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“coming soon the <strong>Healey</strong> 4000 story”<br />
“Flemington, a great day, you can bet on it”<br />
Inside:<br />
• Flemington OAMC/RACV showcase<br />
• coming events<br />
• Side Exhaust<br />
• Aussie Racers<br />
June 2012 – Issue #28<br />
The official newsletter of the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> <strong>Owners</strong> <strong>Club</strong> of Victoria incorporated.
This <strong>Club</strong> is affiliated to the Confederation of Australian Motor Sports (CAMS), a member of the Marque Sports Car<br />
Association (MSCA) and the Association of Motoring <strong>Club</strong>s (AOMC).<br />
We are dedicated to the maintenance, preservation and enjoyment of the <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> motor car.<br />
OFFICE BEARERS<br />
President Paul McPherson 0418 123 925 president@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Vice President Bill Metcalf 0447 010 145 or 9876 2167 vicepresident@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Secretary Brian Aitken 0419 025 858 or 9775 3699 secretary@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Treasurer Mike Snelgrove 0418 320 524 or 9379 2836 treasurer@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Membership Peter Heading 0413 769 068 or 9025 6702 membership@healeyvic.com.au<br />
<strong>Club</strong>rooms & CMC Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 clubrooms@healeyvic.com.au<br />
GENERAL COMMITTEE<br />
Social<br />
social@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Librarian Mick Smith 0419 553 840 or 9789 7698 librarian@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Communications Gordon Lindner 0418 540 920 or 9707 1294 webmanager@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Competition-MSCA Rod Vogt 0408 395 240 or 5962 1915 competition-MSCA@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Regalia Arthur Tuckett 0418 105 627 or 9571 8324 regalia@healeyvic.com.au<br />
AOMC-VicRoads Ken Styles 0431 481 082 or 9809 4382 AOMC-vicroads@healeyvic.com.au<br />
CAMS Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 CAMS@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Registrar Iain McPherson 9850 3267 registrar@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Magazine Editor Harvey Pearce 0419 108 532 or 9836 7596 editor@healeyvic.com.au<br />
HUNDREDS & THOUSANDS IS THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF<br />
VICTORIA INC ABN 21 230 686 083<br />
The statements of opinion or fact appearing within are those of the individual contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the <strong>Club</strong> or its<br />
members<br />
Registered by Australia Post. Publication No. VBH 1552<br />
CORRESPONDENCE: P.O. Box 97 Mulgrave, Victoria. 3170. INTERNET ADDRESS www.healeyvic.com.au<br />
GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the first Thursday of the month at the <strong>Club</strong>rooms, 19-23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.<br />
Meetings commence at 8.00pm.<br />
CONTRIBUTIONS: Items of interest, articles, technical information, correspondence, constructive criticism, photographs<br />
etc., are constantly being sought. Any material for inclusion to the magazine should be sent directly to the Editor, by 13 th<br />
of the month<br />
The Next Meeting will be held in the <strong>Club</strong>house, Rosalie Ave Springvale<br />
On Thursday 7 th June commencing at 8 pm<br />
No guest speaker this month – it’s swap night.<br />
THIS MONTH’S COVER<br />
FLEMINGTON - ANOTHER GREAT HEALEY DISPLAY<br />
Cover design production W & M Ingham Photo Gordon Lindner<br />
The Combined South Australian/Victorian Weekend – Port Fairy – Saturday 27 th<br />
and Sunday 28 th October 2012.<br />
Registration closes June 30 th<br />
Maximum number of attendees is 72 on first come best dressed basis.<br />
Preference will be given to those attending Saturday and Sunday nights dinners.<br />
Cost $450.00 per couple includes accommodation for Saturday and Sunday nights at Victoria Apartments, dinner<br />
Saturday and Sunday nights, and lunch on Sunday at The Big Woolbales in Hamilton.<br />
Upon receipt of your registration you will be sent an acknowledgement and a request for payment.<br />
Payment is required no later than Friday 27 th July<br />
How to register If you have internet, go to www.healeyvic.com.au – Click on “Coming Events” then click on Calendar<br />
scroll down to October and pick up “Mini Rally at Port Fairy 26 th -29 th October” and click on Details and Registration.<br />
(You do NOT need a password to access this information)<br />
For those of you who do not have internet please contact me on 5367 1401 or 0418 567218 and I will post you out the<br />
details. Ralph Fletcher.<br />
Printed by GPD Digital 14/9 Elite Way Carrum Downs Vic<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 1
CONTENTS<br />
Coming events Page 2<br />
President’s Report Page 4<br />
Member Profile - Mike Snelgrove Page 5<br />
Meeting Minutes Page 6<br />
Side Exhaust- Page 9<br />
RACV Showcase<br />
Pages10,11,12<br />
Photo Competition Page 11<br />
<strong>Healey</strong>s That Raced in Australia - More from Iain McPherson Page 13<br />
Western Group Run Page 13<br />
Competition Report Page 14<br />
Peninsula Run Page 17<br />
For Sale and Wanted Page 18<br />
BACK BURBLES<br />
By the time you get this issue Marion & I will be in Italy beginning what looks like a great trip arranged by our VP, Bill M.<br />
Those of us who heard Paula Elstrek at the last general meeting couldn’t help but be impressed. What a great<br />
selection as guest speaker. Her plans for the future are, at the least, impressive. We’ll keep an eye on the progress of<br />
the project.<br />
Gordon Lindner is standing in as editor for July. He and I spent the best part of a day together recently putting together<br />
parts of this month’s magazine. Gordon already has a great story about one of our members. It’s sure to open a few<br />
eyes to the talent we have in The <strong>Club</strong>.<br />
Speaking of motoring clubs, there was an interesting article in last Saturday’s age motoring section on car clubs. What<br />
a pity they didn’t come to us for some information as well. It might have opened their eyes to what a great club we are.<br />
Perhaps we could convince the editor, Toby Hagen, to come along as guest speaker one night.<br />
Some more photos have come along for the competition. I’d love to hear from “positive-earth” with a hint as to who the<br />
mystery subject is. No one seems to know – unless of course they are keeping it to themselves. We have traced<br />
ownership of the car back to 1970 and we know it landed in Sydney in 1954 and was registered in Victoria in 1956 but<br />
there is nothing known about it during 14 years between. It’s one of those cars that fell off the radar somewhere along<br />
the line. The current owner, Marcus Fakhry would love to know more of its history.<br />
By all accounts the AOMC/RACV Showcase was a great success and as usual our <strong>Club</strong>’s display was impressive but<br />
disappointingly not impressive enough to get the judges’ nod for best club display for the third year in succession.<br />
Read Ralph Fletcher’s take on it in the magazine.<br />
See you at the August General Meeting.<br />
Happy Healying<br />
Harvey and Marion<br />
JUNE<br />
Thurs 7th<br />
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY<br />
General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm<br />
BUY/SWAP/SELL all those unwanted items that are sitting in your Shed, bring them along<br />
to the meeting.<br />
Committee Meeting<br />
Wed 13th<br />
Thurs 14th ROF's South<br />
Wed 27th Peninsula Run to Sportsman <strong>Club</strong>, South Gippsland Hwy, Tooradin. 5998 3265<br />
(Please phone two days before or miss out on Lunch)<br />
JULY<br />
Sunday 1st MSCA Round 4 Sandown<br />
Thurs 5th General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm<br />
Wed 11th Committee Meeting<br />
Thurs 12th ROF's North<br />
Sunday 22nd MSCA Round 5 Phillip Island<br />
Wed 25th Peninsula Run to Sage at Parkhill, Parkhill Drive, Berwick. 8790 1733<br />
(Please phone two days before or miss out on Lunch)<br />
AUGUST<br />
Thurs 2nd General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm<br />
Wed 8th Committee Meeting<br />
Thurs 9th ROF's East<br />
10th - 12th Winton Historic Festival of Speed Historic Races (long track)<br />
Murder Mystery at Rusty Springs - contact Barb Merideth 0417 384 712<br />
18th - 19th VHRR Historic Winton (long track) to be confirmed<br />
19th<br />
MSCA Round 6 Haunted Hills Hill Climb<br />
Wed 29th Peninsula Run Mornington Golf <strong>Club</strong>, Tallis Drive, Mornington. 5975 2784<br />
(Please phone two days before or miss out on Lunch)<br />
2<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
JUNE<br />
JULY<br />
AUGUST<br />
Jan Barnes and Louise Goad<br />
Mike and Ros Sinclair<br />
