Official Journal of the Lancia Motor Club of NSW, Inc. P.O. Box 350, Northbridge, NSW 1560, Australia ABN 88 046 781 824 Australia Post registered publication NBG 1255

IN THIS ISSUE

Forthcoming Events 2

Publication Dates 2018 2

President’s Report 3

Social Secretaries Report – Castlemaine 2017 5

Aprilia Goes South 7

Highlights From Motor Classica 2017 10

My Take On Castlemaine 2017 11

Tassie Tour: ‘Adventure Into The West’ 13

Lambda Wheel Nut Selection 16

Cradle Mountain Revisit 23

For Sale/Wanted 26

The Last Word... 28

Disclaimer The views expressed herein are those of the correspondent. They do not necessarily represent the views of the

Lancia Motor Club of NSW Inc., the Committee members or any officer of the Club.

NEXT CLUB MEETING

When: Monday 4th December 2017 Where: At the home of Brian and Shiela Wilson

63 Brown St Forestville.

Please remember to bring a supper plate to share. This evening is also our Annual General Meeting for election of our club officers,

so please make the effort to attend and have your say.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

3rd December Auto Brunch – at St Ives Showground from 08:00 am

4th December – LMC Meeting and AGM – at the home of Brian and Shiela Wilson 63 Brown St Forestville. Please arrive from 7.30 and remember to bring a supper plate. This evening is also our Annual General Meeting for election of our club officers, so please make the effort to attend and have your say.

26th January 2018 – Australia Day Car Display – in the grounds of Parramatta Park. Bookings should have been made by now if you wish to display your car. Or simply come along and join in the fun of the day.

4th February – Auto Brunch – in the grounds of St Ives Showground. Arrive from 08:00 am and join fellow enthusiasts showing off their cars. Refreshments/food available.

5th February 2018 – LMC Meeting – at the home of Ross and Diane Milner, 59 Argyle Avenue Ryde. Please arrive from 7.30 pm and don’t forget to bring a supper plate.

HCCR Plate Events – the following have been designated as Lancia Motor Club of NSW Concessional Registration Scheme events for 2015

VSCCA – first Wednesday of the month - lunch at the Pie in the Sky Café Cowan

VSCCA – third Wednesday of the month – lunch at the Terry Hills Tavern.

Auto Brunch – 1st Sunday of every Month St Ives Showground St Ives from 08.00 For more information on these events, please contact the Club Social Secretary, John Pagan (9412 2501)

PUBLICATION DATES 2018

Meeting Date

Last date for submissions to editor

February 5 2018 Friday January 19 2018 April 2 2018 Friday March 16 2018 June 4 2018 Friday May 18 2018 August 6 2018 Friday July 20 2018 October 8 2018 Friday September 21 2018 December 3 2018 Friday November 16 2018

LANCIA MOTOR CLUB COMMITTEE 2017

Name Position Landline Email

Tony Kovacevic President (02) 9541 0156 tonykov@hotmail.com

Ken Studerus Vice President (02) 9534 1758 kenstuderus@aol.com

Tony Kovacevic Secretary (02) 9541 0156 tonykov@hotmail.com

Ross Milner Treasurer (02) 9809 5882 ross@tempoholden.com.au

John Pagan Social Secretary (02) 9412 2501 john@btpplan.com.au

David Lowe Librarian (02) 9498 5194 dlowe@stvincents.com.au

Hannes Swaton Registrar (02) 9357 6854 hjswaton@ozemail.com.au

Tony O’Donnell CMC Delegate (02) 9412 3004

Danny Wilson Editor (02) 6767 0085 caranabrae@westnet.com.au AND/OR daniel.wilson@det.nsw.edu.au

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – TONY KOVACEVIC

With the introduction of daylight saving and at Ian’s suggestion, we tried a new format with our October meeting by have a sausage sizzle prior to the meeting proper. With the input of Ian and Pip Openshaw and their great backyard location, the format was voted a great success. Our thanks to the Openshaws for making the meeting successful. Congratulations to Alistair and Michelle Palmer for the recent birth of their son and our youngest LMC member, Lex Kingsley John Palmer on the 23/10/2017. Grandparents, Ken and Robyn are understandably very pleased. The weekend before Castlemaine, Pam and I flew down to Melbourne for the weekend to visit our niece who has recently moved south. Luckily, the visit coincided with Motorclassica, which as most of you will already know, featured Lancias, 43 Lancias in fact, on the Saturday, both inside and outside the Exhibition hall. It was a wonderful display that did much to showcase our beloved marque to the wider population. There were some gems on show, including, for the first time in many years, the Brian and Dorothy Hawke Aprilia Ghia. The car was surrounded by visitors to the show the whole time I was there. One online report I read, named it the car of the show. Andrew Torti brought down a fleet of cars, his Flaminia Zagato being my favourite. Another favourite was the Flaminia sedan of Ross and Diane Milner

and of course the gorgeous recently restored Aurelia B24 convertible of Paul Vellacott. This years Castlemaine Rally was another resounding success, with a record number of participants and cars. There are a number of accounts of the weekend in this issue of the Fancier and they all demonstrate the importance and reach of this event, not forgetting the fun factor. The Lancia Register however are not taking things for granted, with a number of scenarios for the future running of this event canvassed over the weekend. Watch this space for any updates. Straight after Castlemaine, our family, were on a Qantas jet to the USA to visit my daughter Lenya and family in San Diego. The visit had everything; lots of emotion of course, shopping (including car parts), Halloween celebrations with the grandchildren, Disneyland and California Adventure, catching up with Tina Byrd and friends in Los Angeles and driving Tina’s Ser 2 Appia Berlina to the French Italian Car Show in Woodley Park Van Nuys and I finished off the holiday visiting the San Diego Car Museum in Balboa Park, discovering 2 pre-war Lancias in the process. Life is full of surprises. Finally, a reminder about the AGM at the next meeting. It’s your chance to have a say in the structure and running of the club. Please make an effort to attend.

