run of 15 years, the criticism of imprecise directional control II of rack-and-pinion power steering for last Silver Shadow II off the line in 1980 and an overly soft ride were progressively the earlier recirculating ball power steering was a substantially different motor car rectified. Four wheel automatic height system enabled the car to be controlled from that displayed for the first time at control powered by a circuit of the high more precisely with little effort. At the Earls Court in 1965. Understandably, pressure hydraulic system was a feature of same time, the opportunity was taken to change the front end geometry and increas­ Monocoque construction proved no impediment to H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd producing ing the track by 6.4 cm. (front) and 5.4 cm. coachbuilt variants, and in March 1966 an extremely handsome two-door saloon version of the (rear), and the wheelbase by 1.5 cm. These Silver Shadow (and Bentley TSeries) appeared. A drophead coupd followed in September 1967. changes significantly reduced the under­ steer characteristics of the car, improved tyre wear, and overall made the car much more responsive to drive. The smooth and flexible V-8 soldiered on despite being increasingly strangled by ever increasing anti-pollution controls I which included the use of S.U. type HIF.7 (IW) carburetters on the Silver Shadow Si. II as substitutes for the HD.8 (2") type on the earlier cars. A still rather agricultural exhaust manifold fed into separate dis­ charge pipes which continued to the rear of the car as a visual distinguishing feature 1 of the Silver Shadow II. Other external distinguishing features included a slightly deeper (front to rear) radiator shell, large polyurethane bumpers capped with stain­ less steel and devoid of overriders, an air dam below the front bumper and, from 6-95 2663 mid-1978, headlamp washers/wipers. The air dam may well have improved stability at very high speeds as the Company claimed. However, the extra drag it created may just have been offset by the cleaner air-flow under the car as the front end components were no longer exposed. Two bumper suspended fog lights complete the Silver Shadow II front end ensemble. Inside the car, the whole instrument and controls layout in a completely revised fascia shows cognizance to ergonomic design. All primary instruments and con­ trols are immediately in front of the driver, with ancillary controls and instruments outside this area. The layout had been in­ troduced on the Comiche in 1976 and the basic configuration was still current on the 1995 Silver Spirit models. The automatic In March 1971, with the shock of the Company going into receivership just two weeks behind, air conditioning system, first fitted to the the Corniche two-door saloon and Convertible were announced. These were significantly Camargue and then to the Comiche from improved coachbuilt cars, with a bolder grille, revised interiors and increased power output. 1976, is really a climate control system permitting constant, but differing if re­ changes have of course been made to the years on, a well maintained Silver Shadow quired, temperatures to be maintained in Silver Spirit and its Bentley derivatives, a or Bentley T Series is a delightful means the upper and lower levels of the cabin, as glance under these cars quickly reveals the of transportation at any speed and, again selected by the driver. Properly main­ mechanical configuration to be Silver given proper maintenance, will continue to tained, the system works beautifully, but Shadow-derived. Incontovertibly, the Sil­ be so. Of all the cars produced by Rolls- left to the unqualified amateur without test ver Shadow project laid the foundations Royce, the Silver Shadow series will long equipment, the operation of the system can for the development and design of all fu­ reign as the most innovative. deteriorate into an expensive nightmare. ture Rolls-Royce produced motor cars The Best Car in the World? I think my After 15 years of production and until the 21st century. Silver Shadow II (SRH34034) must have around 38,000 examples, including coach- Whether the Silver Shadow was at in­ been considered so when it first ventured built derivatives, production of the most ception and during the life of the model onto Aberdeen Street, West Perth in May advanced car built by Rolls-Royce until The Best Car in the World, as Company 1978.1 think it still is! y that time, ceased. The model endured the advertising material has at various times traumatic bankruptcy of the parent Com­ claimed, is very much a subjective assess­ Photographs courtesy of pany in 1971, brought about by ment based upon individual motoring Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd development cost overruns in production requirements and expectations. Thirty and the Author of the RB.211 jet engine by the Aero En­ gine Division. However, as the Silver Changes to the technical specification and appearance introduced on the Silver Shadow and Shadow had been returning increasing Bentley T Series in February 1977 were deemed sufficient to justify the new model designations profit levels since 1968, a new company Silver Shadow II and Bentley T2. This is the Author's 1978 Silver Shadow II (SRH34034). —Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd—was formed as a separate entity and continues to prosper, recessions notwithstanding, as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. That the Silver Shadow was a revolu­ tionary luxury motor car at the time of its release in 1965 is indisputable, and the premise that it was the correct car for both traditional and new Rolls-Royce buyers has been bom out by the unparalleled sales success throughout the model’s produc­ tion history. That it ranks with the Silver Ghost as the major influence on all sub­ sequent motor cars developed by the Company can be confirmed by opening the door of the latest Silver Spirit or Bentley: the lineage is apparent without even enter­ ing the car. Although many engineering 2664 PRtECLARVM

Doug & Mary White in their 1923 Silver Ghost Hooper tourer (29LK); Brian & Jo Wootton (U.K.) along for the ride.

The Oregon Ghost Trail

By Kerry Wherry (Vic.)

