cruise control 1 motafrenz car club inc. · 2020-04-22 · cruise control 4 motafrenz car club inc....

CRUISE CONTROL 1 MOTAFRENZ CAR CLUB INC.


Cruise Control is the member magazine of Motafrenz Car Club Incorporated. Incorporated Association Number: A0029548A ABN: 45290275105 The right to edit, amend or omit any material submitted for inclusion is at the discretion of the Editor. CONTACT

PO Box 1331, Collingwood, VIC, 3066

[email protected]

www.motafrenz.org.au

facebook.com/motafrenz

instagram.com/motafrenz

twitter.com/motafrenz OUR COVER PHOTO Some of the Motafrenz that come along to last month’s Evening Cruise and Dinner – more details on page 16.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS You are invited to attend club committee meetings; they are held on the second Wednesday each month at 7:00 pm (see Recurring Monthly Events). If you have an event idea, or other suggestions concerning the club, this is the opportunity to have your say. After the meeting, we enjoy a pub meal. See Events List for more details or contact: [email protected] Minutes of Committee Meetings and Annual or Special General Meeting are available to members on request. Contact: [email protected]. MEMBERSHIP & FEES Membership expires June 30, 2020 for all members. Single Membership $50.00 Joint Membership $65.00 PAYMENTS • TidyClubs is the preferred

method of payment for memberships. Visit www.motafrenz.org.au and click “join up” in the menu. Payment can be made with a credit card.

• If you require an alternative, please contact: [email protected].


COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT Alan Benedetti [email protected] SECRETARY Joseph Sirianni [email protected] TREASURER Russell Lees [email protected] EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR Jeff Whitehead [email protected] PUBLICATION EDITOR Nick Bassett [email protected] WEBMASTER Nick Bassett [email protected] CLUB PERMIT OFFICER Mat Giacomantonio [email protected]

AOMC DELEGATES Jeff Whitehead & Chris Gallagher [email protected] COMMUNITY LIAISON Anthony Wiseman [email protected] FEDERATION DELEGATES Alan Benedetti & Ross Junor [email protected] MEMBERSHIP Brett Huxtable [email protected] MINUTES SECRETARY Gordon Campbell [email protected] PRIVACY OFFICER John McLeod [email protected] PROPERTY OFFICER Mat Giacomantonio [email protected]

Motafrenz Car Club Inc., is a member of the Association of Motoring Clubs [AOMC] and Federation of Veteran, Vintage & Classic Vehicle Clubs Victoria [Federation]. We are registered with VicRoads to operate a Club Permit scheme for veteran, classic, historic and street rod vehicles. Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Motafrenz, its Members, nor its Committee. Whilst all due care is taken, neither Motafrenz, its Members, nor its Officers or Committee can accept any responsibility for the accuracy of any item, service or advice printed in, or adopted from this publication.


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CONTENTS

ED SEZ ................................................................................ 7

PREZ SEZ ............................................................................ 8

GAY-TRACTIONS ................................................................. 9

EVENT RECAP: EVENING CRUISE & DINNER ...................... 16

EVENT RECAP: AOMC-RACV BRITISH AND EUROPEAN

MOTORING SHOW ........................................................... 19

COMMITTEE PROFILE ....................................................... 20

BUY / SWAP / SELL ........................................................... 25

AOMC & FEDERATION UPDATES ...................................... 25


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ED SEZ Nick B

Greetings!, what a bumper month of events and dinners and drives – oh my! At the start of the month we had Pride March, wrapping up another Midsumma Festival (covered in our last issue of Cruise Control), here are some facts and figures from the Festival: Midsumma Festival 2020 total attendances exceed 255,000 across a total of 194 events at more than 100 venues. Carnival saw attendances reach 117,000, that was followed up with a record-breaking celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Pride March with total participants at 10,607 (2,177 more than 2019) and total attendances for the event of 55,607. A few of us had fun attending the Daylesford Motorfest and quickly realised we weren’t the only gays at the motorshow!

