Issue 164

WORLD The Register caters for all Wolseley cars (1895-1975) The journal of the Wolseley Register

July/August 2013

www.wolseleyworld.com www.wolseleyregister.co.uk Above: Chris and Amy Egan setting off to their wedding reception.

Right: with Father of the Bride Graham Ryder. His Wolseley Eight can be seen in the background.

Below: Amy’s Sage Green dictated the colour scheme and transported the bridesmaids. WOLSELEY WORLD July/August 2013 Issue 164 Contents Editor’s Column Chairman’s Corner 4 Amy Egan, Editor [6547] Welcome Aboard! 5 Letters and emails 9 hope you have found time to enjoy FBHVC Newsletter 17 your Wolseleys in the glorious Out and About 20 I weather we had this July! What a Northumberland Gathering 28 contrast to the wet and windy Morris Morris Centenary Rally 29 Centenary weekend in June, but there Wolseley Register Regalia 32 was still a strong Wolseley presence. Classified Adverts 33 Book Review: A-Z of Morris 36 I have taken the liberty of snatching Wolseley in the Military 38 the front cover spot to share this Racing Cars 41 photograph from my wedding on 6 July. My Dad (Graham Ryder) drove Contact Details me the short distance to the Church National Committee 6 in his 1946 Wolseley Eight which was Technical Advisers 7 also used at his wedding in 1977. Regional Representatives 7 Spares Contacts 8 Chris and I enjoyed a relaxing and sunny honeymoon in Dartmouth with Cover Photograph our Morris Minor, before returning Amy and Chris Egan used Graham in time to compile this magazine for Ryder’s Wolseley Eight as their you! We were touched to receive so wedding car this summer. many messages, cards and gifts from Register members – thank you.

‘Wolseley Register’ and ‘Wolseley Next on my ‘to do’ list is the latest of World’ are registered trademarks of the Register’s publications, a profile the Wolseley Register. Copyright of all on the Super Sixes written by Stuart articles, pictures and other material in McCallum. This should be launched Wolseley World is with the named author later this year. of the material or by default the Wolseley Register. No unauthorised reproduction, I hope to see many of you at the in part or in whole, is permitted without National Rally in a few weeks’ time. express permission. Permission should be sought from the Editor in the first instance. Deadline for next Issue Printed by The Lavenham Press Ltd 13 September 2013 Web: www.lpl-uk.com Tel: 01787 247436

3 Chairman’s Corner At the National Committee meeting Geoff Craggs, Chairman [476] on 29 June there was a very long discussion over proposals which had s many of you will be aware, been formulated by the Committee the health of our President subgroup of Bob Langston, Peter ADave Allen has not been good Seaword and Jenny Ryder who for some time now, causing everyone have had several meetings on the grave concern. subject of membership renewals, rates and web-related matters in Several weeks ago Dave was whisked general. Sufficient to say at this stage into King’s College Hospital for that their initial recommendations treatment on circulation problems were favourably received by your in his left foot. Attempts to improve Committee, but this is still very much matters by artery bypass surgery “work in progress” and we hope that a were not successful, resulting in full report on the suggested proposals the necessity to amputate Dave’s and recommendations will be ready left leg at the calf. Thankfully, the in time for the next Wolseley World. surgery was a great success, Dave is immeasurably better in his general In a nutshell, we are trying to bring health and the stump is healing the Register up to date with current very well. Dave has been receiving demands for online availability to our physiotherapy to enable him to go on “computer-savvy” members, whilst to the next stage of his recovery and ensuring that traditional access the fitting of a prosthetic limb at a to services continues to be readily specialist unit. available to those of us who don’t have or desire to use computers. His daughter Sarah and I have set Dave the target of being at the The season is now well underway of National Rally in August to give course, and most of us will be making out the trophies – we are confident good use of our Wolseleys in what he will be there! For those of you has been so far not a bad summer (I who were unaware of Dave’s health hope that isn’t tempting fate!). We problems and who would like to send have been to several local events, him a message, mail sent to his home and had a good long weekend in address [page 6] will be forwarded; I Northumberland with members from am sure Dave would be delighted to Scotland, the North East, North West hear from you. I have been asked by and Midlands. Now we are looking Dave and Sarah to thank all of you forward to the East Anglia Tour which who have already sent messages Chris Arnold has organised, then the of support to our President – these National Rally at Ickworth Hall in have helped him immensely at a very Suffolk. If you haven’t sent in your traumatic time. God speed his return entry for the National, you really had to the full and very active life he has better contact Graham Ryder NOW – always led and enjoyed. there is still time (just).

