September/October 2008 Volume 25 No. 5 The Early Ford V8 Club Victoria Inc. According to legend, Edsel Ford had this custom “Continental” version of a 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr convertible created specifi cally for his winter vacation in Florida in 1939. It is on display at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford mansion garage. It resulted in such interest that it was hastily advanced to limited production of both convertible and coupe versions for 1940 models. Read about the Dearborn U.S.A. Grand National on pages 10-13. Inside This Issue ◆ From The Driverʼs Seat ◆ 35th Sun Centre Rally ◆ Tom Coulter Luncheon ◆ Petrol Thatʼs The Spirit ◆ Marong Picnic ◆ Classifi ed The Side Valve V8 Times September/October 2008 September/OctoberSeptember/October 20082008 TheThe SideSide ValveValve V8V8 TimesTimes THE EARLY FORD V8 CLUB VICTORIA (Incorporated) – (1932 -1954) Registration Number A0013470E Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month (except January) at 8pm sharp, in the Library Hall, 630 Warrigal Road, South Oakleigh. NEXT GENERAL MEETING and ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008 From THE CLUBʼS MISSION: To bring together persons interested in the original restoration and preservation of all Ford V8 side valve vehicles, passenger, commercial, etc., built between the years 1932 and 1954. Also to create a friendly and harmonious atmosphere for the total enjoyment of our common interest. The MEMBERSHIP FEES: $45.00 pa (Includes home delivery of the bi-monthly club newsletter) OFFICE BEARERS for 2007/2008 Driverʼs PRESIDENT Harry Beckwith (03) 9744 4886 E-mail: [email protected] VICE-PRESIDENT Harry Gunther (03) 9546 9398 Seat .... SECRETARY Peter Hibbert (03) 9800 1222 E-mail: [email protected] AFTER visiting the U.S.A for the Early Ford V8 Club of America’s 45th Grand National celebration at Dearborn TREASURER Mick Wane (03) 9820 2465 E-mail: [email protected] and enjoying some additional activities, I have returned home richer for the trip and found that life has MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Ian Camier (03) 9885 3270 continued on. PROPERTY OFFICER Alan Summergreene (03) 9761 7777 A number of club members and their families travelled to Swan Hill to attended an organised rally, their ARCHIVIST Peter Hibbert (03) 9800 1222 comments were extremely positive and thoroughly enjoyed. E-mail: [email protected] The annual Tom Coulter Luncheon was well patronised. The social atmosphere was wonderful, it was great to NEWSLETTER EDITOR Andrew Field (03) 9763 0384 see so many folk engaging in pleasant conversation coupled with the enjoyment of good food and company. E-mail: [email protected] Some eleven or so old Fords present made it a most enjoyable day. SOCIAL CO-ORDINATOR Bob Felsovary (03) 9338 4358 E-mail: [email protected] A number of intrepid members ventured to Marong for the Federation Picnic, a vast number of vehicle makes CLUB SCRUTINEER Alan Summergreene (03) 9761 7777 and models in varying sizes were on display – the enjoyable strolls taking in the splendour were cut short by PUBLIC OFFICER Harry Beckwith (03) 9744 4886 heavy downpours causing many to take their leave and depart for home. E-mail: [email protected] In mid September we had our ‘Country’ meeting at the Ford Discovery Centre in Geelong. For many it was a return trip, for some it was their first visit. We took our time and enjoyed the venue bearing in mind the Correspondence to: Secretary, Early Ford V8 Club, PO Box 546, Mulgrave Business Centre, Vic. 3170 magnificent history of the Ford Motor Company, both the parent company and here in Australia. Whilst there we held our meeting. Members from far and wide, new and established (not old) attended. This gave us all the CLUB MEETING DATES FOR 2008: (Note revised date for June meeting) opportunity to meet and greet. FEBRUARY 1, MARCH 7, APRIL 4, MAY 2, JUNE 13 (moved due to 2008 National) October in many ways allows us to showcase the club as it is our Annual General meeting. This gives us the JULY 4 , AUGUST 1, SEPTEMBER 14 (Sunday – Country meeting), ability to highlight the activities of the year past, thank the members for their continued support and show OCTOBER 3 (AGM), NOVEMBER 7, DECEMBER 5. appreciation to the committee of management who have so tirelessly given their energies for the benefit of Members and partners PLEASE wear your name badges at Club meetings and social outings. the club. All positions will be declared vacant which will allow you the members to elect the management team you want. Please consider carefully. Don’t forget this is also the annual auction night, small items that can be managed by one person and in reasonable clean condition are needed. A small donation from the seller is Early Ford V8 Club of America requested for the club. Let’s have an interesting auction. Regional Group No 151 In closing I would like to thank each member for their support for me as President during the past year, it has been my