LMC CLUB CAP

New Club Cap now available Brushed cotton in stylish Khaki with blue/white embroidery $15.00 each Contact Tony Kovacevic or Ross Milner

MotorClassica 2017

SOCIAL SECRETARIES REPORT – CASTLEMAINE 2017 – JOHN PAGAN Australian Lancia Register Castlemaine 24 Rally - 20-22 October 2017 Thursday 19 October Still senza Lancia and therefore travelling by M*zd*, Gina and I decided we could get to the NSW mob’s overnight stop in Yarrawonga in a day via the National Library exhibition (in Canberra) of Peter Dombrovskis’s stunning Tasmanian photographs. So we did; and it was an uneventful trip except for an extremely intense rainstorm late in the afternoon as we were crossing the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

Rain ahead

We joined the group at the Lakeview Motel, which I recommend although it is virtually unchanged since it was built in the 1970s: the rooms have everything an old person needs including cross-ventilation and the hosts are genial. The group was Bill and Sandra Smith (Lambda), Jeremy Batt and Shanon, Gerald and Maureen Batt (Lambda ballon), Tony Kovacevic (Beta berlina), Ken and Ann Studerus (Beta coupé) and Richard and June Heher (Peugeot). Bill and Sandra were still drying out: the Lambda’s anti-mist-up windscreen gap let in lots of water! But it was a short walk to a good solid Italian restaurant dinner.

Batt birds-nest and fetching mascot

Friday Madam and I like a proper breakfast when we can get it, so we let the others leave early and took our time; travelling when we could on the more minor roads to Castlemaine. Nevertheless, we made it in good time for lunch at the historic house Buda, where the buffet was again excellent and we began the process of catching up with Lancisti we hadn’t seen for a while. As this was Gina’s first visit to Buda, we enjoyed a thorough inspection of the Victorian house (with much material about the Leviny family who occupied it for over a hundred years) and garden.

Lambdas Up the Creek

The Levinys were associated with the founding of the Castlemaine Art Museum, which has for many years hosted the Rally’s evening reception. This year it looked doubtful until the last minute, as the Museum, which is governed by private trustees and managed by a Board elected by subscribers, is threatened with closure because of insufficient funding. This would be a shame as it has an excellent collection.

Baby Bugatti Up the Creek

Saturday We assembled in the carpark by the Western Oval on Saturday morning for general admiration and ogling while those of us without a Lancia negotiated a ride. John Doyle linked up with Paul Vellacott in the Aurelia B24 imported by John for Paul many years ago; now looking perfect. Gina and our host Ian Campbell went with Don Hume in his (ex-Bill Guy) Aprilia. As Chris Long’s Ardea was being saved for the Tasmanian Tour, I looked for the nearest thing and made contact with Noel Macwhirter to travel in the back of his Aprilia. Which is a bit cramped by that aerodynamic styling. Noel explained politely that the Aprilia goes better with not more than two up – but it seemed fine to me, as I’m going to have to get used to something much less powerful again ...

Shellard Kappa

As usual, the Saturday drive route was along interesting small roads; as usual, different from any other year’s run. As usual, there were a few wrong turns, dead ends, lines of cars doing U-turns; but I think everybody made it to lunch at the property of Hein Otten near Walmer. Here there was a small collection of interesting vehicles, three kinds of paella from huge woks and an

address by Bruno Cena about Lancia model machinations in the 1980s and 90s.

Saturday lunch line-up

After the comparatively short trip back to base we were free to check out antique stores and junk shops (always a highlight of Castlemaine for me).

Torti Trikappa

The Rally is now so well subscribed (over 200 this year) that the Castlemaine Town Hall cannot accommodate all who wished to attend the Malcolm Fraser memorial dinner. As ever we had a convivial table, the introduction of guests and presentation of awards, notably Life Membership to Brian Long.

Hume Aprilia

Sunday On Sunday morning we visited Grant Cowie’s Up the Creek Workshop, which has moved to a new industrial estate at Chewton and is if possible even more fantastic. We squeezed in a visit to Kim Brownbill’s huge sheds at his “new” home in Maldon. The contents there included the ex-Joe Wilson Aprilia recently bought by (who else?) Gerald Batt.

McKibbin Lambda

Diatto at Western Oval

By this time, most of the Lancias were on the Western Oval for the joint display with other Italian and classic cars. We enjoyed a café lunch and toured the nearby bookshops.

John Doyle with Marc Bondini and his excellent s2

Aurelia B20 And so to farewells at the traditional Railway Hotel dinner: John Doyle arranged a lift (most of the way) back to Sydney with Jocelyn Vettoretti, as we had arrangements in the other direction. But the following week on the Mornington Peninsula and in and around Melbourne had a garden focus for us, so we’re not talking about that here … John Pagan

APRILIA GOES SOUTH – BRIAN & DOROTHY HAWKE

In mid-April Peter Renou from Melbourne rang and told me about MotorClassica in Melbourne and that they would like the Lancia Aprilia to join in 110 Year Celebration of Lancia. In due course, we received an official invitation to apply for a place in the Concourse. We applied accordingly and were accepted. Then the work began to bring it up to Concourse standard of cleaning and checking everything. My Daughter Roslyn and Son-in-law Michael volunteered to help us. Douglas our son came to complete the finish preparation of cleaning under and over and polishing wheels etc.