4 In the last “Corner” I mentioned the Next year is – for those of you who impending wedding of our Editor Amy hadn’t realised – the 50th anniversary – she will now be Mrs. Egan, but I of the Register, and the Committee is understand that part of the marriage trying to come up with some prestigious agreement was that Chris would not ways of celebrating this “milestone”, interfere with her Register activities so if any of you has a bright idea or and she would not interfere with his suggestion please let either Stuart Rugby obligations – sounds like a Nell, Graham Ryder, myself or your plan... let’s hope it works! I repeat our local Regional representative have best wishes to the young couple – may them – it will not be long before 2014 life be good to them, but if there are hits us! glitches along the way, God give them the strength to overcome them. I’ll see you at the National, if not before... another challenge!

Membership Matters Bob Langston, Interim Membership Secretary [4581]

Welcome Aboard! 6728 Neill Graham Truro, Cornwall 14/60 6729 Iain Fraser Keyworth, Nottinghamshire 1500 6730 Ian Nisbet Port Talbot, Glamorgan 16/60 6731 William Brown Abingdon, Oxon 4/44 6732 Martin Strubreiter Hennersdorf, Austria 6/90 6733 Paul Burdett Swindon, Wiltshire 12/48 6734 Ian Hewitt Northampton, Northants 14/56 6735 Terry Martin Yelverton, Devon 1500 6736 Michael Snow Santa Rosa Valley, California Hornet Special 6737 John Fletcher Worcester, Worcestershire Landaulette 6738 Clive Roberts Oswestry, Shropshire Nine 6739 Belinda Smith Great Yarmouth, Norfolk 1500 6740 Shaheed Ali Trinidad, West Indies 1500 Mk I 6741 Malcolm Dexter Newark, Nottinghamshire – 6742 Maurice Hopkins Swindon, Wiltshire 4/44 6743 Gary Davis Swindon, Wiltshire Eight 6744 Rachel Trolley Pontypridd 6/80 6745 Roland Turner Stoke Poges, Bucks 6/80

Data Protection and the publication of your information The information you have given us will be stored electronically to be used for our administration and may be published. If you do not wish any part of your details to be published, please write to the Membership Secretary [page 6].

5 Success at Newbury Carnival Kevin & Linda Redway [3283]

e were in the Newbury Carnival this year, and won the ‘Individual or Small Group’ entry with our 1957 Wolseley 1500. We had a couple of Wmagnetic signs made for the Wolseley: ‘Time has passed me by... thank goodness!’.

We had lots of comments from the crowd about our beautiful car, and now hundreds more people know what a Wolseley 1500 is!

It was a fabulous day in baking sun, and the biggest Newbury Carnival ever. The event was expected to have raised £10,000 for local charities and community groups. This photograph is from our local newspaper.

Heinz Convertible Warren Marsh [6453]

hese pictures were taken at the Bristol Motor Club’s TFamily Day at the Castle Coombe Circuit on 23 June.

This 1966 Hornet Mk II is one of the 57 Heinz c o n v e r t i b l e s , owned by Kevin Ford. The 1300 is my 1968 model.

13 Restoration of Lady Nuffield’s Wolseley Eight Clive Button [6257]

n March, the Wolseley Register presented a cheque Ifor over £4,400 to the National Trust. This was the sum raised on last Summer’s Jubilee Tour of Britain.