SUPPER ROSTER<br />
Faye Raisbeck and Wendy Ingham<br />
PENINSULA RUN VENUES – JANUARY TO MAY 2012<br />
27 tth June SPORTSMAN CLUB, South Gippsland Highway, TOORADIN 5998 3265<br />
(PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE)<br />
25 th July Sage at Parkhill, Parkhill Drive, Berwick. 8790 1733<br />
29th August Mornington Golf <strong>Club</strong>,Tallis Drive, Mornington. 5975 2784<br />
26th September Arthur’s Hotel, Arthur’s Seat. 5981 4444<br />
31st October Portsea Hotel, 3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea. 5984 2213<br />
28th November Tanti Hotel, 917 Nepean Hwy,Mornington. 5975 2015<br />
(If a special offer is made, it will not apply to Senior’s lunches)<br />
26th December Trios Cabaret, Cranbourne Racecourse, Cranbourne 5996 3233<br />
Please book at least two days before luncheon and mention the <strong>Club</strong>’s name when making your 12-30<br />
reservation<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 3
RACV – AOMC Classic Showcase – this has been well<br />
covered by both Ralph Fletcher and Bill Metcalf. Suffice to<br />
say that I am very proud of the display that you gave, for<br />
the appreciation of the large crowd in attendance and, our<br />
own AHOC members. It takes a large amount of work and<br />
co-ordination to pull off a display of this standard – it<br />
reflected very well on our club and everyone who<br />
participated on the day.<br />
May General Meeting, on Thursday 3 rd – We advertised<br />
an upcoming “special treat” and, Paula Elstrek was! I don’t<br />
think many of our members present understood the<br />
breadth of Paula’s racing heritage, the sheer variety of<br />
racecars she has driven and, often won in. Both her dvd<br />
presentation and her speech were warmly received and<br />
Paula answered many questions and, in fact, stayed until<br />
the end of our meeting. She has given us the commitment<br />
that, after her upcoming world speed record attempt,<br />
mooted for Lake Gairdner later next year – where Paula<br />
and her team will be attempting to break 1000 miles per<br />
hour – she will return to enthrall us with her racing update<br />
and “a longer video”.<br />
VIC – SA MINI RALLY in Port Fairy, October 27-28.<br />
Limited spots available – please check the website to<br />
download the registration forms.<br />
The Jaguar Car <strong>Club</strong> – have given us a couple of date for<br />
our diaries: Christmas in July – a Sunday morning run,<br />
with morning tea, followed by a three-course lunch in the<br />
clubrooms. July 22. Our members attending last year,<br />
thoroughly enjoyed the day. We shall pass on details as<br />
soon as they are to hand. The second function will be a<br />
“Tri-<strong>Club</strong>” run to either Geelong Waterfront, or to the<br />
Bonnie Doon Pub. Following the great success of the run<br />
to Narbethong last year, this should be well attended. The<br />
date is to be confirmed – will be either November 11 or 18.<br />
PRESIDENT”S REPORT JUNE 2012<br />
Jill Forrester, per Mick Smith, donated 35 <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong><br />
and sporting books to our library, in memory of our late<br />
clubman, Mike Forrester. Most of you will remember his<br />
friendly countenance (and warm welcomes for new<br />
members) around the club and, the monthly picnics in the<br />
park that Jill and Mike instituted. As the result of a<br />
suggestion from Peter Jackson, the committee had a<br />
discussion and we propose to hold a “Mike Forrester<br />
Picnic” on an annual basis, to celebrate the contribution of<br />
those members who have, and, continue to work hard, to<br />
make our club the great one that it is and, maintain and<br />
operate our clubrooms to enhance our membership<br />
experience. We are looking at a September date, to be<br />
confirmed.<br />
Selwyn and Sandra Hall will be fronting a “Plains &<br />
Mountains Cruise” on November 23-25. Day one: Darnum<br />
(just past Warragul) / Stratford / Bairnsdale; Day two:<br />
Bairnsdale / Swifts Creek / Omeo / Anglers Rest / Falls<br />
Creek / Mt. Beauty / Bright; Day three: Bright / Oxley /<br />
Mansfield / Melbourne. A maximum of ten <strong>Healey</strong>s on this<br />
one – please contact Selwyn on 0412 546 208 or<br />
selwynhall@hotmail.com if you are interested.<br />
For Social updates re upcoming lunches / brunches etc.,<br />
please regularly check the club calendar on our website:<br />
www.healeyvic.com.au. You do not need a password to<br />
access this information.<br />
June General Meeting, on Thursday, 7 th - Don’t forget<br />
that Jeff Gillard will be co-ordinating the “Buy / Swap / Sell”<br />
evening – $5 for a half table / $10 for a full trestle – refer<br />
the advert in last month’s 100s & 1000s. We shall be<br />
setting up from 6.00 pm - selling before and after the<br />
General Meeting.<br />
See you at the general meeting<br />
Cheers,<br />
Paul McPherson<br />
General Meeting, June 7 – at Springvale<br />
BUY / SWAP / SELL NITE!<br />
half table @ $5 / table @ $10<br />
Tables will be set up inside the clubrooms<br />
Bring you <strong>Healey</strong> / car bits<br />
(if the bits are dirty, bring a tarp)<br />
Memorabilia, magazines etc.<br />
National Park Rules” - don’t leave any parts, rubbish or junk behind.<br />
Doors open 6.30 pm – Sales 7-8.00 pm and after the end of the general<br />
meeting – approx. 9.00 pm onwards<br />
Please call Jeff Gillard ( 0413 606 752 ) after May 20, 2012,<br />
to reserve your space<br />
4<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
Member Profile - Mike Snelgrove – Treasurer<br />
This is an explanation of why my destiny was to become a car lover from an early age.<br />
My father founded Apex Motor School in Moorabbin in 1951. He had a string of cars over the years – Vanguards,<br />
Standard 8’s, Morris Minors - and of course many stories of impossible driving situations and minor accidents were quite<br />
common.<br />
I remember him teaching my older brother to drive home from<br />
Cubs along Nepean Highway at night when my brother was about<br />
eleven years old – with me in the back seat!<br />
My first job was a petrol pump attendant when I was twelve at the<br />
Shell Service Station in South Road, Moorabbin, cnr of Jasper<br />
Road. I was paid two shillings for 4 hours work on Saturday<br />
mornings. A packet of Black Cat cigarettes was 6pd (pack of four)<br />
and petrol was about 2/6 per gallon.<br />
After crashing my first car at fourteen years old, I became a<br />
responsible citizen and drove cabs for Silver Top Taxis while<br />
studying to become a Civil Engineer.<br />
My first car was a Standard Vanguard (1948 model) I had numerous motorcycles, which I rode for many years both on<br />
and off road. Probably the best car I owned was a 1966 Volvo P1800S sports coupe which was similar to a 100/4 <strong>Healey</strong><br />
mechanically being a four cylinder push rod motor with twin SU carbs and a Laycock overdrive on 4 th gear. It was a<br />
perfectly balance car and capable of cruising the highway at 90 mph returning a fuel consumption of 30mls/gallon. The<br />
car was black with red leather trim and was frequently seen travelling up the Hume Highway to Rutherglen and beyond in<br />
the early seventies.<br />
Marriage to Vicki and two children came and so did a long line of<br />
Volvo sedans for about 20 years but none as good as ‘black<br />
beauty’.<br />
Our <strong>Healey</strong> was purchased on consignment from Steve Pike in<br />
1999. We have done approximately 20,000 miles in it and still get<br />
a kick out of driving it on a sunny day with the wind in our hair. In<br />
September 2011 the <strong>Healey</strong> had a write up by John Bowe in the<br />
Unique Car Magazine, a four page spread and 180 images. A<br />
good testament to a lovely little car.<br />
Vicki and I look forward to many more good years of driving the<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> with our friends in the <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> <strong>Club</strong> of Victoria.<br />
So in the meantime,<br />
May the H.P. be with you and happy <strong>Healey</strong>ing.<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 5
AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF VICTORIA INC<br />
Minutes of “General Meeting” held on<br />
Thursday, 3 May 2012<br />
at 19 – 23 ROSALIE STREET, SPRINGVALE<br />
Meeting opened at 8.10 pm<br />
Present:<br />
64 Financial Members<br />
No new members in attendance. 1 Visitor – Paula Elstrek<br />
Apologies: Louise Goad, Phillip Aitken, Peter Heading<br />
Minutes of Previous Meeting:<br />
Motion that the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 5 April 2012, be accepted.<br />
Moved; Harvey Pearce Seconded; Rob Rice Carried<br />
Matters Arising: Nil.<br />
Correspondence In:<br />
Flyers<br />
Shannons Autumn Classic Auction advice<br />
E Mail<br />
