the oily rag

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The Oily Rag July 2008 Issue 82 Andrew Templer’s 1968 Wolseley 6/110 Membership Meter We currently have 485 members including 46 in the USA and 3 in Europe! The Oily Rag is intended for the entertainment of our members only. The BSCCOC assumes no responsibility and makes no representation regarding the accuracy or validity of any statements, opinions or advertisements contained herein. REMEMBER: CAVEAT EMPTOR Deadline for the Sept. 2008 issue is Aug. 22nd Dedicated to keeping British Saloons on the road!

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Page 1: The Oily Rag

The Oily Rag July 2008 Issue 82

Andrew Templer’s 1968 Wolseley 6/110

Membership Meter

We currently have 485 members including 46 in the USA and 3 in Europe!

The Oily Rag is intended for the entertainment of our members only. The BSCCOC assumes no responsibility and makes no representation regarding the accuracy or validity of any statements, opinions or advertisements contained herein. REMEMBER: CAVEAT EMPTOR

Deadline for the Sept. 2008 issue is Aug. 22nd

Dedicated to keeping British Saloons on the road!

Page 2: The Oily Rag

Chairman’s Chat

Well here we are at mid year and as usual many of the plans and projects have yet to be completed, especially one brown hulk in my garage. Not to worry, that's what the second half of the year is for, right!. And besides this trend is nothing new this year is much like last year and the year before and... Two projects I would like all to work on, firstly to write an article about your Brit car experiences and send them off to Elva. We have a small group who dutifully send in articles about their cars but that means we don't hear too much about the others, Vauxhalls, Hillmans, Morris etc. So please put pen to paper and send them to Elva. Your prose does not have to be exact, as you can tell from my ramblings, but I know you have an interesting story to tell. The second chore is less fun, please have a look

at the First and Second Chance gangs and if you are on the list, write a cheque or go on line and renew, it sure saves a lot of running a around. Otherwise I have a couple of friends with no necks who will come and visit. One of the fun things about this Club is all the people you get to meet and communicate with. They are from all over North America, are helpful, and pleasant to deal with. (OK there were a couple of %^@'s) Along with this expanded base of friends comes the sad news that once in a while we lose them. This happened recently with the passing of Amadeo Cutajar and Ian Mason. Amadeo, had served the club as Treasurer and we all got to know him and respect him for his work and attention to detail. On a more personal level he was a good guy to be around, always cheerful and the kind of person upon whom you could rely. Ian I had met some years ago when we were trying to set up a chapter, and while I knew him less well than Amadeo he also was eager to help,and brought his own positive personality to the discussion. The Club was far richer when they were around and is now poorer with their passing. I would ask that you keep them and their families in your thoughts and think about how fortunate we were to know them, even if for only a short period of time. In the meantime check out the events list in the Rag, plan to attend an event particularly the Club picnic at the end of August, come over and say hello to your fellow members and who knows a new friendship might grow. All the best, Roger ([email protected])

Wood takes the wheel from Stewart!

Longtime club member Dave Wood has now assumed the role of Web Guy, taking over for Rob Sewart. Dave is hard at work at creating a user friendly, awesome website for us. Dave has a lot of html experience to his name and a flair for creativity and fresh new ideas. The website will be under construction for a while and we will certainly announce when it is ready for prime time viewing! Dave owns a red Bug Eye Sprite named Bugsy and they both reside in Elora, ON. Dave’s email address is [email protected]

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BRITISH SALOON CAR CLUB OF CANADA 2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS for British Classic Cars

Note: This year is the 50th Anniversary of AH Sprite, MGA Twin Cam, Rover P5 and Wolseley 15/60

BSCCoC events in Italics

JULY 11th FR Rolling sculpture car show, Ann Arbor, MI 2 till 10 pm www.mainstreetannarbor.org 11/13th Fri/Sun British Car Days Across the Bridge, Charlottetown, PEI www.britishcardays.com

13th SUN Brits in the Park, Lindsay www.glenhunter.ca/vbcc 13th SUN Westenders breakfast meeting, Jim & Edith Walker 13th SUN Eastenders -Cobourg Car Show, BBQ at the Russell's Frank & Chris Russell 13th SUN Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Hickory Corners, MI www.maddogsandenglishmen.org 16th WED Whale & Ale, Kitchener, Westenders meet 6.30 pm Jim & Edith Walker

19/20th SAT/SUN Pittsburg Vintage GP & British car show www.pvgp.org 26th Sat Hillman Meet, Bellevue Community College, WA. [email protected]

24/27th Thurs/Sun New York to Paris race celebration, Springville NY www.thegreatautorace.com 24/27 Thurs/Sun TTC CANADIAN Driving CLASSIC, Newmarket [email protected]

25/27th Fri/Sun BMC parts sale and Mini camp out, Smithville [email protected] 5th TUES Calgary Chapter, Clem's Shop, 2536B, 7th Ave E. 7.0pm Clem Murray

5/8th Tues/Fri VTR convention, Ypsilanti, MI www.vtr-natc.com 6th WED Southwestenders meet at the Waltzing Weasel, London Andrew Mclean

AUG 8/10th Fri/Sun New Brunswick British Car Show, Rexton, NB www.michaeldunn.ca/NBBCS2008 10th SUN Westenders breakfast meeting, Jim & Edith Walker 10th SUN Eastenders Tour & BBQ - Mike & Arlene Alan Weller, Dave Lyon 16th Sat Shaw Festival Theater, Niagara on the Lake, car show www.niagarabritishcarclub.org 20th WED Whale & Ale, Kitchener, Westenders meet 6.30 pm Jim & Edith Walker 24th Sun BSCCoC Summer picnic, Kelso Park Tony Fox, Snr. 24th SUN Wellington County classic car show, Fergus

31st Sun Halton Place, Canadian Country Classic & BSCCoC show Tony Fox, Snr.

SEPT. 2nd TUES Calgary Chapter, Clem's Shop, 2536B, 7th Ave E. 7.0pm Clem Murray 5th FRI Watkins Glen US Vintage Grand Prix,Triumph cars featured www.TheGlen.com

10th WED Southwestenders meet at the Waltzing Weasel, London Andrew Mclean 14th SUN Westenders breakfast meeting Jim & Edith Walker 21st SUN British Cay Day, Bronte Park 24th WED Whale & Ale, Kitchener, Westenders meet 6.30 pm Jim & Edith Walker 28th Sun The Olde Dickens, Milton, 11.00 am Tony Fox Snr. 28th. Sun Annual Last Chance Car Show, Welland Exhibition Grounds (XXX) XXX-XXXX

Sunday August 24 " Car Show & Shine" at Wagon Wheel Produce. Simcoe, Ont.

Spend the day showing your pride and joy to fellow enthusiast. Bring the whole family for fun on the farm. Show area includes activities for children. Wagon Wheel Produce is located in the heart of Norfolk County. A prime agriculture/fishing and tourism area. The Koptik family have combined their farming with tourism to create an experience that is unique and memorable. Music featuring local musicians (and one from far away!) has become an added bonus and opportunity to showcase their talent. As WWP build their special event weekends, it was imperative that a car show be included. There is no better way to show our admiration for classic and vintage cars than to bring them together and Provide you the opportunity to brag! While at the farm, challenge yourself to the 12 acre Corn Maze. Admission to the maze for car show families only, $4.00. General admission to the maze $6.00. Live entertainment during the afternoon featuring "Slowpoke" (A donation box for the band will be on stage) A $10.00 entry fee/car includes a Pork Roast Dinner for 1. ($8.00 value) Show begins at 1:00pm. Awards will be presented at 4:00pm Questions? Email Elva and her Les Paul [email protected] or Call Arden at (XXX) XXX-XXXX

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How to contact us:

BSCCOC Executive Name Phone Email Address Snail Mail President/Membership Roger Tipple (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Deputy Chair/Events Co-ord Tony Fox sr (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] xxxx xxx xxx Secretary Bill Davies 519 265 1355 [email protected] xxxx xxxxxxx xxx Publications Directors Elva & Dave Allen (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] xxxxxxxxxx, xx xxx xxx Treasurer Chuck McCormack (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Regalia Officer Anne Koopman (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] xxxxx xxxxxx Website Dave Wood (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] xxxx xxxxxxx xx. Area Reps xxxxxxxxxx, xx xxx xxx Ontario Bruce Grey Dave & Elva Allen (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] xxxxx xxxx xxxxx Eastenders Alan Weller (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] xxxx xxxxx xx Dave Lyon (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Xxxxx Niagara Eric Robinson (XXX) XXX-XXXX xxxxxxx, xx Northern Bill & Nona Schorse (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] xxx xxx North Toronto Ron Hill (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] South Central Oily Rag Fax # Westenders Jim & Chris Allan (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] (XXX) XXX-XXXX Edmonton, Alberta Frank French (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Calgary, Alberta Clem Murray (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] British Columbia Ian Cox (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Quebec Greg Ross (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Prairies Graham Wyatt (XXX) XXX-XXXX Atlantic Declan McCann (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Parts Sourcing Officer Brendan O'Hara (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Raiders of the Lost Wreck Jeff Fenwick (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Technical Advisor Patrick Wilson (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] AdMINIstrator Dave S Allen (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] AdMINIstrator Dave G Allen (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] British Car Council Phil Miller (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected]

Membership list online

If you wish access to our Onliners list, you first must be a member of our club and then you need to email Elva, Roger or Tony for the URL and password info. This list is for club members only and we request that you do not share it with any non-club members. Please check your info on the list for accuracy and advise us of any changes. Our club has it’s own email address – [email protected]

Club Forums

If you’d like to discuss British cars with other like-minded folks, we have our own forum at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BritCarTalk. Registration is free, quick and easy! There are 257 members at present. We also have a MiniGroup list at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/BSCCOCMiniGroup and there are 47 members there. There’s a new group for GreyBruce Ontario at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/bsccoc_greybruce. Just 6 members there, so please come join in and help us build up the membership! These groups are an excellent way to communicate with others!

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A Place of Fame in the Movies – and Sharon Stone’s Bum Andrew Templer

A few years ago I received a call from a Mr. Adam Luc in Montreal, mentioning that they were looking for a British car for a movie and that he had heard from a Mr. Tony Fox that I might have a suitable vehicle. What they needed was a right-hand drive car and, to add to the excitement, they might also be needing a driver to appear in the movie. Aha, I thought, my chance for fame and glory, and unlike the previous time, this time I would not miss my chance to appear in lights. The previous time my Wolseley had been filmed was for an HBO documentary on the life of the (in)famous Jimmy Hendricks. The car represented a police car in the final weeks of Jimmy’s life in London. The actual filming took place on a suitably English-looking piece of Front Street East in Toronto and I missed my chance of dressing the police part to drive my car. Adam mentioned that they were shooting part of a espionage thriller in Montreal called, “A Different Loyalty”? ?and needed a car of the type that senior police or government in Britain might have used in the ‘60s. I naturally felt quite touched at the prospect of my car playing the role of an exotic Q-car in the vein of James Bond’s DB3, but I suppose the more accurate image would be of the ‘60s equivalent of today’s blacked out CIA SUV. Anyway, when he mentioned that they would transport the car, cover all expenses, offer a modest shooting fee and have me as the shady government driver --- my heart fluttered with excitement. We arranged the pickup of the Wolseley from our cottage in Grand Bend where the car spends the winters. This was all very easy and I was most impressed at the professional driver in the exotic closed trailer – very definitely Aston- Martin service I thought. The entire operation was painless and within the hour I saw the last of my car disappear in the trailer towards Montreal. But then the schedule started getting deferred and I could see my place in the sparkling lights start slipping away. It appeared that “some of the actors from Europe” were not available when promised and I the piece I would be driving for would now be split over a couple of days. This would require my taking several days of vacation and staying over in Montreal. Sadly I had to Adam know that I would not be available and they would have to let one of their own seconds drive my beloved car. This need for “flexible scheduling” is the downside. On the positive, my car was returned a few weeks later in beautiful shape – perhaps even cleaner than it had been when it left. Mind you, I didn’t see those shots of heart stopping action driving that took place in the hidden areas of the movie set and the insured value of my car might halve if my broker recognizes the car in the movie! Overall, I feel it is worth it. This is part of what sharing the fun of British classics is all about. Also, it will give me another movie I can tell someone about when they see my car and say “what on earth is that –never seen one of those before”. To this point I have only been able to tell them that it is the car you see the British cops driving in Pink Panther movies. While A Different Loyalty was not shown in theatres in Canada, having viewed it myself I can affirm that: Sharon Stone’s bum was most certainly placed on my Wolseley’s back seat!!