The Trust said that they would use part of the money to restore Lady Nuffield’s Eight, which had recently been given to them by the Oxfordshire Museum Service.

The car had lived at Nuffield Place for many years and whilst it was started occasionally, it was not in a roadworthy condition. [Above: Lady Nuffield’s car alongside Lord Nuffield’s Wolseley 25hp DHC, at Nuffield Place.]

We can now report that restoration work is underway at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon and that BMIHT are generously providing the skills of their staff free of charge, so that the National Trust will be charged only for ‘parts’. Our Spares Consultant, Bob Langston and Spares Co-ordinator, Andrew Wells, stand ready to help with any parts needed.

We hope to bring you updates as the restoration progresses.

From 1947 until he gave up driving in 1960, Lord Nuffield also drove a Wolseley Eight.

This car is on permanent display at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon [pictured above], along with a Morris Oxford F-type that was also the personal property of Lord Nuffield.

16 Out and About in the Wolseley World

NORTH WEST REGION Mike Stanley [1234] and Peter Cope [1984]

ur ‘season’ of events is now in full flow, following our established pattern of Register displays at a number of shows throughout the year Ointerspersed with a wide range of events across our region.

Our club presence at Tatton Park was well attended again, with appreciated support from members from outside the region. We enjoyed a packed weekend and created plenty of interest with our cars. We were particularly pleased to meet up with Ken Craig, a new member from the USA, who examined and photographed Roy Johnson’s 12/48 coupe [pictured], to assist with the restoration of his own 12/48 Series II saloon. Bob Langston was able to provide some spares and advice.

A new event this year has been a Transport Festival at Lymm, involving a display of cars, motor cycles and vintage cycles staged in the park, a model railway exhibition nearby in the village hall, and a large gathering of canal boats moored alongside the towpath in the village centre. A few stalwarts braved the wet start to the day, but the weather improved and we enjoyed a different day out with plenty to see, all within close proximity.

By now this spell of good weather had started, making the relatively new informal event at Lydiate very successful. We were pleased to see Vic and Thelma Waddilove’s newly restored 1500 on display [right].

Several of our members attended an event at Manchester airport on 13-14 July [pictured left].

20 A display of vehicles was arranged adjacent to the hangar containing one of the remaining Concordes. We hope the many other events listed in our region will continue to be favoured by good weather, and provide much interest and pleasure for our members.

Sun 8 Sept Uppermill Show (NW stand TBC) Run by Tame Valley Vintage and Classic Car Club. We may be meeting in a nearby carpark and entering in convoy – please call Peter Cope 07956 029939 if you are planning to attend.

21-22 Sept Footman James Manchester Classic Car Show A new event to be held at EventCity Manchester. Contact Peter Cope with any queries or to discuss having your car on display at this event.

SCOTTISH REGION Dick Peters [3566]

any Scottish members joined in the ‘Northumberland Gathering’ in MMay – see the report on page 28 of this magazine.

For the third successive year, several members travelled to North Berwick for what has been dubbed “The Jolly Boys’ Outing” [pictured]. The weather was very kind to us, and a terrific time was had by all. The Chairman received a very nice “thank you” note from the Centre Co-ordinator, stating that the “Golden Oldies” can’t wait for next year!

LOCAL MEETINGS: Classic car enthusiasts meet at Kaldi’s Restaurant, Baillieston, on the third Thursday the month from 7.30pm. For details, contact Joe Kelly on 01236 874327 or email [email protected].

21 Sun 11 August Biggar Rally, Lanarkshire

Sun 25 August Kirkcudbright Classic Rally Kirkcudbright is a most attractive Dumfries and Galloway town, in the Stewartry, at the mouth of the River Dee, and a warm welcome is assured. Furthermore, enthusiasts will be given the opportunity to see “new” classics which may not always be in attendance at Rallies further north in Scotland.