Invitation to show cars at the Echuca Steam Rally on Queens Birthday week end in June.<br />
Note from Brad Radclyffe advising that Kruze 4 Kids raised an amazing $5000 for the Royal Childrens Hospital Good<br />
Friday Appeal.<br />
Invitation from <strong>Austin</strong> 7 Car <strong>Club</strong> to attend Classic Winton on Fri 25, Sat 26 & Sun 27<br />
May 2012.<br />
Letter from CAMS seeking nominations for <strong>Club</strong>’s “Fabulous Officials”<br />
Note from Veloce books re Easter sale<br />
Letter from CAMS re OLT on April 15 th at Sandown.<br />
E Mails to and from Paul McPherson and MCC re proposed <strong>Healey</strong> Day at Docklands in October.<br />
E Mail from CAMS re Applications for Individual Athlete Scholarships to Victorian Institute of Sport.<br />
MAGAZINES<br />
April Goblin Gazette from Sprite Drivers <strong>Club</strong><br />
May Goblin Gazette from Sprite Drivers <strong>Club</strong><br />
May “Cat-A-Log” magazine from Jag Car <strong>Club</strong><br />
April “<strong>Healey</strong> Torque” mag from Qld AHOC<br />
April “Flat Chat” mag from NSW AHOC<br />
May / June “Open Topics” magazine from Riverina Sports Car Association<br />
April edition of “Crankhandle” SPCHCC magazine<br />
April 2012 “Slipstream” magazine of the Bolwell Car <strong>Club</strong><br />
LETTERS<br />
2 x Letters to Ken Styles requesting signature for <strong>Club</strong> Reg<br />
Letter from <strong>Austin</strong> Seven <strong>Club</strong> with invitation and free tickets to May Winton Historics<br />
Letter from member to libarian Mick Smith with back copies of magazines<br />
Letter from Berry St charity seeking support.<br />
CORRESPONDENCE OUT<br />
Letter to John Gray thanking him for the loan of <strong>Healey</strong> memorabilia<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
Mike Snelgrove submitted the following report:<br />
OPERATING ACCOUNT – March 2012<br />
Opening balance 29 th February 2012 $37,084.13<br />
Deposits $ 3,725.23<br />
Payments $ 1,660.90<br />
Closing balance 31 st Mar 2012 $39,148.46<br />
TERM DEPOSIT ACCOUNT<br />
As of 17 th April 2012 $51,393.68<br />
Deposit renewed for 6 months<br />
Interest Rate 5.50%<br />
Gross interest $1,417.20<br />
Membership:<br />
Peter Heading asked Paul to make the following comments:<br />
Ron and Ros Stewart from Shepparton have joined, they signed up last Sunday. BJ8 Red/Ivory.<br />
Total paid up members is now 568. Peter also reported that 15 membership forms were handed out at Flemington on<br />
Sunday, with some very keen <strong>Healey</strong> owners and, non-<strong>Healey</strong> owning supporters of our marque – he is hoping for<br />
several new members to flow through in the next few weeks.<br />
Social:<br />
Paul McPherson reported the following: Flemington - From the outset I was very proud to be a <strong>Healey</strong> owner last Sunday<br />
and very proud, as President, of the way in which all of our Committee, members and supporters, worked to produce a<br />
standout club display – Huge thanks to our Marshal, Bill Metcalf, our AHOC Committee, Steve Pike and Joe Jarick, Rob<br />
Rowland and his necessarily large team, Greg Kilmartin, Noel Stevens, Peter Rowland, Peter Jackson and, all of our<br />
attending members.<br />
6<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
A special thanks to our owners entering their superb <strong>Healey</strong>s for judging and, to the judges, under the stewardship of<br />
Peter Jackson – in Brian Froelich, Larry Varley and Rob Raverty. Our winners were 100/4 – Keith and Enid Nankervis;<br />
100/6-3000 - Phil Aitken; BJ7/BJ8 – Malcolm MacGregor; Modified <strong>Healey</strong> – John & Robyn Southwell; Special Interest<br />
Vehicle – Tim Ward and, the John Hope Trophy, for the Most Original <strong>Healey</strong>, went to Keith & Enid Nankervis. A terrific<br />
result for Arthur Tuckett on Regalia, with sales of $1300 plus many forward orders and, for Membership. Please check<br />
out the website for Gordon’s great pics. I would hope that all those attending enjoyed a great day and in being part of<br />
such a significant club display.<br />
Bill Vaughan then spoke about his experiences on the recent Queensland hosted National Rally, reporting that it was one<br />
of the best such events he has attended for many years had had over 200 attendees and included wonderful drives, an<br />
excellent display day and great beach party where healey people ate and danced on the sand! The final evening’s<br />
entertainment was also terrific – the “3 waiters” keeping every one in stiches!<br />
Bill also represented the Victorian <strong>Club</strong> at the National Delegates meeting and reported that progress towards forming an<br />
affordable National Association has been made. In addition, all State <strong>Club</strong>s have agreed to move to the Victorian model<br />
for Concours judging. Finally, Bill reported that the next Rally (NSW) will be held in Canberra at Eagle on the Hill.<br />
Paul then invited everyone present to give our Alan Jones Trophy winner, Bill Metcalf a round of applause – very well<br />
deserved Bill!<br />
Paul Mac ran down the proposed run to Winton on Sunday, May 27. He called for a couple of volunteers to lead two<br />
groups from Melb. (ie: one leaving from the Shell servo at Kal Kallo at approx. 7.50 am, and the other leaving from the<br />
Yarra Glen hotel around 7.30 am, both groups to meet at Euroa at approx. 9.15-9.30, then to Winton around 10.15 am to<br />
meet any other <strong>Healey</strong>s and, distribute entry tickets. Parking in the Shannons Classic carpark). Note this is around a<br />
three hour run each way.<br />
Mike Snelgrove says that there is no ROF run West, for May, as the Western Regional <strong>Healey</strong> Group have their run on<br />
May 3, to Timboon. Hopefully their calendar may be brought into line with our scheduled runs. Selwyn and Sandra Hall<br />
braved the atrocious conditions to join the group on May 3 – he reported that there were 10 cars and 20 people on the<br />
run. The next ROF run will be the Northern Run, in June. Details on web site.<br />
Brian Aitken reported that Val Vermaas has investigated running a trip to the Fox Motor Museum and discovered that this<br />
is difficult to arrange in winter. She has therefore suggested that we do a ‘Brunch’ run to Gypsy Creek Winery at<br />
Labertouche on a Sunday. Food is fabulous and very reasonable. Committee to review calendar and advise a date.<br />
Our <strong>Healey</strong> Display Day – has been locked in for Docklands Promenade on Sunday, October 21 – we have the use of<br />
more of the promenade and the Piazza with its stage and pa.<br />
Editor:<br />
Harvey reported:<br />
I hope everyone enjoyed the reprint of the Geoff <strong>Healey</strong> interview. If anyone knows where the 2 nd part was printed please<br />
let me know. I'd love to do the follow up.<br />
Our photo competition has provided not only some great photos but also a riddle.<br />
The photo from “positive-earth” of GMP211 has had the ether buzzing. The car belongs to member Marcus Fakhry. We<br />
know who he bought it from in 1975 and that it was originally delivered into NSW in 1954 and first registered in Victoria in<br />
1956. Its history for the 14 years from '56 to '70 is a mystery, as is the identity of the photographer and the subject. Hand<br />
up please – in strictest confidence of course. We journos never reveal our sources!<br />
Correspondence about the car also led to the discovery of some of my mother's family connections in Ararat. More of that<br />
in the June issue.<br />
We expect GMP211 to be the subject of a future cover story.<br />
The June magazine looks like being a big issue with reports from the National Rally and the Flemington Showcase to be<br />
included along with all the regular articles<br />
The deadline is strictly 16 th so that we can go to print before I leave for holidays.<br />
Gordon Lindner has kindly offered to carry out the Editor’s task whilst Harvey is on holiday.<br />
Regalia:<br />
Whilst refraining from a rendition of “Singing in the Rain, Arthur delivered the following report:<br />
I am pleased to report that Sunday's Classic Showcase at Flemington was more than worthwhile with sales of $1300, and<br />
orders were taken for further items.<br />
It was great to see the interest from new members and also a couple of <strong>Healey</strong> owners who were not members.<br />
Items recommended for perusal this evening include a Service Manual for the 100/4 at $90.00 and a set of 6 coasters<br />
with your car featured for $35.00.<br />
Competition / MSCA:<br />
Rod Vogt delivered the following report:<br />
MYRNIONG HISTORIC SPRINTS were held on Sunday April 17 th and 5 <strong>Healey</strong>s competed. Fastest was Steve Pike in<br />
his blue Group Sa 3000 with Mark Bird close behind in the white 100/4. Hugh Purse came in third in his 100/4 followed by<br />
Frank Hook in the red/black 100/4 and John Keogh in his 3000.<br />