Well here I am in the good old U.S. of and Allocca Silver Ghosts while the Woot­ verandah and watched the marvellous A., on a ’plane bound for Denver, tons, who really like Denver Airport, storm. Colorado, after a couple of days in San waited to try to locate the Scottish lads, The sight of a pair of Silver Ghost head­ Francisco. There was a mighty big crowd John Fyda and Ron Bonar, and those Brits lights emerging out of that storm really at the airport — bigger than anything at Bill & Norah Handcock. brought a tear to the eye, and it was with home — and it was only 5.45 a.m. Well, Laurie and I drove the little great joy that we greeted the Scots and Later in the day, and the new Denver yellow luggage van, all the time trying to English. There seemed to be only one Airport is something else again. It is so big keep pace with Derek & Helen and Frank problem: the bar had closed at 8.00 p.m. you can catch an electric train from one & Janet in the Silver Ghosts. We couldn’t, and so, being a dutiful friend I walked to terminal to the next — and boy, one lady but we kept on truckin’ and I managed to the gas station to buy some beer. This old nearly lost her beauty case when the doors keep Laurie awake by singing and by United States sure was put here to confuse closed, and a man nearly lost his ... nerve. pointing out things of scenic interest. a girl. Just as I was wrestling with the baggage Discussing wheat and com fields, Laurie Now the next morning was a treat. The cart I was spotted by an old Aussie mate, soon became tired of all the com and so we old motel dining room was full of good ol’ Laurie Ogle, who was there for the same set about gossiping about anyone who had boys indulging in mammoth breakfasts of reason as I. That is, to beat the system! So. the misfortune not to be there. sausage links, eggs easy-over, bacon, hash Laurie and I decided on a few champagnes And then God (they have the same one browns, and hotcakes with maple syrup. I and Bloody Marys to ease the situation. It over here) sent down the most spectacular watched and listened with great fascina­ was then that I spotted the Woottons from display of lightning you would ever see. I tion; in fact the talk was so mighty England, and before the second wolf took it as a sign to stop all the gossip; a interestin ’ that I wrote it down... “that road whistle sounded, Brian & Jo, who had been storm was certainly brewing. We made it jest kep’ on goin’ an’ goin’” ... “yup, that wandering around the airport for three to our little motel in Fort Morgan before ol’ road went on for a mahl or so” ... “Oh hours, came and joined us. the heavens opened. shoot, looks like more rain”. (Mum, I want By now we had a convoy of baggage They were playing great country music to be an American when I grow up.) carts so we manoeuvred over to find Derek in the restaurant, and so we all met there I was rather wishing we were staying & Helen du Toit and were waylaid by for a few beers and something called ‘fried longer in Fort Morgan, but we were Frank & Janet Allocca, so there we were chicken steak’ for dinner. Now being a saddling up and riding on out by about ten — a group of questionable sobriety had simple soul I imagined this would be — by now quite a respectable convoy. sort of gathered to meet the du Toits as they chicken ... but, of course ma’am, its steak! Laurie and I huddled into the back of Ron alighted from New Jersey. After hanging By now everyone except the aussies had Bonar’s beautiful 1922 aluminium-bodied about a bit longer we caught a cab to the gone to bed — well it was nine o’clock — 27RG and, speaking of beautiful bodies, other side of Denver to collect the du Toit so Laurie and I had a coffee out on the Laurie’s is great in stormy weather in the 6-95 2665 back seat of a Silver Ghost tourer at 60 miles per hour! It did not seem long before we stopped for morning tea in a little town called Sterling (still in Colorado), and it was still raining. And it was still only Monday. Moving on towards our lunch stop, we seemed to be passing through a continuous movie set, and I was put on “spot John Wayne” duty. I think those Scotsmen were pulling my leg! And there were no Apaches, either. We crossed into Nebraska and stopped off in Sidney (that’s how they spell it here) for lunch, and would you believe it? — there were several other Silver Ghosts at the town’s cafe! Bob & Joan Brod, in the lean, green, mean machine (357HH), Chimney Rock National Historic Site, near Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Standing almost500 feet above Ralph & Beverly Lindquist, accompanied the North Platte River, the spire of Chimney Rock was one of the chief landmarks on the Oregon by Don Davies and Ruth Reese (S137ML). Trail and signified the end of the prairie portion of the westward journey. All very convivial, but I had still not seen a cowboy on a horse. Anyway, we had who had willingly transported Norah’s tains and forests. We were headed for to move on and by now the sun was high extensive wardrobe from Australia. Ketchum, Idaho, in the famous ski area of in the sky and boy, was it hot. Midday in An early departure from Scottsbluff Sun Valley. By now we were all in the mid-summer in Nebraska is not for the was in order, and I once again rode with swing of things! A pizza party, al fresco, faint-hearted. We began to sense how the ‘Flying Scotsmen’. All went well for a in the garden of the Heidelberg Inn was a those pioneers who followed, and in fact while, then Ron Bonar discovered his teeth very jolly affair: Brian & Jo had a giant created, the Oregon Trail must have felt. were missing! Well we did find them, bottle of duty-free gin. I have vague recol­ Their amazing courage and perseverance intact, in the car park of the morning tea lections of singing appropriate songs to the is legendary. stop. Some wit then coined the phrase assembled: each person was serenaded We stopped at a famous national monu­ ‘Toothless in Seattle’, which the good- with a tune mentioning their State! I’m ment called Chimney Rock, had a few humoured Ron took in good cheer. And so afraid, Mum, your advice about too much smokes and took a few snaps. I noticed a we raced on — destination a rodeo in gin went unheeded! There was a party in sign which read: Beware of Rattlesnakes Casper, Wyoming. We only missed it by a my ‘super king’ suite, and I received little — and me without my six-gun, too. week! We consoled ourselves with a few sympathy next morning! It was Scottsbluff, Nebraska for the beers and a few more teeth jokes! Keep A brisk ride in the Whites’ car soon night, and the official ‘beginning’ of the smiling, Ron. Another evening passed cleared the fog as we motored on through Oregon Ghost Trail. Another bar, more pleasantly over a meal, and it was early to the beauty of Challis National Park and country music ... and another wonderful bed. Derek talk on bodily fluids, sun block and On Wednesday we set off for Moran A contented Laurie Ogle (N.S.W.) after Ghost radiators. Everyone took it on the Junction, Wyoming. The scenery was another hard day in the saddle, Idaho. chin and I captured the moment on film. wide-ranging and always spectacular — Previous exposure to Derek’s talks had the rugged and rocky plains with hues of emboldened me! Mary White gave us the mauve, pink and grey and brilliant low-down on what lay ahead and set about splashes of ochre, and into the Grand organising riders’ rosters and such. Don Tetons with spectacular forests and maj­ Davies, newly emerged as a fashion estic peaks. One really gets the feel of all designer, then delighted the assembled this in an open Ghost. We arrived at our group with a mini fashion show before little log cabins, exhausted and sun-burnt, distributing tee-shirts made especially for just as the sun was setting. Those old cars the rally. In order to avoid becoming lost performed extremely well once again, you simply followed the shirt in front, or through extremes of temperature and removed your own and read the map on the difficult topography. Moran Junction is back. I tried to attract some cowboys by very beautiful, in the middle of a National wearing mine backwards, but walking in Park, with no televisions, no telephones, reverse soon became impractical, and no- and a rustic charm. one followed me anyway. The next morning we were on the road By Scottsbluff most of the group had just as the sun was rising. I rode with Doug assembled, including the lovely Norah White and the Woottons, and the scenery Vincent, accompanied by husband Rex remained spectacular: lakes, rivers, moun- | 2666 PRiECLARVM