MotorClassica advised that they wanted cars that are original rather than glossy or modified and owners who are passionate for the marque and will engage with the public. I explained to Marc Bondini that the car has been driven to many Lancia rallies over the years to Castlemaine, Canberra, Mudgee, Armidale, the Gold Coast, and the Snowy Mountains. It has a few chips to show. We did not want to start painting and try to make it like brand new, which would take away its originality. He was happy with that.

We decided to trailer it rather than drive it and get it dirty after all the cleaning the family had done.

We left Mittagong on Tuesday 10th October, and drove to Wagga, where we were joined by our Daughter Roslyn and Michael her husband. We arrived the next day in Melbourne at 4.45pm in the middle of peak hour traffic, which was a bit daunting finding our way to the Exhibition centre to drop off the Aprilia. Peter Renou was excited to help us to unload and to see his “Baby” again. Everything went like clockwork. The organisation was brilliant.

We left the trailer at the Melbourne Museum parking station and then to the Mantra hotel in Little Bourke Street. It sure is little, with parking non-existent.

Our youngest daughter Jennifer also flew in from Bangalow/Byron to join in the fun. Many new Lancia club members had only seen the Aprilia in photographs and not in the metal, and were quiet amazed with its style and condition, not bad for a “seventy year old lady.”

The next four days were spent at the Exhibition centre speaking to people about the car.

Talking and answering questions including a Television interview. It was quiet amazing, and a lot of fun, also catching with friends from Queensland, Victoria and NSW, who we hadn’t seen for some time.

Noel (unknown) posted on Facebook, photos of his three favourite models, the original 1970 Fulvia 1.6 HF Rally car, the stunning Aurelia B24 and his absolute favourite the 1947 Lancia Aprilia Ghia. He had only ever seen photos of this car before and was stunned to see how elegant and beautiful it is, even better in the flesh than in the photos. Another person posted 13 photos of it. James Nicholls, Lecturer, Writer, and Broadcaster, an authority on classic cars, posted the Aprilia was his favourite car of the show. This show was the best car show that we have been to anywhere in Australia. The Exhibition centre is an amazing building, the staging and organising of the show could not have been better. Before we left Robert Bienvenu, the President of the Victorian Lancia Register presented us with a beautiful book “70 Years of Lancia”. This capped off a wonderful week of enjoyment and fun with Lancia people, friends and family.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MOTOR CLASSICA 2017

Source: Curbside Classics http://www.curbsideclassic.com By Don Andreina “My dream car, a 1971 Monteverdi 375L High speed, then three favourite Ferraris, the Lancia Flaminia 4 door sedan previously owned by Malcolm Fraser and the Lancia Flaminia Zagato which he said was the closest thing you could have to a Ferrari without actually having a Ferrari. But for me the car of the show was the 1947 Lancia Aprilia Spyder Gran Sport Ghia.

The Ghia Spyder was shaped by Mario Boana. Given the unibody origins of its donor, it received a tubular chassis around which was wrapped this unobtrusive but entirely captivating skin. My lack of objectivity was compounded when I met its owner, Brian Hawke. MotorClassica is filled with literally the finest classic automobiles in the country. If you want to meet the owners, you really need to buy a VIP ticket at three times the price, and attempt to find them amongst the canapes in the roped off section. If they have deigned to attend at all, that is.

Brian was standing next to the car out on the floor, and he indulged me in a half an hour of the most fantastic and free-flowing conversation. He restored it for a doctor back in 1985, and it became his when the opportunity arose in 1992. He does not hold back in driving it when he can.

His joy of ownership was infectious, not the youngest of men, he came across as a child sharing his best toys with all the others in the park. There was no pause in his enthusiasm as he took me through details such as the body build plate, chassis framework, the hood hidden behind the seatback and even that lovely grate used for the glove box compartment. It is the first of three built in the series. As Brian understands it, this was the shape that inspired Donald Healey’s most enduring creation. I’m no fan of the Austin-Healy and, though I can see the similarities, this car is so beguilingly subtle where the A-H is a thuggish bruiser. This isn’t the world’s most influential shape, nor the most demonstrative. But it has lingered in my mind long after the show packed up and all its beauties dispersed.”

MY TAKE ON CASTLEMAINE 2017 – TONY KOVACEVIC My Castlemaine adventure began on the Wednesday, with meeting Bill and Sandra Smith (Lambda Torpedo), Ian and June Heher (modern), Ken and Ann Studerus (Beta Coupe), Jez, Gerald and Maureen Batt and Jez’s girlfriend, Shannon (Lambda sedan) opposite the Richmond RAAF base at Clarendon. I was driving one of my Beta sedans.

Our drive took us through Richmond, Bells Line of Road, Mt Victoria, Bathurst and to Cowra for lunch, on a very warm day. Leaving Cowra, I became separated from the group and decided to continue motoring on to our overnight stop at the Cherry Blossom Motel in Young.

All went well until about 10 klm out of Young, when an ominous rattle became more and more obvious. Checking the car revealed that the lower alternator pivot bolt was touching the side of the engine bay after the locknut had vibrated off. Given I was so close, I continued on to our motel.

The advantage of travelling in a group became apparent, when, with the help of Bill and his spare parts cache, I was able to affect a repair that is still going strong. That night we all walked to one of the local pubs for a very enjoyable alfresco dinner.

The weather cooled the next day with rain forecast along the way. Junee was our first stop, where we enjoyed morning tea in one of the beautiful local parks, which had some magnificent roses. A visit to the local ‘Chocolate and Liquorice “factory came next. They had a wide range of tempting treats, but of most interest to me, was the attached car museum and Victa mower collection.