EAST ANGLIA REGION Chris Arnold [6441]

n 13 August, many of us will be making our way from Reepham to Ufford Park as part of “The World Tour of East Anglia” so have decided Oit would be wise to cancel August’s “Noggin and Natter”. As the Coach and Horses have decided to close at 9.30pm we also decided to move venue from September to the Oliver Twist pub in Guyhirn (PE13 4EA) with the start time of 8.00pm as before. For details please contact Chris Arnold [page 7].

The East Anglian region is hosting this year’s National Rally at Ickworth on 16-17 August. We hope the sun will be shining and that you will be able to join us for the road run on the Saturday and the main rally event on the Sunday.

7-8 Sept Beaulieu Autojumble A local member has suggested driving down to Beaulieu on the Saturday morning, spending the afternoon at the Autojumble, spending Saturday night at a local hotel and visiting the event again on Sunday before heading home. A two-day ticket is £23.50 (if pre-booked) and includes entry to the museum and other attractions. Contact Chris Arnold [page 7] if you are interested so we can arrange car sharing.

SOUTH AND WEST WALES REGION Mansel Lovering [6277]

he Swansea Festival of Transport celebrated 20 years of success and Tgrowth over the weekend of 15-16 June. Present on the “Under Milk Wood” road run from Bracelet Bay in Swansea to Laugharne in Carmarthenshire, a distance of some 48 miles, were several Wolseleys including this nicely restored 6/80, a 1500 and a 1300 Mk II. They were greatly outnumbered by over 250 other vehicles of various shapes and sizes. All shone despite the Welsh drizzle!

22 On the same Sunday, Swansea city centre was flooded with vehicles from bikes to buses. Among the hundreds of cars were a Wolseley 16/60 and a 1300. Sadly Wolseleys are not to be found in any large numbers in South and West Wales, and although we have lost a few members who have sold their cars, we welcome three new members recently joining our ranks, who we hope to meet up with at future shows.

The well-loved Cothi Bridge Show took place on 30 June. It is a delightful setting and has so much to see that it needs two days to get around! At the show were seen at least two Wolseleys, a Six and a 1300. No prizes for those who guess whose 1300 it is! The weather was at last dry and a good time was had by all. I wish more Wolseleys were there, with their owners!

I apologize if any one of you was misled by last month’s report on the Police 6/80 of 1951. It is at the Swansea Industrial Museum, open on Wednesdays only, until 4.00pm, and not for sale. I did use an exclamation mark, didn’t I? Happy motoring while the sun shines.

10 August Pontypridd Vintage Transport Day 11 August Skewen Vintage & Classic Show, Gnoll Park, Neath 24 August Llandrindod Historic Vehicle Show, Powys Contact Ken Richards 01597 825073 or email [email protected] 24-26 Aug Llanelli Festival of Transport, Festival Fields Contact Christine Mannings 01550 721482 for vehicle entries. 1 Sept Pembrokeshire County Run Visit www.pembrokeshirecountyrun.co.uk or call Jeff & Sian on 01646 697226 15 Sept Dinewfr Park Vintage and Classic Vehicle Show 15 Sept Tredegar House Show Contact Roger or Imelda Wood 01639 891262 for entry form

SOUTH EAST REGION Alan Simmonds [571]

9 JUNE: BROMLEY PAGEANT – JIM BEAUMONT [452]

he day dawned cold, cloudy and windy as I got my 25hp rolling out of the garage for the Bromley Pageant. An hour and a half later I was round Tthe M25 and up through Purley and Hayes where I joined the queue into Norman Park. Andy Bradley was already there with his two-tone blue 1500 and soon Derek Hollington arrived in his black one [line-up pictured on next page].

Despite the weather, several visitors showed much interest in our cars. There is always plenty to see at Bromley, with many club stands as well as a general parking area.

23 13-14 JULY: ARDINGLY VINTAGE & CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW We showed a line-up of our cars on both blisteringly hot days. Have we ever been able to make such a weather report in the past for two consecutive show days?! Our display consisted of a 25hp Super Six saloon, Stuart’s new 12/48, a 15/50, and a 6/80. An interesting mix of models on show in a good central position which brought a lot of passing interest [some cars pictured below].

