“A full bodied red?” - Austin Healey Owners Club

AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF VICTORIA INC.Minutes of “General Meeting” held onThursday 1 st September 2011AT 19 – 23 ROSALIE STREET, SPRINGVALEMeeting opened at 8.30 pmPresent: 62 financial members1 VisitorNo New MembersApologies: Alan and Kathy Saul, Mike and Vicki Snelgrove, Warren and Heather Gartner, Jo Saunders, LeonO’Brien, Maureen and Alan Cant, Julianne McPherson, Rod and Sue Vogt.Minutes of Previous Meeting:Motion that the minutes of previous meeting, held on 4 th August 2011, be accepted.Moved: Bill Metcalf Seconded: John Mason Carried.Matters arising from the previous minutes: Nil.Welfare: - No reports of sickness at this meeting thankfully!Correspondence In:Flyers: NilE MailE Mail from CAMS re Formula Vee Victoria - Information NightE Mail from Veloce Publishing with latest motoring publicationsE Mail from CAMS re Rally Australia – WRC Round 10 on September 8 – 11. Coffs Coast, NSWE Mail from Pam Hume seeking expressions of interest in becoming a volunteer official for the Targa High Country 2011(4-6 November).E Mail from CAMS re Victorian State Council - MEETING TUESDAY 2nd AUGUSTMagazinesSeptember “Crankhandle” SPCHCC (Southern Peninsula Classic and Historic Car Club) magazineAugust “Healeys West” magazine from WA AHOCAugust “Flat Chat” magazine from NSW AHOCAugust “Goblin Gazette” from Sprite Driver’s ClubAugust “Healey Torque” magazine from Qld AHOCAugust AOMC Newsletter x 2August “Cat-A-Log” magazine from Jag Car ClubLettersInvoice for printing of September MagazineMembership application from Alan WilsonInvitation from JAG club to attend their concours on 27 NovemberLetter from Crabtrees offering new warehouse in Oakleigh for $250KLetter from new Insurance Company – Enthusiast Underwriting offering policies suitable form our vehicles.Letter from CAMS over Annual Report for 2010Correspondence out:Confirmation letter to Don McKay at the CMC Re establishment of “Sinking Fund” for building maintenance.Framed Certificate of Appreciation to Bob and Judy at Rusty SpringsCheque for magazine printingREPORTS:Financial:Mike Snelgrove submitted the following report to BV via e mail:Operating AccountOpening balance as at 1 July 2011 $16,824.85Deposits $2,842.85Payments $1,358.57Closing balance as at 31 July 2011 $16,308.92Term Deposit Account at 17 April $51,393.68Membership:Peter Heading reported that our membership currently stands at 582. Peter has arranged for assistance from Greg Howeto prepare membership fee invoices for 2012.Social:Barbara reported that the run to Lee Goodall’s Motor Museum followed by lunch in Williamstown was a great success,with beautiful weather and 24 cars attending.The next event is the observation run to Gippsland on 25 September – details in September magazine. If you intend tocome along, please either ring or e mail Barb to let her know.Ralph reported that the combined mini rally to Mildura in October is now fully subscribed – please contact either Ralph orBarb if you would like to join a convoy.Hundreds and Thousands October 2011 5