I had a good chat to the owners who said they’d attend some future events with Motafrenz J Our first Evening Cruise and Dinner was well attended. The drive was relaxed, the following meal was delicious, and the conversation made for anenjoyable evening. The Committee is looking to make this a recurring fixture on the events calendar – so keep a look out for the next one. Thanks to Anthony W for organising. The British and European Motoring Show was very well attended also – you can see all the pictures on page 19. Until next month, safe travels. -Nick [email protected]


PREZ SEZ Alan B

Where is this year going? Here we are in March already! As we roll into Chillout in Daylesford, we finally are getting a chance to relax… The Club have a contingent spending the weekend in this lovely neck of the Victorian countryside. But more of that later… February continued to be a busy month with the Daylesford Motorfest along with the RACV British & European Car show. Motorfest was attended by a small group – it was still a successful day. The B&E held in Yarra Glen was a great day with Jeff coming along in a scene stealing pre-WWII Rolls Royce! We were lucky to be placed in a lovely leafy area garnering plenty of foot traffic past our eclectic display. Thanks to all who attended! Cheap Eats made its return – come along on the last Monday of the month to Pacino’s in Flemington. The venue is always packed, so RSVPing to Nick is essential! The conversation for the evening is always entertaining and you never know what the evenings topic/s will be… We also organised the first of our evening cruise events. After meeting at a central location (Albert Park Lake), we travelled in convoy to the dinner destination – again, an evening of jovial and informative discussion ensued. This style of event will be arranged every few months. As part of our involvement with Chillout this year, the Club will be travelling with residents of the local LGBTIQ nursing home as passengers for the parade. We are incredibly proud to be assisting these

community elders participate in their local Pride event! We’ll also be displaying cars at the Carnival – come up for the Sunday if you can. The following weekend, we are heading down to Arthurs Seat and the Eagle! We’ve secured a behind the scenes tour of the operations and maintenance areas – it really is quote fascinating! Please let me know if you’re coming along. Of course, the Committee meeting will be held on the second Wednesday of the month – this month is the 11th. If you want to come along, feel free – dinner after the meeting is another opportunity to share and discuss… Slot cars are also on as normal on the third Wednesday of the month. The championship is down to a few front runners, but the fun and frivolity is paramount to the evening. Check out the details in the events section of Cruise Control – Chris runs a great night and the more the merrier! Keep an eye out for up-coming events either via the website, via the Facebook page, the email reminders, or the events section of Cruise Control! Here’s hoping to see you at an event soon! Yours in Motoring! Alan [email protected] 0424 664 183


GAY-TRACTIONS Upcoming Events Calendar

RECURRING MONTHLY EVENTS

COMMITTEE MEETING AND DINNER (2nd Wednesday each month) WHERE: Retreat Hotel, 226 Nicholson St, Abbotsford. Off Johnston St. TIME: Arrive around 6:45pmish. Committee Meeting starts at 7pm in The Carringbush Meeting Room Upstairs. DETAILS: You’re invited to come along and participate. If you have an event idea or any other suggestions, this is the perfect opportunity to have your say. After the meeting, we enjoy a good pub meal and a few light refreshments. UPCOMING MEETING DATES:

Wednesday 12th February 2020 Wednesday 11th March 2020 Wednesday 8th April 2020 Wednesday 13th May 2020

COST (if dining): Main course $20 - $35 BOOKING: Preferred CONTACT: Joseph [email protected]

SLOT CAR RACING (3rd Wednesday each month)

A light-hearted, fun evening at Chris’ slot car raceway on the third Wednesday of each month. Loan cars available for newcomers. Experience levels vary and the main thing is to enjoy the social time, have a laugh and catchup chat. BYO snacks. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are provided. Please arrive between 7:30 - 7:45 PM. COST: Free CONTACT: Chris [email protected] UPCOMING RACING DATES:

Wednesday 19th February 2020 Wednesday 18th March 2020 Wednesday 15th April 2020 Wednesday 20th May 2020