Rod Vogt supported the Sprite <strong>Club</strong> which ran a SPRITE NATIONAL CHALLENGE sprint day at Winton on Thursday,<br />
April 26 th as part of the Sprite National Rally, achieving 7 th fastest time for the day on the short course. Sixty odd cars ran<br />
with three experienced driver groups and one inexperienced group in a sprint format the same as our MSCA events.<br />
Driver training sessions for the newcomers proved very popular on a very well organized and enjoyable day.<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 7
Round 3 for the MSCA season clashed with our <strong>Healey</strong> display day at Flemington on Sunday April 29 th . As a result, Hugh<br />
Purse was our sole entrant and ran well in the Regularity event – results not yet available. David Kelly was Clerk of<br />
Course and the 70 entrants gave the MSCA a near break-even financial result. We seem to be having trouble attracting<br />
entrants to Winton, while Sandown and Phillip Island events are very popular.<br />
Note that at the upcoming Historic Winton, the Alan Jones Trophy will be awarded to the fastest pre 1960 Group Sa car –<br />
we hope Victoria can claim this important victory!<br />
Going forward, we plan to run 2 teams of <strong>Healey</strong>’s in this years Winton 6 Hour Relay if we can arrange enough entries.<br />
More helpers will be required!<br />
Also, keep in mind that the Geelong Speed Trials will run again this year – ½ December. Give thought to an entry!<br />
National Delegate:<br />
See Bill Vaughan’s comments under Social.<br />
Library:<br />
Mick noted that whilst we are still waiting for the final furniture compliment, the library is now open for business. She also<br />
noted that it is 13 months since the passing of Mike Forrester and reported that Jill Forrester has kindly donated a lot of<br />
Mike’s Car Book for the Library - about 25 motor related books and about 12 sports books i.e. Golf .Cricket, etc that she<br />
will put in the Library.<br />
Cams:<br />
Tony Barrett reported that the issue of the road worthiness of cars fitted roll bars and cages is still raging however it<br />
appears that <strong>Healey</strong>’s will be unaffected as pre 1966 cars are to be exempted.<br />
CMC/<strong>Club</strong> Rooms:<br />
Tony acknowledged that the problem experienced with the <strong>Club</strong> BBQ at Flemington being reluctant to perform has been<br />
noted and a frontal lobotomy is planned! (for the BBQ, not the cook!)<br />
GENERAL BUSINESS:<br />
Ralph Fletcher discussed the 14 day trip to Tassie on February 17 – March 3, 2013 and noted that he has 15 confirmed<br />
entrants but will accept a couple more if you are quick! Cost not cheap at $2700/head but is all inclusive and will be a<br />
memorable event – see Ralph soon!<br />
Ralph then went on to talk about registration for the Port Fairy Mini Rally on Oct. 26/27. Entries will be limited to 72<br />
people on a first come, first serve basis. Costs are $450 a couple which includes accommodation and most meals.<br />
Entries close on 30 June and payment must be made prior to 27 July – call Ralph or look on web site for application<br />
forms.<br />
Next, Ralph gave a report on the recent Western Chapter Run – a very pleasant day with 37 attending and a BBQ at his<br />
and Linda’s place following a look at NOJ 393 at Steve Pike’s workshop.<br />
Geoff Gillard (auctioneer extraordinary) spoke about the buy/swap/sell night to be held at before the next General Meeting<br />
on 7 June commencing at 7.00pm. Stall holders should plan to arrive around 6.00pm to set up their tables. Geoff noted<br />
that the last time we did this about 6 years ago, it was a great success.<br />
Maureen Cant reminded members that there is a correction in the advertised Peninsula Lunch for May – it will be held at<br />
the Tooradin Sports <strong>Club</strong> – remember to book if you plan to come. Maureen also reinterated that this lunch is open to all<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Members – it’s not just for folk who live on the peninsula!<br />
Mick Smith then drew the Mothers Day Raffel which was won by Anne Kruger – total funds raised for the <strong>Club</strong> after<br />
expenses - $230.00! Well done and our thanks to Mick!.<br />
Meeting closed at 8.55pm.<br />
Next meeting, June 7, 2012.<br />
Bill Metcalf then introduced Paula Elstrek, Australia’s fastest woman, to provide a fascinating talk with a short film about<br />
her career. She has had an extraordinary history in all forms of motor sport and left her audience in a state of awe! Paula<br />
has promised to return to talk to us again following her 1,000 MPH attempt in the next 12 – 18 months!<br />
Brian Aitken<br />
Paula Elstrek - our May guest speaker<br />
The words “fast woman” usually invoke a different image to that of our May guest speaker Paula Elstrek. Paula is a fast<br />
woman in the motoring way – very fast!<br />
In an informative and entertaining address Paula told us about her early motoring experiences – she barrel-rolled her kart<br />
on her first track run – through to her almost 600kph run on Lake Gairdner in the jet car “Aussie Invader”.<br />
An electrician by trade Paula has driven almost everything from open wheelers to V8 Supercars and has competed in<br />
events from hill climbs to Bathurst.<br />
Before driving Aussie Invader, Paula had to get her jet licence. When asked how you do that her reply was: “Sit an IQ<br />
test and fail!”<br />
Paula is involved in a long term project to drive a rocket powered car at 1600kph – yes folks 1000mph some time in the<br />
next few years.<br />
Most of the questions put to her after her talk were about this project.<br />
We await further news.<br />
8<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
Anzac Day is always a good day for driving your <strong>Healey</strong>.<br />
The weather is often crisp early and sunny later - this year<br />
it was freezing wet early but perked up later - which is<br />
conducive to firing up the big six. And it is also a reflective<br />
time, with sights and sounds which encourage some<br />
harking back.<br />
However close we've been to the bangs and bullets, the<br />
worldwide upheaval of the middle years of the 20th<br />
Century reshaped our generation. And of course, as that<br />
wonderful article Mr Editor Harvey reprinted last month<br />
reminded us, the <strong>Healey</strong> enterprise was very much a post<br />
war start up initiative when the field was clear and deals<br />
could be done.<br />
It was during that exultant period in the English speaking<br />
world of relief and renewal in the late forties, which<br />
accompanied the widespread release of babies from<br />
couples celebrating their survival and wanting to join in the<br />
new life for which so much had been sacrificed. Somehow<br />
today, the baby boomers' image is not so glossy - more<br />
self indulgent and spoiled, not so idealistic and new dawn.<br />
(For the German speakers, the late forties weren't such fun<br />
and the relationship of later generations with the one that<br />
fought the war has been complex - but it is the same<br />
generation which won the peace time industrial war and<br />
gave us today's Porkers and Beetles and Mercs. English<br />
speaking marques are gone away or struggling).<br />
Sometime over Anzac Day, you will probably have heard<br />
the Ode of Remembrance and thought how you are one of<br />
those whom age is wearying. Yes, you are growing old<br />
and yes you're getting really weary. Weary. That's the<br />
word.<br />
WEARY<br />
Immediately the aroma of fuel, sweat, leather, wet carpet<br />
and oil fill your brain with exciting expectations.<br />
The ritual of folding up the cover, checking all the fluids<br />
and getting your <strong>Healey</strong> ready for action only enhances<br />
those expectations. If your best girl is also in the mood for<br />
a fang - you can usually tell, no heels and a small handbag<br />
are good signs - then the fantasy of escape back in time as<br />
well as escape from modern routine is likely to work for this<br />
trip. Up in the hills, you’ll be using 6,500 sometimes and<br />
braking right up to the apex on the faster corners with good<br />
vision.<br />
The weariness of age seems a well established positioning<br />
in the minds of young people. Old people are past it and<br />
are supposed to sit around and snooze a lot. Birthday<br />
cards for anniversaries with a seven in front are tell tales.<br />
As you are out there loading the race car and checking log<br />
book and licence are packed, you get called in for coffee,<br />
cakes and candles to blow out. With a mind half on how<br />
today you’re going to keep the foot mashed down though<br />
turn one to get under 2 mins, you open up the envelope<br />
and its a rocking chair on the verandah: “Put your feet up<br />
Grandpa and enjoy your special day”.<br />
Vaguely feeling that somehow you’re not what the family<br />
want, you dish out kisses and cuddles and speed off to<br />
