www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com AUTUMN 2017 JUST CALL ME THE RALLYING CALL NEWS OF GLOBAL ADVENTURES FOR ‘MR LOCK-UP’ HISTORIC CAR DRIVERS THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY BEHIND STUDIO 434

POSTCARD FROM

ANTHE INSIGHT INTO THE LONDONSEASIDE TO BRIGHTON VETERAN CAR RUN Dealer Spotlight 3 Postcard From The Seaside 4-6 Ecstasy Personified 7 Missing Moniker 8 Classic Character 9 The Rallying Call 10-12 Classic Motorsport Above: What might have been - this fine looking two-seater is one of just four Twin-Cam 13 MKII HRGs made before the company ceased all car production in 1956. It fetched £186,300 at Bonhams’ 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed auction (Photo - Bonhams) Just Call Me ‘Mr Lock-Up’ 14-17 Bulletins From BMH 18-19

Having been reared in Brighton, some Champion, Mike Hawthorn, who sadly Motoring Classics reproduction of my earliest automotive memories died in a bizarre road accident just in whole or any part of any text, photograph or illustration without are of the Veteran Car Run, and as a three months after his victory, and was written permission of the publisher petrol-fuelled youngster I was enthralled therefore robbed of the spoils of his is strictly prohibited. The publish- by the vehicles but a tad sorry for their success. er makes every effort to ensure occupants, who were often so cold their Elsewhere we bring you up-to-date the magazine’s contents are correct facial extremities seemed in danger of 2 with BMH’s extensive involvement in but can accept no responsibility parting company. In this issue we explore classic racing; detail an exciting new for any effects from errors the history behind this uniquely British or omissions. annual pilgrimage, and why it takes V8 conversion for the MGB roadster, place on the first Sunday in November complete with five-speed gearbox; and NB Motoring Classics is the printed rather than at a meteorologically more introduce you to BMH dealer Datch.fr, and online publication of British Motor a major Paris-based supplier of spare Heritage and its retail trading arm. favourable time of year. Another familiar aspect of Britain’s proud motoring parts for the classic , Triumphs, Publisher: heritage is the Spirit of Ecstasy, the Jaguars and Austin-Healeys. Last but Limited, graceful figurine that has adorned the not least we provide a little insight into Range Road, Cotswold Business prow of every Rolls-Royce since 1920. the increasingly popular pastime of long Park, Witney OX29 OYB, UK However, you may not be fully aware of distance classic rallying, by detailing Tel: +44 (0)1993 707200 the romantic story that inspired it. Have some of the upcoming events and who Email: [email protected] a read – it’s quite a tale! On a completely runs them. There may be better ways for different tack, did you know there was enthusiast drivers to explore the world, Editorial: a magnificent private collection of 325 but we can’t think of any offhand. Gordon Bruce Associates cars in Potters Bar? Well neither did Email: [email protected] Happy reading! Web: www.gordonbruce.com we, but are very glad we tumbled upon this extraordinary story and the equally Design and production: fascinating man behind it – see pages Flipside Group 14 to 17 for the low-down on Studio 434. www.flipsidegroup.com Our Missing Moniker on this occasion concerns HRG, a conventional ‘30s Gordon Bruce British that failed to sell in Editor any volume, but proved to be a worthy Follow us on: weapon for a whole host of motorsport @MotoringClassic disciplines, while this issue’s Classic Character is Britain’s first World Drivers’ Motoring Classics

Silly thought of the moment I wonder how many owners of plug-in HEVs and BEVs have inadvertently attempted to drive away while still COVER PHOTO: ONE OF MANY REGULAR LONDON TO BRIGHTON RUN (CAR ET LEVASSOR IS THIS SPLENDID 1902 PANHARD PARTICIPANTS IMAGE - GORDON BRUCE) attached to the mains? (Cartoon - courtesy of CartoonStock.com) www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com DATCH.FR

Datch.fr is based in the suburbs now set about doing the same for day! Datch believes it is also the only 3 of North-West Paris and draws Triumph, Austin-Healey and Jaguar. company in the world still able to supply its name from the partner who Intelligent back-office tools were used right to lefthand drive conversion kits decided to found it back in 2006, to eradicate duplicate identities, and for the Mini. Obviously most of its Nicolas Datchary. The son of an every part down to the smallest screw business is done in France but, in true English petrolhead mother (she was catalogued. The stock levels are ‘coals to Newcastle’ tradition it has once owned the only XK140 in live on the website, so customers customers here in the UK, as well as Mexico), he grew up in the culture know from the outset if what they want across Europe and even such far flung of ‘60s British cars and recalls is available. 80 percent of the orders places as Chile, Brazil and Canada – being captivated by the sight of placed leave the premises the same day. 20 percent of the stock is exported. a Mini Countryman while on a trip to England, aged four. By his Now, 11 years after its foundation, In summary Nicolas describes Datch early 20s he’d created a small Datch.fr boasts the availability of as a high-tech business selling low collection of cars and restored c.35,000 catalogued items, 12,000- tech-items, and says this echoes his an Innocenti 1300, but following 14,000 of which are in stock at any personal approach to living, which business school briefly spurned one time. In addition, the company has balances driving to work in a futuristic the automotive world until a Mini around 22,000 new old stock spares, Tesla with a more ‘60s-like lifestyle. once again turned his head. When so if you’ve been scouring the globe Whatever he’s doing certainly appears he found he couldn’t get the parts for an Allegro rear light, it’s your lucky to be working. More at www.datch.fr. he needed for it in France he decided to establish that country’s first online Mini parts catalogue, and persuaded his friend Alexis Bouvard to join him in the venture.