***** A Different Loyalty is a 2004 film inspired by the story of British traitor Kim Philby's love affair and marriage to Eleanor Brewer in Beirut and his eventual defection to the Soviet Union. The story takes place in the 1960s and stars Sharon Stone and Rupert Everett. ??

------------------------------------------------ A Different Loyalty is based on the life of Eleanor Philby, whose husband, Kim Philby, was a spy who infiltrated British intelligence for the Russians before defecting to Moscow in 1963. See the web for details of its release next year.

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Miscellaneous Ramblings by

Kirk Blake-Dickson [email protected]

Well it’s been quite a driving season for me so far. Despite some cool nights and mornings, plenty of rain and thunderstorms here in southern Ontario my trusty LBC has been pressed into daily service as of late – and it has performed well! You may recall in my last report, that I got my B-GT on the road early and used it at first just for short trips and some weekend use. That all changed with the start of “British Car Week”- May 31st to June 8th. Yes it’s a good excuse to get the LBC out for some exercise – but I’ve managed to actually turn it into more like “British Car Month” with all indications at this point it may actually work up to “British Car Summer”. I’ve been two couple of shows, but the main mileage has been run up taking said British iron to work everyday. That’s a 90 km/ 55 mile round trip. Throw in some errands around town and a few weekend jaunts – and the mileage is adding up in a hurry. I won’t break it down into inches/centimetres like I did in the last edition of the Oily Rag, mostly because I can no longer give you the same accuracy as in that previous report. Why? Well, I can only estimate the mileage by punching destinations into Mapquest and Google maps – because I have yet to stay home long enough to get a permanent fix done to my broken speedometer. Despite removing it four times – cleaning various elements of the gauge and lubricating connections, making sure they are tight, it still bobbles between 40 & 60 MPH (for example) – so does that mean I’m doing 50????? A conservative tally on mileage however, would indicate that since getting the car on the road this spring, I’ve passed the thousand mile mark and am well on my way to doubling that. I’m happy to say that the car has performed very well, running strong and steady whether on two-lane blacktop or on the busier 400 series roads (for short spurts). I’m still getting a backdraft of some exhaust fumes through the hatch. I’ve tried to sort that out by adjusting the catch to get it to close a little tighter – but I haven’t totally eliminated it yet. It’s possible the rubber seal is not as supple as it should be and replacing it may help solve the problem. I’ll be walking around with elevated levels of carbon monoxide in my blood for the whole summer if I don’t get it solved soon. Any suggestions would be welcome! Regardless, the fun factor is in full swing in my world – how about you? Have you gotten you car out for some exercise lately? On the subject of LBC’s and running well, we are often subject to derision from family, friends, co-workers and even strangers for what they feel is our odd choice of hobby cars. You know what I’m talking about - the kidding about the Lucas electrics, the leaky oil syndrome, the rust catchers etc. How bad is it really? Do we suffer car troubles any more than those who choose to spend their time and money on some other make of automobile? To that end, maybe what follows can be a little ammunition for you in any future discussions you may have about the joys and benefits of owning an LBC. I found this information while reading a magazine or two that deal with other makes. It seems that maybe we are not alone. See if you can figure out what cars I’m talking about before you check the answers at the bottom of the article! Car ‘A’ – RUST – These cars can and will rust. Inspect any candidate before purchase. - ELECTRICAL – Make sure everything works. One of the biggest issues is the stock fuse box. - TRANSMISSION – Weak second-gear synchro. - SUSPENSION – Watch out for worn steering racks - OIL OR COOLANT LEAKS – This car will leak a bit. If it leaves a puddle you have a problem. Car ‘B’ – RUST – This can be a problem, especially around the bottom of the windscreen. Also check the usual wheelwell and rocker areas. - ELECTRICAL – Bad ground and switches. - TRANSMISSION - Both four and five-speed transmissions have weak third gear synchros

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Car ‘C’ – RUST – Check the rear upper shock mounts, spare tire well, fuel tank area, rear suspension mounting points, rocker panels, A-posts, floors under the seats, fenders, front turn signal housings, the leading edge of the hood and the lower portions of the doors. - INTERIOR – Window winders commonly break. Speedo’s typically read about 10-percent fast and sunroofs leak. - ENGINE – Cylinder heads are an area of concern, particularly rocker arms and shafts. Look for cracked heads due to overheating. The engine has always had marginal cooling – particularly in hot climates. Well it’s time to close again, and get the ‘B-GT ready for another round of exercise. Have a great month! Cheers Kirk (Answers to above quiz – Car ‘A’ – Ferrari 308. Car ‘B’ – Fiat X1/9. Car ‘C’ 1966-’77 BMW 2002.)

Swapshop For Sale

MG Books for sale 1) The MGA MGB and MGC by Graham Robson -signed edition - 20.00 2) Classic and Sportscar-MG FILE -(featuring MGA MGB MGC MG V8)-$15.00 MG sales brochures -factory originals MGBGT and V8- Nuffield press $25.00 number 3089/A MGB GTV8 publication number 3023 --very rare -$25.00 Thoroughbred and CLASSIC CAR magazines 1977-1983 Most available just $2.00 each . Call Graham (XXX) XXX-XXXX after 6.00pm Tires, 640x15 BF Goodrich wide whitewalls, approximately 8,000 miles. Came off a 58 Austin 105.$200.00. Call Ian. (XXX) XXX-XXXX or (XXX) XXX-XXXX New Hamburg. 1974 Austin Marina, 2 door, red, 35,000 miles, auto., exc. cond., strong motor, extra parts, not safetied, located near Wiarton, ON, appraised at $4,500. asking $2,500. OBO. Call Mike at (XXX) XXX-XXXX 1965 MG Midget fully restored in and out. Excellent condition. Red with black interior. Many extras. $7,800. Call Ian at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Morris Minor Traveller, 1959, project. Complete car in pieces. Rolling chassis. Kit of new wood valued at $2,500. Everything for $2,500. Jim, Vancouver BC (XXX) XXX-XXXX. 1988 Jaguar VDP, gold, approx 172,000 km, excellent condition, winter stored. Contact Denise (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Asking $9000. I am looking for a good home for the 1962 Blue, 4 door, 4 cylinder Vauxhall. Asking $400. Contact Denise Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX. 1975 MG Midget convert. 1500 cc engine.77,000 orig, miles. Washington state car. Solid body, new rag top, exhaust. Was running prior to going into indoor storage 4 years ago. Needs some TLC. Never restored. $6,750., Cobourg Ont. (XXX) XXX-XXXX 1968 Jaguar 420: blue, and very solid. Has been stored for a number of years, so fuel system gummed up, but engine turns. No severe rust noted, so it could be a good one. Belonged to a Georgetown resident who acquired it to drive, never did. Contact the owner through Bill [email protected] 1980 TR7, Cashmere Gold, blue int. Two small surface rust spots behind front wheels. Been garaged for 4-5 yrs. 96,000 miles on the clock. Needs tune up, valve cover gasket replaced (included). Located in Stoney Creek ON, call Jim at (XXX) XXX-XXXX

Wanted Front windshield for 1957 Cambridge A55. Contact Ron at [email protected]

Interesting website The Bubbledrome: http://www.bubbledrome.com/index2.html

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A Minor at 58 Years Old

On April 29, 1950, a young man took delivery in Toronto of Morris Minor Tourer, Serial number SMM 41602, Engine number 40193. He bought the car from James L. Cooke Motors, for the sum of $1440.00 which included $5.00 for the licence and another $5.00 for Prestone antifreeze. He began a journal to record expenses and recorded the first $1.50fill-up the same day in Kingston. The next entry, April 30th at 525 miles is $1.46 for gas plus an oil change $2.50. The journal continues, with an entry every couple of days, as he drove between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal that month of May and ends with a summary showing 2627 miles travelled, gasoline expense of $22.96, oil and grease for $6.29. Fuel consumption, averaged about 42 MPG. The journal continues for several pages as the car was used, without a heater, right through the winter and shows that by April 29th 1951 the one year old Morris had gone 11946 miles. Fuel consumption had been as bad as only 32 MPG in winter but the average for the year was a respectable 40. The car was laid up the following winter on December 9, 1951 at 20,957 miles. Back in service April 5, 1952 the little Morris pottered along right through the next winter and by April 30, 1953 had now gone 35,077 miles. There are several mentions of carburetor adjustments, spark plugs and points replacement. Fuel consumption is no longer quite so good, running at between 32 and 40. By April 30 1954 the odometer read 46.410. April 23, 1955 shows 52059 miles and then in early July of 1955 a momentous entry, an Alta Head is fitted at 53,700 miles. What had happened is the the Morris had changed from a daily driver to a hobby. Entries for 1955 continue for only about a month to August then there is a hiatus of about a year to August 1956 before the next entry at 55227 miles. By May of 1957 the car had 55584 miles and the last entry for a very long time is February 27 1958 at 56407. To continue the story of this little Morris I must now rely on conversations with that man, who had kept the car and kept all correspondence and records of all work done up to the day in April 2008 he sold it to me. In a sense he has entrusted it to my care. It was his pride and joy for 58 years almost to a day. So, what is an Alta Head? Well, it is a piece of performance equipment designed to wring a little more power out of a tiny flat-head engine that had first been put into production in the early 1930s. The man had read in a magazine article about this new performance head. In July 1954 he wrote to the manufacturer about obtaining one and received a reply stating: "We are in receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, .. The car that was running At Silverstone belonged to a customer of ours who was carrying out experiments on our behalf, and unfortunately we are not quite ready yet with either literature or deliveries of our O.H.V. head." "We have put your name on our waiting list, and anticipate being able to give delivery within about nine weeks... " Various labour and delivery problems ensued but the invoice for the head that finally arrived is dated 16 March, 1955. Here are some of the details provided by Alta at the time: "The cylinder head is made from aluminium alloy to a special design and is fitted with Brico cast-iron valve seats." "The valves are actuated by push-rods and rockers, the push-rod sliding in the existing valve guides." "No modifications whatsoever are required to the engine, and one could readily change back to side valve if selling the car." "The Alta Head will fit the Series I, II and also the E types in addition to the Minor." There is a lot more to the story as events developed and a very nice job of customising was done but let me save that for another issue of the Oily Rag. Suffice it to say I am pleased and delighted to be the owner of this Morris, there is certainly not another quite like it. My job is to preserve it rather than to make any further "improvements". Darrell McDonald

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Counties Counters Cambridge...

Club archivist Norman Milne looks at some facts and figures pertaining to non-Stop 1,000 Miles-a-Day Austin A40 Somerset and A50 Cambridge Overseas Test Runs In March 1952 technical staff from the Austin Motor Company plant in Canada took a completely standard example of the brand new A40 Somerset saloon on a virtually non-stop 10,000-mile test and endurance run. Starting and finishing at their Hamilton, Ontario H.Q. they ran a circuit averaging 1,000 miles(1,600 km) a day - with the car stationary for less than five minutes daily - to average more than 43 MPH (69 kph) overall. Average fuel consumption was nearly 29 MPG (9.8 litres/100 km) and oil consumption 435 miles per pint. The demanding test route covered mixed highway, gravel and dirt road under conditions typicalof an Ontario winter, including long periods of ice, snow and torrential rains. Doubtless, theabove test figures would have been even better with an already fully-run-in example of the GS4, with better than 30 MPG a distinct possibility; Nevertheless, the results were outstanding fortheir day. Austin A50 Cambridge Has a Go Three years later a new A50 Cambridge, driven by K. Fry, S. Collins and R.Dimmick, completed a flat-out round trip of Queensland, Northern Australia at an overall average speed of 44 MPH (70 kph). Like the non-stop Canadian test team they covered an average of 1,000 miles a day, to log 28 MPG (10.1 litres/100 km) over a distance of 5500 miles (5,600 km) in precisely 3½ days. The overall oil consumption was obviously measured exactly, but is not recorded for us. The Cambridge was supplied by U.K. Motors Pty. Ltd. and the trial was intended to demonstrate the ruggedness and reliability of the car, which it most certainly did. Conditions on the run ranged from rain and fog to blazing heat on the dusty roads and rough tracks of the 'bush'. Though the Canadian and Australian test routes and the operating conditions were not strictly comparable, the type of treatment given to the two flat-out driven Austins was similar. The comparative statistics and performances of the 1952 and 1954 family cars are interesting, if not wholly conclusive, to say the least. The table below gives some idea of the similarities and differences:

SPECIFICATION DATA AND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

A40 Somerset GS4 De Luxe Saloon (1952-54)

A50 Cambridge HS5 De Luxe Saloon (1954-57)

Engine Size (c.c.) Net BHP @ RPM Unladen Weight (cwt) Net BHP/Ton (dry)

1,200 42 @ 4,500 20.25 41.5

1,489 47 @ 4,400 20.5 45.9

Final-drive gearing (MPH/1,000RPM) RPM @ 75 MPH (120 KPH) MPH @ 2,500 FT/Min Piston Speed

14.3 5,240 61.1

15.0 5,000 64.0

Mean (and Best) Max Speed (MPH) Av. Cruise Speed on Test Runs (MPH) Max. Speed in 3rd Gear (MPH) Max. Speed in 2nd Gear (MPH)

74.2 (78.3. Best) 60 – 70 52 34

73.6 (79.0 Best) 60 – 70 59 37

Overall test average speed (MPH) Overall test fuel economy (MPG) Approx. MPG @ Constant 60 MPH

43.1 28.7 32.0

44.1 28.0 28.5

This article is reprinted with the permission of Pete Simmonds of the Austin Counties Car Club. It appeared in the March/April 2008 edition of the County Counsel Magazine.