BV reported that the Car Display in High St Armadale on Fathers Day has not attracted much interest – believe only onemember interested.Barb also thanked the supper helpers and asked for donations for Mick Smith’s Christmas Hamper Raffle to be brought tothe October and November meetings.Much to Enid Nankervis’s embarrassment, Barb informed the meeting that it was her Birthday and although a significantone, the actual number remained on a “need to know” basis!Library:Barb reported that the new display cases donated by Denis Walker’s Display Company have arrived and are presentlybeing set up in the library – ready to grand opening soon! (The members present extended a vote of thanks to Denis)Regalia:Ron noted that he has some more examples of new Ladies jackets and invited anyone interested to have a look followingthe meeting.Competition / MSCA:Rod is back from holiday and reported that the next Team Healey event is Winton on 25 September. Rod noted that theMG car club will join in at Winton and have expressed an interest in joining the MSCA group.This would be considered favourably by the MSCA committee who are concerned that to cover costs, they need to acceptentries from members running “non marque” cars, in fact, 40% of entries currently are cars other than the MSCA clubmakes. With the MGs involved, it is probable that entries could be limited to correct makes of vehicles.Rod also reported that the December 4 Sandown event which was to incorporate presentations, has been cancelledwithout explanation by Sandown and will now be transferred to Calder Park. Sandown have advised that in future, MSCAwill be limited to 2 events per year at that venue.Rod reported that only he and Peter Jackson are competing at Wakefield Park in September and also asked forvolunteers to assist with the 6 hour event at Winton on 16 October. Rod also noted that given a change of teamcomposition, Peter and Anne Stanley, who have been the mainstays of the 6 hour for as long as anyone can rememberare taking a break – Rod will prepare an appropriate expression of the Club’s appreciation for their efforts.Rod thanked Rob and Leon for holding the fort at Sandown on 3 July in his absence, and also thanked Peter Jackson forrepresenting the club (the only one!) at the recent Winton Historic – Peter held the banner high as usual!Finally, Rod has reviewed results from the Phillip Island MSCA event in August and noted some interesting happenings –BA set his best time ever at the circuit as did Russell Baker before having a front minilite style wheel COME TO PIECES(very lucky boy to get away with no more than a fright!) and BV suffered problems with his newly rebuilt 1,275 engine inthe Sprite. Peter Jackson and Rob Raverty are presently leading the Club Championship.CMC / Clubrooms:BV reported that committee had agreed to set up a separate bank account and transfer $5,000.00 into it to coverunexpected Club Room repair and maintenance expenses in excess of the CMC’s resources. If called upon, thiscontribution is to be matched by the JAGs.General Business:BV raised the following matters under General Business:1. Entries for the 2012 Queensland Rally are now available. See forms and information on web site.2. The MG Car Club recently had a member collapse at a speed event who may have died if not for rapid CPRtreatment and the proximity of trained medical staff. BV asked if members are interested in receiving CPRtraining sponsored by the Club. (There was sufficient interest so BV noted the matter would be advanced)3. New rules have been and will again be introduced covering incorporated bodies and the AHOC committee needto amend our constitution to ensure compliance. A sub committee will be set up to investigate and makerecommendations – anyone who would like to contribute is welcome – see the Secretary.4. In order to ensure we can meet ongoing costs and expenses, the Committee have decided to increasemembership fees for 2012. Fees will increase from $100 to $120 for City Members, and from $80 to $100 forCountry members.5. In today’s mail, BV received a request for volunteers to act as marshals for the upcoming TAGA High Countryevent run between 4 and 6 November. It is an opportunity for interested members to get up close and personalwith tarmac rally cars and drivers – a flyer is available from Brian Aitken or BV if interested.6. CAMS have issued an invitation to the AHOC to display cars at the Australian Rally Championship event to beheld at Calder Park on 2/4 March 2012. Committee will consider club’s response.7. The 2010 Year Book has now been published – BV extended thanks to Anne Kruger and Gordon Lindner and BAfor their efforts. The publication is now on our web site in the pass word protected Magazine section and can bedown loaded or printed as required.8. Bill Ingham has been receiving information from the British Healey Club regarding the 2013 International Rally tobe held in Scotland between 26 May and 1 June 2013. Applications will be open from 1 February 2012 – see Billto get more details and further information will be published shortly.9. The Dinner Dance on 26 November will have pre dinner welcome drinks paid for by the Club – when we adjournto the actual room, drinks will be at individuals expense. Barb will take names and money from now on fromthose wishing to attend – first come best dressed.10. Finally, due to a cancellation, we have a spare hotel booking for anyone considering the RAVC “Fly the Flag”event in March 2013 – see BV or Gordon Lindner.6Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

David Kisby reported that there has been a revision to the RWC system – from now on, costs will increase significantly to$200 and the process will involve photos as well as records going back 7 years.BA reported that Gordon Lindner has prepared a very nice certificate of appreciation over a photo of attendees andrepresentative cars for hosts Bob and Judy for the excellent Rusty Springs week end recently.Guest Speaker and Car DisplayOur guest speaker for the evening was Jeffrey Clarke from the RACV Foundation. Jeff spoke about the Foundation’swork and the types of organisations they support with cash grants. He also brought along application forms for the “Flythe Flag” and “Great Australian Rally” events happening early in 2012 and invited our members to participate. Jeff alsohad application forms for the October “City to Country Club” event. Because of the distance to his home (93kms!) weasked Jeff to give his talk prior to the official part of the meeting.Cars displayed were the beautiful 1957 Mercedes 300SL Roadster owned by members Ray and Sue Lodder and “BlackBeauty” – the BN1 owned by John Olsen.Meeting closed at 9.15pmNext meeting6 October 2011.Brian Aitken - Secretary“Black Beauty”Ray and Sue Lodder’s 1957 Mercedes 300SL RoadsterHundreds and Thousands October 2011 7

‘TRI CLUB DRIVE & LUNCHEON’Austin Healey Owners Club of Victoria AustinHealey Sprite Drivers Club IncJaguar Car Club of VictoriaSunday 13th November 2011This year we have decided to get together and do what we enjoy the most:Drive our cars, show them and talk about them!We’ll depart from our Clubrooms at 19-23 Rosalie Street, Springvalepunctually at 10.30am(Melway 80,A8)Please be there early, fuel the body with a tea or coffee andhave your cars all fuelled up and ready to leave with us on time.Our drive will take us on an interesting route that will see us arrive atThe Black Spur Inn Hotel for lunchEnjoy a sumptuous lunch in the company of fellow enthusiasts, chat further,and enjoy the wonderful exhibits of the Healey & Jaguar marque in the carpark after lunchAt your leisure later enjoy a quiet drive homeWe will need to advise the lunch venue of our numbersso please let me know if you are intending to come along.Please RSVP to Greg Corbingcorbin@bigpond.net.au or 0418179327no later than Friday 4 th November 20118Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

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10Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