They had no knowledge of the potential, but growth was rapid and, as Nicolas puts it, ‘we’ve been running after the monster ever since’. In 2008 they moved to Paris’s so-called ‘golden triangle’ that’s heavily populated with car makers and accessory companies. Having established a base of 8,000 online parts for the Mini, the company

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com VETERAN CAR RUN

Postcardfrom the An insight into the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

and what sparked its inception Seaside 121 years ago

Venture southwards on the A23 between London and Brighton this coming November 5 and you’re likely to find yourself surrounded by a horde of hissing, popping spindly old self-propelled vehicles, many of which will resemble carriages from which the horses have apparently only just escaped. That’s because you’ll have stumbled on the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run that takes place on the first Sunday of every November, 4 and is exclusive to what the French christened ‘automobiles’ (short for véhicules automobile) built no later than December 31, 1904.

Alongside: a regular London to Brighton participant throughout his lifetime, the late Edward Douglas- Scott-Montagu is seen here in 1971 aboard a 1903 De Dietrich with Jackie Stewart as passenger (Photo - MPL, National Motor Museum). Top left: the Emancipation Run of 1896 in progress (Photo - MPL, National Motor Museum). Top right: Charles Rolls dutifully obeying the Red Flag act (Photo - MPL, National Motor Museum). Bottom right: General shots of recent London to Brighton Runs

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com event (lastyear’s finaltotalwas418, had already beenentered forthisyear’s Run’s officialwebsiteshowed368cars At thetimeofwriting,Veteran Car Speed Trials. enjoyable butradicallydifferent Brighton automotive happenings,theequally another oftheworld’s longest-standing that everySeptemberplay’s hostto – thesamestretch ofhallowedtarmac terminate onBrighton’s MadeiraDrive broadly progress downtheA23to this year’s inHydeParkand willstart common with every event since 1936, remained unchangedtothisday. And,in slightly withtime,thebasicformathas finishpointsand start, route havevaried on Brightonseafront and,whilethe Hotel inLondontotheMetropole Hotel inaugural runwentfrom theMetropole oldest motoringphenomenon.The respectively), making ittheworld’s 1947 owingtoWWIIandpetrol rationing (with theexceptionof1939-1945and until 1927,hasoccurred everyyearsince 1896 and,thoughnotrepeated again The event was first held as long ago as the relevant LocomotiveAct(akaRed country and2mphincities.Moreover, UK were legally limited to just 4mph in the imagine that,priorto1896,carsinthe of more than270mph,itishard to over 1200bhp,andtherefore topspeeds aircraft combined with engines of well equivalent aerodynamics offighter today’sWith hypercars featuringthe WHY WAS THERUN INAUGURATED? valuable andamusinginsight. day) anda1905Spyker–willprovide a that regularly competesontheruntothis the movie,Genevieve(a1904Darracq More –nottomentionthereal starsof John Gregson, KayKendallandKenneth film GenevievefeaturingDinahSheridan, 1953 time, aviewingofthewonderful required 54mileswithintheallotted such venerablemachinestotravelthe quite imaginethedramaofpersuading Renault Phaeton.Forthosewhocan’t the youngestaprivately-entered 30hp the Dutch-basedLouwmanMuseum,and is a3.75hp1895Peugeotbelongingto occurred in1960),theoldestofwhich while thehighestnumbertodate,680, Emancipation Run’,ittookplaceon from LondontoBrighton.Dubbed‘The that organised thecelebratorydrive abolished, it was Lawsonand the club in 1895and,whentheactwasfinally Simms hefoundedtheMotorCarClub fellow motorindustrypioneerFrederick Daimler MotorCompany. Together with Red FlagActwasHarryJLawsonofthe lobbied thegovernmenttoscrap Among thosewho’dmostpersistently lagged waybehindthatofFrance. by thedraconianlegislationandtherefore development wasbeingseverely impeded also theBritishcarindustry, whose for jubilation among the car fraternity; to aheady14mphin1896)wascause in 1878andtheallowablespeedraised of thisact(theflagwasdispensedwith without saying that the two-stage repeal breathing self-propelled vehicle.Itgoes were abouttoencounteranoisy, fire- horse ridersandhorse-drawntrafficthey brandishing ared flaginorder towarn of whomhadtomarch 60yards ahead to beaccompaniedbythree people,one Flag Act)of1865required eachvehicle www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Continued overleaf>