SUNDAY DRIVE & LUNCH (3rd Sunday each month) For details, see events listings on the following pages, or refer to www.motafrenz.org.au/events. CHEAP EATS (Last Monday each month) Join your Motafrenz for a night of cheap eats and social comradery! DETAILS: Pacinos Italian Family Restaurant in Flemington does a great parma at a great price - in 13 very different ways! COST: $10 Parmas and $2 sides - and they're licensed! You can also order off their full menu on the night. RSVP: Booking is essential as they are often fully booked! CONTACT: Nick – [email protected] UPCOMING CHEAP EATS DATES:

Monday 24th February 2020 Monday 30th March 2020 Monday 27th April 2020 Monday 25th May 2020

FYI EVENTS (Events held by other car clubs or external motoring bodies) Please note: The nature of events and any entertainment provided by external organisations is outside the control of Motafrenz. Members may care to view the external event's website where they can assess for themselves the suitability of the event and the entertainment provided by the organisers. 4WD DAY TRIPS In the past we have run very successful 4WD events. These were scheduled with fixed dates and locations, with varying difficulty levels out of five. Some members have taken up the offer to complete 4WD courses. Motafrenz holds an EPIRB emergency beacon device for use where telephony and radio communications are compromised, which is often the case on 4WD events. We look forward to getting 4WD events rolling again but it does need time commitment. Consider becoming active in this role and taking on 4WD events - contact Jeff: [email protected]


Third Wednesday of the month

RSVP: Chris M - [email protected] www.vintage-slot-car-racing.com/motafrenz.htm


MARCH

CHILLOUT FESTIVAL – PARADE AND CARNIVAL DATE: Sunday 8 March TIME: Parade: 9:30 am - 10:30AM, Carnival: 11:00AM-7PM MEET: Either at the assembly point for the Parade or at the Carnival after in Victoria Park for our display spot. DESTINATION: Daylesford DETAILS: Motafrenz is off to Chillout for the Parade and Carnival. There is also a barbecue at the Motafrenz club house in Hepburn Springs after the Carnival. We will be assembling for the Parade near the corner of Duke Street and Central Springs Road and then off to display our cars at the Carnival where others can join us. This year, Motafrenz we will be helping out the LGBTI elders from Daylesford retirement village “Hepburn House”. We will be picking them up before the parade, taking them around the parade route, then returning them to the nearby retirement village before heading off to the carnival. If you are available to help with a spare seat please inform us in your RSVP as they will need to be picked up before arriving at the parade assembly point. ChillOut always has a prize for the best effort from a community group, individual or organisation. ChillOut is a 4 day festival with a huge number of events and shows so checkout the link below. For cars participating in Parade, please provide vehicle & driver details to Jeff W

Vehicle: model, type, year, number plate Driver: name, license number, email and mobile number. Number of possible spare seats for the retirement village elders. Please be on time to meet in Duke Street, Daylesford from 9:30, as the Parade will begin at 10:30 am SHARP. Two laps of the main street and then back to Duke Street. BOOKING: Necessary well in advance for Parade and required for Carnival so we can get you in. Please remember getting carnival passes is always problematic but please be patient. More information will be provided closer to the event. BRING: Everything you need for a great day to stay happy, cool and collected, plus a great car if you can or march in the Parade with Motafrenz. SUITS CARS: All types. Convertibles especially welcomed for the parade! ROAD CONDITIONS: Sealed – Freeway & main roads PETS: On a lead COST: No cost for the parade and carnival contingent (Carnival access passes will be provided on the day for vehicles) CONTACT: Jeff W – 0429311737 [email protected] LINKS: https://www.chilloutfestival.com.au COMMITTEE MEETING AND DINNER DATE: Wednesday 11 March DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events