scrutineering.<br />
Fortunately, giving in to the excesses of modern life<br />
disqualify many from a <strong>Healey</strong> before they get old, or that<br />
would be a wearying factor. People who look like they’ve<br />
sat on a beach ball inflator just wont get in. Folding up the<br />
body to slot into the seat, get the belts on and tightened,<br />
find the hand brake and turn your head to look out and<br />
around, all dictate a 60’s style figure. With the wheel in<br />
your chest, some fitness and strength is needed, especially<br />
parking up if your car has the recommended degree of<br />
negative.<br />
But not today. Today you’re taking out the <strong>Healey</strong> and in<br />
your mind you’re not old and certainly not weary when you<br />
do that. You’re back being a young fella in the 60's.<br />
Reliving those images is a powerful psychological boost<br />
which seems to be every bit as good at sluicing endorphins<br />
through the body as a cliff top walk. The back which<br />
creaks and the shoulder which clicks and the knee which<br />
collapses are all suddenly healthy as you open the garage<br />
door to where your Big <strong>Healey</strong> is sleeping.<br />
It is true though that age does slow your lap times and take<br />
the edge off your stage times. It’s a bit like running. The<br />
local 10 km fun run is OK at 50 mins when you’re in your<br />
fifties - after all, that’s less than 5 mins per km - most<br />
people’s PB.<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 9
Into your 60’s, suddenly you’re struggling to get under 60<br />
minutes, and that’s terrible. Not made any easier when the<br />
best time by a sixty year old is 15th or something.<br />
But as the Big 7 passes into the past, many find that their<br />
bits which worked perfectly for years suddenly give out.<br />
Joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles. Aerobic just won’t get<br />
there. The 10 k run now changes from a regular<br />
celebration of how fabulously fit you are to showing up that<br />
at 70, 70 mins has become your time slot. People are nice<br />
about it, but they’re thinking how weary you’ve become.<br />
Behind the wheel, in competition, the watershed seems to<br />
be retirement. In your fifties and sixties, the hand eye<br />
coordination, the reflex response, the sense of balance<br />
and speed of processing inputs slows only very gradually.<br />
Often drivers get faster over these years as experience<br />
and anticipation pays dividends.<br />
Retirement seems to be the mind dampener which affects<br />
the physiology. The farewell drinks, the speeches quickly<br />
followed by no job and a big slow down in the cash flow.<br />
That reduces entries to motor sport and makes it harder to<br />
race the car - as a recent survey of a big club of racers<br />
showed. Even for those who still race, imagining the<br />
consequences of spinning into the dirt inside the Winton<br />
sweeper just eases that pedal a smidge.<br />
There is a well known Mini racer and tarmac rally gun who<br />
creates exactly the tyre smoking front wheel drifts which<br />
made the little minibrics popular in period. In Victoria, this<br />
ageing racer had often challenged the Camaros and<br />
Mustangs in Group N racing on the Winton short track.<br />
This year, he was back to Targa Tasmania - and lagging a<br />
bit.<br />
You all right Yep - just dealing with my imagination, came<br />
the answer. But what about that amazing time on Hellyer<br />
Yes, well, it was wet and I felt like it.<br />
What a good observation. Not weary so much as wary.<br />
Waiting for the moment.<br />
Occasionally, everything is right, the feeling is comfortable<br />
and confident, the control is there, the elements are how<br />
you like them. Your <strong>Healey</strong> is on it too, somehow tighter<br />
and tauter and more eager. It’s now that all those years fall<br />
away and an observer would see no difference from 20<br />
years before. The power, the commitment, the<br />
smoothness send the car singing and buzzing and howling.<br />
There are only two of you who understand how and why it<br />
happened; you know of course, you felt it coming on. And<br />
your <strong>Healey</strong> knew. And longs for the next time.<br />
******************************************************************************************************************************************<br />
My Big Day Out With My Little Red Sprite<br />
My alarm went off at 7am, and I hoped that the weather would hold out so I could let my little Bug Eyed Sprite out of the<br />
garage. I opened the curtain, and there it was, the sun!<br />
I made my way to Flemington, extremely rugged up for the long drive. Arriving at the racecourse, I found myself in a long<br />
queue of British cars and smiling faces. We were all allocated areas, and told where to park as we drove through the<br />
gate.<br />
I was ushered to a space on the lawn dedicated to Sprites, and I parked right next to the sign that was supplied. To my<br />
surprise when I hopped out of the car, a man came walking over to me. He explained that he’d followed me from the<br />
freeway and thought my car was fantastic! It was a great way to start the day.<br />
Polishing cloths were out at the ready, as hundreds of participants lined their cars up in a perfect order. The organisation<br />
was great. There were picnic tables set up everywhere, and people settling in to enjoy the cars and the sunshine.<br />
It was 20 minutes after I arrived until another Sprite parked next to mine. It was a lovely powder blue, the owner’s had just<br />
purchased from Tasmania, and this was their first car show.<br />
As the day progressed, interest in the Sprite’s developed and many photos were taken. Everyone that came and spoke to<br />
me had a story about their long lost Sprite that they had once owned. It was a great day.<br />
On my way out I was approached by two men who asked me if my car was for sale, or if it would ever be for sale. I<br />
politely declined with a giggle and said, “No, sorry, never.”<br />
I drove back down the freeway and tucked my little car back in the garage, until next time, Bug22.<br />
Sheree Mackintosh<br />
Thanks to Sheree for her article. It’s good to have some new contributors Sheree’s car is the red one Ed<br />
******************************************************************************************************************************************<br />
10<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
PHOTO COMPETITION ENTRIES<br />
"TARGA'S HOT"<br />
Sprint Up Buller<br />
“She was just seventeen”<br />
Barry Barnes wife Jan with his first <strong>Healey</strong><br />
"LIVE THE SIXTIES"<br />
RACV/AOMC British and European Day at Flemington Sunday 29 th April<br />
(Subtitled – Poking my head up from over the top of a temperamental BBQ)<br />
As I drove over to Flemington racecourse I wondered if it was possible that we (the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> <strong>Owners</strong> <strong>Club</strong> of<br />
Victoria) could raise the bar higher than our displays of the past two years that resulted in us winning successive Best<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Display Awards.<br />
On arrival it soon became apparent that we had pulled out all stops. Bill Metcalf and the crew had done a terrific job in<br />
setting up things. The Committee with their shiny new name tags were resplendent to be seen! Arthur Tuckett who could<br />
sell icy poles to the Eskimos was busy flogging merchandise at his stand. Peter Heading was tucked in the booth signing<br />
up new members. The ladies had settled in and were chatting. The initially overcast skies had cleared to a lovely sunny<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 11
day. The scrutineers were working overtime and our cars were glistening in the golden sunlight. And among 1150 cars<br />
that attended on the day the <strong>Healey</strong>’s looked magnificent and the public interest was high.<br />
Peter Rowland’s magnificent White <strong>Healey</strong> 4000R one of only 3 and powered by a Rolls Royce FB40 engine looked<br />
superb. NOJ393 the much maligned Special Test Car built in 1953 and modified in 1954 to 100S specifications that sold,<br />
last December, for 1.3 million dollars, drew a steady stream of admirers. (This is the well-known 100S that was involved<br />
in the crash that claimed 82 lives in the 1955 Le Mans Grand Prix when a Mercedes Benz that ran into the back of it<br />
became airborne crashing into the grandstand). Prior to the crash NOJ393 was achieving speeds of 155MPH down the<br />
straight. With highly respected 100S Historian Joe Jarick on hand to assist Steve Pike in answering any questions we<br />
were flying high. Steve had also brought along the magnificent reproduction Streamliner. Nearby Rob Rowland and his<br />
team had assembled a very fine display that provided an excellent insight in to the restoration process. Rob and the team<br />
