www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com SUMMER 2017

AINTREE

ANNIVERSARYTHE STORY OF AND ITS HISTORIC VICTORY OF 1957

BLACK CABS GO PERFECT PAIR FULL CIRCLE PERIOD CARAVANS FOR CLASSIC CARS FROM ELECTRIC TO DIESEL POWER AND BACK AGAIN Dealer Spotlight 3 Aintree Anniversary 4-7 Missing Moniker 8 Classic Character 9 Perfect Pair 10-13 Classic Motorsport 14-15 Above: we believe the caravan in this wonderful Australian photo is an early Black Cabs Go Full Circle Caravan Park model. However, the identity of the tow car has us beaten - can 16-18 any readers come to the rescue? New News From BMH 19

If today’s Grand Prix drivers believe their This edition’s Missing Moniker is the rare Motoring Classics reproduction job is tough, they should reflect on the Swallow Doretti – a fine British sports in whole or any part of any text, photograph or illustration without grimy faces peering from our front cover car that enjoyed a bright future until written permission of the publisher - those of and Tony Brooks becoming the innocent victim of is strictly prohibited. The publish- after heroically battling their way to the industrial politics. Our Dealer Spotlight er makes every effort to ensure first ever World Championship victory column is this time devoted to the the magazine’s contents are correct by British drivers in a British car - the world’s largest supplier of replacement 2 but can accept no responsibility Vanwall. In this issue we pay homage to parts for many favourite British classics for any effects from errors the 60th anniversary of this milestone win – Moss Motors. Read how it supports or omissions. at Aintree in 1957, and the other major our pastime in many ways over and achievements surrounding the Vanwall above its 30,000-strong inventory of NB Motoring Classics is the printed marque. Of course, Sir Stirling Moss’s spares. Lastly, if you’re into historic and online publication of and its retail trading arm. story as arguably the best driver never racing make sure you read our piece to win the World Championship is well about the new Equipe Classic Racing 3 Publisher: known, but that of his sister Pat who, like Hour relay race, as we’ve a hunch it’s British Motor Heritage Limited, Stirling, was a skilled horse rider before going to be a very popular addition to Range Road, Cotswold Business becoming a champion driver, may well the competition calendar. Park, Witney OX29 OYB, UK surprise a few of our readers – see page 9. Tel: +44 (0)1993 707200 Enjoy! Email: [email protected] It seems the latest must-have accessory for some classic car owners is a Editorial: matching caravan, so we take a look at Gordon Bruce Associates this rapidly-expanding off-shoot of our Email: [email protected] Web: www.gordonbruce.com hobby, and see who else is investing in these old mobile homes. The (not always) Gordon Bruce Design and production: black cab is as iconic a sign of London Editor Flipside Group as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace and www.flipsidegroup.com in this issue we trace its history and learn how it’s currently returning to its electrically-powered roots.

Follow us on: The 6 tonne bronze elephant that featured on @MotoringClassic our previous front cover caused quite a stir. We’ve since learnt from its skilled creator, Mark Motoring Classics Coreth, that it was commissioned for the wife of Kerry Packer, the Australian media tycoon and founder of World Series Cricket - our photo shows the beast now enjoying life in the Antipodean sun. The original from which it was cast now resides in Mark’s undoubtedly cooler UK garden, where it apparently serves as a waypoint for passing aircraft. COVER PHOTO: TONY BROOKS AND STIRLING MOSS LOOKING AINTREE - AFTER THEIR HISTORIC 1957 WIN AT ECSTATIC SUITABLY 4-7 (IMAGE COURTESY OF PA) SEE PAGES www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com MOSS MOTORS 3 Unless they reside on Mars, few views - they range from enchanting great British sports cars of the ‘60s, 3 enthusiasts of the most popular customer tales to comparing the and a number of Moss customers have classic British sports cars will merits of standard and modified them as bedfellows to an MGB, TR or be unaware of Moss Motors, by camshafts. It lobbies on behalf of the Healey. The company therefore holds far the world’s largest supplier fraternity and works hand-in-glove with spares for these alongside its inventory of spares for these increasingly complementary partners to maximise of replacement parts for MGs, Austin- sought-after vehicles – it stocks its offering to enthusiasts everywhere. Healeys, Triumphs, Jaguars and classic c.30,000 different components, It organises a regular gathering of . Moss is perhaps unique among has outlets in the US, UK and classic British sports cars at its classic car suppliers in having been France, and employs 250 staff. 112,000 sq ft facility near Richmond, on an upswing since its foundation What many may not appreciate, Virginia – the Moss Motorfest - to which almost 70 years ago and, despite the however, is just how seriously the some 1,000 devotees are expected prediction of the doomsayers, believes company treats its position in the this June 2. This will also feature the the ageing ownership is being, and classic car scene, and how deep unveiling of the Moss-funded ‘British will continue to be, replaced by fresh its commitment is to preserving Sports Car Hall of Fame’, into which generations. The future certainly looks the vehicles and optimising no less than 23 automotive celebrities bright from Moss’s standpoint and the the enjoyment of their owners. will be inducted, from Donald Healey company is doing everything it can to CBE to Sir Stirling Moss OBE. ensure the same goes for its thousands When original parts supplies terminate, of classic British car customers Moss sources replacements from The Mazda MX5 is generally considered spread around the globe. More somewhere in the world – ‘Antarctica to be the spiritual successor to the detail at www.mossmotors.com. is about the only continent we don’t commission items from’! It is constantly developing uprated products to enhance the ownership proposition, eg: fuel system components to help overcome the ravages of ethanol (the US already has E15 to contend with); braking items that heighten safety; superior lighting for added visibility; better driveability courtesy of improved engine performance. Moss TV has an inventory of c.200 videos that have clocked up 9 million