We then continued to Wagga Wagga for lunch, where others and I were served the tastiest toasted sandwiches we had enjoyed for quite some time. Onward we went, with more and more showers along the way. Just as we were nearing our overnight stop of Mulwala, on the Victorian border, the skies opened to a storm of biblical proportions. Visibility dropped to about 10 metres with horizontal rain and the cars in front, disappeared in the gloom. To add some spice, my fuel gauge had been on empty for the last 10 kilometres.

When we finally reached our motel, where we were joined by John Pagan and Gina Plate. Everyone was wet to some degree with Bill in the open Lambda, absolutely soaked. A shower and change of clothes had us ready for an early dinner

at the local Italian restaurant. A delightful evening ensued.

Our plan the next morning was a straight run to Castlemaine down the Goulburn Valley Highway via Shepparton, Seymour and Heathcote to Castlemaine. Once there, we drove to “Buda”, a local historic home, where we ate an excellent buffet lunch together with catching up with old friends and making new acquaintances.

A reception was held that night was at the Castlemaine Regional Art Gallery, where I had an opportunity to have an in depth conversation with the rally guest of honour, Bruno Cena. He answered a wide range of questions about the recent history of Lancia, but was pessimistic about what the future may hold, given the current management and available vehicle platforms and economies of scale required for profitable automotive production in the modern era. The following morning, the rally participants gathered on a vacant lot, opposite the Western Oval. The breadth and standard of the attending cars, never ceases to amaze me. From Trikappa to Delta, there was something to admire, photograph or to simply wish it was yours.

Departure time soon arrived and we were off to our lunch destination, the property of Hein Otten near Maldon. The obligatory u turns, wrong roads and passing Lancias heading in the opposite direction ensued along the way. Lunch was magnificent, with 3 varieties of Paella on offer, with fresh fruit and cream for dessert – yum! Following the meal, we were given an interesting talk by Bruno Cena, covering his period of time in management at Lancia. I certainly got the impression that he was a true Lancisti and who despairs at the current situation with the brand.

Dinner that night was a sell-out, with standing room only left at the Castlemaine Town Hall. Again, the meal was excellent, particularly given the large number of participants being fed. Speeches were made, trophies handed out – congratulations to Genevieve Long and Bill Smith

and of course, much conversation. A very enjoyable evening indeed.

Sunday dawned with yours truly up early for the drive back to Sydney. I unfortunately had to miss the last day at Castlemaine, due to being booked to fly out to the USA the following day, to visit my daughter and her family. I met up with Richard and June Heher at Violet Town for breakfast and then it was a straight slog up the Hume to Menai. My Beta took the journey in its stride, again confirming what a great touring car they are, with ample room, comfort, power and style. Here’s to wherever and whenever the next Castlemaine Rally is held.

TASSIE TOUR: ‘ADVENTURE INTO THE WEST’ – KEN STUDERUS

As Ann & I had never toured Tasmania, we were very excited when the Lancia Register announced that its post-Castlemaine tour this year would be heading there. Given how much there is to see in Tasmania, it’s unsurprising that organisers had to divide the tour into two phases. Due to time constraints, Ann & I could only sign up for the first phase from 23-29 Oct set in the west of the state.

Ann with Bill & Sandra Smith

After a most enjoyable Castlemaine weekend, Ann & I set off for Port Melbourne in our Beta Coupe with Bill & Sandra Smith in their Lambda. Jeremy Batt (the other Tour entrant from NSW) travelled separately with his parents in his Lambda Ballon. The 6:00 pm ferry boarding time allowed for a leisurely drive with a stop in Daylesford for lunch & a browse through the shops. Despite some traffic as we approached the city, Google Maps got us safely to destination in plenty of time. As we relaxed on the foreshore awaiting time to board, our cars attracted several other Lancisti who stopped to chat. At one point, our Beta & Lambda were joined by an Aprilia, a Flaminia p.f. Coupe & a Fulvia coupe to provide an impromptu mini car show for the locals. Loading on the ferry was a slow but straightforward affair. Once cars were secured & cabins located it was time to head for the lounge areas to catch up with our fellow tourists.

Although most Castlemaine participants had returned to more mundane pursuits, the tour included 30+ cars ranging from Lambda to Beta. Participants represented Italy, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, UK, USA, NZ & all parts of Australia bar NT & Canberra.

Lambda & Beta

Our cabin accommodation was comfortable & - thanks to our prudence in making it an early night – we were well rested for our early start Tuesday morning. After disembarking, we all made it to our initial rendezvous except for one peripatetic Dutchman who, separated from his driver, walked off the ferry! Having reconnected him with his ride we were ready to set off on our adventure. Our tour organiser Chris Edwards & his wife Geraldine planned a very full first day. After an excellent buffet breakfast in a nearby chocolate factory, we set off to look at two private car collections in the Devonport area. The Chas Kelly collection was notable not only for the vehicles (which were beautifully kept, beautifully presented & impressively diverse) but also for the setting in which it was displayed. This included the forecourt where some of the collection stars were set, the lovely landscaped grounds (on which we were allowed to park!) & the massive garage/workshop/man-cave in which the majority of the cars were displayed. What a place to hang out with your mates! After we dragged ourselves away from the cars, we set off towards Cradle Mountain. Pleasant country driving took us to a lunch stop in Sheffield where the influx of 30 Lancias at noon on a Tuesday placed its tourist infrastructure under a little bit of strain. Nevertheless, we came away well nourished for the challenges of the first of the Targa Tasmania stages we’d be driving on the tour. This took us to our overnight stop at the Cradle Mountain Hotel. The more energetic of