The Sunday was only tarnished by the long line of traffic leaving the showground, totalling 18 sweltering miles and 2 hours before we managed to peel off into the Beehive pub, south of Reigate to recover with some ice cold lager. Apparently there had been ‘an incident’ on the motorway, which brought the whole surrounding area to a standstill.

Sun 29 Sept South East Rally. Clandon Park (GU4 7RQ) We have been made welcome at this National Trust property on previous visits. The house, military museum, gardens and restaurant will all be open, or you may picnic in the grounds. No dogs please. Our cars can line up in front of the mansion, so do not go to the car park. This is our last club event before Christmas – please put this in your diary now and support your Region. It would be greatly appreciated if you will let Alan know if you are coming.

24 REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS are held at two venues from 8.00pm: • The Woolpack, Banstead (second Mondays). Contact Alan Simmonds on 020 8394 0700 or email [email protected]. • The Halfway House, Aterial Road (junction A127 and A128), West Horndon, Brentwood (third Wednesdays). Contact John Hollington on 0170 855 8661.

NORTH EAST REGION Chris Cowell [5687]

he York group meeting in June saw five Wolseleys join our friends from Tthe York Historic Vehicle Group at an evening gathering at Rufforth Gliding Club. It was a good night with a brilliant turnout from motor scooters to buses. It was good to see that this tidy little Nine that was for sale last year has a new owner from York.

On 9 June a number of Wolseleys were noted on the annual Hull to Bridlington East Coast Run. After a week of glorious weather, Sunday 21 July was rather overcast en route to Newby Hall. We were delighted to have 11 Wolseleys on our stand [pictured below] and a similar number again elsewhere on the field. The whole event seemed bigger than ever. H. Crowther won the Veteran Class with his 1904 6hp.

30 JUNE: SLEDMERE RALLY – JOHN BENNETT [6553] This annual event in York is organised by the recently re- branded North of England Classic & Pre-War Automobiles (NECPWA). One attractive feature of this very large gathering is that cars are

25 grouped together by their marque, with 12 Wolseleys making an impressive display.

Unlike 2012, the weather was dry and the ground conditions firm, allowing the hundreds of vehicles to spread out and fully utilise the spacious grounds of this fine country house. The photograph on the previous page shows a lovely 1925 Wolseley 11-22, which came third in its class at the rally. The Wolseley 16/60 is mine – one of the last of its model, being made in January 1971.

LOCAL MEETINGS: • YORK GROUP: Third Tuesdays from 7.45pm at The Crown Inn, Bolton Percy – next meeting on 15 October for our Regional AGM. Please come along and volunteer or add your comment to what and how we do things and help us to plan for 2014, and the 50 years of the Wolseley Register milestone. Save the date of 3 December for our Christmas dinner – details to follow. • LINCOLN GROUP: The group have agreed to meet on the second Monday of every month over the summer from 8.00pm at The Woodcocks, Burton Water, near Lincoln.

Sun 11 Aug Petwood House Concours Join up with members of the Wolseley Hornet Special Club at this event at the Petwood House Hotel in Woodhall Spa and visit the ‘Dambusters’ museum. Details from Stuart Nell [page 6] or Jayne Fisher 01777 818985.

Mon 26 August Burniston Show, near Scarborough Allan Marflitt 01723 363253 or email [email protected].

Sun 6 October Jubilee Rally, East Kirby Airfield By invitation of the MG Car Club (Lincolnshire Centre) to attend a Navigational Scatter Rally. For details contact Stuart Nell [page 6].

MIDLANDS REGION Graham Ryder [4746]

idlands members have attended a variety of events over the summer months including Ragley Hall Classic Car & Transport Show; MLullington Village Show; a fundraising day at Mary Stevens Hospice, Stourbridge; Stourport Steam Rally and a classic car event at Dudley Zoo. Some of these are under consideration to be added to the Midlands programme of events in 2014.