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com AINTREE ANNIVERSARY 60 years ago Moss & Brooks created history for Britain & Vanwall British Grand Prix drivers have scored many victories since the series’ inception in 1950, but that at Aintree on July 20, 1957 remains one of the most notable. It was when Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks became the first British drivers to win a World Championship event in a British-built car. They also became the last to share such a victory. We take a peek at the long-expired racing marque which made their achievements possible – Vanwall. 4

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com ANNIVERSARY Italy, 1957;Farinainthe1953ThinWall Scotland Special,Charterhall, ofAmalcarburettors;the quartet MosscelebrateswithTony Vandervell afterwinningin Above, clockwisefrom topleft:theVanwall workshop;Vanwall’s engine-note Norton-based Opposite: forward forthestrugglingteamwasto progress, decidedthequickest way BRM project but,frustratedbyitsslow been anearlybackeroftheunwieldy Guy Anthony‘Tony’ Vandervell had WALL SPECIALS THE ERAOFTHIN their foreign opposition. cars were unreliable andnomatchfor its complex,under-fundedV16-powered couple of years before Connaught, but Motors (BRM)hadtakentothetracka 1923 French GrandPrix.BritishRacing success aboard a Sunbeam at the in aBritishcarsinceHenrySeagrave’s Grand Prix - the first by a British driver in thenon-championship1955Syracuse carried Tony Brooks toanhistoricwin did produce theType Bmodelthat they never won a championship race, over thehorizonin1952and,though was aseaofred. Connaughtappeared Romeo, MaseratiorFerrari–thescene of victorywasatthewheelanAlfa whereof motorsport, thebestchance largely anirrelevance atthepinnacle For manyyearsafterWWII,theUKwas Moss takestheflagasheandBrooks create history, Aintree, 1957.

single-cylinder ‘DoubleKnocker’ Manx reasoned thatfourofcompany’s director Motorcycles, ofNorton andhe His industrialhatsincludedthatofa introduced in1952-theVanwall Special. World Championshipregulations contender forthe2-litre unsupercharged craved, sodecidedtoconstructhisown it wasinternationalacclaimVandervell the sideofV16BRMsinprocess, home races,becomingamajorthornin Though theThinWalls enjoyedsuccessin programme, company. andtheyparted fortheever-flounderingBRM support own cartobeatFerrarithanproviding became more interested in creating his However, alongthewayVandervell development thanitspredecessor. each benefitingfrom more in-house based racerstobeartheThinWall name, was thefirstofultimatelyfourFerrari- his company, Vandervell Products. This Wall enginebearingsmanufactured by Wall Special,thereby publicisingtheThin proviso wasthatitwouldrunastheThin that endpurchased aV12Ferrari. The experience analready proven car, andto

the helm.Thatplanwasflawed, andit with World Ascari at Champion Alberto at the 1954 Easter Goodwood meeting The Vanwall Specialwasslatedtodebut DELAYED DEBUT that wasshort-lived. carburettors; approach anunorthodox in order tochannelheatawayfrom the that wasmountedabovethecar’s nose Clayton-Still wire-wound tube radiator, system initiallyfocusedaround a plus Goodyeardiscbrakes.Thecooling suspension, steeringandtransmission, accept the new engine and -style Maddock pennedaconventionalframeto Car Company, whosedesignerOwen chassis, Vandervell turnedtotheCooper military gradeB-40crankcase.Forthe on analloyreplica ofRolls-Royce’s carburettors. The result was mounted of AMAL and valve train, andquartet common waterjacket,cylinderhead such amasterpiece,completewith engine guruLeoKuzmickitocreate cylinder unit. ItfelltoNorton’s Polish basisofaracingfour- the perfect engines onacommoncrankwere www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Continued overleaf>