were augmented by Greg Kilmartin who had a chassis on display and, Noel Stevens from Classic Wiring Looms.<br />
The Chefs (Terry and Ralph) persisted with the temperamental BBQ as John Raisbeck kept reminding us as to what the<br />
hourly call out rates were for a Plumber on Sundays. Not sure who did the most hissing, the BBQ or Terry and Ralph!<br />
Thanks for your assistance John.<br />
Soon everyone was fed including the scrutineers who had the difficult task of selecting the winners.<br />
Scores were collated and announcements regarding the winners were made as follows;-<br />
• 100 class – Keith and Enid Nankervis<br />
• BN4/6/7 and BT7 – Phil and Sue Aitken<br />
• BJ7/8 – Malcolm and Margaret McGregor<br />
• Modified – John and Robyn Southwell<br />
• Special Interest – Tim Ward<br />
• John Hope Trophy – Keith and Enid Nankervis<br />
Congratulations to the winners.<br />
Ralph<br />
I should make special mention to the race cars belonging to Peter Jackson, Mark Bird, Steve<br />
Pike, John Goodall, Leon O’Brien and Rob Rafferty as well as ex race/rally cars belonging to<br />
Hardy Kuhn, Bill Ingham and Trevor Smith that were on display. Apologies to anyone we’ve<br />
missed.<br />
And just when I thought we were going to do a Black Caviar and record our 3 rd successive<br />
win for Best Car <strong>Club</strong> Display we were beaten in a photo finish by the Peugeot <strong>Club</strong> who had about twenty vehicles on<br />
display immediately behind us. Is it too late to lodge a protest The Judges at work<br />
Ralph Fletcher<br />
Well <strong>Healey</strong> Members we didn’t achieve the 3 rd in a row hoped for at the Flemington RACV showcase day 29 th of April<br />
but we sure gave it our best shot. Thank you to all the many enthusiastic helpers we had on the Saturday set up and<br />
thanks to all the <strong>Healey</strong> members who took time out to show their cars on the Sunday .<br />
Many thanks to the stress free BBQ cooks - Ralph Fletcher & Terry Wills Cooke. It’s a laugh a minute listening to the<br />
........ that you usually find in paddocks with these two guys. Thanks to Steve & Helen Pike Marsh Classic Restorations &<br />
Rob Rowland the <strong>Healey</strong> Factory & his crew, the other exhibitors that were on display - Greg Kilmartin Automotive<br />
Sheetmetal, Noel Stevens of Classic Wiring looms, Hardy Kuhn and Ruth Saeuberli of H&R Restorations and Tim Ward<br />
Sports & Specialist Trimming. Finally special thanks to the Judging panel led by Peter Jackson.<br />
Worthy of a mention in dispatches:-Arthur Tuckett who has excelled in Regalia Sales surpassing all other sales days and,<br />
our Membership Officer, Peter Heading, signing up two new members and fielding plenty of enquiries.<br />
It was a great display day appreciated by many & if I have missed anyone I apologise. Bill Metcalf<br />
P.S. if you wish to view some more of Gordon’s pictures from the day go to our website www.healeyvic.com.au and click<br />
on Photographs – you do not need a password.<br />
Timboon - Just a short report<br />
12 sports cars (11 <strong>Healey</strong>s and 1 MGB driven by a <strong>Club</strong> member.) Lots of 'Otway Sunshine'..viz horizontal rain and a<br />
good time had by all. Great roads and countryside, a good destination, lots of smiles, so well done Hodge! Did you know<br />
about Paul Freestone's 'Motor Cafe Restaurant' at Aireys Inlet. I noticed a sign indicating they were off to Targa, but also<br />
an application to build a 'diner' there...could be a fun rendezvous Eric Patterson<br />
12<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
AUSTIN-HEALEYS THAT RACED IN AUSTRALIA - Episode Eighteen<br />
Lionel Marsh is one of a number of drivers who made a start to their racing careers in an <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong>.<br />
His white car, BN1 223983 was registered GJN 100 by him on 4 August 1955. The only modifications were to the brakes<br />
which had alloy drums, and drilled backing plates with scoops. It was also fitted with a 100/S style aero screen.<br />
At the hillclimbs, Lionel often entered the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> in both the Sports Car and Racing Car Classes and at the same<br />
time he would enter a Simca in the Sedan Class.<br />
The <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> was entered in the first Geelong Speed Trials at Eastern Beach in May 1956 but for whatever reason<br />
there was no time recorded.<br />
At Port Wakefield in June 1956 he finished 4th in the Handicap Section of the South Australian Trophy Race behind Bib<br />
Stilwell in the D Type Jaguar<br />
Lionel sold the car in 1958 and went on to own and race a 550S Porsche Spyder which was the only one to come to<br />
Australia. After many owners, Lionel finally managed to sort this car out and took out the Sports Car record at<br />
Templestowe in 1962. In this car Lionel contested the Australian Hillclimb Championship. He also drove a Simca in the<br />
first three Armstrong 500 events at Phillip Island, with a best result of second in Class in 1960.<br />
In January 1958 Lionel advertised a pair of alloy finned drums for an <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> for sale.<br />
Lionel’s passion for sports cars and motor racing extended to his career as he worked at Swingbridge Motors, the British<br />
Leyland dealers in Footscray, and at Chequered Flag Motors in Doncaster.<br />
Over the next few years the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> had a number of owners and spent a period of two years in Lorne during the<br />
early 1960’s.<br />
The car was eventually sold to Brian Wicke from Chelsea in 1965. By now it was a green car. He had a friend who had<br />
restored a TR 3A which was a “stand out” car at that time, and Brian was hoping to do the same with the BN1. He pulled<br />
it totally apart only to find the chassis was in poor condition. In those days Kilmartin Automotive Sheetmetal was not<br />
about, nor was the necessary expertise available to carry out the repairs, so over the next 5 years he sold off what he<br />
could.<br />
I purchased the chassis and a few of the remaining parts, but in the early 1970’s I sold the chassis to help Steve Miller<br />
repair his car, which I don’t think has ever got back on the road.<br />
RACING RESULTS<br />
Albert Park 18 March 1956 Moomba TT15th<br />
Rob Roy 29 April 1956<br />
30.29 sec<br />
Templestowe 6 May 1956 Sports Car Class 64.08<br />
Racing Car Class 64.26 sec<br />
Geelong Speed Trials May 1956<br />
Rob Roy June 1956<br />
31.90 sec<br />
Port Wakefield June 1956<br />
4 th<br />
Iain McPherson<br />
*****************************************************************************************************************************************<br />
Western Regional <strong>Healey</strong> group run to Bacchus Marsh - Report<br />
Thirty five enthusiasts arrived at Steve and Helen Pike’s Marsh Classic Restorations factory in Bacchus Marsh in the<br />
morning of April 19 th for a private viewing of NOJ 393, the famous 100S involved in the tragic crash at Le Mans in 1955,<br />
details of which appear in the March edition of the magazine. It was pleasing to meet some newer members and<br />
previous <strong>Healey</strong> owners arriving from relatively far afield (e.g. Kyabram, Beaufort), all interested in watching Steve<br />
unveiling this special car. We are grateful to him for allowing us to inspect this and other project cars in his workshop.<br />
After a short drive to Linda and Ralph Fletcher’s home in Darley, we partook in a barbecue lunch cooked perfectly by<br />
Ralph (again) and washed down (by some lucky folk) with Rivergate wines kindly supplied by Geoff and Ann Kerr from<br />
Axedale. The weather was mild and added to another pleasant gathering of <strong>Healey</strong> owners.<br />
DK<br />
******************************************************************************************************************************************<br />
ROF South Run on Thursday June 14 th<br />
Every vineyard needs something different that sets it apart from the others. Next months ROF South run is to the little<br />
known, but long established, Lazzar Winery at 2910 Frankston/Flinders Road, Balnarring, 3926, telephone (03)<br />
59831813.<br />
We are hoping for a good attendance because even if it is inclement weather, the winery is warm and inviting, and it<br />
should be excellent for the people living on the Peninsula. Route details will be forwarded by email in due course<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 1
COMPETITION REPORT JUNE 2012<br />
TEAM HEALEY and MSCA NEWS<br />
COMING EVENTS<br />
Events marked with * count towards the Competition<br />
Championship. Sprint and Regularity events require<br />
a basic CAMS level 2S licence only. (contact Rod Vogt)<br />
1 MARQUE SPORTS CAR ASSOCIATION (MSCA)<br />
CALENDAR FOR 2012 – Remaining Rounds<br />
Round 4 Sunday 1st July *Sandown<br />