5 6 www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com took averyrespectable 3hoursand44 own manufacture – a3hptricyclethat Frenchman LéonBolléeinacarofhis legitimately complete the course was we do know is that the first driver to by placingtheircarsonthetrain! What two contestants achieved the journey more dastardly rumoursuggests oneor in timefortherelated banquet;whilea or soallegedlyputtered intoBrighton nine the allottedtime,whileafurther line. Some13ofthosefinishedwithin only c.37ultimatelymadeittothestart 58 carswere initiallyentered, ofwhich to source), butitseemsapproximately equally sketchy(andvaryfrom source Other detailsforthisinauguralrunare has beenestimatedashigh10,000. army ofcyclists–thenumberwhich bya veritable said tohavebeenescorted and the contestantsareWinchilsea then symbolic destructionofared flagbyLord after all! Proceedings began witha are talkingaboutEnglandinNovember enactments haveinevitablybeen;wellwe day, asmanyofthesubsequentre- Saturday November14,1896-awet Above: general shotsofrecent ofanarrayBBCstars LondontoBrightonRuns, includingthesymbolictearingofRedFlagin2015,courtesy warmest garbfails toprevent driversand the weatherisso inclementthateventhe moustaches addtothefun.Some years such accoutrements asfalsebeards and some form of Edwardian costume, and optfor taste, butsomeparticipants finisher’s medal.Clothingistopersonal in excessof20mph,are awarded a within theallottedtime,butnotaveraging ruling). Onlythosecompletingthecourse allowed inunderaso-called‘grandfather’ slightly youngerthanthought,andnow subsequentlyfound tobe participants aforementioned Renault,are previous 1905 (thefewexceptions,suchasthe four wheelsandhavebeenbuiltbefore Club. Thecarshavetothree or firmly policedbytheRoyalAutomobile Today’s regulations are clear cutand French carsoftheday. all attendantBritsthesuperiorityof brother, Camille;firmlyrubbinghometo was alsoaLéonBollée,pilotedbyLéon’s second carhome,just15minuteslater, course; anaverageof13.91mph.The minutes and35secondstocompletethe Rule No.1-wrapupwarm! 4.30pm. There isarest halt atCrawley. the finishonMadeiraDrivewill closeat car willleaveHydeParkat7.02amand on byHiscox,checkthe routesupported London to Brighton Veteran CarRun thisyear’sIf youwishtosupport Bonhams pundit EddieJordan. byF1constructor turned year performed of thered adutylast flagatthestart, Kent. There is still a symbolic tearing Grace ofMonacoandPrinceMichael Jodie Kidd,SirSteve Redgrave, Moss, Nigel Mansell, George Formby, eg SirMalcolmCampbell,Stirling starsandroyaltycelebrities, sports etc: a memorableselectionofracingdrivers, Over the years, the event has attracted passengers from turningbluewithcold. www.veterancarrun.com. Thefirst

VETERAN CAR RUN ECSTASY PERSONIFIED The love story behind Rolls-Royce’s famous mascot

Above: the rare kneeling version of the Spirit of Ecstasy. Above right: the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy was celebrated by a cavalcade through the streets of London comprising 100 Rolls-Royces. Below: the sculptor’s muse - Eleanor Thornton (Photo - MPL, National Motor Museum) 7 Now all but banned for safety reasons, inappropriate mascots to their cars, when the SS Persia aboard which they bonnet mascots were de rigueur for Rolls-Royce decided to commission its were travelling was torpedoed by a wealthy car owners of the early 1900s, own figurine. Again Sykes was the chosen U-boat. Montagu survived, but Thornton and pioneer motorist John Douglas- sculptor and again the model was Miss was one of hundreds of passengers to Scott-Montagu was typical of the Thornton, and so the Spirit of Ecstasy, drown. By then Montagu’s wife was aware breed. Deciding his 1910 Rolls-Royce complete with distinctive outstretched of his infidelity, while the illegitimate Silver Ghost needed further adornment arms and billowing robes in the form daughter he and Thornton produced had than just the maker’s badge alone, he of wings, was born. Although initially an been adopted. As you can see, there is commissioned his sculptor friend Charles optional extra, it was fitted to almost a lot more to the Spirit of Ecstasy than Sykes to design a figurine, the model all Rolls-Royces from 1911 and every meets the eye! for which was Montagu’s long-standing example from the early 1920s onwards. assistant, Eleanor Thornton. However, Though there have been 11 variations in she was also his mistress, a secret closely size over the years, the only alternative guarded because of Thornton’s relatively design created was the ‘kneeling’ version lowly social and economic status and originated to give drivers of sports the fact that Montagu was married. The saloons a clearer view of the road ahead. mascot, dubbed The Whisper, featured a This was only employed between 1934 forefinger pressed against the statue’s and 1955 and is therefore much rarer lips - evidently symbolising the secret than the regular format. Since 2003, the of the couple’s affair. Only three or four mascot has stood just three inches tall castings are believed to have been made, and, for safety’s sake, is sprung-loaded one of which is these days displayed at and automatically retracts if struck from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu; any direction. It can also be electronically the renowned collection founded and still raised and lowered from inside the car. run by the Montagu family. So what of the sculptor’s muse? Thornton Impressed by the Whisper and concerned was accompanying Montagu through the that some owners were fitting increasingly Mediterranean en route to India in 1915,