Saturday was another very early start and I was roused at 5.00 a.m. by Rex & Norah bearing birthday greetings and gifts! We were bound for Othello, Washington, and I joined the Handcocks in their lovely 1912 car, 2018. That car really performed well and tackled White Bird Hill, a major climb, with aplomb. We passed through canyons and past enor­ mous farms where the John Deere tractors ploughed on, creating dust whirls visible for miles. We all gathered in the local gas station/restaurant that evening for my birthday. It was a great party, such was the camaraderie of the group. The next day, Sunday, we were really the butt of Mary’s humour — an Aussie and a Scot were assigned the luggage van Morning tea with stuffed moose! Left to right: Norah Vincent (N.S. W.), Brian Wootton (U.K.), the to find the Red Lion Hotel in Bellevue! writer, Karl Furr, and Jo Wootton. Well, the trusty yellow van became a For­ mula 1 racing machine with John at the Boise National Forest. I joined up with the town’s other motel across the road. Jim wheel, and we made it through mists (Scot­ Boyntons in their lovely coupe (S334RL) Stroman from Texas was busy playing tish, of course!), mountains and freeways in the afternoon. Jacqui took the dickey with his oil, assisted by his amiable wife in very good time, having stopped for seat while I navigated. There are lots of Cleo. We all suspected Jim was supporting lunch in a beautiful little cafe in the middle gals on road duty in America: quite eye­ the home product and leaving free samples of a redwood forest. catching in singlets, boots and hard-hats! all over Idaho’s paving. The leak was fixed And so with some regret, we had ended Off-duty cowgirls, I suppose. Another and 82AG was as good as new. another wonderful Ghost Train. Another tough day! Most of us ventured downtown to a cafe tour in which lasting friendships were We had a wonderful picnic in the forest called the ‘Load ’n’ Chute’, where I spent formed, and even greater respect for these — peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and all my money in the jukebox and Laurie wonderful cars developed. an opportunity to shed the old thermal spent all his on jugs of Margaritas! The Thank you everyone, for your warmth underwear as the temperature soared. All straight-shootin’, rootin’, tootin’ and hospitality, for your humour, tolerance that happened in the Ghost Battalion was Woottons were there and there were real and friendship, and I look forward to Doug’s valve springs sprung! cowboys, all playin’ pool and drinkin’ seeing many of you in Australia in 1996 New Meadows, Idaho, is a quaint little beer. No horse, though. It was a very jolly for the Outback Wholly Ghost Tour. town and our motel was picturesque and night. I believe I saw Norah dancing with welcoming, with some of the group at the Doug. Photographs from the Author

Left: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington — the final day of the Tour. In the foreground, Ralph & Beverly Lindquist's S137ML, then Bob & Joan Brod's 357HH and Bill & Norah Handcock's 2018 bringing up the rear. Right: Frank & Janet Allocca (left) and Derek & Helen du Toit add a touch of New Jersey sunshine to Sterling, Colorado. Tragically, Derek was killed in Montana on the return run (see last issue, p.2620).

welcome 6-95 2667

The Silencing of ‘Henry R’

By Peter Heuzenroeder (SA.)