ARTHURS SEAT CHAIR LIFT (EAGLE) / CHARLIES AUTO MUSEUM DATE: Sunday 15 March TIME: 9.30am for a 10.00am departure – it’s about 20mins to the Eagle. MEET: BP Service Centre, 1400 Mornington Peninsula Fwy, Baxter – just south of the Frankston-Flinders Rd Exit. DETAILS: Head on down to the Peninsula for a behind the scenes look at the workings of the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a cheery lunch and then onto Charlie’s Car Museum! We have garnered access to the workshop and will get so see up-close how the Eagle works – our guided tour will include opportunity to ask questions and understand how the Gondola’s work. Bring a Picnic Lunch – after the tour we can head to the summit by road partake of the view – and if the weather isn’t friendly, we can eat at the Eagle Café. After lunch, we can move onto Charlie’s Car Museum - this is a unique collection of over 80 motor vehicles. There are also motorcycles, petrol bowsers, thousands of model cars and memorabilia spanning over 100 years. Options: If you want to skip the Eagle, join us for lunch and the Museum, or if you want to skip the museum, join us for the Eagle part of the day… Just let me know. ROADS: Freeway & sealed roads – Classic car friendly BRING: A sense of adventure, Sunscreen, Camera/Phone, Picnic Lunch COST: Eagle: Round trip ticket $24 Adult, $21 Concession. One-way $17.50/$15.

Charlie’s: $15 Adult $12 Concession RSVP: Friday 13 March – We need to let the locations know approximate numbers.

CONTACT: Alan 0424 664 183 [email protected] SLOT CAR RACING DATE: Wednesday 18 March DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events CHEAP EATS – PARMA AT PACINOS DATE: Monday 23 March DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events


APRIL

COMMITTEE MEETING AND DINNER DATE: Wednesday 8 April DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events FYI: RAINBOW TOUR VALENIENNES DATE: 10-13 April DETAILS: See their Facebook page: https://bit.ly/2RPBPGE SLOT CAR RACING DATE: Wednesday 15 April DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events DRIVE TO KERRISDALE MOUNTAIN RAILROAD DATE: Sunday 19 April DETAILS: Further details to come, keep an eye on the website, or check the next edition of Cruise Control! ANZAC DAY DRIVE EVENT: ANZAC day drive 2020 DATE: Saturday 25 Apr 2020 TIME: 9 am to late afternoon. MEET: 9:00 am to 9:30 am at 239-241 Maroondah Hwy, Chirnside Park VIC 3116 (Noodle Box) DESTINATION: Walhalla DETAILS: The Motafrenz ANZAC day drive started a couple of years ago has had a high turnout of members and their cars. It is a relaxing day with no specific objective other than to enjoy the journey and the good company. This drive will take upto 3 hours through wonderful scenery to

Walhalla via Yarra Junction, Powelltown and Mount Baw Baw tourist Road. We’ll no doubt stop half way for a break. In Walhalla, we will check out suitable eating places and consider the option of a 1 hour return train trip on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway through the spectacular Stringers Creek Gorge. Trains depart at 11am 1am and 3pm on ANZAC day. Then a speedy return trip via Moe and onto the M1. BOOKING: It is nice to get a few RSVPs should you choose. BRING: Family and friends and whatever else is good for a longish drive plus a nice car to cruise in. SUITS: All vehicle types although a relatively long drive so you might choose a car more suitable and reliable, or even share a ride with someone. ROADS: Sealed – Freeway & main roads COST: Only lunch and refreshments of your choice and the train choose. Optional Train ride:

Adults ONE WAY $15 RETURN $20 Seniors/Concession ONE WAY $14 RETURN $18 Children [3 to 16 years] ONE WAY $14 RETURN $18 Family [2 adults 2 children] ONE WAY $30 RETURN $50 Family [1 adult 4 children] ONE WAY $30 RETURN $50

CONTACT: Jeffrey Whitehead [email protected] 0429311737 LINKS: https://www.walhallarail.com.au/ CHEAP EATS – PARMA AT PACINOS DATE: Monday 27 April DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events