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com 10 8 HRG achieved in spades and HRGs(owners andpreciseperformance handlingwere geometry. Thefundamentalaimsofbrisk steering weight andnotablyeffective a lowcentre ofgravity, minimalunsprung overriding prioritythroughout, resulting in the frame.Functionnotformwas by atorquey enginesetwellbackin eminently practical alloy body, all powered ladder chassisclothedinasimplebut outgoing vintageera–iealightbutsturdy embodied thebestdesignfeatures ofthe heavily onGodfrey’s past,theprototype G intheGNcyclecarconcern.Leaning Robins; andRonGodfrey, formerlythe Company; Trojan production engineerGuy Halford, a director of the Vale Motor of thecompany’s three founders–Ted The letters HRG reflected the surnames home againafterwards. and,Godwilling,motor motorsport to drivetheirchosenbranchof and squarely atenthusiastswanting just suchamarque, andaimedfairly numerous nichesinstead.HRGwas market, preferring oneof toserve of whomshunnedthemainstream of carbuildersovertime,many Britain hasspawnedallmanner MISSING MONIKER and sixuniquebuilds,amountedto241, Total production, including four Twin-Cams voluntarily closeditsdoorsforgood. and aviationindustries,but10yearslater it hadlongsinceprovided tothemotor solely onthegeneralengineeringservice At thisjuncture thecompanyfocused car production wasdeemedunviable. subsequent takeoverbyRootes,further scuppered bySinger’s failingfinancesand advanced twin-cam-enginedMKIIHRGwas and whenproduction ofatechnically- achieved thehoped-forlevelofsales, body. However, noneofthesevariants in amore contemporary, aerodynamic shaped cars,45exampleswere clothed 1956 and,inadditiontothestandard- Chessington worksranfrom 1936to Singer-based engines.Production atthe HRG-improvedmodels sported OHC wheelbase1100 and slightlyshorter Nash andLeaFrancis,butthelater1500 as proven invariousmarksofFrazer ubiquitous Meadows4ED1½-litre unit, The car’s initialpowerplantwasthe drivers. quickly foundfavouramongcompetition referaffectionately tothemas‘Hurgs’) Learn mor Hour events,andRACAlpinerallies. class winsintheLeMansandSpa24 rallies andclubraces;nottomention myriad ofsuccessesinhillclimbs,trials, other privateowner/driversaliketoa funded Écurie du Lapin Blanc team and but it certainly motoredbut itcertainly theindependently not havecaptivatedthegeneralmarket, today. TheHRG’s rudimentarydesignmay an astonishing225orsoofwhichsurvive 1½ Litre HRG(Photo-PeterMcFadyen) VSCC eventswiththis1937Meadows-engined Below: the winningteamin1948Spa24Hourrace. Neville Gee finished 2ndin class andwere of part Denny withtheAerodynamic inwhichScottand Above: Andrew Mitchellenjoysgreat successin e atwww.hrgcars.com. Jack Scott (seated) and mechanic Jack Jack Scott(seated)andmechanic

John Michael (Mike) Hawthorn (1929-1959)

Britain has spawned 10 F1 World Champions – seven more than any other country. This plethora of home-grown talent perhaps explains why our first victor is now arguably the least well-remembered.

Mike Hawthorn was born in Yorkshire, but only to Gonzalez’s Ferrari in the F1 race. Le Mans tragedy that claimed the lives of 83 was moved south while still a toddler so Buoyed by such outstanding performances, spectators. his motorsport-mad father could be nearer Hawthorn contested the season’s remaining By 1958 he was back on top form with the Brooklands racetrack. Though good at F1 races, finishing an astounding joint 4th Ferrari and pipped Stirling Moss by a sport, Mike’s days in the classroom were in the World Championship and landing a

single point to become Britain’s first ever 9 less distinguished, as his ambitions from Works Ferrari drive for 1953. World Champion. Immediately retiring from an early age were to race cars and run the His height, mop of blond hair, and trademark the sport he was set to marry his fashion Tourist Trophy Garage business his dad had flat cap and bow tie endowed him with an model fiancée and devote more time to the created in Farnham, Surrey. unmistakable presence in the paddock, Tourist Trophy garage, but within weeks had Inspired by his boy’s enthusiasm for where his obvious talent was widely died in a Jaguar on the Guildford by-pass. motorsport, Leslie Hawthorn equipped him appreciated. However, a playboy approach It transpired he’d have only lived another with an ex-works Riley Ulster Imp, with which to life left him prey to criticism, and he was few years anyway due to ongoing kidney he achieved seven wins in 11 outings. At 6ft incorrectly accused of evading National problems; also that he’d sired a secret son 2in, he was overly lanky for the diminutive Service – he was in fact rejected owing to while celebrating his win in the 1953 French 500cc F3 cars of the time, so for 1952 a chronic kidney condition. In 1954 his limbs Grand Prix. The ‘Farnham Flyer’ packed more was provided with a Cooper Bristol. At the were severely burnt in a non-championship into his 29 years than most of us can begin Goodwood Easter Monday meeting – his first race in Sicily shortly before his father to imagine. ever aboard a single-seater - he won the F2 perished in a road accident, and the following and Formula Libre events and was second season Hawthorn was directly involved in the Above: Hawthorn flat out at Goodwood in the Cooper Bristol, 1952 (Photo - Maurice Rowe). Below: Awaiting the start of the 1953 British Grand Prix, Silverstone in which he finished 5th in his Ferrari 500 (Photo - MPL, National Motor Museum)

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com HOW TO COMBINE A LOVE OF DRIVING WITH A GLOBAL SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE There’s a touch of Christopher Columbus in us all – the need to explore new horizons and savour fresh experiences. While there’s no shortage of companies to help satisfy such dreams, car enthusiasts always have the enticing option of killing two birds with one stone and participating in international historic rallies. Of course, if you’re very bold, you can just load up the with tools and Dom Perignon and head for the continent of your choice, but a saner approach is to leave the planning to experts and get set to enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Bespoke Rallies is a leading organiser of such memorable events and Motoring Classics decided to review its and similar alluring offerings from the comfort of the office couch. 10