Sad news We regret to have to tell you that two of our long time members Ian Mason of London, ON and Amadeo Cutajar of Georgetown, ON have passed away recently. Our sympathies are extended to both of their families.

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July - Eastenders Report Alan Weller

We are officially into summer now and things are looking up weather wise after a long and wet spring. It seemed like we were always in the path of a cold and rainy front moving through. Our merry group has managed quite well to miss the worst of this weather with our events and plan to do so the rest of the summer. Our first driving event was the Mother’s Day run and luncheon that ended with lunch at Capers in Campbellford. We had a great turn out of cars and the weather was cool but sunny. It wasn’t quite warm enough for top down driving but we had a couple of cars that had hardy drivers and passengers who braved the elements. Our next event was the “Run for the Hills Event” on June 8th, that took us through the wilds of the Northumberland Hills and we had a lunch stop beside the harbour in Newcastle. We had beautiful weather that lasted until after we all got home and allowed us to sit on the patio and eat while looking out at the boats. The drive back from lunch took us back up into the hills and back east culminating in a relaxing visit and BBQ at Mansel Griffith’s home in Port Hope. We got to ogle his new acquisition, a Mk 1 Jag that he purchased from another club member. Our thanks go to Mansel for hosting the event and providing us with a great ending to a perfect day. Well, some of us had a perfect day. My Mini decided to have ignition issues and had to be retired after part of the first legof the journey, but is now functioning again after an injection of cash for parts and some wrenching. Our daughter Jennifer helped with the plug, cap and rotor replacement and now knows what happens when the plug leads are mixed up. And I didn’t even say bad words (out loud). She is getting the hang of wrenches and how things function. I am selfish in teaching her this stuff so that when she gets older and the boyfriend’s car just happens to “break down” on a dark country lane she can call his bluff and get the car running again and be home by curfew. Ok, so I’m overprotective! We have been generously invited to join the Rolls Royce Club for a luncheon and musical theatre production in Port Hope at the Capitol Theatre on the 12th of July. Some of us are signed up. This was thanks to Mike and Arlene who are also RR owners. They got us a great package rate for lunch and the show “Buddy”. I’m hoping we can park the Mini in the trunk of one of the Rollers for safe keeping during the show.

The next event is the Cobourg Car Show on July 13th , put on by the ACCCC. This is a wonderful show at the Cobourg Victoria Park which we try to attend as a group every year. Unfortunately it conflicts with the Brits in the Park event in Lindsay this year so we will have to give Lindsay a miss. Frank and Chris Russell will be hosting a BBQ after the show as they always do and we never miss this great food experience. If you would like a change from driving to Lindsay get in touch with Frank or myself and meet us at the Cat and Fiddle in Cobourg departing at 10am so we can drive in as a group and have our club lined up together. There are many awards and prize draws and each entry gets a dash plaque. There’s lots of shade in the park just like Lindsay plus the beach at Cobourg is the best in Ontario.

Our August event will be hosted by Mike Browning and Arlene Smith on August 13th. They are planning a brunch to start the day and then a road tour with interesting stops along the way. There will be a BBQ at their home in Roseneath Landing. I hear through the grapevine Val and Dick Lloyd will be helping with the food. For those who remember the Varac/Mosport weekends when we used to invade Val and Dick’s home for a BBQ, will remember the wonderful spread they used to put on. This event is bound to be a great one, so get in touch with Dave Lyon or myself and we can send you the details as we get closer to the day. Details of times etc to follow. September event will be hosted by me and is the Northumberland Artists Studio Tour followed by a BBQ at the Weller house. The date is Sept 14th, but their will be more detail in the next issue of the Oily Rag. Circle the date though. The last time we did this event there were about 30 people in the yard for the food and my driveway

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looked like a car show. For those from out of town it makes a great weekend destination as the Studio Tour is two days of fun if you visit all of them. If any of you from the other parts of Ontario are interested please get in touch with me and I can help with accommodations in the area. By the time most of you read this my first (and hopefully) annual, Rice Lake Area Automotive Flea Market will have happened. The last couple of weeks there has been a good amount of interest from vendors and I am hoping to have a good first event. So far we have everything from Nascar memorabilia to Jeep parts and everything in- between. I will have a selection of TR3 & 4 to MG, Sunbeam, Morris, Volvo, Corvette to motorcycle parts, plus there will be cars for sale. (and that’s just my stuff!) We are going to have a club table to try and attract some new members. We are planning a family vacation to the Maritimes in August and with luck we will take in the British Car Show in New Brunswick along the way. I will have some pictures of the show to share with you when I get back. Cheers, Alan.

THIS WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER??

Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump...Trying to find something funny in the absurdity of it all. The price of Gas versus Printer Ink All these examples do NOT imply that gasoline is cheap; it just illustrates how outrageous some prices are.... You will be really shocked by the last one! (at least, I was...) Compared with Gasoline... Think a gallon of gas is expensive? This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective to other things we buy. Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29...$10.32 per gallon Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19...$9 .52 per gallon Gatorade 20 oz $1.59...$10.17 per gallon Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25...$10.00 per gallon Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15...$33.60 per gallon Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35...$178.13 per gallon Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85...$123.20 per gallon Whiteout 7 oz $1.39... $25.42 per gallon Scope 1.5 oz $0.99...$84.48 per gallon And this is the REAL KICKER... Evian water 9 oz $1.49...$21.19 per gallon! $21.19 for WATER and the buyers don't even know the source (Evian spelled backwards is Naive.) Ever wonder why printers are so cheap? So they have you hooked for the ink. Someone calculated the cost of the ink at...(you won't believe it...but it is true) $5,200 a gal. (five thousand two hundred dollars) So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, Pepto Bismol, Nyquil or God forbid, Printer Ink! Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump... And - If you don't pass this along to at least one person, your muffler will fall off!! Okay, your muffler won't really fall off...but, you might run out of toilet paper. Submitted by Harold Leece.

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Tales From Triumph

The left hooker & the right hook Being a major producer of sports cars for the North American market a significant amount of vehicles were ‘left hand drive’ so called “left hookers”. Our boss, Stan Holmes, was to say the least a bit of a ‘boy racer’ rumoured to have raced with Tony Lee right from their apprentice days. In the days when Triumph Engineering was in Banner Lane they raced down Tile Hill Lane which in those days crossed the main A45, Fletchamstead Highway via a roundabout scuttlebutt has it that on at least one occasion one went one way round the roundabout the other the wrong way. My story deals with the same junction which had been converted to traffic lights, also at this time Triumph Engineering had moved to the building on the corner of Tile Hill Lane & the Fletch with access to the Fletch from a gate on that road. A left turn took you towards London, a right turn through the median towards Birmingham. Stan Holmes & David Dennis were in a TR, with Stan driving. A fast exit through the gate & median for a right turn towards Birmingham severely cutting of another car approaching from the London direction immediately to be faced with a red light and the necessity to stop. The very irate cut up motorist does no more than get out of his vehicle & puts a short right hook into the right ear of the right hand occupant. Needless to say the TR was a “left hooker” so it was Dave D that was the receiver of the irate drivers reaction with a bruised right cheek & ear. The Chicken Story In the late 60’s early 70’s rumours were rife that the US would require that air bags would be mandatory in the not to distant future, items that would add cost & weight to Triumphs sports cars, alternatives required. I was already dealing with the testing for existing safety legislation, Torso & Headform impact testing, so was the obvious candidate to generate constructive ideas to present to the US legislators in attempts to counter the proposed legislation. I might add that neither were successful & my wife & I are both glad that we had air bags installed when we hit a deer a few years ago. Back to the story, one proposal, which was patented, was for a seat belt system attached to the top of the front doors which automatically wrapped around the occupant after the door was closed. Very similar to some GM cars in the late 80’s after the patent had run out. The second system involved allowing the vehicle to be driven up to 5mph or so to allow for getting in or out of garage or driveway. This was achieved by inhibiting the ignition. Above this speed it was essential that the seat belt was worn by the occupants with emphasis on WORN one had to ensure that the belt had not been simply connected & sat upon. This was difficult to achieve on Stag with its large range of both fore-aft & rake movement on the seats. My story is about the system installed in John Lloyds Triumph 2000, he had agreed to acting as a ‘guinea pig’ in the trials of the system. He however insisted that I install an override switch in the vehicle to ensure that any malfunction would not leave him stranded. My task was to review the various installations on a regular basis to ensure correct functioning etc. On a regular basis inspection of JL’s vehicle determined that the override switch was in-fact overriding the system, he was not using it. Stan Holmes having moved to Longbridge, Graham Minton was now my manager. The decision was to install a small battery operated pocket memo beneath the dash of JL’s car with a loop of tape with the recording, by Graham, of chicken sounds. The tape recorder being wired into the override switch such that operating the switch to switch out the system turned on the tape recorder. This was achieved during a wet November morning & JL’s car parked back in the experimental garage. Unbeknowns to me he had visitors from head office and as it was raining he & his guests get in his car in the experimental workshop to drive to lunch, JL normally walked. He turns on the ignition & operates the override switch to be greeted with the raucous cries of a chicken. To say the least he was not amused, I was called to his office during the afternoon for a right royal b........king, close to getting fired. The chicken switch was born. In later years he was heard to tell the tale with great amusement. Longbridge Lore When I moved to Longbridge I was following after a number of senior Triumph personnel who had moved over a year or so before. Starting at the top George Turnbull who was later to go to Korea to help in the start-up of Hyundai’s car production. Harry Webster Director of Engineering, George Jones Transmissions engineering, Ray Bates & Stan Holmes. Stan persuaded me to follow him. An ex Rootes guy Tom Penny was Chief Body Engineer. Later John Turnbull, Georges brother, joined from Ford at Lodge Road. Leyland, for what ever reason, insisted on retiring senior executives at 60, Harry Webster was soon therefore replaced by Charles Griffin, I believe an ex Cowley guy. My two stories are about Charley and both deal with the development phase of Metro. Charley was very anxious to get into the driving seat of the first vehicle which was virtually complete, simply requiring a rubber steering coupling. The supplier, Metalastik of Leicester, delivered a “one off” with strict instructions that it was a space filler only, NOT TO BE DRIVEN on the road. It had been glued together & had not gone through their regular bonding process. Charley being Charley, drove the car out on public roads. Returning to the plant he had to negotiate a roundabout, he turned left into the roundabout, then right to follow the shape of the roundabout. However as he tried to make the final left hand turn the coupling failed. He carried on across the road mounting the kerb & stopping short of a lamp standard. Needless to say it was Metalastik who got the brunt of his anger.