FOR SALEAHBN1 - Peter Watt’s BRG BN1 Lots of modifications and of course it has a Peter Watt engine.Peter Watt 0260433556 or 04091474281990 Porsche 944S2 CabrioletBlack, Ttravelled only 135540 kms.Car has been well maintained and is in excellent condition. New Hood, New Koni rear shockers, Front Shockersoverhauled, Front disc rotors replaced, Gearbox reconditioned, Radiator removed and cleaned, Air conditioner regased,Wheels repaired and painted, Power Steering hose replaced, Numerous maintenance items performed.$25.000.00Gordon Lindner, 9707 1294 or 0418 540 920100/4 partsA70 Head with valves and springsA90 Head (NCT)Sonic extractorsGear box casings with some gears and attachments and 1x Laygears new never usedCrankshaft with mains bearing caps and matched conrods and gudgeon pinsCamshaft with sprockets timing chain and coverOriginal 100/ 4 rocker coverFront suspension components upper wishbones and shockers lower wish bones springs and plates3x swivel pins4.1 diff with 4 stud rear axlessteering column supportHorn rodSteering box housingOil pump and oil filter unitNew Kilmartin 6 volt battery support with clamp holders2x rear springs with receipt for retensioningSteering idlerBonnet catch2x carby inlet manifolds plus Box of SU carby components 1½ and 2 inch4 wire wheelsDynamoTachometer gearNumerous overdrive and electrical components and body partsJohn Stearne 98171052 or 0418 549 620100/4 crankshaft 10 thou under standard size and has been machined for the Denis Welch rear seal, ready to use$1800.00 ono.Mark Ingham 0411259229Pair of HS6 1-3/4” SU carbies $350.00 ONORalph Fletcher 0418 567218BN1 Austin Healey Parts for SaleOriginal inlet manifold with carburettors/air cleaners. After-market extractors, generator and starter motor $ 400Diff assembly brake drum to brake drum with 4.1 diff $ 400Diff centre 4.1 only 56,000 miles $ 300Diff centre 3.9 $ 400100-6Fibre glass bonnet new $ 120Front bumper bar assembly $ 220Ross Chilianis Phone 97812668BN2 Gear box serial Number I 4690 casting Number AEO 3174 the disc on the top is stamped Type C26A The bellhousing is off a BN4 with linkage to convert to Hydraulic clutch. The gear box came with a BN1 I purchase and restoredusing the BN1 gear box and is not required by me. I was advised the gear box had been reconditioned. There is no OverDrive $1200.00Keith Bailey on 07 3351 5362 or keithbailey5@bigpond.comC/Over Reconditioned clutch bell housing fitted with modified First Motion Shaft seal & re-bushed clutch fork.Suits BN4, BN6, BN7,BT7 ( allside shift Healey’s )Price $180.00Bruce Dixon on 9511-6097WANTEDHealey 100/4 tacho assembly & tail shaft.Serviceable parts or information appreciated.Garry Fitridge 0357522560 or 0432793748 or mfitridge@bigpond.comSOLD IT OR FOUND IT? Please let me know EdHundreds and Thousands October 2011 11

FEATURE ARTICLEMEMBER’S “HEALEY PROFILE” by Gavin Williams (Vic & SA member)Further to Iain McPherson’s article (Hundreds andThousands August 2011) “AUSTIN HEALEYS THATRACED IN AUSTRALIA”, in which he touched on somehistory of my BN 2 - 229769, I felt members may beinterested in knowing how I came to become an AustinHealey owner.It goes back to 1954 when I was a member of theMornington Yacht Club and sailing as a forward hand on a22 foot Sharpie, for those not familiar, I was up foreheadcontrolling the Jib and Spinnaker. It was then that Iexperienced getting really wet and really cold for the firsttime, (one of the prime requisites for a sports car driver) .The seaside town of Mornington on Port Philip Bay was,and probably still is, where a large number of the wellhealed from Melbourne had their holiday houses and someof their sons were also members of the yacht club.On a bright sunny day one of the aforementioned turnedup at the club driving his 21 st birthday present - a BRGBN1, wow, I couldn’t take my eyes off it, “one day”, said I, “I shall have one of those”. But in the meantime the maininterest was girls and then marriage and kids came alongto demand all the incomings and then some.The ownership of an Austin Healey went on the backburner, you know the scene.Cut to the chase.During the late eighties Marlene and I became involved inmotor racing and teamed for Bob Jones with his VLCommodore, major sponsors being Ampol Max 3 andBeaurepaires Tyres. After a few years of running aroundover the country to Group A Racing, now called V8Supercars, I was finding it difficult to keep up with theyoungies, travelling all night to get back in time for worketc, and retired gracefully.This left an enormous gap in our social lives, what am Igoing to do now? Marlene said, “you have always wanteda Healey, why don’t you buy one?” So, we decided to goto an AHOC meeting to do a ‘recci’. The meetings at thetime were being held in the City of Camberwell theatrette.The gazetted meeting time was 8pm, we arrived at aboutten to eight but there wasn’t anyone about. We were justbeginning to wonder if we had the right night when at about10 past 8 a Holden wagon arrived and the bloke (KeithNankervis), began to take some gear into the hall. Iapproached him and he said “Yeah, you’re at the rightplace”, “what about the 8 o’clock starting time?” “It’sHealey time, you’ll get used to it” he said with that boyishgrin.Cars began to roll up and by about 9 the meeting began, itturned out to be an AGM, and nominations for committeewere being received, and nearing the end the President(Graham Smith) was calling for a delegate to the MSCA,(Marque Sports Car Association) and wasn’t having anysuccess. This can’t happen, I thought, “I’ll have a go at it” Isaid from the back of the room, “but I’m not a member yet”.“We’ll soon fix that” said the Prez. So that’s how Marleneand I became involved in this fantastic car club. That was21 years ago and we are still loving it. We now reside inAdelaide and the Healey is driven through the beautifulhills almost every Sunday morning.I digress, …after the meeting and talking to a number ofHealey owners about which type of Austin Healey I shouldpurchase, I was told that ‘there are cruisers and there aresports cars. Are you interested in leisurely drives in thecountry or are you interested in competition?After the thrill of Group A racing the answer was adefinite..competition. The four cylinder Healey appealedto me and I set about trying to procure a ‘hard to find’ BN2.An advertisement in the Melbourne ‘Age’ inserted by aRolls Royce dealer attracted my attention and I hotfootedinto South Melbourne. ‘This car has done minimal milessince it was restored by Marsh Classic Restorations andbecomes available as a result of the owner ‘changingdirection in his life’. After much to-ing and fro-ing, the dealwas done and the proud new owner set out for home. Halfway home the motor stopped and I could hear a rapidticking noise which, having owned a Morris Minor in myyouth, I realised I was out of petrol, notwithstanding thatthe gauge was showing half full. Great start I thought, …but it gets worse. About a week later the weather was niceand Marlene said we should go for a drive along theesplanade, there was a swap meet on at the FootscrayFresh Food Market so we thought we could do both. Aftera short walk around the market, we set out for the beachand while driving along near the wharves another sound Ihad heard before prompted me to stop the carimmediately. We, that is, it, had thrown a rod. Great!! Itseems the car had been sitting in the garage for some timewithout being run and someone had tried to turn the motor,which had seized, by using a large spanner on thecrankshaft pulley nut which had weakened the clamp at thetop of the number one conrod, which let go and leaving thepiston at top dead centre, thrashed about in the bore. Thatwas the first and most expensive of the problems whichwere to follow. Notwithstanding all this, I still love that car.In 1992 while attending a National Rally in Queensland, Iwas approached by a bloke called Jim Bosgra who toldme he had previously owned our car and had done allsorts of crazy things with it. He later gave me somephotographs and a magazine article describing (some of)his exploits, such as racing at Lakeside and the SurfersParadise Drags of which Iain made mention in his article.The car which was Healey Blue, was delivered directlyfrom the factory to Australia and was registered (PBP 700)in Queensland.At our last National Rally, Alwyn Keepence fromQueensland asked me to provide him with any informationand photographs I might have to assist him with recordinga file on all Queensland Austin Healeys and those whichmay have ‘lived’ in Queensland at some time.12Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