5 6 www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com flanks. Itwas ayearbestforgotten, projectiles ranwithjustVanwall ontheir from theliveryanddistinctivegreen 2.5-litre engines.‘Special’wasdropped for 1955, all-equipped with fuel-injected unrepairable andfournewcarswere built The poorVanwall Specialwasdeemed Spanish race. argument withatree inpracticeforthe finished 7thintheItalianoneandlostan Collins - he retired in the British event, Prix thatyearinthehandsofPeter Special wentontocontestthree Grands to 2.3andthen2.5-litres, theVanwall itsengineincreasedpipe. With instages in theracewhenside-linedbyabroken oil practice and was leading the 2-litre class capacity. Brown wentwellin nevertheless to beoutclassedbyentriesbuiltthat 2.5-litres, sothenewcomerwaslikely engine capacityhadbeenincreased to pilot Alan Brown. By now the formula’s International Trophy byWorks Cooper Silverstone, drivenintheDailyExpress ultimately broke cover a month later at the DutchGP, 1958;Vanwall mechanicshard atwork;anunprecedented sight-atrioofVanwalls onthefront row, Monza1957 1954; Brooks enroute tohisfirstsolo World Championshipvictory, Spa,1958; Vanwall’s at rest, theMonzapaddock,1957;Mossheadingforawinin Above, clockwisefrom inthefirst andlast left:Surtees rear-engined Vanwall, Silverstone,1961;AlanBrown debutsthe Vanwall Special,Silverstone, 4th intheBelgian GrandPrix,despite and Schell finished an encouraging International Trophy racefortheteam the non-championship Silverstone were common,butStirlingMosswon and Piero Taruffi oneapiece. Retirements ,JoséFroilán Gonzalez (five); Maurice Trintignant (four); and campaigned inGrandsPrixby:Schell season. Fourexampleswere builtand were designedintimeforthe1956 teardrop-shaped bodybyFrankCostin ace ColinChapmanandwind-cheating, and anall-newcarwithchassisbyLotus Clearly, amajorshake-up wasrequired A NEWAPPROACH events wonbySchell. really goodnewswere thefourminor retired from theItalianevent– theonly joint 9th in the British one, and both and AmericandriverHarrySchellfinished the MonacoandBelgianraces,Wharton lead drivers–theformerretired from wereHawthorn andKenWharton the however. Future World ChampionMike Connaught interms ofroad-holding, butit together. Ididn’tlikeitasmuch asthe thought the car was very well screwed professional incontrasttoBRMandI was thattheteamthoroughly Oulton Park,Brooks said:“Myimpression Lewis-Evans. Havingtestedthe Vanwall at racing dentistTony Brooks, andStuart one time.Thekeydriverswere Moss,the four were everfullyassembledatany making 10alltold,thoughnomore than sixcarswereunits. Afurther constructed transverse leafspringswithcoilover of whichwasthereplacement ofthe numerous upgrades,themostsignificant engineered forthefollowingseasonwith The 1956single-seaterswere re- line, clockinganimpressive 180mph. were byfarthefastest cars inastraight in Franceafterproblems, buttheVanwalls Schell and Hawthorn finished a joint 10th even stayintheVanwall’s slipstream’. Schell ‘wentbymesoquicklyIcouldn’t (now racingaMaserati) commented that experiencing challenginghandling.Moss

strike theMoss car, necessitating the 5th placewhenthe gremlins did indeed Brooks wasintouchwiththeleaders into an early lead from pole position, and trouble. well,with Moss Mattersstarted over his car to Stirling should his give winning speed, so volunteered to hand but was not fit enough for 90 laps at a had equalledthelaprecord inpractice had impressed allandsundry. Brooks young Lewis-Evans,whosepaceatRouen accidentatLeMans) and (who wasfarfrom fitfollowing amajor recovered from hisbroken beak),Brooks cars were entered forMoss(justabout the teamwasdeterminedtowin.Three to the British event at Aintree, which French Grand Prix, so attention turned then retired theirVanwalls from the his nose.Lewis-EvansandRoySalvadori by a4thlapaccident,inwhichhebroke Fangio atMonaco–Mosswassidelined lap, Brooks finished abrilliant secondto despite losing his clutch on about the 5th the earlynon-championshipeventsbut, The carsproved quickbutfragilein A LANDMARKBRITISHVICTORY wasn’t aseasytodrive.” a muchmore engine,thoughit powerful clearly had much more and performance Brooks annexed theBelgian,German and Morocco,in Holland, Portugal while to bebittersweet.Mosswasvictorious The answer’s yes,buttheyearproved TRIUMPH ANDTRAGEDY more in1958? 3rd time.Couldtheteamachieveeven 2nd placeintheChampionshipfor final Grand Prix of the season netted him places onthegrid.Moss’s victoryinthat the had filledthe firstthree as, muchtotheconcernofrivalteams, easily havebeenmore memorablestill at Pescara. The Monzarace could so and 7thatMonza;Lewis-Evans5th and Monza; Brooks 9th in Germany in GermanyandvictoriousPescara evident potential,with:Mossthen5th was atlastbeginningtofulfilitsvery Lewis-Evans finished7thand Vanwall and shouldersfrom Aintree’s Gforces’. slabs ofrubbertoprotect mythighs over myanklesandshoulder, andbig big holeinonethighandabrasionsall beyond thecallofduty–‘Ihadagreat British driversinacarwentway first ever World Championshipwinby finest, whileBrooks’s contributiontothis from 9thtovictorywasoneofhis pre-agreed swap.Stirling’s fightback Vanwall’s wake. McLaren, Lotus, etc have achieved in have been overjoyed at what Williams, 60 yearsagothisyear, hewouldsurely first tasteof World Championshipglory its the manthatgaveBritishmotorsport pressure, diedin1967agedjust68. As already deterioratingfrom alifetime of Lewis–Evans and,withhisownhealth bythelossofStuart deeply affected regulations. Tony Vandervell hadbeen contest thenewIntercontinental 1.5-litre and last rear-engined built to offering, promising 5th in VW14; Vanwall’s first Trophy, finisheda inwhichJohnSurtees last racewastheSilverstoneInternational before disbandingin1961.Theequipe’s contesting justfourmore meetings immediately ceased regular competition, which hediedsevendayslater. Vanwall Moroccan event,sustainingburnsfrom crashed onlap12oftheseason-closing tempered withtragedy, forLewis-Evans Vanwall’smotorsport, finesthourwas Mike Hawthorn.Sadly, ascanhappenin 4th time–onthisoccasiontofellowBrit the Drivers’standingsforanagonising Championship, whileMosswas2ndin Ferrari totheinauguralManufacturers’ amassed sufficientpointstobeat placings from allthree drivers,Vanwall additional and Italianraces.With www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com