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A 30-DAY ADVENTURE FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC By the time you read this, Bespoke Rallies’ Sweden and Finland to Kirkenes; one of ailing Group brought the programme inaugural Pan Am Classic will be done and the most northerly ports of the Arctic to a premature close. Following a further spell in marketing and PR, Brigden then dusted. A month-long competitive event for circle, renowned for its views of the Aurora cars manufactured up to 1978, it will shun began organising rallies in India before: Borealis. From there it takes to the 35-car stage-managing the Tiger Rally in South the concrete-lined interstate highways of Hurtigruten ferry MS Midnatsol, and follows East Asia; the Maya in Central America; and modern America and wind its way along the ‘the lovely crinkly bits’ (as the Norwegian a Himalayan event that began in Pakistan characterful by-roads and dirt lanes of the fjords were described in The Hitchhiker’s and ended in Calcutta; not to mention old country, all the way from Savannah to Guide) all the way down the west coast to the first ever classic rally to pass through Seattle. En route it’ll take in the music cities Bhutan. Since forming Bespoke Rallies of Memphis, a sprinkling of the country’s Bergen. Far from simply enjoying the views he’s been the driving force behind the most picturesque pan handles, the Blue from the ship, competitors will disembark Royal Rajasthan Rally, two more Maya and Ridge Mountains of Virginia immortalised each morning and rally their way through Himalayan events, and two very successful in song by Laurel & Hardy, and an the stunning scenery before catching up Great Amazon Adventures, as well as the unforgettable selection of canyons and with their floating hotel each evening. aforementioned Pan Am rally.

deserts. The tests and regularity challenges THEN, ALREADY SCHEDULED will keep the competitors on their toes, but FOR 2018/2019 ARE: What a huge success the they’ll also revel in the rest days, with time “ 11 to explore such incomparable sights as the CUBA CLASSIC RALLY – JANUARY 2018 Himalayan journey was! I was Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. THE 3RD MAYA CLASSIC RALLY – FEBRUARY 2018 so thrilled to experience that THE HIGHLAND 1000 – MAY 2018 magnificent, breath- taking MORE CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON THE PYRENEES 1000 – SEPTEMBER 2018 scenery and feel most privileged The Slartibartfast road trip is another first THE GRAND PRIX OF SOUTH AMERICA – OCTOBER 2018 for Bespoke Rallies. Aimed at owners of WILD BORNEO – MAY 2019 to have seen so much. Tiny period or modern classic cars, it runs from MAGICAL MADAGASCAR – JUNE 2019 snippets of memory pop into August 23 to September 7 this year, and my mind on a regular basis. In will allow competitors to experience the WHO ARE BESPOKE RALLIES?

very best of Denmark, Sweden, Finland The company was founded by John Brigden. fact writing my blog/reports is and the Norwegian fjords, following a start Involved in the general marketing of British a good way of anchoring stuff in “ at the highly-acclaimed Louwman Museum, Motor Heritage in the 1980s/1990s, he my mind and being truly in the The Hague, Holland. masterminded ’s return to mainstream rallying on the 1994 Monte moment. It was all such FUN The rally’s named in honour of the Carlo event – 30 years after the Irishman’s character that designed the Norwegian historic victory aboard a Mini-Cooper in the Lesley Stockwell fjords in the 1980s comedy SCFI series same rally. Two more Montes, consecutive Bespoke Rallies Trans Himalaya Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and from Nürburgring 24 Hour races and an RAC Challenge Kashmir Holland heads north through Denmark, Rally ensued, before BMW’s disposal of the Continued overleaf>

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CUBA CLASSIC RALLY 2018

Full details and entry forms for all Bespoke of varying severity for just about every type, 1000 is from £2,850. If on the other hand Rallies’ automotive extravaganzas can from veterans more usually found on the you require pre-event preparation and on- 12 be found at www.bespokerallies.com. London to Brighton Run to popular modern event support for a vintage on Other established British-based companies classics. There are non-competitive tours ERA’s famously-challenging Peking to Paris that also organise national and held on public roads requiring little more event, then you are talking about an entirely international rallies for classic, vintage than careful preparation of a standard different ball game that’s definitely not for and veteran vehicles include: car, the fitting of a Halda Tripmaster and a the impecunious enthusiast. What’s for sure collection of the more obvious spare parts, is that, whatever the size of your wallet, The Endurance Rally Association while at the other end of the spectrum are there can be few more pleasurable ways (ERA) – www.endurorally.com. cross-continent races which only specially- for car devotees to explore the world than ERA was founded by the late Philip Young, prepared and strengthened vehicles are from the seat of an historic rally car. the man credited with the ‘invention’ of likely to survive. Such exacting work is classic rallying generally best left to such established experts as Rally Preparation Services The Historic Endurance Rallying (www.rpsrally.com), who are recommended

Probably the best rally I have

Association (HERO) – www.heroevents.eu. by pretty much all the leading organisers. “ HERO’s portfolio includes Le Jog, generally ever been on. Great roads, “ considered to be one of the most WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED? fantastic ferry, good company challenging of all European reliability trials How long is a piece of string?! If you decide to self-prepare and campaign a classic Mini and a thoroughly good time WHAT TYPE OF CAR IS REQUIRED? on car-friendly events, then the outlay will be Angus Stamper Such is the scale of adventure rallying for relatively low by motorsport standards – eg Bespoke Rallies Amazon Rally older cars these days, that there are events the entry fee for Bespoke Rallies’ Highland