At the start of the summer heatwave, nine Wolseleys from across the Region gathered at Beacon Park in Lichfield for the 16th annual ‘Cars in the Park’ show on 6 July. The event attracted around 1,000 entries and was organised

26 in conjunction with the Rotary Club in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance. Other non-exhibiting members were welcomed to the Register display.

On the recommendation of local members, a number of Wolseleys represented the Register at ‘Rally in the Valley’ near Bridgnorth on 20-21 July [pictured above].

The following events are still to come – please quote ‘Wolseley Register’ if booking direct to ensure you are matched to our club stand.

1 Sept Dudley Classic Car Show, Himley Hall (DY3 4DF) Apply via Transtar Promotions (call 01922 643385 or email transtar@talk21. com), stating Wolseley Register to be included on the Club stand.

13-15 Sept Stoke Prior Steam Rally, Worcestershire (B60 4FL) Free entry. Forms from www.shakespearesrally.com or call 01527 575003.

22 Sept Solihull Fun in the Park Classic Car Show Raising funds for three local charities. Cars to be displayed from 10am for the full day. Email [email protected] or call 07831 510542 for details.

19-20 Oct Bonded Warehouse Open Day, Stourbridge (DY8 4LU)

Sun 27 Oct Stoneleigh Restoration Show, Warwickshire Please contact Graham Ryder if you are interested in displaying a work in progress or require tickets for the event.

LOCAL MEETINGS: • Second Thursdays at Parson & Clerk (Toby Carvery), Chester Road North, Sutton Coldfield B73 6SP. 7.45pm for 8.00pm start – contact Graham [page 7]. October meeting will be our AGM at the same venue, but please advise if you plan to attend to enable a private room to be booked. • Third Thursdays at The Bowling Green, Stoke Road, Stoke Prior, Worcs (off A38 between Bromsgrove/Droitwich) from 8.00pm. • Third Thursdays at Stoke Prior Social and Country Club, Westonhall Road, Stoke Prior, B60 4LA from 7.30pm – all classic car enthusiasts welcomed.

27 Northumberland Gathering: 16-18 May 2013 Clive Button [6257]

number of members from the North East, North West and Scottish regions took part in this annual gathering, incorporating the North A East Club for Pre-War Austins (NECPWA) Rally. Ten ‘crews’ stayed at Linden Hall Hotel near Morpeth, a venue selected by Geoff and Betty Craggs. The stylish hotel provided a suitable backdrop for photographing Wolseleys. A few others stayed in nearby accommodation.

On the Saturday we were free to sample the various delights of Northumberland. Some set off for the National Trust’s Cragside, others for the coast or the charming Alnwick. The weather was not kind to us, making the hotel’s pool and sauna very attractive on our return, followed by dinner at the hotel.

On Sunday we joined the NECPWA Rally at Wallington Hall, Cambo. The sun shone and there was an eclectic gathering of around 100 cars, including our 12 Wolseleys. The delightful venue was another National Trust property.

Some returned to the hotel for Sunday evening but we set off for Cheshire, travelling along the route of Hadrian’s Wall before joining the M6. With its dramatic scenery and big skies, Northumberland is one of my favourite counties. It is still possible to travel for miles without seeing another car.

Thanks go to Geoff Craggs for organising the weekend, and to all our friends who took part. A delightful hotel, good food and good company – it would have been difficult to ask for more!

28 Members from the North East, North West and Scottish groups put on a spectacular display at Wallington Hall.

Morris Centenary International Event 16-17 June 2013 Jenny Ryder [4747]

he Wolseley Register was one of a number classic car clubs Tinvited to join in the Morris Centenary celebrations at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. William Morris had saved the Wolseley marque by purchasing the company in 1927 and all vehicles with a Morris connection were welcomed to share the occasion.