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Latter in the Metro programme he drove a car into my workshop and requested that we investigate the reasons for severe shake at a speed of 95mph on the nearby M6 motorway. The vehicle had completed the full pave cycle with its normal run of structural failures which had been repaired to allow the procedure to be completed. I chose to ignore the request, I was not going to risk my life in such a vehicle nor exceed the speed limit. I certainly was not going to instruct my staff to do likewise. Not sure why but Charley never raised the issue again. The issue was a smooth surface shake generated by non centered road wheels, a subject of an earlier article. A One Off Mini A group of engineers & fitters in South Experimental at Longbridge led by Martin Ince (Mince) sweet talked the management into obtaining a Mini body to use as the basis for a “raft” to be entered in a charity raft race on the River Severn at Bewdley. Materials supplied by Leyland with the work carried out in the spare time of the individuals. Power was via pedalo type arrangements at front & rear with four individuals providing the manpower. The attached pictures show the so called AquaMini shortly after launch & later down river. Inspiration for the paddlers efforts was provided by Rod Stewart singing We Are Sailing on the installed sound system. I have no idea what happened to the raft after the event.

Tony Hughes aka NVHONE Newbies! Newbies! Newbies!

Ronald Singh David LaChance Scarboro, ON Williamstown MA USA 1965 Morris Oxford Farina

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Classic Ford Trip 2008 May 10 – 12th Classic Ford Magazine were back on board this year as we set off for the tenth Classic Ford Tour organised by Continental Car Tours. The trip, called the Dam Busters Tour, took us to Amsterdam in Holland.

Lee and I left home just after 6am in his Mk1 Escort to meet up with Jon and Martin in Jon’s blue Mk1 Escort – the yellow one is in the middle of a heart transplant after the engine was damaged at the Nurburgring last year. Jon’s blue car is a standard 1300 automatic and it was about to go on its first journey of any length since Jon had owned the car. The trip to Dover was uneventful until we

were passed by a cloud of smoke preceeded by a Mk1 Escort!! The rear oil seal in the gearbox had gone whilst they were on their journey to the ferry. We were all given plaques to fit to our cars whilst we were waiting to board the ferry. Once in Calais we had a 4 hour journey through France and Belgium into Holland to Haarlem and the hotel. The weather started the way it intended to carry on – HOT! Driving in a convoy with all the people rushing past in their modern cars leaves a certain degree of satisfaction when you get a thumbs up and you see their faces light up with a grin.

Haarlem is a small town to the west of Amsterdam and very close to the race track at Zandvoort. It is only a 20 min train ride into Amsterdam. The hotel had no problems catering for the 79 cars worth of people who descended on it for a meal in the evening even though they could have used a larger car park! Some double parking was required but not when this photo was taken! On Sunday, after the headaches had cleared, there was a suggested tour which people could do visiting places like Volendam where people still wear the traditional Dutch costume and clogs and Edam to check out the cheese.

We followed most of the route but then after “crossing the sea” from Enkhuizen to Lelystad we turned north instead of south. This sea crossing was a long road on reclaimed land and as we started on this section we drove through a wall of flies, which left the front of the car a different colour – it also gave us great difficulties seeing through the windscreen!! For Sunday lunch we had a Chinese meal in a seaside town call Urk. Why Chinese - it was the only

place that was open. We parked either side of 3 German registered Minis that were part of the Dutch Rally.

The next “sea crossing” was even longer and had a service area in the middle of it. When we left here we had a little excursion – we set off down the cycle path in error! Oops! The problem was finding somewhere to turn round….. We also had a second encounter with a wall of flies. I had hoped to go to Zandvoort as I hadn’t been there since the Grand Prix in 1971 when Jackie Ickx and Pedro Rodriguez drove away from everybody in the wet. The traffic jams near the circuit made the decision for us and we headed back to the hotel before catching the train into Amsterdam.

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Amsterdam – well what can I say, it was much as I expected with the canals, historic buildings etc plus the seedier side of life. At least I can now say I have been there. Monday was a Bank Holiday in Holland but that didn’t affect us as we headed back south to Calais and home, a nice little 950 mile round trip to another part of Europe.

There was an interesting collection of cars from Escorts, Capris, Corsairs and Anglias to Sierra Cosworths. Sadly one of the Sierras will not be coming back from the trip.

They decided to visit the Nurburgring and had a big accident, fortunately without damage to themselves, but the car is very second hand.

Submitted by Marc Lawrence of Hitchin, England

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MARQUE COORDINATORS

This service is intended to provide a point of contact. for members who need assistance with their car or project from other members These coordinators will either help you or point you in the right direction to get help. There is opportunity for unlisted models for additional coordinators, if you don't see your particular model covered it is because we are waiting for a member volunteer.

Armstrong Siddeley Ian Young [email protected] Austin Atlantic Dave Lawrence [email protected] Austin Marina Skip Harris [email protected] Austin Somerset Dave Golding [email protected] Austin A40 Devon Bill Wilkman [email protected] Austin Cambridge A50/55 Ian Cayton [email protected] Austin Healey Scott Morris [email protected] Austin Taxi Murray Jackson [email protected] Austins A30/35 Tony Fox [email protected] BMC Farinas Brendon O'Hara [email protected] BMC 1100/1300 Jim Cumberland [email protected] Daimler Garry Irwin [email protected] Ford Prefect/Anglia Mike Aveline [email protected] Hillman Roger Tipple [email protected] Jaguar 420 Martin Dombroski [email protected] Jaguar XJS David Keitly [email protected] Jaguar XJ and E Type Jeff Booth [email protected] Jaguar, XJ/VDP/XJR David Januczkowski [email protected] Jaguar XK Series Bill Schorse [email protected] Jensen Peter Brook [email protected] Lucas & general Clive Freeman [email protected] MG Fraser Cooper [email protected] Mini Dave Scott [email protected] Mini Dave Allen [email protected] MINI Don Dunlop [email protected] Morgan Norm Kear [email protected] Morris Minor Craig Buchanan [email protected] Riley Mike Sweeney [email protected] Rolls Royce Robert Thompson [email protected] Rover P6 Dave Donoghue [email protected] Rover SD 1 Vacant Triumph Herald Art Parker [email protected] Triumph Stag Tony Fox [email protected] Triumph Spitfire Leslie Bond [email protected] Triumph TR3 Vacant TVR Dave Graham [email protected] Vauxhall Cameron Steenburg [email protected] Zephyr/Consul Patrick Wilson [email protected]

Should any member require a phone contact for a coordinator then please contact one of our executive on page 4

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Mini - 1961 Austin Countryman: 850cc drivetrain intact but not running, floors rotted, Good for project, rear susp

gone,$500 Firm, With Ownership. Ray [email protected] London, ON. - 1966 Austin Mini: Cooper S replica, red/white roof, 1998 Rover bodyshell, very low mileage, orig paint, rear mod to

fit Mk1 small taillights, New doors, bonnet and orig Mk1 Cooper bootlid painted to match (wind up windows), 1999 Cooper leather int with reclining seats, factory fresh 1300 A-plus block with rebuilt large valve cyl head - Zero miles on engine! Close ratio gearbox, windage tray and central oil pickup. Adj susp. 4-pot alloy calipers. Twin 1.5" SU, Maniflow header, double box RC40 exhaust. Orig Cooper S disc wheels with set of orig hubcaps. Car is perfect! $20,000 (US) Daniel (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Montreal, PQ.

- 1968 Pickup: only 50,000 made, modified and is a good and fast fun car, not concours but has won many local shows, 1275 cc engine, Disc brakes with servo assist, 12 inch MiniLite like rims, Racing seats, Wooden bed liner, Tonneau, RHD, red with white roof, $14,000 (US) obo. Phil (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Yardley, PA.

- 1968 Mini 1000: easy resto project, brought from New Zealand in 2002 but have just not found the time. All taxes and duties paid, titled in Ontario. $5000 firm. Mike (XXX) XXX-XXXX Richmond Hill, ON.

- 1971 1275GT Clubman: red, immaculate shape, 1275 engine, about 4000 kms since rebuild, short shift, hi-lo susp, cobra bucket racing seats, 10" steering wheel, a lot of chrome and bling. $8000 without electronics. $9000 with pioneer tv radio, 2 tv monitor visors, sony ps2 in the boot and amp. [email protected] Toronto, ON.

- 1973 Innocenti Mini: red, 1000cc, Exc cond and runs great, LHD, many new parts, 80K km, $6,900 (US) Sarah (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] West Barnstable, MA.

- Two Austin Minis: yellow one is restorable, blue one is a parts car only. Four spare engines. Three 998cc and one 850cc. No ownerships. $1,200 Sold as is where is - located in Port Hope - 1 hour east of Toronto. (XXX) XXX-XXXX after 6:30 PM or weekends.

- 1976 Leyland Moke: Blueish Green, top and body are in very Good Shape, Strong 998cc Engine. $9,000. [email protected] Toronto, ON.

- 1979 Mini 1000 Clubman: imported from Scotland and owned 4 years, auto, exc cond inside and out. Repainted orig Butterscotch, prior to my purchase. 28K miles, have maint records. $8,000 David [email protected] Montgomeryville, PA.

- 1980 Mini: one of the last sold by British Leyland in Canada, all orig body, subframes etc, restored in the mid 90's and driven very little since. Light blue / white. Built to rally spec, but never made it out. 1275 +60 engine with Cooper S gearbox and clutch, lightened flywheel , twin carbs and oil cooler. Vintage 60's rally seats and 4 point rollcage. Lots of spare parts. $7,500 Colin (XXX) XXX-XXXX Toronto, ON.

- 1990 Mini 1000: deep blue, 56K km, Minilites, bumper overriders, rust free, RHD, wood dash, stereo, air, Smith's tach, rebadged with CooperS hood and boot insignias, Morris steering wheel bezel and matching wooden shift knob. $6,250 Ed (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Regina, SK.

- 1991 Rover Mini Mayfair: 34K kms, Auto, FWD, 1.0L, Air Cond, Alloy Wheels, Cassette, Power Brakes, Wood steering wheel & knob, RHD. Safety Inspected and BC reg. 1 year powertrain Global Warranty. $8,900 www.AbbotsfordJapanAuto.com (XXX) XXX-XXXX Abbotsford, BC.

- 1991 Rover Mini ERA Turbo: only 480 made, 96 bhp and 184 kph, aftermarket 13 inch alloys, factory leather, steering wheel, and floor mats. 61K km, red with bodykit, $13,900 Sean (XXX) XXX-XXXX http://www.zenautoworks.ca/Current%20Stock%20Units/MINI_ERA.htm [email protected] Calgary, AB

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“I’d Like to Teach My Car to Run in Perfect Harmony” To the tune of the Coke jingle

A world in balance and harmony would certainly be a better place. A well balanced Mini should be a better car and we all know you want Hermoine the Mini to be as good as she can be. I am talking about the harmonic balancer, which may or may not be bolted to the front of the crankshaft on your car. If you don’t have a balancer you will just have a simple pulley for the fan belt to run on. The purpose of the balancer is to reduce harmful vibrations transmitted from the crankshaft through the valve train, which consists of the timing chain, sprockets, camshaft, lifters, pushrods, rockers and shaft and valves. The result is more accurate valve and ignition timing, a smoother running more efficient engine and reduced component wear. The harmonic balancer consists of three parts, the center hub which attaches to the front of the crankshaft, the outer pully which is grooved (groovy huh?) to accept the fan belt and a flexible rubber piece in the center which binds the outer and inner pieces together and absorbs the nasty vibrations. If your car is fitted with one, a yearly inspection is in order to ensure it is not getting ready to come apart which could have disastrous results. Simply hold a mirror, ( I use an old car interior one to keep in theme) in front of the damper, bathed in the eerie glow of a trouble light and look for deterioration of the rubber. If it is starting to crack or fail, it is time for replacement. Replacing your balancer or installing one is pretty straightforward. Drain cooling system, remove radiator, and fan belt. Pry back the locking tab on the bolt securing the pulley or balancer to the crankshaft. Remove bolt and carefully pry and persuade the pulley or balancer that it wants to come off. This is a good time the inspect your fan belt, rad hoses, water pump, radiator and that infernal little hose that connects the water pump to the cylinder head. The only thing worse than replacing that little hose with the head installed in your garage or driveway is doing it at the side of the road. I digress. Once you have the balancer off replace it wit the new one and reinstall rad. All of this should make your universe a little more in balance. Happy Motoring, Dave

Inquiring Mini Owners Want to Know (I hope)

I have been writing these articles for a few years now and often wonder, does anyone actually read them, does everyone find them useful, should I include more detail, what did happen to Jimmy Hoffa? What I am looking for is input. Is there a topic I haven’t pursued that might interest you, would you like more technical detail, is there something completely different we should put in this space? If you have any ideas on the above please send me an email, letter, fax, carrier pigeon message or just phone. We want this article to serve you the members as well as possible. Mini Happy Returns, Dr. Dave M.D. (Mini Doctor) [email protected]