He told me there are some other people in Queenslandwho have owned this car and would be interested inhearing about its ‘afterlife’.As long as I have had the car it has been red butapparently it has had a few colour changes from its original‘Healey Blue’; when Jim raced it at Surfers Paradise it wasorange with big ‘fats’ on the back and ‘skinnies’ on thefront. I am told that at some time the car was restored to aroad car and was repainted ‘old English white’. It seemsthat at that time it was driven around the Kings Cross(Sydney) area by a ‘Lady of the Night’ before returning toQueensland and later traded on a BJ8 by Steve Pike. Ibelieve that Steve restored the car, at which time itbecame red, for a person called Laurie Mathieson who wasa private investigator in a Commonwealth Government‘Loans Affair’ also know as “The Khemlani Affair” of 1975,in which a well known Australian Diplomat is said to havefallen foul of the KGB.I’m told that when Steve registered the BN2 he attemptedto get the registration number KGB but it was not availableso he went for CPI 007 (photos of this car accompany thisarticle and are, or were, exhibited in AHOC Vic clubrooms).which were a competition event starting in Melbourne andtravelling through country Victoria and South Australia.These rallies, of which, (ably assisted by Geoff Neagle), Idid five, included track sprints, motorkhanas and hill climbsfinishing with (‘slow’) laps of the Adelaide Grand Prixcircuit.Of course it is history that the Government of SouthAustralia was successful in offloading the Grand Prix to theratepayers of Victoria, although I don’t think it has helpedmy rates and taxes any.On New Years Eve of 2000, Austin Healeys were invited torace on the Adelaide Grand Prix circuit which wasresurrected for the running of a day/night LeMansinternational event, and I was fortunate to be included inthe field of Healeys (as an ‘also ran’, but what a thrill).Geelong Speed Trials, note the position of the timing device -no wonder I was beaten by three tenths of a second.It seems that Laurie went M.I.A (missing in action) and thecar was sold to the then assistant Coroner for Victoria, aMr Graeme Johnson. I hasten to add that the foregoing ishearsay and the writer takes no responsibility for itsaccuracy.The car wore CPI 007 until we defected to South Australiaand now wears RED 104With regard to my competition experience in this car, -AHOC Melbourne ran a driver training day at SandownPark and I was lucky enough to get a few laps with RobbieRoland, (boy is he quick). I caught ‘the bug’ and began todo ‘Regularity’ events and then entered Grand Prix RalliesOther ‘experiences’ have included Targa Tasmania andClassic Adelaide tarmac rallies which are alsounforgettable. I have removed the ‘hot’ motor, the Supragearbox, the limited slip 3.9 diff and have replaced themwith the original mechanicals so we are back to having a‘well sorted’, ‘basically standard’ car which we trust won’tplay up on our way to the next National Rally inQueensland in Easter 2012. I have sold the diff and thebox, but if anyone is interested I still have a heavilymodified 4 cylinder Healey motor.As previously mentioned errors and omissions areaccepted. Happy Healeying.I’d just like to share an experience with youIt has to do with drinking and driving.As you know I have had brushes with the authorities on the way home from the golf club over the years. Well I’ve donesomething about it!Last night I was out for a couple of light refreshments with my buddies and as per usual got legless. Knowing full well Iwas blind, I did something I'd never done before: I took a bus home - true story.I arrived home safely and without incident which was a real surprise.Considering I’d never driven a bus before.Hundreds and Thousands October 2011 13