Round 5 Sunday 22 nd July *Phillip Island<br />
Round 6 Sunday 19 th Aug Haunted Hills<br />
Round 7 Sunday 16 th Sept *Phillip Island<br />
Round 8 Sunday 18 th Nov *Phillip Island<br />
Round 9 Sunday 2 nd Dec *Sandown to be confirmed<br />
ENTRY FORMS for these events will be sent to all on the Team <strong>Healey</strong> email list and are available on the MSCA website<br />
www.msca.net.au . Ring Rod Vogt on 5962 1915 or 0408 395 240 or email competition-MSCA@healeyvic.com.au .<br />
Spectators are encouraged. Entry is free and you are welcome in our pit garage. Competition starts at approximately 9<br />
am.<br />
2 OTHER EVENTS 2012<br />
June 10 th<br />
*Vic Supersprint Championship Rd 2 Sandown<br />
June 16/17 th<br />
*MG and Invited British at State Race Series round, Sandown<br />
June 30/July 1 st *HSRCA Historic races, Eastern Creek. (Including One Hour Enduro)<br />
July 28/29 th<br />
*HRCC Historic Morgan Park, Warwick, Qld.<br />
COMPETITION REPORTS<br />
HISTORIC MYRNIONG SPRINT SUNDAY 15 th APRIL, 2012 - Thank you to MARK BIRD for this report<br />
“What a great day.” Congratulations to the <strong>Austin</strong> 7 <strong>Club</strong> and Myrniong Hall Committee for putting on the 10 th Annual<br />
Historic Myrniong Car Sprint. How did you get the weather so right with perfect conditions of a sunny day and light<br />
winds There was a field of 84 entries, which was down on previous years, however it did include Steve Pike (AH 3000),<br />
Frank Hook (AH 100/4), Hugh Purse (AH 100/4), John Keogh (AH 3000), and yours truly Mark Bird (AH 100/4). The<br />
eldest competitor on the day was 87 years young, just goes to show “you are never too old to compete”.<br />
For those of you who don’t know, Myrniong is a hill climb of 850 metres, which includes a 60 metre rise. There were 24<br />
events on the day with various types of historic cars competing. Also plenty of show cars on display throughout the day,<br />
which made for an enjoyable day for both competitors and spectators alike.<br />
The first run of the day was a timed practice run, one which I won’t forget in a hurry. At 5,500 revs, third gear and halfway<br />
in to the climb the bonnet flew off. Thank God no one was hurt, except my pride. Looks like a visit to the panel beater on<br />
Monday!<br />
During the day Steve Pike had equalled his record of 30.0 seconds, and I was not far behind on 30.1 seconds. Therefore<br />
the last run of the day became the most important one, with 5 <strong>Healey</strong>s still in contention for Event 11, Production Sports<br />
Cars 1941-1960, (over 1601 cc).<br />
And the final results were :<br />
DRIVER VEHICLE RUN 1 RUN 2 RUN 3 RUN 4 BEST TIME<br />
Steve Pike AH 3000 (3000cc) 32.5 30.9 30.0 29.6 29.6<br />
Mark Bird AH 100/4 (2755cc) 33.4 31.2 30.1 30.0 30.0<br />
Hugh Purse AH 100/4 (2660cc) 35.1 33.8 33.2 33.6 33.2<br />
Frank Hook AH 100/4 (2660cc) 37.0 35.2 35.3 34.1 34.1<br />
John Keogh AH 3000 (3000cc) 46.4 45.7 45.8 45.9 45.7<br />
Well done to all. For anyone interested and eligible for Production Sports Cars 1961 to 1969 (over 2001 cc), the record<br />
held by Ray Sprague is 28.2 seconds. Very quick but achievable, so hope to see you all there in 2013.<br />
MARK BIRD<br />
Hugh Purse<br />
provided the<br />
photo on the left<br />
– left to right :<br />
John Keogh,<br />
Frank Hook,<br />
Steve Pike, Hugh<br />
Purse. I can see<br />
the competition<br />
was tough – is<br />
that a Fargo truck<br />
and an <strong>Austin</strong> 7<br />
Chummy lining<br />
up behind!<br />
Mark Bird provided the photo on the right – L to R is Steve Pike, Mark Bird and Hugh Purse. (Rod)<br />
14<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
AUSTRALIAN 2012 FESTIVAL OF SPRITES – WINTON NATIONAL CHALLENGE<br />
On Thursday April 26 th I dusted off the Bug-Eye and attended a great sprint day at Winton organized by the <strong>Austin</strong><br />
<strong>Healey</strong> Sprite Drivers <strong>Club</strong> as part of their programme as hosts of the 2012 national rally based in Wangaratta. There<br />
were many compelling reasons to attend. I love driving the Sprite and the Historic racing in the MGB has taken priority<br />
recently. It is a big commitment for the Sprite <strong>Club</strong> to hire Winton and they deserved all the support possible. Comp Sec<br />
Owen Crombie, MSCA rep Peter Clarke and Sprite competition fanatics Colin Wallace and Simon Hughes had all put<br />
much pressure on me at different times and who could resist the chance to compete against a hoped for field of 60 or so<br />
Sprites at one event. A prior commitment for the following Sunday meant missing the MSCA sprint meeting and the<br />
Flemington display day on that day (Sue let’s me caddy for her during her 7 week Sunday golf pennant season. I am the<br />
only husband who does this for his wife. I have a LOT of brownie points to make up. Some people ask the secret of our<br />
successful marriage. We take time to go to a restaurant two times a week. A little candle light, dinner, soft music and<br />
dancing. Sue goes Tuesdays and I go Thursdays. Boom Boom!).<br />
After failing to reach Mallala at Easter I was hanging out for some track time. The sealer was that the event was a rare<br />
chance to run on the “short course” and would give me practice for the May Historic meeting which is also on the short<br />
course, although I will be in the MG then.<br />
What a great day. Congratulations to the AHSDC for a well run event - safe but low key, running smoothly with a small<br />
number of officials and no agro. They may have been a little disappointed with the eventual entry of 48, but that is a<br />
mighty effort for one marque. For the record, 6 came from NSW, 1 from Qld., and 41 from Victoria – 39 AHSDC<br />
members, one VHRR (Gr Sa competitor Max Pegram in his road bug-eye) and yours truly from AHOC. I doubt that we<br />
could have achieved that level of participation in our <strong>Healey</strong>s. Many of the ladies competed also. Three experienced<br />
groups and one novice group meant a short turn around between runs. Several driver training runs were slotted in to help<br />
newcomers drive with experienced tutors or just take out someone to experience the track. By the end of the day I<br />
achieved 58 timed sprint laps plus 6 or 7 laps in a first orientation run – as if I needed the practice! The last session for<br />
the day went on and on as time was plentiful. I stopped after THIRTY FIVE continuous laps, achieved because they did<br />
not put out the chequered flag for our group, just let the next group out with those of us still circulating, and I finally<br />
stopped with fuel guage on zero and concentration and body faltering.<br />
The results were dominated by the Victorians, with fastest time of day going to Colin Wallace in the turbo/Suzuki engined<br />
rocket at 1.10.10, just 0.15 ahead of Mike Trathen, a fellow MG and Invited British Sports Car competitor and another<br />
State Series racer in Peter Brice was third. I was happy with ninth fastest at 1.13.3 given that there was quite a speed<br />
difference within my group and there were many who only do this once a year so it was not the time or place to play<br />
racing driver. More pleasing was the receipt in the mail of first place medal for Regularity in Class R2 – calculated for<br />
consistent laps in the second session.<br />
Rod Vogt<br />
Being a circuit event with official timing results, this event qualified for our COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP – points<br />
earned out of a possible 1000 points :<br />
ROD VOGT 981 pts 1.13.32, 1.13.39, 1.13.45, 1.13.51<br />
MSCA WINTON SUNDAY APRIL 29 th written by HUGH PURSE<br />
Just a few lines from Winton. The weather was superb, clear skies, 20 degrees and ideal track conditions. David Kelly<br />
was Clerk of Course. As you would have seen, I was the only <strong>Healey</strong> entrant (a clash with the Flemington display day –<br />
Rod) with 9 starters in Regularity and three Sprites in Sprints. Of the 9, four were open wheeler rear engined race cars<br />
which seemed to be newcomers to regularity and MSCA.<br />
In practice times there was a variance of 45 seconds between a fast Formula Ford and a slow EH Holden. I was in the<br />
middle somewhere! (Hugh was in fact 3 rd fastest and less than 3 seconds off fastest – Rod). By the third event we were<br />
down to 5 starters in regularity and at last I had got my lap times close to my nominated time, scoring 95 points (out of<br />
100).<br />
All good fun but a bit strange with some of those fast open wheelers in there with us.<br />
Cheers. Hugh<br />
The results are now available and Hugh in fact finished third in the MSCA Regularity competition with some very<br />
consistent and quite quick laps.<br />
POINTS SCORED TOWARD THE COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP with 4 fastest laps-<br />
HUGH PURSE (100/4) 842 points 2.01.27, 2.02.09, 2.02.37, 2.02.85<br />