our group set off on foot or by car to explore the wilderness. The rest of us rested up in preparation for the whiskey tasting, cocktail hour & banquet arranged for the evening. A full day indeed. Wednesday’s plan had us driving down to the west coast. We made our morning tea stop at Tullah & found a great spot at ‘Lakeside Lodge’ just off the road on Lake Roseberry. Continuing south-west, we joined with the others for a buffet lunch at Zeehan. A short further drive brought us to our home for the next two nights at Strahan Village. Our accommodation sat up on the hill behind the village & overlooked Macquarie Harbour. After a huge lunch, we weren’t in the mood for a big meal but we found that light meal options in Strahan were in short supply after 5:30. After some over optimistic advice about how long it would take (“about 10 minutes”), we set out to walk (into the face of a stiff, cool breeze off the harbour) to a takeaway shop at the other end of town. It took 20 minutes each way so we were ready for an early night when we returned.

Colonial bridge at Ross

Thursday was a no driving day. After an early breakfast, we headed off to the wharf for a cruise on Macquarie Harbour & the Gordon River. Including walking tours through the rainforest along the river & around the site of the Sarah Island convict prison followed by a buffet lunch on board, this took us into mid-afternoon. Not done yet, we headed off on a steam rail excursion on the old narrow gauge railroad that was built to serve the mines at Queenstown. Chuffing along at a very sedate pace, we got to see what a difficult piece of engineering this was – and we didn’t even reach the rack section that made the steepest ascent. At comfort & tea stops, there was always a crowd around our lovely old engine with lots of questions for the very knowledgeable crew. By the time we returned it was time for another massive buffet in the Hotel’s restaurant & then to bed.

Friday was our most challenging driving day covering four Targa Tasmania stages. First leg was the run up to Queenstown where many of us stopped to refuel. The striking thing about this region was the devastation of the terrain left from the mining. The next leg to Derwent Bridge included two stages & went through some real wilderness. Others on the tour may have had more experience of such roads than I had but, for me, this was a new test for my Beta & for my driving skills. I certainly gained a new appreciation for the money I’ve spent over the last two years getting my suspension & steering sorted. After a lunch stop at Derwent Bridge the driving was more relaxed with only one more short stage to get through before we completed the day with a relaxed drive along the Derwent down to Hobart. In Hobart, we had secure undercover parking for the cars right in the heart of town. The day finished with an end of tour dinner at a lovely old pub, Hadley’s Orient Hotel.

Lancias on the lawn Last event on the tour was a display day with some other car clubs on lawn in front of Parliament House. As this is immediately adjacent

to the Salamanca Markets there was no shortage of ways to spend time (or money) while the display was on. The Lancias got lots of interest & were certainly the most impressive & diverse display. After the display, some of our number headed immediately to Devonport to catch the ferry. Ann & I had another night in Hobart to allow us a relaxed drive north on Sunday. That took us right up the central spine of Tasmania with time for stops in the old colonial towns of Oatlands & Ross. At Devenport we caught up with several others from the tour who joined us on the ferry for that night’s crossing. A leisurely two day’s drive had us home by Tuesday afternoon.

Chas Kelly collection. This was the second post rally tour for Ann & I & we’ll be looking forward to more. There are lots more places we haven’t been to & there’s no better way to get to them than with a congenial group driving lovely old cars. Full credit & thanks to the Register & particularly to Chris & Geraldine Edwards for making this a wonderful experience.

LAMBDA WHEEL NUT SELECTION - BILL SMITH In this paper, the term “wheel nut” is used to describe the threaded component that secures the road wheel to the hub. The Italian word for this item as used in the parts manuals is “cappelletto”. In the 7th, 8th and 9th Spare Parts Catalogues, Lancia added the rather awkward English translation “Hub Fixing Wheel” for this component. There are two main reasons for publishing these notes. One is to provide a sound basis for owners ordering wheel nuts from the Australian supplier listed below, and secondly to record our best efforts in delving into the murky world of early series Lambda history, caused in part by inadequacies in the Parts Manuals and common part numbers allocated to different part designs. In selecting and advising Deryck Noakes of Buchanan Engineering Solutions, deryck@buchananesq.com of your needs, there are two basic choices. The later 370 mm drum braked cars use one type of wheel nut only, (see photo No1,) whereas the earlier 300 mm drum braked cars have a variety of nuts available which suit only particular wheels. The advice in this paper is required because the Lambda parts lists and factory drawings do not adequately cover the range of different designs that so obviously were fitted to some cars as original. This advice, as far as I can tell, covers all Lambdas from 1st series up to and including Construction No. 4700 in 6th series. All wheel nuts beyond this were the “eared” type, part No 11-1808/7. If anyone reading these data believes there are any further nut types, or finds errors in the detail, please advise me, as the official history documents on this subject are less than perfect. It appears from an engineering design perspective that as the Lambda progressed from a near-Voiturette lightweight-focused design at the prototype stage, to a more gracious, more sophisticated (and heavier) vehicle with a wider market appeal, it required larger diameter wheels and tyres. The resultant higher side loads on the wheel rims/spokes required a wider support base for the spokes to manage these higher loads. The wider “Colonial” wheel centres provide this support. By the time of the introduction of the 370 mm diameter brake drum cars, all the wheels and wheel nuts were of a Colonial type design. For instance, a wheel nut from a semi-modern Jaguar