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A Mini Marvel by Bob DeShane

It was a warm, sunny, beautiful morning in August of 1991 and I was motoring westbound on the 401, on my way to London. The last few hundred yards of runway at Pearson slipped by on my right and the skyline of Toronto was fading in the mirror and traffic was thinning. I could now concentrate on the business meeting ahead. Hey, there's a nice Mini – so much for concentrating. Ever since I first saw a Sprite at age ten, I had been crazy about British cars, about international racing, about great British racing drivers, Moss, Hawthorn, Hill and Clark. I'd read British motoring magazines cover to cover for years. I relished the stories of the small cottage industries that produced such fantastic cars but lamented that we rarely, if ever saw many them on our shores. I'd had my share of cars too, nothing exotic mind you, but beginning with a Morris Minor and progressing through a seemingly never ending list of Minis, MGAs, MGBs, TR6s, 1100s, 1300s and a Marina. I had delved into racing and rallying and thoroughly enjoyed, lived and breathed it all. However, I had given it all up to have more time for family and my primary business concerns. As far as my small sports car business, Little Britain Motor Company, apart from keeping the performance parts side of it going, I had put it on the shelf as well. That was over a year ago. Little did I know at that moment how it would all change very soon. The cell phone rang. It was long time friend, British car guru and best ever British car mechanic, Dave Jackson. I hadn't seen Dave much in the past year. It was one of the things that I'd sacrificed along with my addiction to British cars. Dave said “Bob, I've just got this magazine called Mini World and you've got to see it! I've got a copy for you.” He wouldn't tell me what it was about this new magazine that was so incredibly wonderful or important that I needed to see it, considering that I was no longer a British car nutcase or Mini nutcase. But, Dave was a good friend and it had been a long time since we had talked and I really kind of missed his shop seeing as how it was sort of my second home for the last twenty-four years and maybe it wouldn't hurt to see what he was working on now. So, I agreed that I would stop by for a brief visit the next day on my way back from London. The drive back from London to Oshawa seemed to take forever even though traffic was light and moving well. As I pulled up to the front doors of Commonwealth Motors, everything was warmly familiar. MGs Triumphs, Minis. The oil spots, the scents. Heaven. Inside, Dave greeted me in his ever-friendly way and after a few minutes of pleasantries and catching up, he revealed my copy of the new magazine. I couldn't believe my eyes. There on the front cover was a man that I had come to know through reading the British Motoring books as a true genius and a maverick in the same fashion as Colin Chapman. In fact the two of them were friends and competitors, having had similar paths of development in post-war sports car racing in Britain. The man was Jem Marsh, founder of Marcos Cars and Speedex Performance Parts. Just as importantly, he was standing next to one of his creations – a car that as a teenager, I had read about in all of those British motoring books – a car that had literally conquered the world of small-bore racers on tracks like Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Silverstone, Spa Francorchamps, Kylami and the biggest of all Le Mans. Jem was re-introducing the Mini Marcos!! I couldn't wait to get home and settle into reading all about it. That evening, I wasn't much company for the family. I poured over the magazine. The new cars would use Mini Mayfair running gear complete with 12-inch alloy wheels, Corbeau seats and custom burled walnut dash panels with a complete set of instruments. After three very thorough, poured over, intensive readings of the article and a very enthusiastic, mostly one-way conversation with my long-suffering wife, Marilyn, I decided that I really did miss British Cars and that I needed a Mini Marcos! I couldn't sleep that night thinking about the telephone call that I would place in the morning to Jem. In late October I found myself over the North Atlantic on a British Airways flight to London and the Earl's Court Automobile Show as a guest of Marcos Cars for the re-introduction of the Mini Marcos. Earl's Court is a truly impressive exhibition hall in its own right, but for a car enthusiast – a British Car enthusiast – it was heaven! Every kind and shape and colour of British and European car imaginable was on display! I followed Jem's directions until I could see a large Marcos sign visible above a throng of several hundred people gathered in the aisle directly across from the Lotus and Mercedes stands, just past TVR. Wait, they were all facing the Marcos sign.

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Under the sign, I could make out what appeared to be the top ropes and corner posts of a boxing ring, with a tall man in the centre of it, visible above the crowd. That was Jem!

I made my way past stands of TVR, Lotus and Mercedes, practically devoid of onlookers and circled to come in around the back of the Marcos stand. As I approached the boxing ring, I realized that it was the diminutive Mini Marcos in its bright red livery and silver Minilight wheels that had captured the attention of all of these people. It was not the pretty and nimble Marcos Martina in Old English White or its brutal big brother, V8 Marcos Mantula in light blue metallic paint, or for that matter, the delicious offerings on the neighbouring stands, but this gallant little warrior, a victor of so many earlier battles, brought to life once again. Soon, I was able to meet Jem and introduce myself. He was a dashing and most gracious man, a true gentleman. It was a thrill to meet him in person. Jem was truly overwhelmed by the

response of the crowd toward the Mini Marcos. I asked him why he thought it was that there was such keen interest, when it would seem entirely logical the greatest interest would be in the more exotic offerings, like the Mantula or those immediately beside and across the aisle. Simply put, he thought that it was because of the car's affordability and that given the public response, he should have done this earlier! I enjoyed my time with him and he had made arrangements for me to go out to the Marcos Works in Wiltshire to meet his son Chris and test the cars. The Marcos Works is housed in an array of large quonset huts on what was a second war airbase in Westbury in the west country. There, I was greeted by Chris and treated to a tour of the works. The main reception showroom was packed with Mantulas and photographs of Marcos cars and drivers and their racing exploits. It was breathtaking. Chris, himself was currently leading the British Sports Car Championship in a Mantula. In the centre of the showroom was the only Mini Marcos. It wasn't new. It was a 1960s version that they had bought back from a club member, having not even kept a copy for themselves and having only yet produced the Earl's Court Show car. I couldn't believe its diminutive size. We opened the doors and eased into the low seats with Chris behind the wheel. I was immediately impressed with the car and with its handling as Chris negotiated the trading estate roads (runways) out into the countryside. Despite this being powered by an 850, progress was brisk, handling precise and crisp and all things considered quite comfortable. It wasn't hard to accept that in 1966, a Mini Marcos powered by a rally-spec 1275 had seized the record for speed in the under 1300 hundred class on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans at over 147 mph (that record stands to this date). Back at the Works, we traded the Mini for a Mantula. All I can say is WOW! But that's another story. It didn't take long to scribble out the deposit cheque and place the order for an exact copy of the Earl's Court car, less engine and in “knock-down” form in order to satisfy our government officials. Back in Canada, the car was assembled at Commonwealth Motors with a very nice 998 engine and prepared for its maiden trip. On June 11th, 1992 the car was completed and declared fit for the trip. There was no time for run-in or shake down because on the 12th, the little Marcos with my son Craig and I aboard set out for the “British Car Magazine” offices in Los Angeles and a day in the California hills with publisher, Dave Destler. That photo session and test drive resulted in a feature magazine article. Imagine a six-thousand mile trip over ten days that included two days in LA, driving on the Bonneville Salt Flats, a climb up Pikes Peak and hundreds of other great experiences in a car made of fibreglass, weighing only 900 lbs, built in a Quonset hut in Wiltshire and assembled in Oshawa, Ontario. And this was only the first of many adventures.

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Raiders of the Lost Wreck Compiled by Square Deal Jeff

These are all listings that I have seen in the past two months so they should be reasonably current, but I like to keep this list updated. If you find that any of the vehicles listed below have been sold let me know. If you did not sell your car, please let me know before the deadline if you want to run the ad again. Prices are $CA unless indicated otherwise. Phone numbers are given if possible, but sometimes only an email address is available. Try not to get carried away! Austin - 1950 A40 Devon: green, new leather int, very good cond, chrome redone, orig

engine, sunroof. $10,000 Anthony (XXX) XXX-XXXX Toronto, ON. - 1950 A90: convertible, LHD, US delivery model, sound unrestored original car,

runs well, needs resto, but all there and always stored indoors $17,500 (US). (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Located in Virginia.

- 1952 A40: very good cond, running when parked 10 years ago, engine turns over. $4,000 David (XXX) XXX-XXXX Elmira, ON.

- 1957 A35: 998cc, good runner, solid body, new brake shoes, new rear axle seals, new front tires, lots of parts, in dry storage. Colour grey. A very nice little car. Asking $7000 Mike (XXX) XXX-XXXX or (XXX) XXX-XXXX Milton, ON.

1961 A-H Bugeye Sprite: white, 4 speed, perfect condition, off frame resto, runs like new. $19900 (XXX) XXX-XXXX Moncton, NB.

- 1962 A-H 3000 Mk.II: white, 5 spd with electric O/D, all original, 90% complete, exc running cond, 81K miles with only 2K miles on rebuilt motor. $22000 neg, (XXX) XXX-XXXX, Moncton, NB.

- 1965 Westminster: Austin 6 cyl and twin carbs, magnificent sedan 16 page restor/service doc. Full leather int, burl dash&door caps, fold down picnic tables in rear. A mini Rolls Royce $11,500 (XXX) XXX-XXXX Vancouver, BC

- 1972 1800 Mk II: 46K miles, body/interior all orig, looks and runs great, new hoses (2007) and clutch (2006). $7000, certified. Ryan (XXX) XXX-XXXX Paris, ON.

Bentley - 1955 S1: Same owner since 1969. Painted 1965 - Willow Green Metallic GM 1408. Looks good from 20'. Int tear

and rip free. Engine compart highly detailed. Stainless exhaust 1991. $32,500 Geoff (XXX) XXX-XXXX Full description and 50+ pictures at www.bramclassauto.com/showvehicle.php?action=show&id=1005 Toronto, ON.

Ford - 1964 Corsair: RHD, Automatic, Daily Driver. $2850 Jason (XXX) XXX-XXXX (w) (XXX) XXX-XXXX (h)

[email protected] Southern ON. Jaguar - 1962 Mk II: Older bare metal repaint in 1981, Pearl Gray, some degradation around marker lights. Red int tear and

rip free, normal cracking and fading. Detailed engine compartment. $25,000 Geoff (XXX) XXX-XXXX Full description and 50+ pictures at www.bramclassauto.com/showvehicle.php?action=show&id=1006 Toronto, ON.

- 1964 S-type: needs full restoration or great parts car, $2,500 firm. (XXX) XXX-XXXX Williamsford, ON. - Jaguar XKE 2+2: Three dismantled cars, sell as lot only. View July 19th 10am. David (XXX) XXX-XXXX Elmira, ON. - 1985 XJ6: exc cond, 123K km. silver, from US. $5900. Brendan (XXX) XXX-XXXX or (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Toronto,

ON. - 1987 XJSC: 12cyl, red on black, grand touring cabriolet, 2nd owner, winter stored, well maint, service history, no

rust, recent tune up, updated AC. Great drive!! $13,500 Jim (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Bond Head, ON. - 1987 XJ6: 6 Cyl, last year before Ford took over. Owned by an 85 year old man (one owner). Very well maintained,

good cond. Blows cold air, beautiful wood int, great alloy rims, sunroof, power windows. White. Moving to home with single car garage. $2,500. (XXX) XXX-XXXX St. Catherines, ON.

- 1988 XJS: exc cond, no rust, 90K miles. $15,000. David (XXX) XXX-XXXX Elmira, ON. Jensen-Healey - 1973: two cars, assembly required, no rust, tons of spares incl engines, trans, body panels, some NOS, package

deal, $9,800 (US). (XXX) XXX-XXXX Harwinton, CT. Lotus

- 1967 Seven: 16K km, $16,000. obo. (XXX) XXX-XXXX Bradford, ON. MG Also, check out www.mgtoronto.com for many more cars and parts

- 1952 TD: 4 cyl, 4 spd manual, Arizona car, BRG, black int. Rebuilt from the frame up by "THE MG SHOP" in Tempe Arizona. New paint, upholstery, carpet and tonneau cover. Asking $22,000 - Serious enquiries Gail - (XXX) XXX-XXXX Ontario [email protected]

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MG - 1953 TD: owned since 1964, running, last licensed 1995, orig engine, light grey paint is fine. New front + rear

bumpers, battery, 5 tyres. Nearly new side curtains, tonneau, and top.$15,000 Paul (XXX) XXX-XXXX Port Hope,ON - 1964 MGB: Restored 2001, BRG, black int, Rostyle wheels. $11,500. John (XXX) XXX-XXXX Bond Head. ON.