Hugh’s fastest lap is a new P.B., easily eclipsing his previous best by more than 4 seconds, set in April 2011. Getting<br />
better with age!<br />
SOME HOUSEKEEPING AND CORRECTIONS<br />
Geoff McInnes joins our list of ASSOCIATE CHAMPIONSHIP contenders, having got his 1948 Riley Special back on the<br />
track after repairing a massive engine blow up more than twelve months ago. I did not pick up Geoff’s return in Group Lb<br />
Historic Racing (same as Graeme Marks in the Mac <strong>Healey</strong>) at Phillip Island in March. Mechanical problems saw Geoff<br />
out of action on Sunday so his Associate Championship points score was affected by his low number of laps achieved.<br />
GEOFF Mc INNES (Riley Spcl) 671 pts 2.03.77, 2.04, 2.06.76, 2.07.06<br />
Geoff Leake competed at Wakefield Park, Goulburn, at Easter and I failed to pick that up too. The Festival of Sporting<br />
Cars organizers allowed Geoff to run his Marque Sports log-booked 100/4 with the Historic Sports Cars and he was very<br />
happy after qualifying 7 th of 18 cars and holding that position over the weekend.<br />
POINTS TOWARD COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP and 4 fastest laps-<br />
Geoff Leake (100/4) 934 pts 1.14.39, 1.14.46, 1.14.87, 1.15.05<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 1
In the report on the Phillip Island Historic meeting I pointed out that Steve Pike had finally broken the magic 2 minute lap<br />
time barrier to become the second <strong>Healey</strong> to do so after Peter Jackson. I owe Rob Rowland an apology – he did so in<br />
Group Sa in 2005 to become the FIRST Group S <strong>Healey</strong> to break 2 minutes, doing a fastest lap for the weekend of<br />
1.59.73.<br />
So the pecking order among the Historic <strong>Healey</strong> warriors at Phillip Island is Peter Jackson at 1.56.66, Steve Pike at<br />
1.59.68 and Rob Rowland at 1.59.73. My excuse is that I was merely a fanatical spectator back then, not the Comp Sec.<br />
Rob pointed out my error in a good natured way over a beer at the last general meeting at the clubrooms to prove that HE<br />
is the person who reads my reports.<br />
COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER at APRIL 30 th<br />
Maximum score is 4000 pts for best 4 events. Number of events done are shown in brackets<br />
1 st Peter Jackson(3) 2863 7 th Mark Bird(1) 937 13 th Cary Helenius(1) 836<br />
2 nd Bill Vaughan(3) 2710 8 th Geoff Leake(1) 934 14 th Tim Westover(1) 744<br />
3 rd Brian Duffy(3) 2695 9 th Ken Sadler(1) 866 15 th John Goodall(1) 597<br />
4th Rod Vogt(2) 1926 10 th Rob Raverty(1) 850 16 th Shayne Mackintosh(1) 482<br />
5 th Hugh Purse(2) 1572 11 th David Kelly(1) 848 17 th John Mooney(1) 449<br />
6 th Peter Kaiser(1) 966 12 th Steve Pike(1) 848<br />
ASSOCIATE CHAMPIONSHIP at APRIL 30 th<br />
1 st Rod Vogt (3) 2551 5 th Darren Beavis(1) 815<br />
2 nd Graeme Marks(1) 975 6 th Hamish MacLennan(1) 791<br />
3 rd Peter Kaiser (1) 959 7 th Larry Varley(1) 763<br />
4 th Tony Rogers(1) 921 8 th Geoff McInnes(1) 671<br />
A CLOSING THOUGHT<br />
Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self esteem, first make sure you are not,<br />
in fact, surrounded by assholes.<br />
ROD VOGT<br />
*****************************************************************************************************************************************<br />
Queensland Rally<br />
Our AHOC of Queensland colleagues organised an excellent National Rally at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort over<br />
Easter. The venue worked well and the Novotel easily accommodated all of the participants. The event had been<br />
advertised as a "Beach Party" and that was how it was run with an emphasis on fun throughout.<br />
The Saturday run from the Sunshine Coast up to Maleny in the Glasshouse Mountains took us on some lovely roads<br />
without too much traffic. While many of the ladies enjoyed an afternoon around the shops in this craft-oriented town,<br />
others enjoyed a run to the Bowden's Car Collection. Here we were treated to a unique collection of historic racing cars.<br />
David Bowden and his sons have assembled many millions of dollars worth of cars including Porsches - 356 Carreras<br />
through to a 911-TR and Carrera RS, a 300SL Gullwing, genuine Ford GT40, a Maclaren TransAm sports car, an AC<br />
Cobra and Allard J2X. These are dwarfed, however, by their collection of significant Australian Touring Cars. This<br />
includes such legends as Moffat's TransAm Mustang and two of his GTHO Falcons. There are Phase I, II, III and Phase<br />
IV GTHO's, Pete Geoghegan's Mustang and Super Falcon, Brock's HDT A9X Torana, and VL Commodore, Johnson's<br />
Tru-Blu and Green's-Tuf Falcons, his and Tony Longhurst's Sierras, Big-Rev Kev Bartlett's Channel 9 Camero, Beechey's<br />
GTO 350 Monaro, Jim Richard's 635 BMW and an early Lotus Cortina. As impressive as the cars themselves was Dan<br />
Bowden's extensive knowledge and the stories on each and every car.<br />
The Saturday night Beach Party was simply the best! Our tables and chairs were set up on the beach, the Beach<br />
Brothers band played on the beach and we all ate, drank, sang and danced on the sand. Luckily the weather was also<br />
perfect. I'm not sure what 'plan B' might have been.<br />
Our display at Noosa was well advertised and<br />
attracted quite a lot of attention, as did the model<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> car races later in the afternoon.<br />
Unfortunately, our Victorian competitors did not<br />
perform to the expected standard and both the<br />
men's and lady's events were taken off by the<br />
West Australians.<br />
On Sunday night we were treated to another funfilled<br />
night when three of the staff (waiters) started<br />
some friendly banter and then began to sing. The<br />
'Three Waiters' proved to be sensational<br />
entertainers and made this a truly memorable<br />
night.<br />
Even the Delegate's Meeting went well with<br />
progress towards the proposed National <strong>Healey</strong><br />
Association and towards agreement on National<br />
Standards for Concours judging.<br />
NSW announced that the 2013 National Rally will<br />
be held in Canberra and will form part of the yearlong<br />
celebrations of Canberra's centenary.<br />
Bill Vaughan<br />
Bill Metcalf with the Alan Janes Trophy<br />
16<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 1
FOR SALE<br />
1960 3000 Mk1 (Engine upgraded to BJ8 Specs) Monza Red with Black leather interior, hood and tonneau. Dayton 72<br />
spoke 6"x15" chrome wire wheels, sports steering wheel, extensive recent mechanical works including new wiring loom.<br />
Full receipts and history file Excellent driver. 45600 original miles<br />
Asking Price $62,500.00 with RWC<br />
John Hawksworth 0418 339 178 or 03 5985 6713<br />
1958 BN6 100/6, (3000 mark 1 engine ) coupe, Royal Blue over Silver, requires some restoration, drives well, asking<br />
price 30,000.00 ONO. Registration number UVM 551, registered until June 2012. Regretful sale - unfortunately I will be<br />
moving interstate to NSW.<br />
Michael Hogan 03 5966 2493 (Warburton) Mobile : 0409 277235<br />
MK 1 SPRITE.<br />
Standard MG Midget Mk 3 front brakes and suspension<br />
Front suspension lowered by 1” using short competition springs by<br />
Bugeye Barn and has 1.5 degree negative camber blocks and a large<br />
diameter competition anti roll bar<br />
Rear suspension is standard Mk 1 Sprite assemblies with Simon<br />
Gardner fitted progressive bump stops.<br />
Morris Major rear brake assemblies with 8” drums<br />
MG Midget 1970 model 3.9 gear rear standard differential set<br />
Standard bore 1,275 cc balanced engine<br />
9.725 high compression Pistons<br />
Webber twin choke carburettor on long tract inlet manifold. Extractors<br />
Four core radiator<br />
Ported and polished Head with larger inlet valves<br />
Camshaft Engineering 38K grind modified, belt driven cam linked to 1.5 rocker gear<br />
Cooper S large impeller Water pump<br />
1,600 Ford Escort Flywheel modified and lightened to fit 1,275 block.<br />
Datsun 1,200 Clutch uprated with Datsun 1,200 self aligning bearing<br />
VH44 Brake booster.<br />
5 speed Datsun 1,400 commercial van Gearbox - extremely strong!<br />
Complete with hard top, side screens and tonneau<br />
3 sets of tyres and 2 sets of wheels. Full set of original hub caps.<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Reg so no stamp duty.<br />
$15,500 Brian Aitken 9775 3699.<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> 100 service (workshop) manual (BN1 with BN2 supplement) This is an original copy dated 1959.<br />
$70 Leigh Mansfield (03) 9553 8090 mobile 0435 247 132<br />
WANTED<br />
1960 <strong>Healey</strong> 3000 Mk1 Cylinder Head (12 port) in reasonable order.<br />
Mike Chadwick 0402 315 219 or 03 6227 2859 or michael.chadwick@oocl.com Hobart, Tas.<br />
18<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012 1
20<br />
Hundreds & Thousands June 2012