In 1975 I purchased SDB114, a very 0 original black 1951 Silver Dawn with beige upholstery (see PRAECLARUM 4-75, The Enchantment of a Name). After the initial flush of enthusiasm wore off and On the left, the high-speed fan pulley fitted to SDB114 when acquired and, I became more and more familiar with the right, the low-speed pulley now fitted. car and its particular foibles I became acutely aware of a habit it had of emitting parison with other cars revealed that such engine speed. Was this part of the answer? a most un-Rolls-Royceish roar as soon as was not the case; it was all intact and I removed the fan and measured it. It was the engine reached about 2,000 rpm (i.e. original. I thought there might be some exactly 173Zt", i.e. what it was supposed to about 40 mph in top gear). peculiar quirk with the early post-war six- be. Gloom... but wait. To rotate at a lower The previous owner, who had only had cylinder engine, for which someone else speed must have meant a bigger pulley! the car for a short time, claimed that one had by now found a cure, and I wrote to Just at that time I needed a new fan belt and of his reasons for wanting to sell it was that the technical people in the Rolls-Royce was told there were two sizes. Did I want it was not as quiet as he had imagined Enthusiasts’ Club. Whilst they were very the large or small? Rolls-Royces should be — it was his first, prompt and solicitous they could offer no Ahha! and as far as I know his only venture into solution ... obviously not an inherent Having fitted the large one I found that the realm of Rolls-Royce. (I later heard problem. there was no adjustment left to tighten it that he regretted selling it — a common I finally began to suspect the fan. It on the dynamo. Obviously too big for my complaint of people who sell their Silver sounded like a fan noise. So I had the fan car! Anyway, having taken the fan off I Dawns!) removed and balanced and the pitch fined took the car for a drive without it in the Originally I thought, as I still do, that a little by an engineer who balances cool of the evening. Suddenly there was the ‘silence’ of a Rolls-Royce has to be aircraft propellers. There seemed to be a silence at any speed!! Bliss! A quick check judged by its era; i.e. a Silver Dawn should very slight improvement. Disappointed, I with my cousin’s Silver Dawn (a be compared to say a ‘48 series’ Holden, went on putting up with it. I thought per­ renownedly silent car) revealed that its fan Mk V Jaguar, Morris Oxford or to a Stand­ haps it was something to do with the way pulley was enormous compared to mine. ard Vanguard. By those standards it is very the air was drawn through the radiator At last, the answer! God knows why but quiet if not so much by today’s standards matrix. That was recored recently to over­ my car had the small pulley rotating the big (although not bad even so). come overheating and leakage problems, fan much faster than it was supposed to go. However, all that aside, I began to but still the roar persisted. It really took the A ’phone call to a dealer elicited that they realise a little of what the previous owner edge off the pleasure of the car. indeed had a large pulley. A deal was meant, and the more I became aware of the I was told that a previous owner but struck, the pulley fitted and now ‘ Henry R’ noise the more it got to me, particularly one, a Mr Sullivan who owned the car for is as silent as it should be at last. when driving other Silver Dawns which many years, having bought it from the Why ‘Henry R’? When my father was didn’t do it! original owner, had tried different fans and a child the family car was a much loved Some years ago I had the engine all sorts of things to cure the problem. Model T Ford which was affectionately removed and reconditioned. I thought that People helpfully just shook their heads and called ‘Henry F’ — the choice was ob­ this would incidentally cure the roar as said it was “always a problem with that vious. Moral: persevere with your problem well, and you can imagine my disappoint­ car”. But why, damn it?! — there is no-one like yourself with your ment when I got the car back and nothing When the engine was reconditioned own interest at heart to find the solution. had changed in that regard. and again when the radiator came out it r I conducted various tests and deter­ was said that the car seemed to have been Editorial note: Though a Silver Dawn is mined that it was definitely related to in a front end collision at some stage of its the subject of this article, the lesson engine speed and not road speed, and that life. Perhaps the fan had been damaged. contained therein applies equally to all the it was something to do with the engine Perhaps someone put the wrong type of fan early post-war six cylinder cars. The high­ rather than the gearbox, differential, tail­ on the engine when the car was repaired. speedfan pulley (for use only with the 16" shaft or wheel bearings etc., (the list of In desperation I checked through what fan) is part number RE11270, and the possibilities that went through my mind mechanical literature I have and dis­ low-speed pulley (for use with the 77%" was endless). I thought perhaps there was covered that at chassis number LSCA9 the fan) is part number RE4736. As Peter’s a hole in the firewall which shouldn’t be fan size was changed from 16" rotating at experience shows, mixing and matching there or some trim missing, but com- 1.1 engine speed to 17%" rotating at .850 doesn’t work! — M.I.B. 2668 PR7ECLARVM

production, or to meet the requirements of an individual customer. Spot the Difference 1 In these two pictures we see how Park Ward’s draughtsman, probably P.J. Wharton, used an airbrush to amend an early design on the Bentley Continental S1 chassis (upper photo) by ‘ installing ’ By Martin Bennett a larger rear quarter-light and a wrap-around rear window, result­ ing in design number 872 (lower photo). Some fine penwork is An airbrush is a miniature spray-gun and is a particularly useful also in evidence around the quarter-light frame and elsewhere. device used variously for repairing the image on old photographs If you study the two photographs it is obvious that they are from and retouching photographs when it is desired to alter the existing the same negative. However, the airbrushing of the lower photo image. has been carried out so expertly that viewed on its own it is Coachbuilders used them to make small changes to designs that extremely unlikely that anyone would ever notice. The retouched were ‘nearly there’ or which they wished to change for future photograph was used in a 1957 Park Ward advertisement.

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Spot the Difference 2 the H.J. Mulliner sedanca de ville WYA1 as Mr Pastouna or his publisher claimed. Other details, such as the woodwork and trim on the inside of the rear door, identify the coachwork as Hooper. By Roger Thiedeman (A.C.T.) (All of these conclusions are correct. — Ed.) But now look closely at the second photo, marked B, from the Browsing through the late Andrew Pastouna’s new book Rolls- June 1954 issue of The Rolls-Royce Bulletin, and compare it with Royce State Motor Cars, I spotted what appears to be an error in picture A as used in Pastouna’s book. Obviously both pictures are one of its captions. On page 160, in a picture showing H.M. The copies from the one negative. But in picture B, what has become Queen alighting from a Silver Wraith in Ceylon (an illustration of the two western-suited gentlemen, with their backs to the which also appeared in a book titled The Royal Tour 1954), the car camera, seen in the right foreground of picture A, and a third man is identified as H.J. Mulliner sedanca de ville, chassis WYA1. to their left, apparently a photographer squatting to take a picture? I believe the car to be the other state Silver Wraith in Ceylon Why, one wonders, did the Rolls-Royce people remove them from at the time, the Hooper touring limousine, chassis WVA40.1 base the Bulletin picture? Was it so as not to detract from the main my conclusion on the following: subjects, i.e. the Queen and the Rolls-Royce motor car, the latter The body designs of the H.J. Mulliner sedanca de ville and itself already partially obscured? Hooper touring limousine on these two chassis were numbers 7055 The really remarkable thing is that having skilfully airbrushed and 8034 respectively. Now look at the rather heavy (I would even the three hapless chaps and their shadows out of the picture, they go as far as to say ‘inelegant’) chrome windscreen surround on the have equally skilfully airbrushed in such details as the potted plant, car in the picture (A above). The lower corners are distinctly its shadow and the EnR insignia, and even the join-line between rounded. A study of these body styles reveals that the heavy, the paving stones! rounded windscreen surround is a Hooper feature, whereas H.J. But in an obviously parochial touch (I can think of no other Mulliner’s windscreen surround is a much slimmer, more elegant explanation) the Rolls-Royce artist has also airbrushed out all affair with the lower comers distinctly ‘pointed’. details from the convertible in the background, such as radiator Another detail is the sliding sun-roof seen in the picture. It grille, headlamps, bumper and hubcaps, that would otherwise appears to be different from the de ville extension over the driver’s identify it as a Sunbeam Talbot. compartment of a body such as H.J. Mulliner’s design number Incidentally, the other cars in the picture(s) are, from left to 7055. Having inspected the Hooper car, WVA40, twice in the past right, a Humber Pullman limousine (seen only in picture A), a three years I can confirm that it does indeed have a sliding sun-roof Cadillac and, almost totally obscured behind the last two horses just like the one seen here. This leaves me in little or no doubt that just to the right of the Sunbeam Talbot, almost certainly the Silver the car in the picture is the Hooper touring limousine WVA40, not Wraith H.J. Mulliner sedanca de ville, WYA1. 2670 PRZECLARVM