THE GRAND PRI OF SOUTH AMERICA WILD BORNEO BUENOS AIRES TO CARTAGENA BRUNEI SABAH AND SARAWAK Rally

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Motoring Classics in

British Motor Heritage MD John Yea reports from the cockpit

As a change from the usual fare of over, my good feeling was rewarded describing all the races we’ve recently with 3rd place on the grid. Qualifying for attended, I’ve this time chosen to provide the A40 was only about 20 minutes later, a more detailed account of our latest leaving just enough time to switch cars. meeting - Castle Combe, Sunday July 16. This was a rather more eventful session, The day started early, with sign-on at a as there were lots more cars on track bleary-eyed 7am. We were running the and there was a stoppage when one of MGB in the Allstars race and the A40 the A35s toppled clean over, finishing on in the Coys Trophy. Signing-on releases its side right in the middle of the circuit. the slips that allow the cars to be The MGB race was at 2.20pm, but scrutineered - a check of their and the suffered a delayed start and was pilot’s race worthiness; particularly the shortened from 30 minutes to 25. The vehicle’s safety features and the driver’s bare facts are I finished 4th and 1st helmet and mandatory safety clothing. in class, while the back story is that I This was all completed in plenty of was running 2nd, comfortably ahead time for me to don my fire-resistant of 3rd, when two things occurred: fuel romper suit and underwear before starvation caused the car to cut out the MGB’s qualifying session at 9.30. on the sharp righthand Quarry bend, Once out on the circuit, the challenge and I got badly delayed lapping other Top: the mighty Galaxie with which John was to find enough space for a clear lap, cars. The MG finally died on the last Yea enjoyed a David and Goliath battle. with the available 20 minutes allowing corner before the chequered flag! Above: the A40 in full flight before the 10 circuits at most. This is never easy, The A40 never made it that far, clutch cried enough. Below: the MGB

owing to the large speed differentials owing to clutch failure. However, for 13 before the gremlins struck (All images - between the cars, and an uninterrupted those with access to our Motoring Jeff Bloxham) run is part planning, part luck. The car Classics app (free from iTunes), there felt good though and I like the circuit, is an amusing video sequence where of which I’d had recent experience from I battle with and eventually succeed in a track day organised by the excellent overtaking a gargantuan Ford Galaxie. MGs on Track - albeit in a road going David and Goliath - watch and enjoy. MGB. Though the session was soon

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Just call me ‘MR LOCK-UP’ You’d envy him if you met him and you’d certainly be blown away by his 325-strong (and counting) vehicle collection, but you’d be equally impressed by how this philanthropic 79-year-old amassed the fortune to pay for it. His secret? Simples - while most of us dream, Rodger Dudding does!

It seems that entrepreneurial streak was before damaging his back aboard HMS American Machine & Foundry ensued. inborn, as Dudding was breeding rabbits Birmingham and being invalided out of And it was while working for the latter and selling them to the local butcher while the senior service. His body may have and based in Sweden he experienced still at school. Once old enough, he set been dented, but his mind remained his first epiphany. His late wife Gloria

14 about following his father into the Royal sharp, and international postings on had despatched him to purchase Navy and apprenticed on HMS Belfast behalf of Rembrandt Tobacco and sausages from the local butcher,

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com where they organised customer queues few years later, when he was offered 10 properties had been purchased from a via numbered plastic discs. Rodger – by lock-up garages for £1,000 each. It was family trust that was unaware of the cars’ his own admission, a bit of a ‘Howard a princely sum for him back then, but he existence, so technically he needn’t have Hughes’ – felt this was unhygienic, and saw the potential and is now the proud paid a penny extra for the lucrative find, set about producing machines to print owner of some 14,000 (no, that’s not a but chose to do so – ‘I felt it was only fair’. tickets that served the same purpose, misprint!) stretching from the South West but without the germs. The company to the Midlands. The vast majority of his Rent from 14,000 garages doubtless he created, Lonsto (short for London/ clients use them for general storage, results in a healthy income stream, but Stockholm), is still distributing its wares but Rodger’s encountered everything with some purchases comes the added worldwide 47 years later, and if you’ve from weapon caches and bomb factories opportunity for redevelopment, and ever waited your turn anywhere from an to cannabis farms in his time – not to Dudding has another company that creates A&E Department to a DVLA office where mention some 30 corpses. The buildings 30-40 flats and houses per annum from orderly queues are de rigueur, then you’ve have also been known to produce the such sites. Combine the inflow from all almost certainly handled a Lonsto ticket. odd gem, and hidden behind mountains branches of his business empire and you of debris in a row of London lock-ups can see why the group’s assets are now Dudding’s second Eureka moment (few were a MKVI Bentley and a magnificent £200 million and he was recently ranked of us manage one!) occurred in London a 1939 Lagonda LG6 Drophead Coupe. The 604th in the Sunday Times Rich List. Continued overleaf> 15 Thumbnail images clockwise from top left: Dudding senior’s Morris Minor - one of two cars on which the collection was founded; the gold-plated Lagonda; the other founding member - the Jensen FF that was once Dudding’s daily driver; Whitelock Tinker Toy; Austin Seven military vehicle; AC 378 GT Zagato prototype; ‘lock-up find’ Lagonda LG6 drophead; 2,000 mile Dino; one of the collection’s six Clyno cars. Below: general shots of Studio 434