Mk2 fits precisely onto a Colonial 300 or 370 mm- drummed Lambda. Buchanan Engineering Solutions also offer the wheel nut embossed centre separately, to allow owners to refurbish their original wheel nuts. These wheel nut centres are the best, most original replicas I have ever seen of any Lambda part and represent many hours of concentrated, highly skilled effort. The photos below hardly do them justice. If I had my car entered into Pebble Beach or Villa d’Este with these wheel nuts and embossed centres, I would be confident they would be up there with the very best replica parts ever manufactured. The centrepiece runs true to the nut; they will sparkle in the sun rather than wobble and appear to bounce when the vehicle is in motion. The detail in the embossing is exactly as originally provided by the factory; no engraving is employed. Wheel nuts fitted to the 340 mm drum brakes cars: These two nuts are Lancia Part No 11-1108/7. The only variation in these two nuts during the production run was to change from nickel-plating (nichelato in Italian) to modern chromium plating. Bill Jamieson advises that examples of chrome plating have been found on a few late 8th series cars, where the originality is beyond dispute. However, there is no mention of such a change in any of the late series nickel-plated component drawings, such as windscreen frames, headlight rims, fuel tank filler caps or wheel nuts etc. If owners wish to have chrome plated parts, this should be advised at the time of ordering, along with the quoted part numbers. Wheel nuts and wheel centres, 300 mm drum braked cars: Available factory part numbers for these wheel nuts do not cover the range of nuts found on these cars. In their place, I have given them Vintage Auto Part Numbers until such time as Lambda research can provide a more positive factory part Number. This has allowed me to issue drawings for their manufacture. The three attached drawings, figs 1, 2 & 3 cover what I believe are the differences between the various designs. The key to this selection process is the thread length showing with the wheel on the

wheel hub and the special wheel for the type D nut. Please measure carefully all the nuts you want to replace to ensure you pick the correct one and specify one of the five alternatives as follows: Parts A and E are based on factory drawings, part B, C and D are measured from actual examples. Regarding Fig No.1. Warning: No factory drawings should be used for re-manufacture of these nuts, as they appear to have been provided by Lancia’s supplier, (Rudge-Whitworth/Borrani) and are designed by that supplier to allow identification of each nut type without providing the correct details for the taper or other dimensions, possibly to thwart re-manufacture by other suppliers. I have researched many old Rudge documents and measured many actual nuts to determine what I believe are the original sizes.

(A) Part No 10-1807/8 d/s (destro/sinistro right/left)

(B) Part No VAEngE 0083-d/s (C) Part No VAEngE 0084-d/s (D) Part No 10-1807/8C-d/s (E) Part No 10-1807E d/s

Brief description of nut types: Type A, A factory drawing for this part has survived, although some design details on that drawing are not well defined. This nut fits the original Lambda as depicted on the familiar cross section of the Lambda front suspension/wheel assembly. Also, this nut fits wheel Part No 10-1084 for which a drawing has also survived. If ordering this nut the following dimensions need confirmation, Sizes in Fig No1 and from Fig2 10 mm of thread showing and 145mm of wheel centre depth Type B. If this part ever existed, it would be the non-Colonial version of the Type E nut. If ordering this nut the following dimensions need confirmation, Sizes in Fig No1 and from Fig2 10 mm of thread showing and 145mm of wheel centre depth. Type C. No individual drawing seems to have survived for this part, although many examples of these nuts have survived. It must be noted though that the wheel drawing 10-1084C/992 is not the 10-1084c wheel shown in the Parts Manual 1923/1924. That wheel design fits the nut Type D below. If ordering this nut the following dimensions need confirmation, Nut sizes from Fig No1 and from

Fig2 the wheel centre protrudes 1 mm beyond the thread and 156mm of wheel centre depth. Type D. No actual drawing of this nut appears to have survived; however, it is pictorially represented in the Parts Manual 1923-1924 as 10-1807/8c. This part fits into a special wheel centre, a sketch of which is shown in fig 3 below and again pictorially shown in the above Parts Manual. Jonathan Reeve has a car with a set of these nuts and wheels installed, and I have one sample of this nut. See Photos 3 & 4. Jonathan also believes one of the Lambdas in the Turin National Motor Museum (Biscaretti) has a set of these as well. This nut qualifies as a Colonial nut despite the shorter wheel centre depth (145 mm), as the outer section of the wheel centre surrounds the nut and provides for the wider colonial spoke base; hence improving wheel strength for bigger diameter rims and tyres. Photo No.3 below shows the nut in its installed position. Photo No.4 shows the nut separate from the wheel assembly. If ordering this nut the following dimensions need confirmation, Nut sizes from Fig No1 and from Fig3 10 mm of thread showing and 145mm of wheel centre depth. Type E. A factory drawing of this part has survived as 10-1807/8E. This nut is pictorially shown on wheel drawing 10-1084C/992 and by scaling, closely resembles the nut drawing. Based on the factory drawing of the matching wheel, titled “Ruota a raggi montata TIPO COLONIAL”, the nut is clearly fitted to a Colonial wheel. It is distinguished from other Lambda nuts by the larger locking taper and larger outside diameter. This diameter seems to match the standard Rudge Whitworth #62 nut used on other vehicle brands. (This nut would need a correspondingly larger wheel spanner than the standard Lambda supplied tool #10-2315) The nut is listed on the drawing as being fitted from 2nd series Lambda onwards. Once again, Jonathan Reeve has a sample of such a nut, and Bill Jamieson recalls seeing one in Melbourne about 25 years ago, but cannot remember whether it was a type E or B. If an owner finds he needs to replace type E nuts, the dimensions will need refining as the factory drawing is approximate only, and does not seem to totally fit with Rudge Whitworth standard practice. Any help from owners who have these fitted, even if they do not require replacement, would help fill in the history of these wheels and wheel nuts