1959 MGA: runs great, 1622 engine, wire wheels $5,000 1961 MGA: Mk.II, 1622 cc, stored inside 20 years, solid project car $5,000 1967 MGB GT: overdrive, wire wheels, runs, incl 2 parts cars $2,200 1969 MGB: overdrive, wire wheels, was running $1,500 1973 MGB: runs great, new top/interior $2,500 MGA: 2 ½ parts cars $800 each. Don (XXX) XXX-XXXX Orangeville, ON.

- 1969 MGC: 3 litre 6 cyl engine. Well maintained older resto in lovely cond. First in class British Car Day 2005 and 2006. 4 speed trans, overdrive, correct 72 spoke 15 inch wire wheels, upgraded susp, exc black int and top, 2 tonneaus. Rare centre console. Much more. Making room for next project $26,500 [email protected] Kitchener, ON.

- 1971 MGB: green, tan int and roof, O/D, split chrome bumper car, 98K miles, orig bill of sale and part receipts since new, photo history and appraisal, lots of extra new parts, $9,900 cert. Dave (XXX) XXX-XXXX Cobourg, ON.

- 1973 MGB: bodywork restored, new fenders, etc. Needs paint and final asm. All parts with car. Runs well. New brakes, battery. $3,000. (XXX) XXX-XXXX Southwest ON.

- 1973 MGB GT: Immaculate! One-owner car. 53K miles. Fully restored ($20k). Black leather. Overdrive. AM-FMCD. $18,000. Visit www.archieknows.com/mymg or call (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Montreal (West Island), Quebec.

- 19xx MGC GT: chrome bumper, BRG, wire wheels $inquire (XXX) XXX-XXXX Southern ON. - 1975 Midget: nut and bolt restoration. NONE better. Less than 1000 miles since complete ground up resto, definite

100pt car, and show winner. Not Triumph 1500 motor - completely rebuilt 1275 'A' series engine, twin SUs as they were supposed to have. Asking 1/3 of the resto costs. email for pics and full details. $9500 FIRM [email protected] Southeast ON,

- 1979 MGB LE: one of a kind, full steel box frame, coil-over susp, 4 wheel discs, 350 cu.inch Chev, auto, alloy custom rad, MSD, Ford rear axle, Chev front spindles. Not another like it. Sacrifice $15,000. Steve (XXX) XXX-XXXX near Hamilton, ON.

Morgan - 1938 4/4 Series I: Older restoration, recent engine and clutch rebuild, no rust, good runner. $28,000 (XXX) XXX-

XXXX Vineland, ON. - 1989 Plus 8: one of the last V8 Morgans allowed into Canada, triple black with updated susp, incl gas shocks, nylon

bushings, stainless exh c/w headers. Recently replaced convert top, tonneau, dash, carpet mostly due to sun fade, replaced windshield, newer tires, 42K km $67,000 (XXX) XXX-XXXX King City, ON.

Morris - 1934 Ten Four: Roadster Convertible with Dickey Seat (Bumper) Seat and Side Turn Signals! Near orig cond except

for electric fuel pump. Only three roadsters known to exist. 4 Cylinder and runs strong! Owners' manual included. Starts and runs on 6 volt battery. Paint in very good condition. Top and side curtains new. $16,500 (US) Diana [email protected] St. Petersburg, FL.

- 1951 Oxford: complete resto 2006, new leather int. 700 miles on fresh flathead engine, flashing trafficators $16,000 John (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Bond Head, ON

- 1958 Minor 1000: runs well but does need body work, new floor from England installed last year. $8,000. Ken (XXX) XXX-XXXX Georgetown, ON.

- 1965 Minor Woody: 57K miles, exct cond, nice green metallic, orig int in very good cond, RHD, stock engine, runs & drives great, engine compartment clean, side ash wood replaced, back doors original, $16,900 (US). (XXX) XXX-XXXX Mentor, OH.

Nash Metropolitan - 1957: Hardtop, older resto, blue/white, looks and runs great, $6,500. (XXX) XXX-XXXX Collingwood, ON. Riley - 1950 RMB: saloon, project car. Original color is Green with green int. More info and pics on request. (XXX) XXX-

XXXX [email protected] Columbus, OH. Rover - 1969 TC: Ex-Calif car; very solid body. Engine very strong (150-155 psi compression, great oil pressure). Garaged.

Factory A/C. Needs brake work and tires to be a driver. $1,000(US) (XXX) XXX-XXXX email for pics [email protected] Southern Illinois.

- 1970 3500S: V8, engine was running last year, needs brakes and the body needs rocker panels and front inner wings. Have repair panels from the UK. Interior is good, just needs a good clean, Speedo reads approx. 45K and I would say that is about correct. Can email pics. $1000 Graham (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] SE Manitoba.

Standard - 1947: drophead coupe by Standard Triumph, rare, the only one in America, original, two owners, full historical docd,

RHD, red leather upholstery, new tires, orig tools, $32,500 (US) Norm, (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] North Salem, NY.

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Sunbeam - 1948 Sunbeam Talbot: needs complete resto incl new floors, motor not running. Can email pics. $offers Graham

(XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Southeast Manitoba. - 1953 and 1954 Sunbeam Talbot 90 DHC’s: two rare and unique British convertibles for resto. Both dismantled for

restoring but are complete and include extra parts from a third. One has had no work done, but the other has extensive prep and assembly could begin. Tasks done: powder coated frame and running gear; body primed ready for paint; new tires, tubes, wheels and hubcaps. Glass and stainless trim all in good cond. Restore one car without having to search the world for all the little bits and pieces and complete a second car with a little more effort. Not considering splitting up or parting out. $12,000 obo. [email protected] Vancouver Island, BC.

Swallow - 1954 Swallow Doretti: Black alloy body with dark red leather interior. Virtually as-new condition. $55,000(US). Call

George at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or Bill at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. New York. Triumph Also, check out www.torontotriumph.com for cars and parts - 1961 Herald: No time for me to continue. Full chassis completed. Body in 3 parts sandblasted and primed. New floor

boards, runners available. 2 engines (12 & 14) New brake line kit, gasket kits. Extra doors, tires. Tons of other misc. parts. Best offer as whole or in parts. Paul [email protected] Burlington, ON.

- TR3: two for sale: 1958 - good body - electric overdrive. 1960 - new frame. Plus many parts, package deal - $5,000 Roy (XXX) XXX-XXXX Spring Brook, ON.

- 1962 Herald: convertible. New clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing, new SU's, head rebuilt (valves, springs, guides, etc) new tires, brakes (cylinders rebuilt). Only rust, under drivers feet and left rear outrigger. $4500(US) in receipts and want that out of it. Ted [email protected] Whippleville, NY.

- 1965 Herald 1200: convertible, needs restoration. Body solid, frame bad, very nice dash, mechanicals unknown. $400(US) Tom [email protected] Indianapolis, IN.

- 1967 TR4A: One of the best TR4A restos in North America. Three time "Best in Show" at Toronto Triumph Clubs Annual meet. Totally rust free and restored to orig perfection. O/D trans, Pertronix elec ignition, rare factory option "Surrey top". All new int with wood dash and leather seats. New 72 spoke Dayton chrome wire wheels and Bridgestones. $32,000. Email for pics: Mike [email protected] Toronto area, ON.

- 1968 GT6 Mark I Convertible: Dark red metallic with charcoal grey interior. Not a Spitfire body; the roof was cut off during complete recent resto. Many mods and upgrades. First Place GT6 at British Car Day 2006. Matching Spitfire hardtop incl. $16,500(US) OBO. George (XXX) XXX-XXXX New York state.

- 1973 Stag: Very nice, rust free with nice paint and chrome. Has early high compression head TR6 motor. 4 speed. Soft and hard tops. Engine purrs with 2 SU hif carbs and trans shifts well. Like-new alloy wheels. Red with nice orig deep chestnut color int with orig tan wool carpets. Dash has no cracks and all electrics work. New fuel pump, stainless brake lines, and brake master. $5,500 (US) Ed [email protected] Cleveland, OH.

- 1974 TR6: red with black int + top, overdrive, 91K km, exc orig condition, 3 tonneaus, trunk rack, roll bar, premium tyres $13,800 Norm (XXX) XXX-XXXX Mississauga, ON.

- 1974 TR6: red, new black int, new tires, new top, recently overhauled trans, O/Drive, rustproofed, body and frame rust free, 76K miles, Certified, $13,900 OBO Robert (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Oakville, ON.

- 1975 TR6: 75K km, 4 new tires and fuel pump. Tonneau cover, soft and hard top, dust cover. An everyday car. $7,500. John (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Deep River, ON.

- 197x TR6: yellow, seen at a gas station in Burlington. (XXX) XXX-XXXX. - 1978 Spitfire: green with tan. Exc recent resto. Needs nothing. $8,500(US) Bill (XXX) XXX-XXXX New York state. - 1980 TR7: convert, blue with blue int; no rust at all on underbody. Top in exc cond. 5 speed, 115km. elec ign, man

choke, etc. Extra parts, manuals, etc. Appraised $5,500. $4,250 obo [email protected] Southeast ON. Commercial see http://bcluv.gotdns.com/bcluv/forsale.htm for more - 1933 Morris Truck: White, Older Resto, Was used as an ambulance during WW2 in Malta. $10,000 (offers or trades)

Alan (XXX) XXX-XXXX or (XXX) XXX-XXXX, [email protected] Gores Landing, ON. British Parts For Sale - GT6 engine: 1972, nice running 6 cyl with twin carbs $500. Also trans, rear end, drive shaft, axles, nice radiator, 4

brand new tires on GT6 rims never driven on, wheel centres, 2 new brake drums etc. (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Peterborough, ON.

- Jaguar XKE 2+2: Three dismantled cars, sell as a lot only. View July 19th 10am. David (XXX) XXX-XXXX Elmira,ON. - Jaguar: 1961 3.8 and a Moss 4 speed non-sync O/D tranny $750. 8 Mk.2 jaguar doors, 1 hood and 1 trunk lid plus

complete dash, all the wood, electrics etc for a 1959 Mk.1 jaguar automatic car and some other parts Ken [email protected] Southern ON.

- MG parts: MGB gearbox, 3 syncro, non-overdrive. $100 / MGA gearbox, poor 2nd syncros, but is quiet and works. $150 / MGB Wire wheels, good condition, $20 each, quantity discount / MGB front cross member, complete with suspension and axles $100. MGB and MGA orig steering wheels. Cracked rims but repairable. $25 each. All prices negotiable, delivery available. Lots of other MGB parts, new and used. Fraser (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Cambridge, ON.

- MG YT: gas tank, radiator, front valence (salvageable), top frame. $offer. Paul (XXX) XXX-XXXX Port Hope, ON. - Mini: huge collection of used parts. $500 for all. Email Ryan for list [email protected] Windsor, ON.

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- SU Carbs: several types and sizes, rock bottom prices. Get an SU or two to practice on! Fraser (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Cambridge, ON.

- Triumph: Five steel wheels, 4.5 x 15, from TR-4, also fit TR-2/3 and MGA, MGB. Four are clean and ready for new paint; one is tatty and wants sandblasting. All are straight. $20 each or all five for $50. All prices negotiable, delivery available. Fraser (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Cambridge, ON.

Literature: - Shop Manuals: Morris 1100; Cortina GT MKII; Jaguar V12 $15 each Fraser (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected]

Cambridge, ON. - Austin A40 Service Manual - April 1950. Mint condition / A40 Running and Maint Instructions - Fair Cond $30

Louise [email protected] Langley, BC. - Owner’s Mauals: New Consul (published Oct 1956), Austin Devon & Dorset (Aug 1948), Austin A40 (March 1953),

Morris Ten- Four Series "M" (12/47?), Standard Vanguard (1950) $offers. Marshall (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Langdon, AB.