MAY

COMMITTEE MEETING AND DINNER DATE: Wednesday 13 May DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events SLOT CAR RACING DATE: Wednesday 15 May DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events NATIONAL MOTORING GERITAGE DAY - TRENTHAM DATE: Sunday 17 May 2020 TIME: Entry from 10am for display vehicles and 10:30am for spectators TIME: Pre-meet 8:30 am for a 9:00 am departure: BP service station - West bound 1789 Western Fwy, Rockbank VIC 3335 We will be traveling for an hour via Melton, Gisborne, Macedon, Woodend, Tylden to Trentham. DESTINATION: Trentham historic railway station Victoria Street Trentham. DETAILS: Motafrenz has historically had a good presence at the NMDH and certainly hopes to again this year. Should we travel and arrive together after the pre-meet place, we will be able to park and display together. Otherwise the marshals will have you park on the next available space. The aim of the National Motoring Heritage Day (NMHD) is to promote and display Australia's strong motoring heritage and also show the community, business and government the strength of the Australian motoring movement. It is most fortunate that the Australian climate has been relatively kind to old motor vehicles and a varied range of early vehicles from Europe and North America still exist - some of

which are believed to be the last remaining. All motoring clubs are encouraged to participate in the event because, without promotion of our hobby, government and community support may gradually fade and concessional registration schemes may be lost. To further promote community support the AOMC has chosen to assist local communities with proceeds from NMHD rallies. BRING: Family and friends. Protection from the elements and mosquitoes and a display vehicle if possible. SUITS: Veteran, Vintage, Classic, Historic and collector vehicles for display or zip up in modern comfort and join us for the show. ROADS: Sealed – Freeway & main roads PETS: On lead. COST: Entry will be by a gold coin donation with donations going to a local community group. Catering available from local community groups on site. CONTACT: Jeffrey Whitehead [email protected] 0429311737 LINKS: Pre-meet BP Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/dBWzR1auN3rA9yk5A Destination Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/pB6yi4TbLKfbuoEw7 CHEAP EATS – PARMA AT PACINOS DATE: Monday 25 May DETAILS: See Recurring Monthly Events


EVENT RECAP: EVENING CRUISE & DINNER

Article by Anthony W. Well who would have thought that an evening in February would result in overcast day and cool night? We that’s what we got, needless to say this didn’t deter 12 participants in what was the first twilight midweek cruise and dinner. The group met at the southern end of Albert Park Lake which for some whilst we waited for everyone to arrive provided plenty of eye candy with locals on runs and local footy teams practicing their skills nearby. The variety of vehicles of our members and friends was a really great sight, from daily drivers, a classic BMW and even a Rolls Royce, once owned by Danny La Rue! We departed just after 6.30 and enjoyed the drive along Pit Lane of the soon to be held Australian Grand Prix. The track itself was undergoing lots of preparation work for the upcoming event so it was great to see some of the stands and barriers being set up in preparation. After the brief racetrack experience, unfortunately at a very sensible 40kms we were off to enjoy a cruise along the beach. Starting from the top of Beaconsfield Parade Albert Park we travel south all the way to Beaumaris. Along the drive it was great to see a large number of interesting vehicles, some on Club Permit along the route, also the view of the bay and lots of activity of yachts and kite surfing. Some of the homes along the drive also reminded us of how we all need to work hard to have such lovely views. Dinner was enjoyed by the group at Vincent’s Café Restaurant, which had a full house. At first this was a problem as the booking was for 9 and we ended up with 12, so it pays to RSVP! Meals consisted of a variety of pizza or pasta and salads. As the restaurant was so busy at first it almost felt like a scene from Fawlty Towers with lots of buzzing around but very little happening! Overall though it was good. Overall a fun evening that despite the less than ideal weather, it was agreed that we should arrange more similar early evening cruises followed by dinner throughout the year to mix up the events a little. So, keep an eye out for the next one, or if you have an idea of a simple, pleasant drive that we could do midweek let us know!