The Morris Minor Owners Club (MMOC) hosted the two-day event which incorporated their National Rally. Many other Morris vehicle clubs from all over the world were represented, with a large contingent from Holland and visitors from USA, Scandinavia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Approximately 2,000 cars attended over the weekend, with some other car clubs holding their own National Rallies at the venue.

29 A selection of Wolseleys was Classic Motor Show displayed on the Register stand announces Lancaster by members from several different Insurance as new Regions. The exhibitors enjoyed the headline sponsor local accommodation or used the Taken from FBHVC Newsletter camping facilities on site. Other No 3, 2013 Register members were exhibiting on neighbouring stands including the o mark its 30th anniver- Landcrab Owners, Cambridge-Oxford sary, the Classic Motor Owners and the Wolseley 6/80 & TShow has signed a multi- Morris Oxford Clubs. [See back cover year deal with a brand new head- for more pictures.] line sponsor. Held at Birming- ham’s NEC on 15-17 November, Over the weekend, the Register the event, which is seen as the stand included a New Fourteen, a season finale, will now be named 25hp Saloon, an Eight, a 15/50 and the Lancaster Insurance Classic examples of the 1500 and Farina Motor Show. bodied models [see pictures on back page]. Other visitors to the event and The show has some very exciting non-exhibiting Register Members from initiatives for 2013, many of across the UK and as far away as New which will be rolling out over Zealand were also welcomed. Charlie the coming weeks including the East, scooped a bottle of champagne announcement of this year’s in the Footman James prize draw show theme and more on the 30th [pictured on previous page]. Regalia anniversary celebrations. sales were brisk despite the weather, and two new members were signed up. Spanning 11 halls, visitors can enjoy an estimated 1,500 cars Stalls and entertainment were on and 350 motorcycles on display, offer in and around the marquees, ranging from the rare and exciting while other events took place in the to pre-war and retro classics, the Arena. The mixed weather thankfully sublime to the ridiculous, and allowed a magnificent overhead many more. display of Tiger Moth bi-planes on the final afternoon – the majority had been Ticket prices start from £18.50 built within the Morris factories. when purchased in advance, with two and three day passes The weekend was hailed a success also available. Visit www. and provided an ideal opportunity for necclassicmotorshow.com. members of various classic car clubs with a Morris connection to meet and The FBHVC will have a very share in the Centenary celebrations. special stand at the show this year Thanks to all who displayed their to mark their 25th anniversary. vehicles or visited the Register stand.

30 Racing Cars Norman Painting [5660]

his 30hp racing car from 1902 This obviously helped prevent the was photographed by the row car from overturning, but the ground Tof railwaymens’ cottages at clearance was reduced substantially. Adderley Park. The picture was taken in the Adderley Park West Works, close to the Pictured below is a 45hp racing car weighbridge at the main gateway in built for the 1902 Paris – Vienna race, Arden Road. but which arrived in Paris too late to be scrutinised by the race officials and took no part in the event. Only one of this type was ever built and it was unusual on two counts; the first being that the horizontal had only three cylinders with a of 6ins diameter and of 6ins, giving it a capacity of 8.34 litres and the chassis frame itself was inverted to lower the centre of gravity.

The final racing cars to be made with horizontal were 96hp models like this [above] with Mr C.S. Rolls standing beside it on the East Works car test track and with Saltley Training College in the background.

41 The four cylinder horizontal engine was in-line, unlike earlier four cylinder models which had been horizontally opposed. To squeeze the engine in between the chassis frame side members, they were swept outwards rear of the front wheels.

A vertical, almost circular radiator was fitted and with an extension panel fitted between the top of the radiator and the cross-bar between the front chassis dumb-irons, it is not surprising that these cars were The trade plates were probably nicknamed Wolseley ‘Beetles’. An necessary to drive the car on the public artist’s impression of a Beetle is shown roads to get it from the West Works to the right. to East Works. Although the car is stationary, the driver and mechanic Below: a 96hp car undergoing testing are braced forwards to negotiate the around the East Works car test track. bend!