Wanted - Parts for 1959 Mk 1 Jaguar saloon - transmission bits, it has a 3.8 auto (not the orig 3.4), trans is Borg Warner

auto, will buy complete trans or parts. Also need rad and heater core. Other minor bits if anyone has anything. Does anyone sell window rubber kits? Contact smax at Fastco Fabrications (XXX) XXX-XXXX or (XXX) XXX-XXXX (cell). [email protected]

Classic Car Dealers K.M. Restorations, Orangeville, ON, 519-942-1722 www.kmrestorations.com - 1954 MG TF $32,500 1960 TR3 $25,000 - 1968 GT6 $11,500 1951 Morris Oxford – ground-up resto 2006 $18,500 lots of Jaguars, Lotuses, Triumphs, MG's - see website parts and project cars

Bygone British Cars 150 North Queen St, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1A8 Phone Dave (416) 625-3516. Mr Mini 428 Millen Rd. Unit 11, Stoney Creek, Ontario L8E 3N9 www.mrmini.com (905) 664-4067 - 1959 Austin Se7en: project car, possibly the oldest Mini in Canada $1,800.

Al Guest Mini Mover Wainfleet, ON http://www.big-al-minimover.com/index.htm 905-899-3770 [email protected] website for pics and more details. - 1971 Mini Clubman Estate: New paint, new interior, smooth running all orig 998cc, orig wheel covers on 10 inch

radials $7,500 (CA) - 1978 Mini: LHD, with a LAMM body kit- A 1275 metro engine with a manual sliding sun roof- 13 inch wheels with

Dunlop L/P radials $11,900(US). - 1989 Mini 30: only 5000 made, custom paint, special wheels, ½ leather int, etc. 12 inch wheels, servo assisted front

discs. Over 200 hours spent detailing engine bay and rebuilding many of the mech components. New paint, New boot lid. Wheels sandblasted and painted silver, 5 new tires, Rebuilt: radiator, wiper motor, clutch and brake hydraulics with silicone brake fluid, carburetor. New: rear wheel cylinders and shoes, battery, stereo system with CD player and speakers, grille and surrounds, bumpers, front & rear window seals, steel braided brake hoses & clutch slave cylinder hose, water pump, clutch disc-pressure plate-& throw out bearing, 30th anniversary decal kit and wheel centers. $12,000(US) Malcolm (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Located in Orlando, FL.

Austinworks http://www.austinworks.com/salepart.html Rob Stuart, 800 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., #8343 Redondo Beach, CA 90277 [email protected] (XXX) XXX-XXXX new and used parts for Austin A40 Devon, A40 Dorset, and A40 commercials (Panel Van, Countryman, Pick-up) Mini-Mania http://www.minimania.com/ClassList.cfm 100’s of listings for Minis (mostly USA, a few in Canada). www.wirewheel.com Vero Beach, FL – (XXX) XXX-XXXX Daimler SP250, Lotus Elise, TVR’s, Mokes, 1970 Marcos 3000, race cars and other zoomy rides. Bramhall Classic Autos, Etobicoke, ON, 416-675-0220, 800-265-4187, www.bramclassauto.com (lots of nice pictures, here) LARGE DATABASE OF EUROPEAN CARS FOR SALE - 1933 Austin 10/4 1946 Humber Super Snipe $20,000 - 1952 + 1953 + 1954 Bentley R-type 1956 XK140 FHC + convertible - 1958 A95 Westminster $12,000 1960 MG Magnette $7,000 - 1960 Daimler SP250 $17,500 1964 Jaguar 3.8S $22,000 - 1968 Mini Mk. 2 Cooper 998 $20,500 1969 Daimler 250 V8 saloon $15,500 lots of Jaguars and Rolls-Royces, and sports cars JustBrits http://www.justbrits.com/ads/adsCarsForSale.html Small Classified Section for private sales, especially sports cars. McLean's Brit Bits, Rye, NH, U.S., 800-995-2487, www.britbits.com EXCELLENT CLASSIFIED SECTION especially MG and Triumph, with a few Daimlers, and Minis thrown in.

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The Mechanics, Toronto, ON, 416-233-4787, www.themechanics.ca or www.britishclassiccars.com (owned by Tony Moon one of our members) Minis at the second website The New England Classic Car Company Stratford, CT 203-377-6746 www.newenglandclassics.com Lot of sports cars: Bugeyes, Minis, MGs, Lotus, Morgans, Triumph, etc Over 100 for sale when I looked. Steve’s British Connection, Sandwich, IL 630-553-9023 http://www.stevesbritishconnection.com/ - 1951 MG TD, 1964 AH 3000, 1965 MGB, 1965 TR4. Stock changes frequently. If you know of any British cars, parts or literature that need new homes contact: Square Deal Jeff Fenwick at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or [email protected]

The Riley 1.5 (adapted from an article for The New England MG T Register..."My

Other Car is 1959 Riley 1.5") Now here is a neat little car that even the most ardent MG enthusiast can get their arms around. Not to be confused with the early 50's 1 1/2 litre Rileys. the 1.5 or One Point Five was first produced by BMC in 1957 and went through various minor changes until production ceased in 1965. Based on the Morris Minor chassis, the first 150 1.5's came off the line in Abingdon before production was moved to Longbridge. These first models came with fold down rear seats and are quite rare. The car featured a 1500 engine in an MGA state of tune with twin 1 1/2 SU carbs, rack and pinion steering, a walnut dash with complete instrumentation and a 4 speed gearbox with a sensible 3.73:1 final drive ratio. The front torsion bar suspension is the same as the Minor with lever shocks on the front and rear. The Wolseley 1500 is the detuned version of the Riley. Les Leston was an early enthusiaist on the racing scene with his 1.5 winning the 1959 British Saloon Car Championship in his class. This particular example was found via the wonders of the internet. I was e-mailing a chap in California about MG Magnetts in 1999 when I casually mentioned that my real interest was a 1.5. He in turn said that his neighbor had one in his garage and it was for sale! I had the owner take some photos of the car and I wound up buying and shipping it from Livermore to here in Northport. I never actually saw it up close until it arrived safe and sound in my driveway. Over the last three years I've redone the front and rear suspension, added tube shocks and new springs on the rear, had University Motors in Michigan attend to the rack, rebuilt the gearbox, installed a 1622 engine (with an alternator) and I'm currently wrestling with the tire situation. It takes 155 x 14s which are not available over here so I'm experimenting with 165 x 14s. They need and ever so slight mod to the front or else they will rub on full lock. This has been a wonderful little friend. She's made the trip from here up to Lime Rock, CT a number of times as well as shows alll over the tri state area. An interesting side story to this article happened last summer. I was driving to a meet on the South Shore of Long Island with some friends in their Corvettes. They let me take the lead as they thought I might lag behind. After beating them to the show, they bitterly complained that I was going way to fast for their cars...80 MPH...and that they had to "baby" their V8s because their cars were getting to old for this sort of thing. All in all, a marvelous motor. Tim Gladding Northport, NY 1959 Riley 1.5, 1953 MGTD MK 2 email [email protected]

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“The Affair” by

Kirk Blake-Dickson [email protected]

It started out innocently enough, a few spare moments in front of the computer, a few idle keystrokes and suddenly an image on the computer screen that drew me in. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that’s really when ‘The Affair” started. Oh, I suppose I could try and deny it, but the facts show otherwise. It wasn’t like one of those ads you sometimes see. You know: “Mature gentleman seeks companion for weekend trips and interesting encounters.” No it wasn’t like that at all. This started off more as a casual encounter, a fleeting moment when my eyes caught a glimpse of what I can only describe as natural beauty. I paused for a moment, shook my head and quietly berated myself for the thoughts that had raced through my head. I moved on to more important matters at the keyboard, but the curiosity wouldn’t let go. I found myself a short time later, taking in that beautiful image again, checking all the personal details listed on the screen.

Who was I kidding? Me, a late 50-something male, falling under the spell of a 38-year old – ha! That’s the stuff that only happens in movies right? I shook it off and returned to the reality of the evening. I shook it off all right – for about 24 hours. I found myself back in front of the computer, staring again at the image. Well, I thought, what can it hurt to at least send a short e-mail to say hello. One e-mail turned into two, then three, followed by a phone call and a short conversation. That of course led to a couple of other conversations and an agreement to meet face to face the next week. What was I doing? The appointed day arrived, and I found myself standing in front of that same image I only just recently seen on the computer screen. Emotions ran high. I was lost for words at first, but finally managed to find my voice, expressing my deep feelings of affection for her. I know, it’s not good to rush into relationships – but I couldn’t help myself – and the feeling seemed to be mutual. Could our relationship blossom? Could we overcome the age difference, the cultural differences (I, born and raised in Canada – she born in Britain, but moved to Florida at an early age.)? Fate it seemed had brought us together, and fate no doubt would decide our future together! Now came the hardest part – how would I tell my wife? My kids would no doubt shake it off as just another crazy stunt from Dad – he can’t be serious. My wife however, was the wildcard in this whole affair. She has put up with a lot from me over our nearly quarter century together – but this might be the last straw! From rusty old Wolseleys to nonrunning Triumphs, Hillmans and barely running at times, Minis and MGs – she has said little, just kind of accepted it as my one little quirk. Would she put up with my latest wayward wandering? I fretted for days, then, finally could contain myself no more. I broke down and poured out the whole sordid story, how we had met on line, chatted on the phone, then met in person. I told her that I had tried to be strong, but had failed miserably. I asked for her understanding. As always, she was very calm and reserved while I blathered on. When I finished, she simply asked two questions. Was this really what I wanted? Did I think I could support her and the kids while lavishing untold dollars on this new love in my life? If so, then if that’s what I felt I needed to do, then go ahead. Well, you can imagine my relief. No harsh words, no silent treatment, no, “we’ll talk about this later”. I was free to go ahead with “The Affair”, spending not just money, but time as well with this latest love of my life – and love her I do – my 1969 MGB-GT – the ‘other’ love of my life. Cheers Kirk

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W O L S E L E Y By Norm Kear

Anyone who has watched British movies from the 50's and earlier has seen them - medium (for Britain) black saloons chasing across the screen with a big chrome Winkworth bell clanging away in front and, usually, an illuminated "Police" sign on the roof. Equally illuminated was the unique electric "Wolseley" marque on its radiator. A radio operator wearing earphones sits besides the driver. A good example is Alec Guinness' Lavender Hill Mob in which they had an important role but they can also be found in a number of other films of the era and now on television in period British dramas This, then, was the Wolseley, beloved of Scotland Yard and other police forces in the U.K. for several decades. Indeed, to many the marque became closely identified with its law-enforcement role although its history extends much beyond its police employment and involves some of the greatest names in the British automotive industry. The first Wolseley came into being around 1899 as a by-product of a manufacturer of sheep-shearing machinery and it was none other than Herbert Austin who was responsible for the initial design of the cars. The first production model used a single-cylinder horizontal engine of 3-1/2 horsepower, later enlarged to 6 hp. Bigger models soon followed of twin, three and four cylinders, ranging from five to twelve litres. Austin left Wolseley in 1905 in order to form his own company and the rest, as they say, is history. The Wolseley company, however, continued to expand and by 1910 was producing a new range of flour and six cylinder vehicles of between 12 and 50 hp. While Wolseley continued to offer some quite large cars after World War One, it also began to explore the small car market by introducing a 7 hp and a 10 hp model. Larger 15 and 16 hp four-cylinder variations, some with overhead camshaft engines, were also added but did not save the firm from financial difficulties leading to bankruptcy in 1927. At this point William Morris, Lord Nuffield, stepped in and acquired the company. He continued some of the Wolseley models but for the next ten years components designed for Morris and MG cars increasingly showed up in Wolseley units. This was especially true of the highly popular Wolseley Hornet sports car which borrowed heavily from the contemporary Morris Minor.and MG Magnettes.. By 1938 Wolseley offered a wide range of 10 to 25 hp cars, all of which were Morris-engined. Even a limousine version was briefly offered in 1947 but a year later the first true post WWII models were introduced in a simpler two-model range which were luxurious equivalent versions of Morris production and which lasted until 1954. A model line of lighter Wolseleys was begun in 1952, using the MG over-head valve engine and, later, Austin's BSeries engine. A small variation was also created using the basic Morris Minor chassis The latter was extremely successful enjoying a seven-year lifespan with few modifications. The Wolseley marque was included when the Issigonis-designed front-wheel drive cars invaded the market in the 1960's. The famous Wolseley Hornet name was revived to christen a Mini version in the era of "badge-engineering." .The larger BMC 1100/1300 configuration also entered the picture in 1965. Between 1954 and 1959 Wolseley also offered six-cylinder models using BMC's C-Series engine and, also in 1959, an enlarged three-litre version using a body shell shared with the then-current Austin model. These all went out of production in 1968 and the remaining Wolseley years were represented by transverseengine badge-engineered models. As may be seen from the above, Wolseley can hardly be considered an "obscure" marque, given its long history, popularity, model range and production in the United Kingdom. In North America today, however, the name is scarcely recognized save by those devoted to it. A few years ago the writer was tempted to explore the possibility of a Woseley saloon up for sale. Upon examination the car was found to be identical to an early 60's MG Magnette but with the characteristic illuminated Wolseley badge and a rather tatty specimen at that At least too far gone for my meager restoration budget at the time. N.K.. P.S. My efforts to determine how the actual name, "Wolseley" came to be used for the car have not been successful. My best guess is that it was named for a famous military figure of the late Victorian age, Sir Garnet Wolseley. Once called "Britain's Only General," Sir Garnet was the original "modern major general" caricatured in Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta Pirates of Penzance. He was immensely popular in real life and dominated the British military scene throughout the colonial wars of the 19th Century. But this, as I say, is only a guess. It was not uncommon to name cars after such figures in the early years of motoring. The "Napier" is another good example. Norm Kear

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If your name is listed below, it’s time to renew your membership in the BSCCOC! You can pay via PayPal using the email address [email protected] to activate the account. This option costs $27.00 due to fees. Want a PayPal account? Go to www.paypal.com and sign up! $25.00 Canadian for members with a Canadian address $25.00 USD for members with a USA mailing address $30.00 USD for members with a mailing address that is NOT in Canada or USA. Need help? Email Roger at [email protected] Please make cheques out to BSCCOC and send to Roger Tipple, address on Page 3 of the Oily Rag.