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Above left: one of the collection’s 23 Lagonda ‘Wedges’ and stunning Jensen S Type Dual Cowl tourer. Above right: fancy a dinner where the stars are the cars? Below left: Aston Martins large and small. Below right: just a few of the collection’s many pristine motorcycles

It is this cerebrally-evolved wealth that’s many more vehicles we needed most of arranged via recognised motor clubs allowed him to indulge in his passion for all the ground floor for our own use as well.” etc. The cars, all of which are superbly things automotive, that was first fuelled by presented and permanently on the button his father’s purchase of a brand new Morris So now there’s a second building (Studio can, however, be hired for weddings Minor back in 1955. As an eminent naval 434/2), that’s coming to fruition just a and TV and film work, and have already officer, Dudding senior had a chauffeur- few streets away. Complete with a pair enjoyed parts in Peaky Blinders, Mr driven Humber Hawk at his beck and call, of three tonne lifts, automatic lighting Selfridge, Luther, Allied, The Crown and but the Minor was his personal pride and and chequer-plate flooring throughout, Downton Abbey, as well as numerous

16 joy that was pressed into action whenever it will offer secure storage for up to 500 advertising campaigns - Studio 434 also he was on leave; provided the weather customer cars on the first two floors, proudly supplied three of the 90 vehicles was dry - ‘I doubt if it’s encountered rain while the top one will be reserved for all for the Queen’s 90th Birthday parade. more than three times in its life’! Rodger manner of functions from black tie dinners There is no overall theme and, being a acquired ‘Wilky’ (registration ‘WKL 150’) on to private auctions, and car launches ‘people person’, Dudding is just as likely his father’s passing, and it is this venerable to charity events. There will even be a to acquire a car because of interest in Morris and a 1968 Jensen FF that was dedicated film studio for the shooting its owner as the vehicle itself. And, fully once his own daily driver that formed the of pop videos etc. This state-of-the-art understanding what a wrench the sale foundation of what has rapidly mushroomed complex has already swallowed £7million of a car is for most enthusiasts, he has into a 325-strong toy cupboard. Studio and is not yet quite complete, but if you frequently allowed former keepers to visit 434, the Art Deco building in which have an automotive pride and joy you need their vehicles, or even borrow them back. they are housed, was meant to feature storing within reach of London, take if from If he has a four-wheeled foible, it lies in the collection on a mezzanine, with the us this is where you’ll want it to reside. the distinctive wedge shape of the William ground floor allocated to the business of Towns-penned Lagonda, of customer car storage. But, as Rodger So what of the collection itself? The first which 645 were produced between 1976 admits: “The problem was that by the time thing to say is it’s not currently open to and 1990. Rodger currently owns no less the mezzanine was installed, I’d bought so the public, though group visits may be than 23 (c.10 percent of those remaining!)

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Above left and right: more general shots of the collection. Below left: the unique L’Ecurie du Lapin Blanc Austin Seven racer. Below right: a glimpse of the immaculate new Studio 434/2, where up to 500 customer cars will be stored

and is in grave danger of markedly adding Marcus Chambers L’Écurie du Lapin • A Beetle complete with rare VW- to that figure in the coming years. His Blanc single-seat Seven racer designed and built roof-rack unique line-up ranges from the last of • 14 Fords – including two rare the line that was built for Drambuie to Consul Capris One of the more bizarre additions to the ex-Dodi Fayed example, plus one • 12 Land Rovers - of which the Range the collection was its quartet of four with brightwork plated in 18 carat gold. Rover Autobiography has been his daily fully-equipped St John Ambulance driver for 13 years motorcycles. The project started with a

Dudding rejoices in variety, which is why 17 • 7 – including a Rapide that casual discussion between Rodger and the collection boasts everything from a was first owned by the solicitor to Brian a St John motorcyclist at the Cenotaph, Triumph Herald to a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Epstein, Ken Dodd and Jimmy Tarbuck when Rodger said to let him know if he And, while there are plenty of fine foreign et al could ever assist the organisation. This led offerings on show, his highly patriotic • 5 Triumphs - including a Stag that from the offer of a £500 contribution to leanings (he offered £5 million towards belonged to Billy Butlin’s wife one bike to the very generous full-funding keeping Rolls-Royce and Bentley in British of four – all of which were apologetically hands) doubtless account for there being: PLUS SUCH RARITIES AS: returned a short while later, when • 30 Aston Martins – including the • 6 Clyno cars and 2 Clyno motorcycles motorcycles were outlawed by new health collection’s only replica, one of 24 • A Falcon Knight tourer & safety legislation, meaning staff could no DBR2 evocations built by Ant Anstead • A Ferrari Dino that’s covered just 2,000 longer operate singly – what can you say?! • 19 Bentleys – ranging from a 3 Litre miles from new tourer to a race team pit bike • The sole prototype AC 378 GT Zagato Further details of the extraordinary Studio • 19 Jaguars – including an SS saloon • A Rolling Stones tape-deck 434 collection and its related services and drophead coupe • The Guinness World Record-holding can be found at www.studio434. • 19 Jensens – including a stunning S 48-cylinder Whitelock Tinker Toy co.uk. We suspect that you, like us, will Type Dual Cowl tourer motorcycle never look at queuing tickets or lock-up • 15 Austins – including a beautifully • A Lotus M250 styling buck garages in quite the same way ever again! PHOTOS IN THIS FEATURE COURTESY OF JOHN COLLEY, STUDIO 434 AND GORDON BRUCE COURTESY OF JOHN COLLEY, PHOTOS IN THIS FEATURE fully-restored Atlantic and the ex- • An original Dalek