privilege to serve you . Yours in Fording CLUB APPAREL & SOUVENIRS In a Side Valve V8 Naturally The undermentioned items of club apparel and souvenirs can now be obtained by contacting Mr Harry Beckwith, Harry Beckwith 11 Ross Court, Sunbury, 3429. Phone: (03) 9744 4886 Mobile: 0419 003 649. E-mail: [email protected] Club Badges $6.00 Key Rings $6.00 Bumper Badges $25 plus P&P Windscreen Stickers FREE (Club Cars) ❛ The best road to the white collar Polo Neck Shirts $25.00 Caps $10.00 (New Style) Hat Badges (Cloth) $5.00 Club Jackets P.O.A. (Harry B.) is through blue-jeans and practical brains❜ Blue ʻChambrayʼ Club Shirts are available (short or long sleeve), but must be ordered in groups of five$30-$35 NOTE: These items (except club jackets) are normally on sale at our club meetings. (Unless out of stock). Page 2 VolumeVolume 2525 No.No. 55 VolumeVolume 2525 No.No. 55 Page 3 TheThe SideSide ValveValve V8V8 TimesTimes September/OctoberSeptember/October 20082008 September/OctoberSeptember/October 20082008 TheThe SideSide ValveValve V8V8 TimesTimes THE EARLY FORD V8 CLUB OF VICTORIA INC CORRESPONDENCE OUTWARD: AOMC GUEST SPEAKERS: GENERAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 2008 P Hibbert to Brian and Julie Adams, apology for Mr Camier related that on behalf of the club he This matter is also being investigated; members are Minutes of the General Meeting convened in the misunderstanding re parking attended the recently held AOMC meeting. The guest requested to liaise with the Vice President Mr Harry Roger Mohr, thank you for donation of DVD Boardroom of the Ford Discovery speaker Lucy Cumberlige addressed the members Gunther. Suggestions have been made, but your input Federation, (N Athorn) endorsing N Nettleton to th on the structure and maintenance of web sites, a Centre, Geelong. Sunday 14 September 2008. Committee of Management is needed MEETING OPENED: By the President at 10.20am Vivian Worthington re Information on Lou Bandt’s Ute document distributed was then handed to our secretary BENDIGO SWAP MEET: Ian Camier re Tom O’Donnell clarification of honorary for the club to peruse. Other matters which included Questions were asked as to what the club was doing MEMBERS PRESENT: As per the attendance register, membership the red plate scheme were also mentioned. this being our country meeting this included visitors, with the second site, the President related the second Tom Prior re Donation of National Event souvenir items SOCIAL SECRETARY: wives and family members. site was kept by the club on the understanding NEWSLETTERS: Mr B Felsovary advised the meeting on the immediate Mr John Watson hired the site, The President will ADDRESS BY FORD DISCOVERY CENTRE STAFF: Federation News, September past events which included the Tom Coulter luncheon contact Mr Watson to ascertain his views, failing that Dale, one of the attractive Ford Discovery Centre Swan Hill Vehicle Club, August and the Federation Picnic at Marong which was well the club would review its options. hostesses addressed the members on the inception, attended by our members but somewhat dampened West Gippsland Vehicle Club, August Mr N BASSETT aims and aspirations of the centre, we were warmly Ford Model T Club Vic, August by the rain. The Christmas luncheon menu has been Mr Nettleton related that Neville was suffering from welcomed and thanked for our attendance EFV8 Club NSW, August finalised and will be published in theclub newsletter. cancer and will be undergoing the required treatment. Our members responded with a warm ovation. EFV8 Club Qld, August The Bay to Birdwood and the Model T centenary A card will be obtained for the members to sign and it EFV8 Club NSW, September gathering were also mentioned. Bob also extended APOLOGIES TENDERED: Messrs: G Mc Cubbin, will be forwarded. J Stewart, J Gladstone, N Bassett, G Robertson, EFV8 Club, Northern NZ, August congratulations to Mr Norman Nettleton on his being D Weatherhead, J Watson and J Inness. REPORTS: elected to the Committee of Management with the DVD Several DVD copies of the recently held Nationals MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: TREASURER: Federation. Warm congratulations were extended from (donated by Mr R Mohr) were on the table and available The minutes of the previous meeting convened on The Treasurer Mr Wane related on the financial matters the club to Norman and we offer him our support. for sale at $15 per set. 1 August were read by the President. An amendment and details for the preceding month. GENERAL BUSINESS: Opening Balance $9,304.58 BUY SWAP OR SELL relating to the motion relating to Mr A Field. It should ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Income Included: Mr G Mc Cubbin is seeking 1940 Ford over riders be construed that this motion is subject to acceptance The President advised that the October meeting is of the monies proffered, which to date has not Annual subs inc new members (set of 4) Video orders the Annual General Meeting, all positions are declared happened.