Packing it inWhen you take off overseas in your Big Healey, one of it’s big advantages as a tourer is luggage capacity. Not only doesit have a boot which you can lock (even if you can’t lock the doors), but there is copious room behind the seats, especiallyif you have the hood up or a hardtop. And in this regard a BT7 or BN7 is greatly superior to the later porky BJ7 and BJ8models, with their fat scuttles and woosy wind up windows.And if you have copied a works car - which were two seaters so with no storage behind the seats - you can have a bootlid with a spare tyre bump in it. This was to accommodate the 4” x 72 spoke wire wheel with Dunlop Duraband sparelying on top of the big long distance tank. Even if you only have standard tank and ordinary spare, with the bump you canpack a decent size suitcase in the boot.Another strategy is to get a boot rack, which is still available -this locates on the boot lid hinge pins - you get longer oneswith the kit - and sits on two long struts with forked ends whichrest on the bumper irons.With a rack, Paul and Christine Freestone toured the UK andon to Sweden with a suitcase and Paul’s BMW folding bikestrapped on. Paul was suffering some back troubles - hecould bike but not walk for exercise. Thanks to the rack,problem solved. And not something you’d likely see on anMX5 or other modern sports car. But on a Healey, pas deprobleme. WAP 7 also stars in the photo nearby. This is takenfrom a Healey being driven away from the McLaren world HQalong the VIP road which is reserved for special invited guests.In the mirror you can see a big red grip piled in there behindthe seats with the roll over protection and hardtop vent andyou can see WAP 7 peeping through in the rear view mirror.What you can’t see is the two extra grips piled in there with thesmall bags for video and camera.On lesser trips, the boot is alsohandy for wine touring. The spacebetween spare tyre and battery isexactly right for a box of a sixreds (a box of 12 is too tall to getthe boot lid shut and note thatyou should never put white winein a Healey). And if the wine tourincludes a gala night out, then thebest frock and suit can livehappily in a suit bag folded on topof the spare.Healeys are also full of nooks andcrannies which are really handyfor small packages - your runnerswill fit neatly between the top ofthe battery and shroud, the lady’shandbag goes nicely between theseats (but watch out fortransmission tunnel heat, whichcan cook the makeup and fry thelip balm) - and provides a decentbasis for negotiations over thesize and shape of the handbag.Leather is always better than fabric with no long handles to catch in the seat runners, always proving impossible todisconnect without removing seats.14Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

Stuart Mackenzie,his Healey and 8m longsculling shellBut perhaps the most impressive display of packing it all in aHealey goes back to 1960, when famed Aussie championsculler Stuart Mackenzie carried his 8m long sculling boataround the Thames Valley atop his 100/6.Side Exhaust was at Keble College, Oxford at the time andtraining in the first eight at the same time as Mackenzie onHenley Reach in the lead up to the regatta. Later, wewatched him defeat Vyachev Ivanov in the Diamond Sculls,the Russian Champion having famously pipped him in theOlympics on Lake Wendouree into Silver spot. And laterover a beer, we listened to this Aussie’s tales of his Healeyadventures terrorising the locals and charming the girls.Maybe the only downside to the Big Healey as luggagecarrier is the impact on the rear leaf springs. It is easy for theweight of all these bags and bikes to build up alarmingly -we weighed in at nearly 200 kgs over the logbook weight.Not surprisingly, despite the stiffer 14 leaf rear springs, therewere a couple of broken leaves on each side and signs ofrear bump stop stress.Converting the intercontinental luggage hauler back to Targacompetitor involved more repair and new parts than theother way round. But never mind, it’s great to be able toenjoy your Healey in so many different rolesSome of Gordon Lindner’s Photos from the visit to “Garage Classics”Hundreds and Thousands October 2011 15