EVENT RECAP: AOMC-RACV BRITISH AND EUROPEAN

MOTORING SHOW

Article by Jeff W. With the usual pre-meet at the usual Noodle Box car park in Chirnside Park, it was off to the RACV AOMC British & European Motoring Show at 9:30 am at the Yarra Glen Racecourse. Not all of us made it there in time at the Noodle Box like myself who had to trundle up there in a friend’s 1936 20/25 RR which was a spendid drive either way and I was able to display it with the Motafrenz collection. The AOMC once again afforded Motafrenz a gorgeous spot under the mature deciduous trees sharing that garden space with the Jaguar Car Club and many others. Club members certainly turned up in a wide variety of stunning cars covering all of Europe, including new member David’s, pristine gold BMW 735 which attracted plenty of attention as did all our cars. On the Motafrenz discussion Group Facebook page, I put out the question of finding a French Simca which were sold in Australia, and low and behold, it was Chris G who actually found the only one there. I honestly didn’t expect to see one there and perhaps even more amazing is that it wasn’t owned by a Motafrenz member, but it does go to show the massively wide variety of British and European marques that have been sold in Australia and so many of them represented at this amazing show. The weather this day was perfect, and the event was successful, which is a change as the unpredictable weather that has been badly affecting the AOMC’s car shows for some years now, which in turn is affecting the AOMC’s bottom line. These car shows aren't cheap to run so attending is important if they are to continue. As you would be aware, Motafrenz is affiliated with this peak body who represent significant car clubs like us and do a lot of work in the background including the CPS (Club Permit Scheme). The next AOMC organised event is the National Motoring Heritage Day (NMHD) Sunday 17 May 2020 so we hope as many as possible will come along and support this wonderful day, weather permitting of course. A big thank you to those that contributed to making the Motafrenz Car Club presence at this wonderful show a total success once again.


COMMITTEE PROFILE

This section aims to help familiarise you with the Committee Members of the Club and let them share their story with you.

This month, the spotlight is on Chris!

Hi everyone, I’m Chris Gallagher. I have been retired now for some six years. Before then I was in the Commonwealth Public Service, after having accepted a position in the Department of the Treasury straight after graduating from the University of WA. Those were the days! We could afford to be “job snobs”. I didn’t want to be in the Public Service but I told myself that at least it was a job and I could move on after a couple of years. That “couple of years” stretched out to forty! My work was always in a policy area, first in economics and then the law. Policy work is hard to describe for anyone unfamiliar with the mechanics of government. Suffice to say that policy wonks do the detailed thinking and planning for Ministers to implement the objectives of the government of the day. My last position (from which I retired) was in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the department that all public servants love to hate, unless they work there. When I retired, I moved to Melbourne which was something I had been thinking of doing for some time. No major reason. I just wanted to try living somewhere different and I haven’t regretted the move for a moment. Melbourne has so much to offer. I first joined the Canberra Chapter of Motafrenz which our friend Stuart Poole was instrumental in setting up. I had already known Stuart as a fellow car enthusiast for some years. Sadly, the Canberra Chapter had to close. However, I maintained my membership with Motafrenz, first as as an interstate, and now as a Melbourne member. My current position on the Committee is alternate AOMC representative with Jeff Whitehead. The role is to attend AOMC quarterly meetings and to report back to our members. I have owned an eclectic variety of cars. My first car that I bought in 1975 was a two-year old Mazda 929 sedan, finished in white with a metallic gold vinyl interior. Not thrilling to drive but reliable transport until a blown head gasket made me sell it.


That was followed by my first brand new car, a 1980 Honda Accord hatchback finished in pale green. Looking back, I am astounded how much smaller it was than the current “small” Honda Civic. I was also surprised at how expensive it was to maintain. So much for Japanese cars being cheap. So I sold it after three years and embarked on many years of old Italian cars as daily drivers. I thought that if a car is going to be expensive to maintain it might as well be interesting and fun. So here’s the list:

• 1979 Alfa Alfetta 2000 sedan • 1982 Ford Cortina sedan Mark V (an aberration – ignore that) • 1968 Alfa Giulia GT Sprint coupé • 1970 Alfa 1750 Berlina • 1972 Alfa 2000 Berlina • 1966 Alfa Giulia Super berlina • 1970 Alfa 1750 coupé • 1962 Fiat 500 Giardiniera (station wagon) • 1972 Lancia 2000 Berlina (my first Flavia) • 1969 Lancia Flavia 2000 PF coupé • 1964 Triumph TR4 roadster • 1962 Triumph TR4 surrey top • 2000 Holden (Opel) Astra hatchback (my second new car and it is still a

friend’s daily driver) • 2008 Ford Focus XR5 hatchback in Electric Orange (what else? My third new

car.)