37 www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com 10 8 DORETTI SWALLOW based onthatofAndersen’s daughter, scooter. The Doretti name was loosely successful Swallow Gadabout motor Frank Rainbow, who’dpennedthevery design ofwhichSandersthenassignedto fromofferings MG, Jaguar, Healey etc, the cartocompetewiththeexisting sports in boththeUSandUKforanewBritish Andersen believed there was a market that plansfortheDoretti were hatched. California-based Rome Cable Corporation Andersenofthe Eric SandersandArthur meeting abouttubingbetweenSwallowMD motor industry, anditwasataJuly1952 of tubingandothercomponentsforthe (TI) in1950.TIwasamajorproducer was then acquired by Tube Investments Lyons Walmsley, andWilliam allofwhich Group in1945byitsfoundersWilliam sidecar businesssoldtotheHelliwell Coachbuilding Company-themotorcycle The manufacturer wastheSwallow succumbed toindustrypolitics. much admired Britishtwo-seater a mere 18monthsbefore this your radar, asproduction lasted The Doretti may neverhave crossed MISSING MONIKER building whattheysawasacompetitorto ifitdidn’tcease ultimatum. Inshort, by TIissuedthecompanywithapowerful and otherleadingmanufacturers supplied was already onthestockswhenJaguar Sales were promising, andaMKIIversion 11.9 neededbytheTriumph. dash in12.3secondscompared tothe also atadslower, managingthe0-60mph lb heavierthantheTR2Doretti was compared with£910 for a TR2. Being 50 high, givingrisetoan£1,102pricetag were boltedandthebuildqualitywas inner tubtowhichthealloyouterpanels distribution. Thechassiscarriedasteel the frametogiveanallbut50/50weight its TR2 drivetrain was set well back in resulting inamuchsmootherride,while longer wheelbaseand3inwidertrack, TR2, itsbespokechassisfeatured a7in components with Triumph’s equally new Though theDoretti shared many Southern California. was managing Triumph’s distribution in by the time of the car’s 1954 launch Dorothy Deen,astunningblondewho rival manufacturers notrudelyintervened. heights themodelwouldhavescaledhad cherished andonecanonlywonderwhat Needless to say they aresurface. much c.57 intheUS–butsurvivors continue to form oranother-withc.72intheUKand One report statesc.197stillexistinone after just18monthsand276examples. was thatproduction oftheDoretti ceased components businesselsewhere! Soit their ownproducts, theywouldtaketheir Householder whoassistedwiththisfeature) rest ofmarque (imagecourtesy guruTom Australia, 1961.Below: Above: a Doretti racingatWarwick Farm, a pristineDoretti at

Pat Moss (1934-2008)

Pat and her brother Sir Stirling had much in common. They were serial winners on horseback before turning to wheeled competition where, again, they both excelled. Stirling’s story is well known, Pat’s less so. We pay tribute to one of the finest drivers of her generation, irrespective of gender.

Pat was surrounded by motorsport countless more riding trophies and become the poor Minor out before acquiring ‘Fruity’, enthusiasts from day one. Her dentist father a member of the British Show Jumping team. a TR2. It was encountering the start of the Alfred raced successfully in the UK and drove three-day Motor Cycling Club event that gave She was given a Morris Ten for her 17th a Fronty-Ford to 16th place in the 1924 Indy her the idea of entering the RAC Rally, for birthday, but wheeled horsepower was still 500, while mother Aileen competed in many which a Works MG TF was secured. The rest 9 to win her over: “I couldn’t understand why rallies and trials, becoming Ladies Trials everybody else in the family liked driving is history. Champion. Five years Pat’s senior, Stirling fast and managed to do it without killing Pat Moss achieved three outright wins and was driving round the family farm from the themselves.” It was Stirling’s manager, Ken seven podium finishes in international events age of 9 in a stripped-down Austin Seven. Gregory, who arguably helped spark her and was European Ladies’ Rally Champion However, Pat’s first love were ponies and reformation by taking her on a treasure hunt. five times. Her Healey 3000 victory on by the age of 11 she had some 350 prizes Her next car was a Minor convertible, which the incomparably tough Liège-Rome-Liège to her name. When Stirling’s focus switched was breathed on by Stirling’s mechanic, Alf Rally (1960), and giving the -Cooper its from horses to a racing Cooper 500, she Francis. She recalled; “I started driving a bit inaugural international win (Tulip Rally, 1962) recalled: “I hated it and the noise frightened quicker and rather liked it, and it seemed a remain the stuff of legend, and by the time my ponies. I was quite certain I would never pity to have a car tuned by the country’s top she retired in 1974 she had been a Works enjoy driving any sort of motorcar.” How racing mechanic and not do anything serious driver for BMC, Ford, Saab, Lancia, Renault wrong she was, but not before she’d won with it.” She began entering rallies and wore and Toyota.