■’ on E t F-i f ! I S. I BOOK REVIEWS S: ! ->• I s a I ft i ilxllll o s Ijjagoaal

synonymous with a goodly proportion of the Spanish Royal family, with my Rolls-Royce the world’s leaders, so bullet-proofing favourite of the trio, the H.J. Mulliner — STATE MOTOR CARS -= was specified frequently on the cars cabriolet (4AF18), looking much the

A Comprehensive, Illustrated Review oe Rolls-Royce Cars which have been in the Service of featured here. But there is also a quaint, better for its whitewall tyres. Heads of State Worldwide culturally-motivated aspect to some Also remarkable for their rarity and ~: ■ orders, like the Pakistani Silver Wraith in clarity are photos of the Japanese cars, which resin glue had to be substituted for including two or three very nice two- animal glue, coconut fibre for horse-hair, wheel braked Silver Ghosts. and kapok instead of ordinary down. Some pictures, however, are nothing 1 Political sensitivities had to be more than poor photocopies or other Im respected too. When the Republic of dubious reproductions, the one of a Ireland ordered a Silver Wraith landau­ Belgian Silver Wraith cabriolet being a lette soon after leaving the British particularly bad case in point. Neverthe­ ANDREW PASTOUNA Commonwealth in 1949, a memo from less, in the author’s defence, I believe it “Rolls-Royce State Motor Cars” by the Sales Manager of Hooper’s to their is better to publish a less-than-perfect Andrew Pastouna; published in 1995 by workshop cautioned: “Very important; picture (if it is the only one available of a Osprey, London; 224 pages; over 200 our nameplates advertising Hooper particular car) rather than omit it illustrations including 19 in colour. coachwork are not to have any refer­ altogether. Approximately $90. ences to our Royal Family, or to the effect Still on photos, you will wince when that we are coachbuilders by Royal you see a Phantom V landaulette from Reviewed by Roger Thiedeman. Warrant of Appointment." Nigeria in the aftermath of a novel tech­ Inevitably, some nations and their nique employed by that country’s This is a companion volume to cars receive better exposure than others. dockers for hoisting it aboard ship. They Andrew Pastouna’s previous work, Not everyone, it seems, was entirely knocked out the windscreen, passed a Royal Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (P.2-92, responsive to the author’s requests for rope through the central division and page 2005), which examined in lavish information about the cars and their fate literally hauled it up by its roof! detail all the Company’s products used or present whereabouts. But local On a sad note, Andrew Pastouna by members of the British Royal family. enthusiasts should be pleased by the succumbed to a terminal illness not long His new book extends the theme to Rolls- extensive coverage afforded the after submitting the manuscript of Rolls- Royces chosen as official transport by Australian cars in what is the book’s Royce State Motor Cars to the publisher. rulers, heads of state and governments longest chapter. It even has extracts from Accordingly, any criticism of this pub­ in other parts of the world. the catalogue of the recent sale of the lication must, in fairness, be viewed in the It is an absorbing mix of information Australian Government Rolls-Royce context of the author’s ill-health during and illustrations covering a wide range of fleet. preparation and completion of the book. cars, from Silver Ghosts to the latest There is an attractive colour photo It is, therefore, reasonable to expect the stretched Silver Spur limousines, drawn section which includes a picture of a editorial and production team to have from some 53 countries around the Silver Wraith Hooper cabriolet on Royal exercised greater care with the finished globe. The countries — and cars — are duty in Melbourne, at the intersection of product. That they did not is even more grouped into chapters headed Europe, Swanston Street and the Bourke Street disappointing given the inclusion of at Australasia, The Americas, Asia and Mall. But the black-and-white photo­ least one respected journalist among Africa. Disappointingly, two notable graphs, which (with a few coachbuilders’ their number. absentees are Monaco and Russia. drawings) form the bujk of the illustra­ Errors go beyond the merely typo­ Pastouna does a commendable job of tions, run the gamut from good to bad to graphical (‘Hydrabad’, ‘chassi’, et al) or stripping away the mystique surrounding ugly. punctuative (page 128, for example, has these cars, many of which existed — and Many of the photographs are quite two of these in quick succession). In the continue to do so — behind tight veils of rare, and must have taken much search­ Australian section we are told that the security and secrecy. He describes, ing and twisting of arms to obtain. I liked two Silver Cloud III cabriolets (CAL37 often in typically detailed fashion, the the ‘new’ illustrations of the ex-Franco and CAL39) make an appearance every exotic coachwork and mechanical Phantom IVs, making a refreshing November at the Melbourne Cup (note features with which many Rolls-Royce change from the standard poses shown the present tense), yet a few paragraphs State cars were endowed. ad nauseam in coachwork reference later comes the revelation that “they were Paranoia and self-preservation are books. Happily, these cars remain with sold to the United States”. We are also 6-95 2671 told that these cars are “housed in out an erroneous caption in the cies and inaccuracies are sprinkled Sydney’s Birdwood car museum”, which Ceylon/Sri Lanka chapter. That mistake throughout the book, but I shall refrain might offend South Australian readers. is compounded when, on the same from boring you with the complete A rather illogical Appendix of Chassis page, the publishers manage to ascribe catalogue. It must be said, however, that Records lists cars by type but not in two different dates, two months apart, to such poor attention to detail and indif­ chronological or chassis number order, the one event. For the record, the ferent quality control are not what one nor by their order of appearance in the Queen’s first visit to Ceylon took place in expects when forking out nearly $100 for text. Even the type listings are not error- April of 1954, not June. a book. free — the two Australian Silver Cloud In several instances cars are men­ To sum up: Rolls-Royce State Motor 11 Is (again I) are listed as standard wheel­ tioned by chassis number only, leaving Cars is informative, well-researched and base cars, not with the long wheelbase readers not in the know to either guess generously illustrated. But the complete Silver Clouds where they belong. the model/type or look it up elsewhere. package lacks something in its execu­ Elsewhere in this issue I have pointed Other errors, omissions, inconsisten­ tion.