I’ve probably forgotten a few, but only because they were in my hands for a short time. You can see from the list that I am partial to 105 series Alfa Giulias because they all featured the ultimate versions of the classic twin cam four. To this day I can still identify one with Weber carburettors by sound alone. I currently have three cars, two of which are on club plates. My favourite is the 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza coupé. When I was growing up, Mum used to buy lots of magazines, one of which was the (now extinct) Saturday Evening Post from the USA. Every September there was an insert detailing the new model cars. Corvairs appealed to me from an early age because they were so different from the usual American fare. Remember we are talking about the early sixties here. The FB/EK series Holden was what we got, which were in my eyes even more dated and dowdier rubbish than the FC series it replaced. By comparison, even run-of-the-mill Chevys in the USA were impossibly glamourous. How did I get my Corvair? Well a good friend of mine in Canberra liked to buy and import US classics and flip them. I casually mentioned that I would rather like a Corvair someday, not expecting any reaction. Two days later he has found one in Houston and negotiated a good price for me. I bought it on the basis of photos (brave, or foolhardy?) Fast forward three months and there it was on the back of a truck in my driveway. In my excitement to get it off the truck, I tried to start it up. First mistake. That spread stale US petrol right through the fuel system, wreaking havoc. It took a lot of work to


get it running. A new fuel tank, gauge sender unit, fuel lines, all the rubber components in the suspension and other hidden but important parts that Americans ALWAYS overlook, and too many other things to remember. I got to know Clark’s Corvair Parts in Massachusetts really well, but it was worth it. The Corvair runs beautifully and is a total pleasure to drive, being totally unlike the wallowing land yachts of its era, apart from the 5,000 or so turns of the steering wheel from lock top lock. Well, some Americana has to stay present.

My other club car is a 1969 Rover 3.5 Litre (P5B) saloon. These stately conveyances appealed to me again from a young age. The father of my best friend at school had a 3.5 Coupé as his company car for a couple of years. I have vivid memories of being ferried around in the leather armchairs in the back, so I wanted one someday. Collecting classic cars is all about nostalgia, isn’t it? Again, I found my car through a friend. I attended the estate auction of the John Flynn Rover collection in Canberra a couple of years ago but no car really suited despite most being unbelievably cheap. Anyhow, my friend pointed me in the direction of another estate sale in Katoomba in NSW. This is the car was in excellent overall condition, unlike the Flynn cars, and it is the car I now own. I collected it from Sydney and intended to drive back to Melbourne, with an overnight stop in Canberra. January 2017 was extremely hot in NSW and I just made it to Canberra. I then arranged to have it trucked the rest of the way because of the heat. The car coped fine, but the driver didn’t!


It needed a little bit of work to make it really good, but nothing too outrageous. I had to go through the drive train to try and locate a vibration at highway speed and as a matter of course rebushed the suspension. It now runs well. There is nothing like wafting around in leather upholstered luxury in a Rover P5B. But not in hot weather.

My daily driver is a Renault Mégane RS 265, which I bought new in 2013. It is massive fun to drive unless the road is very bumpy in which case the hard ride palls very fast. It is my usual transport for the occasions when you want air conditioning, music, wipers that wipe, headlights that light the way, a heater that heats and, most importantly, heated seats in winter.


AOMC & FEDERATION UPDATES

BUY / SWAP / SELL Do you have a vehicle, spare parts, or other accessories for sale or swap or even to give away? Drop an email with a blurb, a photo and your contact details to [email protected] and we’ll get them listed here!

Information provided by our AOMC & Federation Delegates.

cruise control 1 motafrenz car club inc. · 2020-04-22 · cruise control 4 motafrenz car club inc....

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