LUCKY RACER IN THE LUCKY COUNTRYHow a Healey legend was rescued against the odds by Australian Healey enthusiastsLast month, I described how the sole remaining AustinHealey Le Mans racer from 1953 had been built, raced to12th at Le Mans, then become the road test car and brakedevelopment mule before enjoying a long period as thefavourite factory hack of Geoff Healey and RogerMenadue. And how it had been sold off to the trade andover six years of frequent owners, had lost its identity tobecome a mouldering pile of junk down the side of a housein Sussex.We called it the Lucky Racer because this car alwaysdodged the bullets. It was NOJ391 which crashed on theway back from scrutineering and had to be rebuilt onto393, and was then written off in a fatal racing accidentwhile 392 got the best position at Le Mans and then all theglamour jobs - including taking the Boss on hishoneymoon.And when all seemed lost and the corpse of an old racerwas about to head to the wreckers, along came yours trulylooking for a faster racer than the Healey Silverstone. Andwith help and encouragement from Peter Browning, bythen Competitions Manager for BL, and Les Needham atthe Austin Healey Club, the ruins of NOJ392 ended up inmy garage in February 1969 - for £100.The years which followed were very stressful - to fund therebuild I sold my Silverstone and soon realised thatbuilding a winning racer from what I had was beyond mymeans. I was increasingly distracted by a new relationshipand spent less and less time at home. Plus my new lovehated 9DPK, my loyal road going 100/6 - it was noisy, toocold, too hot, too rough. My company Austin Maxi wasmore congenial (plus the seats folded into a great bed) sothe 100/6 had to go. Hard to believe that Linda would laterbecome a top tarmac rally navigator, with nerves of steeland relentless desire to win.By now separated, the divorce threatened my ownership ofNOJ but painful negotiations allowed me to hold on to whatwas now a pile of dismantled junk while less importantassets - like the house - went to my former wife.Temporarily, the stuff stayed in Henley - I was rentingapartments, so what to do with NOJ became an issue.Soon after Lin and I married in 1973, an internationalcareer opened up and we were off to live and work inParis. NOJ had to be secured. Dear friend Arthur Birchallcame to my rescue - long time F1 mechanic at Chapman’sLotus, and a stint as Engineering Director for Clandeveloping the Crusader, Arthur had now set up arestoration and race preparation business in Norfolk. HePart 2 of the Victorian story of NOJ 392went and fetched NOJ but couldn’t find the seats - theystayed where I had put them up the loft, where I think theyare still sitting today.After an exciting couple of years running GM’s ad agencyin Paris , in 1975 Linda and I moved briefly to Singaporeand then to Melbourne , with the brief to win some ofHolden ad business away from George Pattersons.Despite the drain of divorce, my income was now able tofund the start of restoration and Arthur began by repairingthe chassis in conjunction with the specialist skills of DCDevelopments. Work proceeded slowly but by 1980, over£1200 had been spent making the frame as good as new.Arthur also dismantled the engine and reported that: ‘theengine should be rebored, it is now at +40” and FredDraper tells me that it must now be resleeved and put backto standard, the crank can be reground to 0.020”’. Thiswas the era when Fred had left Healeys and set up hisown famous Healey parts emporium.Meanwhile, back in 1975, a chance meeting happened onthe other side of the world which was the next piece of luckfor the Lucky Racer. John Gray takes up the story:“It was 1975 and I was filling up the 100S [3901] withavgas at the Mobil service station at the then end of theEastern Freeway. It was one of the few places inMelbourne where you could buy avgas from a pump and Iwas filing 3901 in preparation for the trip to Adelaide for thenational rally.A well spoken Englishman, who was filling up an orangeTorana SLR ,walked around the car and said: “It isn't, isit?'” to which I replied , “yes it is.” “Which one?” he askedand I replied “3901”. “Ah, the Paris car” the Englishmanreplied.By now I realised that this bloke knew his Austin Healeysand he explained that he had been living in Paris whenBernard Maitre advertised the car in Road and Track andhe had enquired about it only to be informed that it hadbeen sold to an Australian. Me !NOJ IN A BOXLittle did Brian Dermott realise that he would meet 3901again only about two kilometers from where he was nowliving in Melbourne.This meeting led to a life long friendship with Brian andLinda and not a few hard to remember weekendafternoons in Australia and Europe discussing thingsHealey while they tried to reduce my neurons with chilledwhite wine - some would say successfully.16Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

During these chats it was explained by Brian that while Iowned a 100S he owned an early works alloy bodied carwhich predated all 100Ss.The car ,NOJ392, was residing in the UK in x number ofpieces awaiting restoration to its former glory, a plan beingdelayed by Brian's presence down under.Later on, in 1976, I held a 21st birthday party for 3901 andBrian sent a marvellous card which read "happy birthdayyoung un from us and old NOJ392". This card is still in mypossession in the 100S memorabilia file.Time moved on to around 1980 by which time Brian andLinda had left the hallowed shores of Oz for Brussels andthen America.I received a letter which said in part "remember us" andwent on to explain that due to many changedcircumstances NOJ had not progressed and ex Lotusmechanic, Arthur Birchall, who had undertaken therestoration, was moving from the UK to Australia, so wouldI be interested in buying NOJ. I sent back an immediateletter saying: you have now sold it - how much do you wantfor it ?It would be some time before the crates containing thisrare Healey would reach downunder, due in part to a longprotracted packing programme undertaken by Arthur, andalso to an unbelievable series of letters from JohnWheatley, self professed expert in all things Healey in theUK.John was doing everything within his power to stop NOJbeing sent to Australia claiming amongst other things thatthe UK experts could restore it better, a very interestingcomment in view of what has been done to NOJ since itsreturn to UK, and that it would lose its identity if transporteddown under (although transportation didn't seem to worrythe Poms about 200 years ago).After some more delays while this minor irritation wasresolved, NOJ arrived in two packing cases in Melbournein early 1981. While collecting the cases from the freightforwarders, the customs officer asked to see inside thecrates. I was filled with confidence by the custom's officersaying incredulously: "you paid three hundred dollars forTHAT?”The cases were taken home to Camberwell where theywere unpacked and sorted out. Examining my purchase, Irealised just how special NOJ is, all the panels and subframes were hand made in alloy and the chassis was alsohand fabricated.The two piece dashboard was hand made as were thewindscreen supports, door locks, instruments, badges andengine accessories.The instruments are of particular interest having handpainted faces fitted to cast bodies from an A90 Atlantic, notthe pressed tin ones of production cars. The badges,especially the front one, is hand made being engraved notcast as production ones. The rocker cover, still with thered paint inside it was again made from a modified A90unit, being cut and welded to enable the lower heightrequired for the Healey body line.One thing which amazed me then, and still does now, ishow much of the original hand made parts of NOJ were stillintact, minus the seats which were still in Henley.The hand made Girling discs were still with the back endbut the fronts were replaced with 3000 units. In hind sightit is probable, considering that Roger Menadue was usingthe car, that these were the prototype 3000 units. I don'trecall who I sold them to, but whoever it was they may bestopping their Healey with some very significant discs.The engine and gearbox are unique in both constructionand specification. The engine was completelyunassembled but still with its unique carby and exhaustsetup, its special camshaft with a 9D part number, as usedon all Healey special parts, in particular 100S parts. The9D number was also on the inlet manifolds which are infact the FIRST 100m spec items, differing from productionLe mans units in using the A90 choke and linkage setups.The gearbox was particularly interesting being made froman Austin Taxi unit and fitted with an overdriveI was informed by Brian Healey that this was gearboxnumber one and the overdrive adapter was made in houseat Warwick. Sure enough when rebuilding the gearbox theadapter plate still had the blue markings in place on thefaces where the matching tookplace.AUSTIN TAXI GEARBOXWith the parts unpacked and studied it was establishedthat very little was missing but very much requiredrestoration.The body was in need of complete refurbishment,particularly from the accident many years before. Thedoors and rear section were complete and seemed to be ingood condition including their unique alloy frames etcAfter consulting the Motor and Autocar roadtests, for whichNOJ was used, a number of missing items were markeddown for collection. These were the correct aero screenand some dashboard switches and the overdrive switchwhich had been removed from the steering wheel andreplaced by a switch on the gear knobHaving run into the same relationship problems that hadbefallen Brian some years earlier, NOJ was again caughtup in a divorce and was again put on the back burnerbefore finally being relocated and rescued from thematrimonial turbulence. Again, NOJ392 got lucky.During the period of collection of missing items andinformation I developed a good relationship with Brian andGeoff Healey, who were most helpful and enthusiasticabout NOJ. In one letter to me, Geoff ended with "I amvery envious of your having NOJ, those early cars were thebest days of my life". Geoff was very helpful in confirminginformation about NOJ and providing details about missingitems and what they would be off.Hundreds and Thousands October 2011 17