Marketplace ROLLS-ROYCE OWNERS' CLUB CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Cars For Sale Cars For Sale Cars For Sale 1921 Silver Ghost (9LG) Very complete. Full 1938 Phantom III (3AZ204) H.J. Mulliner engine overhaul plus much other chassis sports saloon. Delivered new in melbourne by work over many years. Offers around Kellow-Falkiner fitted with 7-passenger $95,000. Stan Marquis-Kyle 07-3378-2189 limousine. We will export this notable Australian car if no local buyer can be found! 1923 20 h.p. (59S7) Barker tourer. Light blue $87,500. with dark blue mudguards and black leather R.A.McDermott & Co. LMCT 4141 interior. Six 21" tyres. Rear trunk. Year's reg. 03-9804-7977 $58,000. Hugh Hodgkinson 02-498-2877 (h) 02-9922-3199 (w) 1950 Bentley Mk VI (B213JN) Moss Green 1927 Phantom I (48UF) Roger Fry ‘Ascot’ with maroon leather. $24,000 engine refit, style tourer. A well known and well loved car. 1994. $39,500. Peter Harwin 048-48-3180 $145,000. Roger Fry 09-293-1393

1925 Silver Ghost (40EU) long wheelbase 4-wheel brake chassis with 1924 Vauxhall 1929 Phantom II (98WJ) H.J. Mulliner fabric 23/60 tourer body with compound-curved saloon, Weymann design. Red and black. 1949 Bentley Mk VI (B302EY) Two-tone aluminium panels and doors in Barker style. Good rally car in sound original condition. metallic grey with new dark grey leather Fold-flat 3-position windscreen, 1925 Italian $75,000. Roger Fry 09-293-1393 upholstery. Restored 4 years ago to concours trunk with two light suitcases, removable rear standard. Much more spent than asking windscreen, new black hood, side curtains price. Have all receipts. $37,500. Ivan Shaw and tonneau, new red leather buttoned and 07-378-2939 pleated upholstery, new red carpets. A beautifully restored sports tourer. $250,000 1951 Bentley Mk VI (B82KM) runs O.K., new o.n.o. Fred Robinson, 9 Ardross St., headlining and woodwork restored. Does not Applecross, W.A. 09-364-5974 need paintwork. $18,000. Peter Kemp 02-743-8957

1953 Bentley R-type (B368TN) off-white, J grey interior. Front seat re-upholstered with leather to match original. Carefully preserved, 1935 Bentley Litre (B154FB) Park Ward maintained and mechanically restored by saloon. Dark burgundy with light tan present owner over 27 years. Performs and upholstery. Bodywork restored and handles beautifully. $45,000 o.n.o. Fred repainted. Good mechanical condition. Used Robinson, 9 Ardross St., Applecross, W.A. frequently over the past year. One owner for 09-364-5974 the past 32 years. $65,000. John Kubale 02-451-5547 1958 Silver Cloud I (SGE280) Sage Green over Smoke Green. Lovely condition 1938 Bentley 41A Litre (B141LE) Park Ward throughout. Melbourne delivery, one pre­ 1926 20 h.p. (GYK47) Park Ward saloon vious owner. Power steering. Complete tool limousine. Extremely well known Club car sports saloon. Black with brown hide. Original car with $26,000 worth of receipts for major kit, workshop manual, handbook, original in superbly original condition. See receipts from new, unused master key, PRAECLARUM 3-95 front cover and body restoration now nearly completed. Was in regular use prior to commencement of original brochures on auto, radio etc. Main­ pp.2548/49. $250,000. Terry Bruce tained by R.A. McDermott & Co. since 03-9772-2973 repairs. $35,000. R.A.McDermott & Co. LMCT 4141 purchasing in 1991. $50,000 or reasonable 03-9804-7977 offer. Jonathan White 059-88-8060 2672 PR7ECLARVM

Marketplace ROLLS-ROYCE OWNERS' CLUB CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Cars For Sale Cars For Sale Parts For Sale 1968 Silver Shadow (CRH3449) H.J.Mul- Mascot ex-Vintage Silver Ghost, excellent liner, Park Ward drophead couph. White with condition, $1,500; Smith's rim-wind clock, suit blue upholstery. 64,856 miles. $75,000 o.n.o. Silver Ghost, PI etc, very good working con­ Andrew Forrest 02-363-0456 dition, $350. Bill Rorrison 069-22-6762 (h) 069-21-7283 (w)