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com FROM

BULLETIN BMH HERITAGE BRAKING NEWS Motoring Classics is now a distributor for Mintex’s Classic range of brake pads and linings. BMH’s MD John Yea reveals all

There is an old motorsport adage that to offer with this pedigree are the new of friction material available for most goes ‘Win on Sunday, sell on Monday’. Mintex Classic brake pads and linings, applications. Both greatly improve That is clearly still relevant today when as tested on our racing Austin A40. braking performance, whilst minimising you consider the massive manufacturer Sufficiently impressed, we are delighted brake squeal - a frequent problem when participation in first-class motorsport to now make the full range available modern brake compounds are mixed of all forms. The same thinking to our Motoring Classics customers. with old technology brake hardware. 18 applies to major component and fuel Both compounds have also been suppliers who continue to support all Mintex is a long established brake brand designed to minimise the amount of aspects of the pastime at every level. that’s nowadays part of TMD Friction; a brake dust generated, following extensive major OEM brake supplier that also owns real-world testing in classic vehicles. In our own modest way, British Motor the Textar, DON and Pagid names. Mintex’s Heritage follows the trend with our range long and illustrious motorsport history The Mintex Classic range is of competition parts, which emanate includes a major role in Jaguar’s disc- distributed by Questmead Ltd; a from a mix of in-house build and selected braked victories at Le Mans, and its new leading distributor of parts and premium suppliers. Simply subjecting Classic range combines all that heritage equipment to the motorsport market. these items to the cut and thrust of and experience with the latest world-class We are delighted to have been competition quickly identifies those that technology available from TMD Friction. appointed a distributor for the classic can endure the worst possible abuse Careful development has ensured this sector, a role we are celebrating by yet maintain their level of performance, contemporary knowhow has been fully giving away five sets of pads* to the thereby guaranteeing they are more than matched to the unique requirements first readers to apply via www.motoringclassics.co.uk able to cope with track days and regular of classic vehicle braking systems. As and quoting MC31. road conditions. The latest parts we have a consequence there are two grades *Subject to availability

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Above: L to R: Vitesse Sales Manager Alec Poole, Paddy Hopkirk MBE, the V8 MGB, Vitesse MD Tim Henderson. Top right: Rover’s V8 is a perfect fit. Right: Paddy Hopkirk enjoying the drive (Photos - Russ Witherington) 19

THIS B’S GOT A REAL 19 It’s a V8 five-speed roadster – a model MG STING IN ITS TAIL never made It was racing driver/tuner Ken Costello who showed BLMC how to install Rover’s ubiquitous V8 in the MGB. The resulting factory version is certainly desirable, but nevertheless inferior to the last of the Costello offerings in several respects, eg it: is less powerful; was never available as a roadster; had a four rather than five-speed gearbox. So, assuming you don’t own a Costello but fancy a V8 MGB roadster complete with five-speed transmission, what do you do? Talk to BMH Approved Specialist Vitesse Global, that’s what.

Vitesse has kept its corporate head does. And if the reaction to the prototype THE THUMBS-UP FROM PADDY HOPKIRK largely below the parapet for over 20 displayed at MGLive! is anything to go by, We were keen to acquire an independent years, during which it’s established an there are busy times ahead. The basic view of the conversion from an expert enviable reputation for building and conversion costs from £17,500 plus VAT driver, and who better than motorsport dressing Rover V8 engines for the likes and comprises: legend and Mature Driver Ambassador of Morgan and . Nowadays it for IAM RoadSmart Paddy Hopkirk MBE also supplies Mazda five-speed gearboxes • 4-litre V8 cross bolted engine who, among countless achievements, to Morgan, Caterham, Ginetta and other • Large capacity radiator raced MGBs with distinction – eg his Le manufacturers, as well as offering Mans exploits in the model netted him a aftermarket conversion kits for the MGB • Revotec twin fans • 16-row oil cooler/braided hoses class win, two 2nds and the Motor Trophy. - regular readers will recall the very Hopkirk’s trademark Irish grin spoke enthusiastic report on the one fitted to • Hybrid front cover system with high volumes as he discussed the project BMH’s own demonstrator we published flow oil pump and Poly V belt with his old friend, former British Touring in the Winter 2016 issue of Motoring • Stainless steel exhaust manifolds and Car Champion and now Vitesse Sales Classics. large bore silencer Manager, Alec Poole. “I love the noise, • Uprated clutch and the gearchange is brilliant. The engine LIGHTBULB MOMENT installation is impressive too and there Vitesse realised that by combining its • Vitesse Mazda 5-speed gearbox was no tendency to overheat, despite unique experience of the Rover V8 engine • 3.07:1 final drive the hot weather. I’d personally add power and Mazda gearbox, it could offer MGB • Performance brake discs and pads steering, but it’s a great drive as it is.” conversions featuring both, so now it More details at www.vitesse-ltd.com.

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