In 1990 Geoff and Margot Healey attended the Ballaratnational rally and were delighted to be reunited with NOJ,enthusiastically pointing out where "the boys in shop" hadplaced the kippers on the exhaust manifold and in thetransmission tunnel for the honeymoon trip in NOJ.On another occasion during a trip to England, while stayingwith Brian Healey, I was taken to meet Roger Menaduewho had helped build and later use NOJ.Roger provided many useful insights to NOJ and alsoproduced from his car keys the Austin Healey key ring hehad while driving NOJ. It later transpired that this key ringwas made by Roger as the prototype Austin Healey keyringI was deeply moved by Roger's kindness in passing onthis piece of history and when NOJ was sold to WarwickSell the key ring stayed with the car.When Roger, in turn, was invited to Australia by theVictorian AHOC he was also reintroduced to his "companycar", probably the only Le Mans place getter to be used assuch. Roger also provided photos of NOJ with boat, wifeand daughter. (As an aside the outboard motor on theboat was built by Roger at Warwick "after hours". WhenDonald Healey saw Roger building his own outboard motorhe asked why he didn’t just buy one, to which Rogerreplied "you don't pay me enough").By this time NOJ was becoming almost 100% completewith the few missing parts sourced, but still requiring acomplete rebuild. The car by this stage was in a rollingchassis form but would require a very extensive andexpensive, restoration. While resting at the Healey Factorywith the 4000 I was asked by Robbie if I would considerselling NOJ instead of the 4000.I guess that I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse, on theproviso that I would be available to help with theinformation needed to complete the restoration. I was onlytoo happy to be involved with the next stage of the rebirthof the Lucky Healey.Next month you can read the final story of how Warwickand Cameron Sell bought NOJ392 and with the skills of theHealey Factory and their team of world class Victoriancraftsmen, brought the Lucky Racer back to life.18Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