First Chance First Chance Last Chance Colin Abbot Clifford Koch Rick DeBlois Ryan Adams Arnie and Anne Koopman John Erwin Dave Atton Earl Johnson Larry Flood Dave Barry John Lashmar Peter Gamblin Eric Belliveau Doug Lawrence Ashley Gravestock Peter Boileau Grant Leonard Willem Houwen Jeff Booth Sarju Manodatt Peter Johnston Chris Borsellino Paul Maltby Ken Lang Malcolm Bull Bill Matson Tom Lidbetter H Caratin Mike Minter Richard Lloyd Weldon Carlyle George Morita Lloyd McBride John Chalmers Douglas Ogle Brian McKague Jim Cumberland Chris O'Hara Geoff Morrison Don Dunlop George Oliver Dave Nickerson Mike Evers Gary Payne David Oldman Dave Fast John Peacock Art Parker Jeff Fenwick Jerry Peterkin Rob Phinnemore Frederick Fraser Barry Quartermain Kevin Rickatson Rob Garside Ed Ramado Eric Robinson Scott Gillen Jim Rayner David Rogers Mark Gillies Larry Read Paul Ross Isabella Greenfield Ed Roath Frank Russell Michael Hale Colton Roberts Charlie Sabila Ron Hill Bill Schorse David Scott Laurence Holbrook Mauri Simpson Norm Scott Ralph Holyoke Peter Snaith Roderick Sergiades Neville Hughes Cameron Steenburg Randy Smith Brendan Kavanaugh Gary Sutcliffe Barry Spear Norman Kear Terry Topinka Mike Thorne Joseph Kern JW Watts Ric Toyer John Kearsley John Wogan Tony Tracy

Al Tupper John Walker Jim Wilkie Dennis Winterton

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The View from Burlington By Tony Fox

Niagara on The Lake The Shaw Festival Theatre, Niagara British Car Club, Ontario MG -T Register and the British Saloon Club of Canada invite their members to join in for a 'Picnic, Car Display and Theatre Performance' on Sat. Aug 16th. 100 tickets have been set aside for the Saturday Matinee performance of 'An Inspector Calls', this seasons Murder Mystery on the Main Stage! Parking is being arranged on the East Lawn, with overflow on the Commons. Security provided. Check out their web site and download an application form; http://www.niagarabritishcarclub.org/events08/shaw/shaw.html Mystery photo

Are all Triumph owners bent like this? Are these people mad? To remind all our Triumph owners, the vintage Triumph Register (VTR) is holding it’s annual convention between Aug 4th and 8th in Ypsilanti Michigan; this will be the closest this event is likely to be to our Southern Ontario and New York members. So, if you have always wanted to attend this great event, fill up the Triumph and head into Michigan. The Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor areas just west of Detroit are a nice place to visit and shop. Join us there and find out why some Triumph owners are bent.

Classic Car Insurance A new insurance company has made it’s presence known for our classic car needs, Young’s Insurance Brokers, Burlington. They appear to offer a range of competitive prices so check them out at www.youngsins.com or contact Heather Malcolmson at (XXX) XXX-XXXX [email protected] Classic car scene in Europe The World Forum for Motor Museums held last year in England reported the following summary with respect to the old car hobby,

- Historic vehicle activity is worth 11.7 billion pounds annually in the EU, 3 billion in the UK - People employed in old car activities number 55,000 in the EU and 27,000 in the UK - Roadworthy historic vehicles number 15 million in the EU, 400,000 in the UK - Export trade in such vehicles amounts to 2.2 billion pounds in the EU, 300 million in the UK - Seventy percent of these vehicles travel less than 1,000 miles per year - Historic vehicles account for only 1 percent of total mileage in the EU - Historic vehicles make up 13 percent of the 35 million registered vehicles in the UK - A third of historic vehicle families have an annual income of less than 20,000 pounds - Seventy percent of historic vehicles are valued at less than 10,000 pounds - There are 786,000 historic vehicle enthusiasts and 2,000 clubs in Europe

Latest statistics show one in four people are suffering from some sort of mental illness, so if three of your friends seem normal…

Page 30: The Oily Rag

Renewal Form

If it’s time for you to renew your membership in the BSCCOC, here’s a handy dandy ready to go form for you to fill out! If you don’t want to cut up your Oily Rag, you can use a separate piece of paper.

Name _________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________

City/Town ______________________________________________________

Province/State and Country ________________________________________

Postal/Zip Code _________________________________________________

Email address __________________________________________________

All renewals should be sent to: Roger Tipple, xxxx xxxxxxx xxx, xxxxxxxxxx, xx xxx xxx Questions? email [email protected] Make cheque payable to BSCCOC

Make/Model/Year of your British Vehicle(s)___________________________________________________________ PLEASE CHECK ONE: I wish to receive the Oily Rag newsletter by: _______snail mail ________ .pdf file **********************************************************************************************

BRITISH SALOON CAR CLUB OF CANADA REGALIA

Quantity Item Colour Cost Total

Baseball Hat (Beige, Black, Blue) $10.00

(Mailing for hats) $7.50

License Plate Surround (2 for $5.00) $3.00

Windshield Sticker $1.50

Fridge Magnet $3.00

Total

Name: _________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Tel. No.: _________________________________________________________

To order Regalia only (not renawals) Make cheque payable to : BSCCoC Send to: Anne Koopman xxxx xxxxxxxxx xxx xxxxx, xxxxxxxxxxxxx, xx xxx xxx Tel. (XXX) XXX-XXXX email: [email protected]

Note: Prices include all taxes

Prices subject to change without notice xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

NEW: Note: For shirt orders please place your order directly with KDC Ventures There is no charge for the club regalia but additional embroidery will cost more The options are; go to their web site at www.logoranger.com or call toll free to 1-888-250-4917, fax toll free 1-888-700-7555

Page 31: The Oily Rag

“No Noise Is Good Noise” Part One

The vehicle NVH (Noise Vibration & Harshness) engineer has four physical properties available to him to reduce/control noise & vibration within a vehicle.

- Vibration or panel damping - Noise barriers - Noise absorption - Active cancellation

Over my four or so decades in the industry available materials & manufacturing technologies have changed significantly. To a degree, driven by various factors, they have gone full circle. In the sixties available processes and materials resulted in only fairly lightweight products being available to function as either noise barriers or absorbers. At this time available vibration damping materials were applied by spraying. Whilst noise absorbing materials have remained lightweight noise barrier systems have transitioned from lightweight, through increasingly heavy, moulded, components to today’s dual density, significantly lighter, moulded products. The amount of text required to effectively cover this subject is felt to be too much for a single newsletter edition. Therefore the plan is to serialise into three or four editions. 1. Vibration or panel damping materials. These materials are applied directly to the body sheet metal prior to painting; they are heat cured and bond intimately to the steel. Often, in older vehicles, those applied in sheet form, bridged the swages in the sheet steel resulting in holes in the material. The intention was that the material melted to conform to the actual shape of the steel. Such materials are said to be ‘visco-elastic’ they resist the vibrational behaviour of the vibrating sheet steel, converting what is essentially vertical vibration into horizontal movement within the material. Such shear energy is converted into heat via friction as mineral elements rub together. Damping materials are most effective against truly resonant behaviour that is where the panel is freely resonant & not being forced into vibration by surrounding stiff structure. It is all a question of the available correction force. As stated earlier original damping materials were sprayed onto the vehicle body, generally these materials were manufactured from waste paint products their effect being more about added mass than high performance vibration damping. There are two ways to control a vibrating system, introduce damping or add mass; in those early days it was more likely to be the added mass effect. At Triumph the introduction of the front wheel drive Triumph 1300 lead to a lot of work to obtain a material with increased performance to treat the front wheel housings. Spraying of materials in those days was hit or miss being manually applied. Obviously the ultimate test of the material was in its effect upon the vehicles interior noise & vibration levels (vibration can & does cause noise) However less costly testing was required to test material performance as new iterations were developed. In the UK a British Standard procedure was adopted, BSAU125-1965, which utilised a test bar nominally 24” x 2” x1/4”thick. This was of a specific steel type it having been determined that when supported on knife edges at its nodal points (zero vibration) it resonated at 100Hz when struck a sharp blow. Electronic equipment was used to determine the rate at which the vibration resulting from the blow decayed. Comparison is always made with an untreated bar. For convenience, as most electronic measuring equipment utilised Decibels as a unit of quantity, the results obtained were expressed in dB’s/second. The higher the reading the better the material. Interestingly the NA industry also utilised a thick steel plate to determine damping materials performance, the so called Geiger Plate Method. The plate used was thinner than the UK one, probably 1/8” and much larger in area, probably 18” square. This plate was supported on; I think three sharp points, again at nodal points. Both the UK & US methods tested at around 100Hz, most vehicle damping problems occurring at low frequencies The world industry standard today is the Oberst Methodology developed in Germany. Unlike the UK & US methods Oberst utilises strips of body gauge steel in a fixture. The system relies upon electronic excitation to vibrate the test steel. It is therefore capable of determining performance at a range of frequencies. The test stand can also be installed in a small climatic chamber which allows for the automatic testing over a range of temperatures. As with most materials damping materials change their state with temperature, it is important to determine the full range of performance Materials & application techniques have both evolved significantly. Much lighter weight, high damping efficiency materials have been developed which can be applied as flat die cut sheets or very accurately sprayed with robots thereby meeting the demands of high performance with lightweight. Detailed dynamic analysis of body structures enables us to accurately determine both where & how much material is required to alleviate/cure problems thereby increasing occupant comfort. Adding a stiff layer to the upper surface of the material serves to “constrain” that surface. This focuses all of the energy into the core of the material. Such Constrained Layer Systems may have a simple aluminum layer or a stiff cardboard as the constraining layer. Being less flexible they are more difficult to apply in end use as ideally they require a flat surface, which few vehicles have. We, as end users of the vehicle, can make little use of such visco-elastic materials because of the requirement of intimate contact with the sheet metal. However we can make use of another effect, “inter-face frictional effect”. That is a material laid upon a vibrating panel will resist the movement of the panel to a degree, dependent upon the material & its weight. Thus fibre batts laid onto your cars panels will have a positive effect on vehicle noise. Gluing negates the effect As we will see later in the discussion fibre products have additional beneficial effects. Tony Hughes, aka NVH ONE

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Above are photos from the Sarnia, ON weekend, a "Westender's " event arranged by Christine and Jim Allan. We saw 11 cars convoy to Sarnia on the Saturday with an overnight stay there. A social evening was provided by each party contributing to the pot luck supper at the hotel, very well done. Sunday saw the group meet up with a number of members of the Blue Water British Car Club for a cruise to the pretty town of Bayfield. We had a picnic in the park there, which again turned out very nice. From there, each car went it's own way. (Photos submitted by Tony Fox)