Above: Pat and faithful co-driver Ann Wisdom with Big Healey ‘URX 727’, the car in which they won the 1960 Liège-Rome-Liège Rally; the first major victory by an all-female crew. Below: don’t try this at home(!) - Pat, then 14, shows off her riding skills by jumping big brother Stirling’s Cooper F3 car (image courtesy of PA)

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com PERFECTA classic car and matching PAIR caravan We’ve all done it. Moaned about the driver who’s apparently oblivious to the fact his dawdling car and caravan combination is causing a massive tailback. But it appears a growing number of our fraternity are quietly burying the hatchet and buying a period caravan to match their classic car. We explore this

10 burgeoning scene with much-valued assistance from Rob Finney of the Period & Classic Caravan Club and Lucy-Jayne Grout of The Vintage Caravan Workshop

Top L to R: a Bertram Hutchings Winchester van behind a Model T Ford, c.1922; the daddy of them all, Gordon Stables’ Wanderer; an Eccles van, c.1925; Vauhall Wyvern paired with a Paladin van, c.1960; Rover 90 and Fairholme Bambi, c.1958. Above: Perfect Pair - Lucy-Jayne Grout’s ‘Bertie’ (1968 Triumph Vitesse) and ‘Beatty’ (1959 Fisher Holivan Junior). Right L to R: a typical 1950s caravan site; an advert for the Alperson Sprite that changed the face of caravanning; a 1966 Cheltenham Sable; the stately pairing of a Continental and Carlight Caribbean (images courtesy of MPL, National Motor Museum and other sources)

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com hitches were of the pin type rather than the available. In fact, homemade vans were THE BACKSTORY ball of today and it was not uncommon for not uncommon in the late ‘40s and ‘50s, Scottish royal navy surgeon Gordon Stables cars and vans to part company. and magazines like Practical Motorist ran is widely attributed with the invention features on ‘how to build a caravan’. This of caravanning as a pastime, and ‘The Typical caravans of the ‘20s featured was the scenario into which Sam Alper Wanderer’ in which he toured some 1,300 wooden chassis topped by an ash frame introduced the Sprite – a cheap cheerful miles from 1885 is 18ft long, weighs two clad in a single skin of steam-moulded touring caravan for the masses that was an tonnes and boasts a bookcase, china hardboard (Masonite). The roof was instant hit. The pastime was never quite the cabinet and musical instruments and, fashioned from stretched canvas coated same again. unsurprisingly, requires two horses to move with a liberal amount of lead paint. Post it – it is nowadays displayed at the Caravan WWII, companies like Eccles began moving Looking at the regulations imposed on & Motorhome Club’s site at Broadway in the from wooden chassis to steel ones and early caravanners, it’s perhaps unsurprising Cotswolds. Even the club itself dates back the single-skin hardboard bodywork gave they were not universally loved by other

to 1907, by when caravanning had become way to alloy panels with tin foil insulation. It road users. Caravan parks only really 11 a fashionable form of holidaying for the elite. was Cheltenham who pioneered the use of came into vogue in the late ‘60s, prior to By 1912, Bertram Hutchings were building weight-saving GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) which owners used to set up camp on any vans that could be delivered to a site of panels for the front, rear and roof, which available piece of roadside or public land. your choice by horse or rail. But the steed’s had the added bonus of limiting leakage. Moreover they were limited to 20mph in the days were numbered and, as the internal Variations on a theme included the so- 1920s and 30mph in the 1930s – a figure combustion engine became more reliable, called ‘lantern roof’ that afforded draft-free that amazingly remained in force into the the caravan fraternity experimented ventilation and added headroom, but was 1950s. with primitive motor caravans and then, somewhat prone to leaks and a general A landmark year in caravan history was following the relative success of military lack of rigidity. 1978, when the use of glass for windows trailers in WWI, came the first serious Having been largely confined to the wealthy was outlawed in favour of plastic. It attempts at trailer caravans. Early examples throughout the ‘20s and ‘30s, caravanning undoubtedly made sense from a safety of the art included Eccles, Winchester, was obviously put on hold during WWII – the point of view, but it was from there that Raven, Thomson and Carcruiser. Eccles only vans made were for military purposes caravans lost their inherent character and is regarded as the true pioneer of today’s and existing owners were forced to donate their parks became a soulless sea of white caravans and was the first to implement their tyres to the war effort. Things changed GRP and smoked plastic. The fraternity jigs and patterns. Winchester was all pretty rapidly at the cessation of hostilities. doesn’t accurately define the terms about quality (a 1933 example and tow A shortage of housing meant some people period, vintage, classic, etc, but in most car would have been some six times the were forced into caravans for everyday people’s eyes they collectively refer to vans value of a typical house of the day), and accommodation. Manufacturing methods manufactured pre-1980, which fits pretty Carcruiser was arguably the first to fully changed too – alloy was relatively plentiful neatly with the ebullient classic car world. take aerodynamics into account. Early and skilled labour was suddenly readily Continued overleaf>

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com 12 CLUB MEMBERSHIP THE PERIOD & CLASSIC CARAVAN CLUB Most classic car owners find the route to and varied. For starters there are the three speak for his general knowledge, but if optimum enjoyment of their pride and joy issues per year of the club magazine. Wryly he chose vintage caravans as his special is via membership of an appropriate club, named Hoot & Pass, it features articles subject on Mastermind, he’d immediately and it seems the same applies to vintage on historic caravans, related activities, have at least one hand on the coveted caravans, for which a number of appropriate and what the club itself is up to, which trophy. He’s a key part of a family business organisations now exist. We took advantage perennially includes: the attendance of that specialises in the transport and sale of their considerable presence (four vintage steam rallies, car shows and country of static holiday homes, but pre-1940 caravans) at the recent Classic Car & fairs; family camping weekends; and the touring caravans are his personal passion, Restoration Show to visit the Period & organisation’s own annual rally. of which he has a fine collection. You Classic Caravan Club (PCCC). Formed in can learn more about the PCCC at www. 1982, it is the longest running ‘old’ caravan As with anything vintage, buying and/ period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk. club in existence and is primarily for those or restoring period caravans carries owning vans manufactured before 1980; potentially expensive pitfalls and the PCCC Other organisations catering for owners of though welcomes enthusiasts with a is geared up to help avoid these, as well as period caravans include:

leaning towards nostalgia, with or without a assist with the general location of related The Historic Caravan Club – caravan of their own. It cites its raison d’etre parts and materials. The club’s historian, www.historiccaravanclub.co.uk as ‘promoting the appreciation, restoration Rob Finney, is expert at identifying, dating and use of classic caravans’. and tracing the background of vintage The Retro Caravan Club –

caravans and, you can take it from us, www.retrocaravanclub.co.uk These days membership of the PCCC is the gentleman knows his stuff – we can’t c.100-strong and the benefits are many