25/30 h.p. radiator and shell assembly com­ plete with thermostatic shutters, less mascot, in good condition. Offers please. McMillan Prestige Car Repairs 02-744-511 or FAX 02-744-5517 1955 Silver Dawn (SVJ113) Special order Arabian Brown over Mushroom with beige Short-trumpet Klaxon horn, 12v, fully restored hide. Exceptionally rare long boot/synchro- and re-nickelled. Authentic for 20 h.p or mesh gearbox example. Eleventh last Silver 1976 Silver Shadow (SRH25738) Bridal similar Rolls-Royce or Bentley. David Forward Dawn built. Very desirable, in very good white with cream upholstery. Perfectly main­ 08-339-3162 (’phone/FAX) original condition. $45,000. tained by York Motors and McMillan Prestige. R.A.McDermott & Co. LMCT 4141 New tyres, brakes, shock absorbers and air Parts for SCI/S1: cylinder head in excellent 03-9804-7977 conditioning pump. Nothing to spend. condition, $1,000; starter, complete and re­ $39,900 o.n.o. Kevin Gillings 02-488-9095 wound, $900; generator, re-wound, $500. 1962 Silver Cloud III (SCX191) Sage Green ('phone & FAX) Denis Sowden 09-335-1202 over Smoke Green with beige interior, electric windows, air conditioning. 113,809 miles. Bosch ZR6 and DU6 magnetos, swap for $65,000. Fred Engish 03-9584-9372 Watford EO6 magneto or sell, together with Silver Ghost wheel discs and split rims, and 'ar '' many other mechanical and chassis parts large and small. Jim Redman 02-663-3427 or 018-27-4123

Parts Wanted Any or all small tools to suit early post-war (Mk VI etc) tool tray. Michael Zwar 060-26-2336 1980 Bentley T2 (SBH41490) New dark blue (’phone & FAX) paint and renovated leather. Very good con­ 1964 Silver Cloud III (SGT275) Astral Blue dition. Full tool kit. One of only a handful of over Shell Grey. Air conditioning, electric T2s in Australia. Reduced to sell. $57,000. windows. Good original condition. Original Maurice Brockwell 018-92-9874 handbook and tools. 70,000 miles. $65,000. Hank Leavitt 06-292-4421 LMARR has it! Outer hub ring Dlsc ^rrr^^lnner hub plate

Hub

Spanner Air valve extension Curved air valve Spanner--:-/ Air lock assembly 1987 Bentley Turbo R (BSH21112) Dark AU you need to fit new • Rolls-Royce Oyster with beige interior. Excellent condition. wheel■ discs• to your • Bentley 1973 Silver Shadow (LRH15498) long Always R-R serviced. $169,000. Maurice Pre-WWll Classic. • Jaguar Brockwell 018-92-9874 • Hispano-Sulza wheelbase saloon with division. Silver with Write, phone or fax • Lagonda black Everflex roof and red interior. Immacu­ for full infomation. • Bugatti late condition. Complete with valuable new • Delage disk ltd spares, original tool kit and handbook. Parts For Sale LMARR , PO Box 910 Glen Ellen.CA.USA 95442-0910 Originally British High Commission car. Al­ 20 h.p. cylinder head. Excellent condition. Tel: (707) 938-9347 Fax: (707) 938-3020 ways serviced by York Motors. $55,000. Max D 1 Hood 043-67-6541 Best offer. Terry Bruce, 444 Station Street, Carrum, Vic. 3197. 03-9772-2973

INFORMATION: Classified advertisements PHOTOGRAPHS: Good quality black & COST: Ads are free to members who do not must be factual and accurate. Persons mis­ white prints reproduce best but colour prints regularly deal in sales or service of Rolls- representing cars, parts or services will be are perfectly acceptable. Please do not Royce & Bentley cars. Non-members are denied further advertising. Ads for cars for send negatives or transparencies. charged $15.00 for a non-commercial ad of sale must include chassis number and DEALERS: Parties dealing in motor cars reasonable length. Photographs may be asking price. Ads are accepted subject to must, where required by law, quote their included free of charge to members, $15.00 availability of space and may be edited or dealer's licence number and comply with all for others. Where applicable, cheques rejected at the discretion of the Editor other statutory requirements relating to their made payable to R.R.O.C. of Australia must without discussion or explanation. advertising. accompany advertising copy. Send ads to: Martin Bennett, ‘Allambi’, RMB3310, Goulburn, N.S.W. 2580. Phone/FAX: (048) 29 7140 Deadlines: 15th of January, March, May, July, September, November. 6-95 2673

Marketplace ROLLS-ROYCE OWNERS' CLUB CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Parts Wanted Literature For Sale Services Wanted for Silver Dawn: any or all small tools, An extremely rare Rolls-Royce literature Complete Interior Woodwork restoration jack and handbook (long boot automatic). collector's item: package on Specially Pro­ and refurbishing. Broken wood and veneer Jim Redman 02-663-3427 or 018-27-4123 tected ('Alpha') Phantom VI, including slip­ repaired. Exacting standards and authentic case containing technical specification and finishes. No over-restoration. Interior Wanted for P series Silver Ghost (1922): other details of this rare and elusive model, Trimming carried out to exacting standards Watford EO6 magneto and base of dist­ print of coachbuilder’s colour wash drawing, using authentic Rolls-Royce and ributor. I have a Bosch ZR6 magneto and a two line drawings (plan and elevation), coachbuilders’ materials and methods. Bosch DU6 magneto for swap or sale, photograph and drawing of armour plating, Repairs or complete replacements. together with wheel discs and split rims, and two interior photographs (one showing 2" McMillan Prestige Car Repairs many other Silver Ghost mechanical and thick glass division) and large photograph of 02-744-511 or FAX 02-744-5517 chassis parts large and small. Jim Redman PRH4732, Emperor Hirohito's 'Alpha' 02-663-3427 or 018-27-4123 Phantom VI. Also included, 48 page Hand­ book Supplement specific to PRH4732 T ravel/Accommodation Wanted for 1973 Silver Shadow: secondhand (needless to say extraordinarily rare), $300 but good condition sheepskin seat covers, the lot. Martin Bennett 048-29-7140 ('phone France. Holiday in Burgundy, 1995. front and back. Richard Cebula 02-630-7356 &FAX) Farmhouse — all found — sleeps 4-6, near historic towns and vineyards. Enquiries: B.Larwill, 'phone 058-21-2923 or FAX Literature For Sale Literature Wanted 058-31-2474 Handbook for Phantom VI, PG H102 onwards, Wanted: original pre-war handbooks and Homestay/Bed & freakfast, Dandenong mint condition, $125. Handbook Supple­ sales literature. Julian Walter 09-385-1024 Ranges, Victoria. Enjoy a restful sojourn at our ments: Silver Spur with division, $40; Silver (h) or FAX 09-383-3523 quiet, discrete residence on 11/fe acres at Spur limousine (Jankel 36‘ stretch), $60. Picturesque Ferny Creek and yet be less than Martin Bennett 048-29-7140 ('phone & FAX) one hour away from Melbourne CBD. Central Services heating and log fire. Lots of attractions and Bentley handbooks in mint condition: 1990 restaurants nearby. $45 pp per night B & B. Model Year Bentley Eight, $90; 1990 MY Mul- Silver Shadows and Bentley T Series Dinner also available by arrangement Satur­ sanne 'S', $90; Mulsanne Turbo, $85; 1986 breaking for parts. Most mechanical, body day & Sunday, $25 pp three courses with MY Turbo R (Solex carburetter model), $85. and interior parts available. coffee and mints. Club member Leg All plus postage and packing. Martin Bennett McMillan Prestige Car Repairs Myghalls. For booking or brochure, please 048-29-7140 ('phone & FAX) 02-744-511 or FAX 02-744-5517 telephone 03-755-2197