Safety issues: Incorrect nut identification: The use of “normal” or non-Colonial Lambda wheel nuts on cars fitted with Colonial wheels is a serious safety concern, as the thread engagement length is far too short. The nut will however tighten in an apparently correct manner, which disguises the issue. So, take great care in your selection to ensure all wheels in your set of five have the same wheel centre and spare wheel carrier. In addition, never fit a spare wheel from another car without positive identification of the wheel centre type. This identification is best done by referring to the three drawings attached to this article, which list the amount of thread showing before the nut is installed. See Figs No. 3 & 4. The spare wheel carrier tube for the 300 mm drum wheels has four part numbers found in the factory drawing list and three different twin spare-wheel spacers, but only two numbers are listed in the Parts Manuals. There is strong evidence that there are more parts numbers to be discovered for the Type D nut. By way of a warning, I found one Colonial wheel fitted to one car, with the other four wheels being of the “normal/original” type. In addition, I have found another car with four Colonial wheel nuts and one normal nut, the normal nut being fitted to the spare wheels. How easy would it be to mix the nut fitment, during a rainy, dark night wheel change? Not all cars delivered to Australia were fitted with Colonial wheels, based on this fact I don’t believe we can assume that other countries received all of one type of wheel either. Dealers or customers could have demanded their individual preferences, and of course, the later sale and resulting international movement of cars has further complicated this issue. Weld repairs: Weld repairs on high tensile steels is not recommended. In the case of the 300 mm drum wheel nuts the wall sections adjacent to any weld are extremely thin, with the four tightening holes almost breaking through into the taper. The chances of cracking are far too high to risk weld repairs. Dimensional checks: The outside diameters of nuts A, B, D and E, I have listed as 101.6 (4 inches) diameter. The factory drawing (A) lists the diameter as 100mm. I have surveyed six nuts and found the nuts measure between 101 to 101.6 diameter. As many nuts have been weld-repaired and machined down to clean up, as well as polished for nickel plating, it is not surprising to find a variation in this diameter. When I contacted Borrani, the Italian wheel manufacturer, they

stated that they were the manufacturer of these wheels and nuts in the 1920’s. They stated that the outside diameter was 102 mm. As this nut is most likely based on standard Rudge Whitworth (i.e. U.K.) designs, a 4” nut was already in common use. A 4” diameter equates to 101.6 mm. I raise this issue in the hope that owners can measure their existing parts and report back their findings, but at this stage, I am inclined to manufacture the new nuts to 101.6, +/-0.05 mm. The stretch in the nut outside diameter when the nut is tightened is disproportionally dependent on the outside diameter of the unstressed nut. Therefore, a 100 mm nut would be far more likely to distort the taper angle than a 101.6 mm diameter nut. The nut E is listed as having a 110 mm outside diameter. The one example we have available is close to this dimension. Missing wheel and wheel nut part numbers: When searching for drawings and part numbers to help resolve the difficulties mentioned above, I found two further part numbers for the spare wheel carrier tubes in the available drawings, over and above the two mentioned in parts lists. These two carrier tubes also listed different matching spacers and wheel numbers, but no new wheel nut part numbers. I list them below for information: Carrier tube 10-1803C (Twin wheel type) attaches with;

Spacer, Part No 10-1806C

Wheel, Part No 10-1084C/992, (note the 992 wheel suits a very small diameter 765x105 tyre for a Colonial car)

Wheel nut, Part No 10-1807C Carrier tube 10-1803CC (Twin wheel type) attaches with;

Spacer, Part No 10-1806C or 10-1809C

Wheel, Part No 10-999/991, (Confort Normale and Confort)

Wheel nut, Part No 10-1807 Placing orders: Place any orders directly with Deryck Buchanan at the address above. Please include a copy of drawing, Fig No. 1, circling the nut type you require. Acknowledgements: We in the Lambda group of owners are indebted to James and Brian Lewis for the expense and for championing the manufacture of these important

replacement components. My thanks to Joachim Griese, Bill Jamieson and Jonathan Reeve for

piecing together the history and fitment of these wheel nuts.

Photo No.1

Photo No.2

Photo No.3, Courtesy Jonathan Reeve

Photo No.4, Courtesy Jonathan Reeve

MotorClassica 2017

Fig No.1

Fig No.2

Fig No.3 Notes on selecting Wheel Nut part numbers and wheel nut embossed centres for re-manufacture. Bill Smith - Vintage Auto P/L williamsmith.aus@gmail.com Nov 2017

MotorClassica 2017

CRADLE MOUNTAIN REVISIT – BILL SMITH

Just as well the (Castlemaine) rally and follow-

on were organised for the late spring period,

otherwise it could have been really cold. The

Pirotta like inlet manifold (with no exhaust gas

heating) proved OK, engine fired on first kick

of the starter and warmed up well with my usual

“Shroud of Turin” installed on the radiator. The

owner of the adjacent modern said his dash

outside temperature. gauge read -3 C.

I had added some antifreeze to the Redline the

night before as snow was predicted. As the

weather was predicted to get colder during the

day, we made an early exit to catch the ferry

home in case we were locked in. We left with it

snowing quiet heavily. Not enough snow to

recreate the Falchetto/Moncenisio photo

though.