Above, clockwise from left: Rob Finney with his 1965 Carcruiser Clipper; the PCCC stand at the recent Classic Car & Restoration Show; the superb Finney combo of 1933 Carcruiser and classic Hillman tow car. Opposite, clockwise from left: ‘Pippa’, Lucy-Jayne Vintage Caravan’s restored and customised Thomson Glendale showing how character in abundance can be injected into a c.1970 van; The Vintage Caravan Workshop can work wonders with interiors too; the company has up to 14 projects on the go at any one time

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com 13 RESTORATION, CONVERSION, REPAIR AND HIRE THE VINTAGE CARAVAN WORKSHOP AND LUCY JAYNE VINTAGE CARAVANS Lucy-Jayne Grout’s involvement in period to as original specification as possible, or to original specification apart from the caravans began when she acquired one customised to their own tastes. Either way lightening of the wall colours. Says LJ: “This (then a further two, as you do!) in relation a complete strip-down will be necessary. is a common request. Most early vans were to her interior design business. She and The lead time will be around 12 months, very dark inside. Lightening up the interiors builder/electrician husband Piers then set with four-six months required to carry out makes them feel bigger and generally more about restoring and customising them en the work. Other clients know the size and pleasant – the more at home people feel in route to creating a mini hire fleet. However, era of the van they want but need us to their caravan, the more they will use it.” the first to be completed – a 1976 Thomson source the appropriate vehicle for them, for Glendale christened ‘Pippa’ (all LJ’s vehicles which we have contacts across the UK and By now this thriving, eight-strong business have names) – caused such a stir when Europe and even in the US.” has crafted everything from a shepherd hut exhibited, that their core business suddenly to custom builds for people’s businesses became that of restoring, converting and The earliest caravans they’ve so far worked and gardens, as well as completing like- repairing period touring caravans and on are from the ‘30s but the majority of for-like restorations for those who wish trailers for enthusiasts the world over. their projects hail for the ‘50s and ‘60s, with to display their van, or desire a return to They retain a six-strong hire fleet and even the Cheltenham marque being the mainstay simplistic, older-style holidays. Confirms LJ: have an array of classic cars to match, but – they provide a discount to members of “Our clients come from all walks of life, but the 24/7 demand is for producing dream the Cheltenham Owners Club. Their current classic car owners comprise an increasing caravans for others to enjoy, and they projects include the total restoration to percentage and tend to be the most realistic nowadays have up to 14 projects on the go original specification of a massive 1951 in terms of cost and build-time.” If you think at any one time. Carlight Colonial that has suffered general a period caravan could be the perfect neglect and fire damage. A pair of 1964 partner to your classic car then check out Says LJ: “Some customers have purchased Cheltenham Springbok projects ably www.vintagecaravanworkshop.com – it or inherited a van that needs renovating. demonstrate the extremes of customer could change life forever! So we need to assess the size of the task requirement – while one is being completely and whether they want the vehicle restored redesigned the other will be restored

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com Motoring Classics in HOW ABOUT THIS A 3 Hour relay race for FOR AN IDEA? pre-‘66 GT & Touring cars

Equipe GTS is one of the most popular of place on the Silverstone National circuit regulations (though papers will not be all historic racing series, which last year on September 30. However, the initial demanded) and all cars will be shod with catered for no less than 104 different response has been very encouraging Dunlop historic race tyres. Teams will competitors and boasted an average and British Motor Heritage has put comprise two, three or four cars with up of over 30 cars per grid – figures that its name to the primary sponsorship. to four drivers per car. Each car must many rival organisers can only dream complete a minimum of 30 minutes and of. Always alert to the wishes of its HOW IT WILL WORK a maximum of 2.5 hours, but only one drivers, the Equipe Classic Racing team The concept of mixing GT and Touring car per team will be on the circuit at any has seen the growing desire for a cars stems from races held at Sebring one time; meaning team strategy and 14 ‘trophy’ event in the style of the Spa 6 in the 1960s and is open to pre-‘66 GT car/driver changes will be paramount Hours and Birkett Relay Race, but one and GTS cars of up to 3-litres capacity to a successful outcome. The qualifying that’s more accessible and affordable, and Touring/Saloon ones of up to 2-litres allowance is 45 minutes per team. and also kinder to the smaller-engined – it produced close, spectacular racing cars that dominate existing Equipe then and it is confidently expected to The entry fee per team is £1,500, which GTS fixtures. They now believe they’ve do so again now; especially with the includes the use of one of Silverstone’s hit upon the solution and we’ll know for support of some expert handicapping. excellent pit garages as well as a sure when the inaugural event takes The event will be run to FIA Appendix K dedicated race and hospitality centre.