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■■■ ■ highest standard. I ■Hi] No job too big or too small. Immense stocks of new and used parts parts for all models. R.A.McDermott&Co. Sales: 649 Chapel Street, South Yarra, Vic. 3141 Tel: (03) 9804 7977 Melbourne Workshop: 420 Burnley Street, Richmond, Vic. 3121 Tel: (03) 9428 8844 FAX: (03) 9428 0190 Sydney: 8 Hunt Street, Surrey Hills, N.S.W. 2010 Tel: (02) 212 7200 2674

PRtECLAR VM------Display Advertising If your business is associated with Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars, or if you are offering that special car for sale, you could benefit from the impact of a display advertisement in PRAECLARUM, your Club’s national k magazine that goes to all members of all Branches of the Club Australia-wide, as well as to members and subscribers The Finest Covers for the World’s Best Motor Cars in a number of other countries. Advertisements may be submitted in camera-ready form From $179, one of our high-quality tailored dust-covers will protect your or typeset and laid out to your requirements on the Club’s cherished Rolls-Royce, Bentley or other classic car. computer system as a free service. Compare these highly Each cover is tailor-made by hand to its own individual pattern from your competitive and economical rates (colour extra): choice of the finest quality super-fleece material or lightweight 100% cotton, to fit all models from Silver Ghosts to Silver Spirits. In fact, the closest thing Size: Cost per issue: to a Saville Row suit for your motor car. Full Page - $410 We also tailor make lambswool over-rugs for your car’s interior and boot, Half Page - $230 for that extra look and feel of luxury and to protect your original carpets. All Quarter Page - $130 colours available. Guaranteed highest quality. To enquire or book space, please contact: Australia-wide delivery and world-wide export. Martin Bennett, Allambi’, I O N E E R RMB 3310, Goulburn, RUGS & COVERS New South Wales 2580 Telephone (042) 67 1700; FAX (042) 67 1264 Address correspondence to: P.O. Box 100, Bulli, N.S.W. 2516 ’Phone/FAX:(048)297140

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Spares stock at present: Tel. 310 473-7773 Fax. 310 479-1197 1924 engine and gearbox 1929 20/25 running pick-up truck (ex-landaulette) world s most complete stock of used 1934 Phantom II post-war (1946-1991) Rolls-Royce and 1937 Phantom III engine (2 of) Bentley spares. 1937 25/30 complete running chassis Virtually everything on hand, immedi­ 1938 Phantom III running hearse ately available, and at reasonable prices. 1950 Silver Wraith running hearse Knowledgeable assistance and personal service always. Call United Kingdom (44) 1253-73-9837 • Restorable and Turnkey rhd Rolls-Royce and or FAX (44) 1253-73-5406 Bentleys available. • ups, Air and Mall Shipments Daily. • Phone Calls or Fax Preferred. 2675

Australia’s No.1 dismantler of Rolls-Royce & Bentley cars.

Now wrecking for parts: post-war Rolls-Royce & Bentley cars from Mk VI to Silver Shadow. Fast Australia-wide despatch of parts. Very reasonable prices.

Servicing and mechanical repairs. Excellent spare parts service — all models.

Engine rebuild and cylinder head reconditioning service.

Wanted: damaged and unwanted Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars for parts.

Neil McLean Automotives Specialising in post-war Rolls-Royce & Bentley motor cars

[specialists association!

14 Beaconsfield Avenue, ’Phone: (09) 2501400 Midvale, Western Australia 6056 FAX: (09) 2501404

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Melbourne Adelaide PerthPerth SydneySydney BrisbaneBrisbane Hobart Darwin (03) 9584 7266 (08)294 9000 (09)4793555 (02)9587666 (07)8922776(07)892 2776 (002)238 333 (089)852 477 Toll Free: 1800 653 996 All States insurer Sun Alliance and Royal Insurance Australia Limited. ACN 005 297 807 Authorised Rolls-Royce & Bentley Coachwork Repairer It-WIKca

With the 1995 Restoration Programme now completed on time, as promised McMillan’s are now offering positions for their 1996 Restoration Programme. Booking in your Rolls-Royce or Bentley early is essential to secure an accurate, guaranteed time-frame.

Paintwork B Panelwork

Interior Trim Woodwork

All Insurance Work Australia-wide

WISHING ALL CLUB MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ALL

THE VERY BEST THROUGHOUT 1996

TheMeasure ofExcellence

Telephone: (02) 7445111 Facsimile: (02) 744 5517 McMillan Prestige Car Repairs Pty Ltd

UNION OFFSET CO. PTY. LTD Print Post Approved PP229219 100048 20 RIRIE STREET FYSHWICK ACT 2609 (06) 280 6733 Lodgement Office: Canberra Mail Centre, Fyshwick, 2609