JOHN PAGAN’S LANCIA ARDEA - ON THE WAY

MotorClassica 2017

FOR SALE / WANTED Advertisements appear for three consecutive months and must then be re-booked. It is a legal requirement that they show a price and engine number, or, if unregistered, the engine number of the vehicle. If these details are not submitted with the advertisement, unfortunately it cannot be published. Please send ads to the editor, Danny Wilson at Daniel.Wilson@det.nsw.edu.au OR caranabrae@westnet.com.au For Sale – Fulvia engine & gearbox Engine No. 818.130.14480 This is a 1.3 engine from a dismantled Fulvia coupe. It is on the original sub-frame and comes with suspension towers, transverse leaf spring and wishbones, drive shafts and wheels but minus carburettors. Mileage and condition unknown but a brilliant source of mechanical parts. $1850 or VNO Contact Tony Ward trward@bigpond.com Mob 0417 869693. Home. (02) 9144 7283

FOR SALE - Lancia Thema 8v Turbo sedan. VIN ZLA 83400000151854 - 1987 model. Metallic light bronze with matching cream velour interior. Fine performance from this engined car. Would need work to re-register but not an expensive exercise considering the type of car. Price to suit enthusiast. New battery and tyres in good condition. Price $4900 as is. Contact Tony Ward. 0417 869693. trward@bigpond.com

For Sale – 1979 Lancia Beta Saloon

My well sorted 1979 Beta Sedan. Much work done including new shift linkage bushes, mag wheels and new tyres in the correct 175/70 x14 size, new brake rotors, pads and hoses, new lower control arm bushes, ball joints and tie rod ends. New steering rack bush, headlights, water hoses, carburettor overhaul, battery and lots more. Only reason for sale is the purchase of another Beta sedan. Car is currently on club plates, to be sold unregistered. $1600 ono Tony Kovacevic 0413464401 e: tonykov@hotmail.com For Sale – Lancia Beta parts for sale Discount given for multiple items purchased. NEW Front, rear engine/gearbox mount kit $425 for all three USED complete Engine , from Series III car. very clean $650 USED SIEM Headlights - H1 & H4 type , $55 each NEW Beta Series III Grill with badge -$335 NEW Beta Series III headlight surrounds $120 pair USED Beta coupe series III taillights complete assembly $140 pair USED Series III bumper bars with Rubber moulds front and rear-$150 each USED Beta series III (5 wire type) used with keys - $60 NEW Tyre Rod Ends Series III (Power steering model) - Left & Right $265 for both NEW assorted Rear Spoiler badges for series III $65 each USED accessories fuse box A/C model series III $50 USED door handles - used- $25 each USED Passenger side Lancia Torch -rare $50 GOOD- Cam covers- painted in crackle paint $55 pair NEW- SIEM headlight chrome rings x 4 $50 USED-beta series III dash, no cracks $200 GOOD Beta steering wheel sports hub $50 NEW, Petrol sender unit $40 USED- Series II power window switches $10each GOOD- series III heater core under dash $40 NEW- Montecarlo Series II grill with badge, backing repo $265 NEW- Montecarlo Series I grill with badge, backing repo $265 GOOD - Beta Series III gear knob $40 NEW: Beta Cam belt $30 Many more smaller items as well. Pictures available Angelo Monteleone M: +61 430 508 509 Email: angelo@covertel.com.au

For Sale – Lancia Fulvia Thermostat housings These thermostat housings have been professionally re-furbished. Price $295 Thermostats Price $68.55. Radiator hose Price $29.95

Tony Ward (02)9144 72830417 869693 trward@bigpond.com

For Sale – RHD Lancia Fulvia Dashboards

Made locally from high quality marine grade ply

Available in Series 1 and 2/3 profiles

Available in two forms: Unfinished timber ready to finish - $225 + delivery OR Stained and finished with satin marine grade polyurethane - $265 + delivery - Two tones available – light and dark

Available from: Danny Wilson - caranabrae@westnet.com.au (02) 67670085

For Sale - Lancia Parts Lancia Fulvia Water Pumps brand new $275.00 Lancia Fulvia Ignition Points $20.00 Lancia Flaminia Ignition Points $35.00 Post and pack extra Tony Kovacevic 0413 464401 tonykov@hotmail.com

For Sale – Spare Parts Book – 2nd Series Aurelia Reproduction (photocopy) of Lancia Aurelia Spare Parts Book covering models B12, B12S, B20 GT 2500, B20S GT 2500, B24 Spider GT 2500, B24S Spider GT 2500, B24 Convertible GT 2500 and B24S Convertible GT 2500. Description of parts is in Italian but some English information. Very comprehensive and detailed exploded isometric drawings of major components and assemblies. Contained in an A4 four ring binder for better security & much easier access to relevant information & drawings. This Spare Parts Book contains the new 7-figure part numbering system introduced by Lancia in 1959 and used on all subsequent Lancia models from that date onwards. This is a very valuable asset to all Aurelia owners. $145 each plus post & packaging. Only a few remaining copies.

Contact Tony Ward trward@bigpond.com Home (02) 9144 7283 mob 0417 869693

The 819 Flavia has gone to Young to be used for parts for a 1.8 Pinnin Farina coupe (sub frame,

engine and gearbox assembly). * * * * * * * * *

We enjoyed our visit to Castlemaine as always. It was a pleasure to meet Bruno and Graziella Cena

and practice my Italian. * * * * * * * * *

The work on Richard Wood’s Series I Zagato is progressing at Baremetal Classics.

* * * * * * * * * Went up to Sydney last week to pick up John

Pagan’s 1951 Lancia Ardea from Banksmeadow. A couple of minor repairs to be done before

registration **********

LAMBDA MOTOR COMPANY Unit 2, 13 Priestley Street, (P.O. Box 345)

Mittagong NSW 2575 ABN 43 002 436 848

Ph: (02) 4871 1900 Fax: (02) 4871 1933 Mobile 0414 636303

THE LAST WORD...

The proud owner……….