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com for driversandspectatorsalike.” the flag,whichwillbeenthralling result shouldbeindoubtrightto goodhandicapping,the GTVs. With andAlfa with Minis,LotusCortinas MGBs, TRsandMorgans doingbattle really lookforward tothesightof extremely popularannualraceand John Yea: “Icanseethisbeingan Managing Director andeventsponsor Added BritishMotorHeritage of atrioex-Works Healey3000s.” mix of entries andeven the possibility etc. We are already assured ofagreat team eventsastheBirkett6Hours camaraderie assuchothergreat which willinspire thesamelevelof but equallyexciting‘trophy’ event, cars withtheirownlessdemanding GT/GTS andunder2-litre Touring is toprovide drivers of under 3-litre semi-professional drivers.Ouraim battling againstmuchfastercarsand vehicles andleavecompetitors place huge stress on smaller engine 6 Hoursare obviouslygreat, but by thisconcept.EventsliketheSpa John Pearson: “We are very excited Said EquipeClassicRacingPartner

be ther Silverstone inSeptemberitisthen– email [email protected]. www.equipeclassicracing.com or eligible AppendixKracerssee forownersofall new opportunity detailsofthisexciting For further - Dedicatedraceandhospitalitycentre - Pitgarage - 45minutesqualifying - 3Hoursoftracktimeperteam WHAT’S INCLUDED: ouring/Saloon under2-litres – cars: Eligible team per Cars Date Circuit THE SALIENTFACTS Anglia, AlfaRomeoGTV Mini, For T Healey 100/3000etc Mar Lotus, Mor GT andGTSunder3-litr –September30 –SilverstoneNational cos, ElvaCourier, Austin e orbesquare! d Lotus Cortina and d LotusCortina gan, TVR,Triumph TR4, –2to4

es –MGB, , BMWetc

www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com H ERITAG E

15

BLACK GO FULL CABSCIRCLE From electric to diesel power and back again London’s famous cabs are often referred to as ‘black’, despite now coming in all colours of the rainbow, and frequently sporting strident advertising slogans on their flanks. But one thing’s for sure, they remain as iconic a feature of our capital city as

16 the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge, and look set to stay that way, despite the influx of Uber and other minicab operations. We briefly chart their evolution from electrically-powered horseless carriages to the range extender vehicles of the future.

seat, single-horse cabs to which architect for their propulsion. The original fleet of WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Joseph Hansom gave his name reigned 18 yellow and black Bersey broughams The origins of the black cab date back supreme on the capital’s streets from showed promise and were nicknamed to the horse-drawn hackney coaches of 1834 until c.1908, being described by ‘hummingbirds’ as a result of their the 17th century. Contrary to what you Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli as ‘The distinctive sound. However, they proved might think, the term hackney owes Gondolas of London’. unreliable and even dangerous (one nothing to the London district of the reputedly ran amok near Hyde Park), same name, but is an anglicised version and they were removed from service in of hacquenée (French for ‘horse for hire’), BYE-BYE HORSE 1899. Inhibited until 1896 by the Red and remains an official The first horseless cabs appeared as Flag Act, that limited motorcars to 4mph term for describing our taxis. The two- early as 1897, relying on electric motors and required them to be preceded by

Top: the once ubiquitous Hansom cab. Above L to R: 1910 Unic; electric-powered Bersey Brougham of 1897; 1927 Beardmore (left) and Berliet; Beardmore MKVII; Austin 12/4 (images courtesy of MPL, National Motor Museum and other sources)

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17

a pedestrian carrying a red flag, Britain create a specially-adapted vehicle based majority of the balance; they were available lagged behind France in its acceptance of on its popular 12/4 model. First came the complete with bodies, whereas Austin the new-fangled motorcar, and the Parisian- Upright Grand or High Lot that, like the buyers would select coachwork from a built Prunel was the first marque of petrol- horse-drawn carriages that preceded it, choice of outside suppliers. powered cab to serve London, commencing could carry a gentleman and his top hat in 1903. Other French makes seen on the in comfort - most buyers elected to clothe Having run up 300,000 test miles with capital’s streets in those pioneering years these cabs in landaulette coachwork. Next a prototype during WWII, the Nuffield were Renault and Unic, while early British came the Low Loader, whose new ‘dropped’ Organisation was quick into the post-war marques included Adams, Argyll, Austin, chassis helped shave three inches from the market with its Oxford taxi of 1947, and the Herald, Rational and Simplex – names all ground clearance of its predecessor. Such first to meet new Metropolitan regulations. now lost in the mists of time – and, Ford was the dominance of this family of Austins The banning of landaulette bodies meant and Vauxhall that live on today. that Mann & Overton sold 5,850 between it was of fixed head configuration, but 1930 and 1938, which represented otherwise very similar to its pre-war AUSTIN MAKES A TRIUMPHANT RETURN 75 percent of the London market. The counterparts; complete with open luggage It was in 1929 that renowned taxi distributor not dissimilar Morris-Commercial and platform aside the driver – it was a fleet of Mann & Overton commissioned Austin to Beardmore vehicles accounted for the Oxfords that transported guests from the Continued overleaf>

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wedding of the then Princess Elizabeth and 1958. It was the first London cab to feature Over the last 30 years, the only serious

18 Philip Mountbatten. four doors and, though it still relied on a challenger to the Mann & Overton vehicles separate chassis, boasted both independent was the Metro-Cammell-Weymann (MCW) The Austin FX3 (FX and FX2 were prototypes) front suspension and hydraulic brakes. By Metrocab. Built as a replacement for the that appeared just a year later was a far now most cabbies favoured diesel rather stillborn Beardmore MKVIII, the prototype more modern affair. Again commissioned than petrol power and an increasing number for this initially glassfibre-bodied offering by Mann & Overton, it featured all-steel opted for automatic transmission from the broke cover as far back as 1970, yet it took coachwork by , power courtesy ‘70s onwards. Over its incredible reign of MCW until 1987 to bring the production of the new Austin 16 engine, and a sliding 1958-2014, the intellectual property of the version to fruition. Between then and the glass partition between the driver and FX4 passed from (formerly model’s demise in 2006 ownership passed luggage area. It also had integral hydraulic BMC) to Carbodies and then London Taxis to Reliant, then Hooper and finally Kamkorp. jacks, and a favourite sport of the drivers International (LTI), which was formed when Prince Philip has only recently pensioned was to raise a colleague’s taxi while he was Manganese Bronze Holdings acquired Mann off his famous LPG-powered version, which enjoying a cup of ‘Rosy Lee’, leaving him to & Overton. No less than 75,000 examples now resides in the Sandringham Estate’s wonder why it wouldn’t move on his return. were ultimately manufactured, the best museum. By the time the giant Morris and Nuffield version of which was arguably the Carbodies organisations were combined under the Fairway, which had full wheelchair access ANOTHER NEW ERA DAWNS BMC banner in 1952, the FX3 was outselling and was powered by a Nissan 2.7-litre So to the end of 2017, by when all licensed the Oxford by more than five to one, and diesel engine. London cabs will need to be zero-emission the latter was inevitably dropped. This capable. The major contenders will be the prompted Beardmore Motors, who’d been The TX series of cabs (I, II and 4) that now -owned London Taxi Company TX5 selling the Oxford, to produce the MKVII dominate London’s gridlocked roads, where (the spiritual successor to the line that Paramount version of its own cab. But, average speeds in 2016 were 7.4mph began with the Austin High Lot of 1929) and though well made, it was scant competition compared with 9.0mph in 1830(!), are a the equally new Kamkorp-owned Frazer- for the all-conquering FX3 and production natural development of the classic FX4, and Nash Metrocab. Bearing in mind those ceased in 1966 after just 650 had been feature Nissan, Ford and VM Motori engines electric ‘hummingbirds’ of 1897, you could manufactured. respectively. Private TX owners include argue it’s taken 120 years for London’s Stephen Fry, who of course famously cabs to do a full circle which, as every THE 56 YEAR REIGN OF THE FX4 drove a black cab across the US for the automotive anorak knows, they have to be The FX3 was always going to be a tough act BBC series ‘Stephen Fry in America’. Other able to achieve in just 25ft! to follow, but the same triumvirate of Mann celebrity black cab owners have included the & Overton, BMC and Carbodies succeeded disparate trio of Arnold Schwarzenegger, wholesale with the (still very familiar) FX4 of Stanley Kubrick and Kate Moss.

Above, clockwise from top left: Austin FX3; Austin FX4; LTI TX4; LTC TX5; MCW Metrocab; Frazer-Nash Metrocab (images courtesy of MPL, National Motor Museum and other sources). Our thanks to taxi aficionado Bill Munro for his assistance with this feature www.motoringclassics.co.uk www.bmh-ltd.com

FROM BMH Managing Director John Yea reveals all HERITAGE

As somebody who began their motoring finished inside and out and sport design BODIES GALORE! experiences, and indeed their hands-on cues from the company’s highly-acclaimed Talking of bodyshells, our current order car maintenance and repair work, with Aston Martin-style Speedback. The project intake is dominated by a significant Minis, it is a slightly surreal experience respects the heritage of the Mini, while increase in demand for them. The to be earning my living from them some delivering levels of equipment fully up to year’s first Mini build will total 28 units 50 years later. Even more surprising 21st century standards. (not including those for David Brown is the widespread affection they enjoy, Automotive), while the next one for the although much of this must be due to the For images that display the jewel like MGB will exceed 30. The first run of Mark part the model played in the early lives quality of the Mini Remastered see 1 Mini shells is fully subscribed at the of so many people ‘of a certain age’. www.davidbrownautomotive.com. planned 15 units, and orders for even British Motor Heritage Ltd is proud to be the second builds of Mini, Mark 1 Mini Evidence of this was abundant when supplying bodyshells and other genuine and MGB scheduled for later this year are we attended a very posh vehicle launch parts for this exciting venture. adding up fast, so if you are considering a in Shoreditch on April 6. The venue replacement bodyshell let us know asap. was the uber trendy The Bike Shed (www.thebikeshed.cc); a fascinating location aimed at owners of customised ….AND A FURTHER VAST ARRAY 19 motorcycles who enjoy meeting in the OF MOTORING PRODUCTS attractive environment of bar, restaurant Finally, if you are responding to this and even a barber shop! At the rear are year’s fabulous early weather and railway arches converted for hire, which are preparing your classic car for the where the reveal of the Mini Remastered season, then I recommend perusing our by David Brown Automotive took place. Motoring Classics retail website www. Three design themes were displayed – motoringclassics.co.uk, where there the Café Racer, the Monte Carlo and the is a further vast selection of products Standard Remastered. All are beautifully to add to your enjoyment of classic motoring. Happy driving!

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