AUSTIN-HEALEYS THAT RACED IN AUSTRALIAI recently received an email from Noel and HelenStandfast, who are Members of the Queensland Club,advising that they are restoring a BN1. Noel described itas the typical “Barn Find” as it has been off the road since1968. The Heritage Certificate which he had obtainedindicated that the car was first delivered to AustinDistributors in Melbourne and he was seeking anyinformation which I may have.My records showed that the car was last registered inVictoria in 1961 and that the plates were destroyed in NewSouth Wales. Because any details of this car have nevershown up in any of the Club Registers, I had alwaysassumed that it had gone the way of many Austin-Healeysduring that period, and that it no longer existed.What made Noels advice even more exciting is that thiscar had a very interesting motor racing history during itstime in Victoria.This red car, BNI 214965, was first registered GFV 222 byMrs Vena Davey from Toorak on 29 November 1954.Vena entered the car in a variety of competition events.Vena then bought a white BN2, (BN2 228919) which wasregistered GLS 666 on the 21 February 1956. Shecontinued with her motor sports activities and also enteredthis car in competition. The first event being atTemplestowe in May, followed by Fishermans Bend inOctober where she started on the last row of the gridbeside Bib Stillwell in the D-Type Jaguar.This made Vena one of a very few number of people inAustralia who raced two different Austin-Healeys. Afterselling the BN2, she had a drive of her brother EarleDavey-Milne’s Bugatti-Hudson, which later became theBugatti-Corvette, at Rob Roy. Earle said it frightened her.RACING RESULTS-VENA DAVEY3 June 1955 Rob Roy 37.35 sec3 July 1955 Templestowe 80.52 secSeptember 1955 Rob Roy1-2 October 1955 Fishermans BendRACV Trophy over 12 lapsArgus Trophy over 6 laps1 November 1955 Rob Roy 36.64 secJanuary 1956 Templestowe 76.12 secVena Davey at Fishermans BendThe times indicate that Vena generally had the slowesttime in the class, and Earle confirmed that the car wasstandard and that Vena only raced for the fun of it.It should be remembered that in those days thecompetition was regarded as “Motor Sport” and the eventswere very social, particularly at Rob Roy which wasconducted by the Light Car Club of Australia.Girlfriends, wives and even mothers, turned up to enjoy thefestivities after the competition.Vena sold the car to Frank Porter, and I believe that laterhe also bought the BN2 from her. Frank had previouslyraced an MG TF and went on to race a number of cars. Atthe 1975 Hardie Ferodo1000 he drove an Alfa 2000 GTVentered by Clemens Sporting Cars (Bill Clemens hadpreviously raced a BN1), and at the1985 James Hardie1000 he shared a drive of an Alfa GTV6 with Ray Gulson(Ray had previously owned and raced the Canberra SpeedShop BN1 and owned a 3000MK3).RACING RESULTS- FRANK PORTER11-18 March 1956 Albert Park. Moomba TT 20 th( Suffered a broken rocker cover gasket and was leakingoil).Argus Cup8 th (First of the standard 100’s behind the100/S of Ron Phillips).Fastest lap of 2.20 compared to 2.15 ofthe 100/S2 April 1956 Templestowe 63.10 secNot known Tuerong Valley Hillclimb 34 sec RecordWith the good result that Frank achieved at Albert Park onecould speculate that in the few weeks between Venaselling the car and this Meeting, Frank must have hadsome extensive work done to the engine, as he beat someof the very fast Austin-Healeys of the time, withexperienced drivers such as Stuart Charge, Ray Gibbs,Colin Porter, Kevin Stuart and Leo Taylor.Most of us are familiar with places like Rob Roy,Templestowe and Fishermans Bend , but Tuerong Valleymay be unknown. The Victorian Amateur Drivers Cluboperated this hillclimb on land donated by Mr D Barrows atMornington. It was a graded track of 484 yards in length.It consisted of 8 corners and was regarded as the trickiesthillclimb in Victoria. Two Austin-Healeys competed at thefirst Meeting in October 1954. A P. Riley had the fastestwith a time of 38 sec, compared to Lou Molina whosuffered from wheel spin in his Holden Special with a timeof 39.3 sec. After the Clubs seventh Meeting on 28 April1957 it was reported that the record of 34 sec held byFrank Porter in his Austin-Healey had been broken byJohn Marston in his Gold Star Special with a time of 32.7sec.The next owner of the BN1 was Bob Amey from Burwoodwho bought the car in July 1956. It is probably during thisperiod that it was painted red/black with a gold pin stripe.In April 1960 Les Sergeant from Camberwell became theowner. He only kept for 7 months before selling it to VinceCahill from Thornbury. Vince left Victoria shortlyafterwards to work as mechanic on the Snowy MountainsScheme and, as he said, was making plenty of money. Heand some mates went up to Queensland to help buildLakeside and he eventually sold the car up there. Vincehas a photo of the car at Lakeside fitted with white walltyres. He then bought a 3000 Mk 1 which had belonged tothe Cambodian Ambassador and was featured in SportsCar World in July 1961. When owned by the Ambassadorit was a left hand drive car. Vince later worked for a BMCDealer in Sydney for many years and went on to race anumber of cars, including an MGB.Somewhere along the way the car has acquired an engine1B 223592M out of an unknown BN1.Hundreds and Thousands October 2011 19

Noel Standfast has been able to research some of thehistory of the car while it has been in Queensland and hasadded the following:-Vince Cahill from Sydney bought the car in about 1961 andremembers it being red over black with white wall tyres.Vince took it up to Brisbane in the early sixties where heworked as a truck driver. Vince was mates with Sid andRoss Petralia who ran the ‘Chequered Flag’ Mobil garageon Lutwyche Road, Windsor.Bob decided to restore the car and stripped it down to thechassis during quiet periods in the shop. However it nevergot quiet enough to do the project justice so Bob sold thecar disassembled in October 1990 to Ian Hayward.Ian joined the club in 1991 and continued the restoration,doing some of the work himself before sending the car toDave Moss and Sons restoration shop at Sumner Park forsome chassis and body work. Ian got busy with hisvintage car projects and lost interest in the Healey. Thecar sat in undercoat grey for about ten years until Noel andHelen Standfast bought it as an unfinished project inSeptember 2010. Noel and Helen set out to restore thecar to original condition and stripped it back to bare metal.Like many projects that have sat for many years it neededsubstantial rework to end up with a good car. Noelentrusted the car to Peter Janetzki’s JH Classicrestorations restoration at Yatala to have the chassis andbody restored.Peter did a first class job of the chassis and bodywork andthe car is currently ready for painting.Vince Cahill at Service Station in Windsor Brisbane 1961According to Vince, both brothers owned Healey hundredsand also raced a hot FJ Holden in the early days ofLakeside. Vince sold the car in the mid sixties to wellknown Brisbane sports car dealer Blair Shepherd.The next record of the car in Queensland is when it waspurchased by Greg Corbett from Manly who bought the carin 1968 for the princely sum of $210. Greg had anaccident in the car in 1970 and repainted the car yellowover black. This was before the formation of theQueensland Healey Club in 1970 and AHOC membershipsecretary Alwyn Keepence remembers meeting Greg at aparty somewhere in the 70s but he wasn’t a member of theclub.Bob Wessling bought the car from Greg in October 1971and was in the club for a couple of years while he used thecar to drive to his panel beating business ‘Rode RoadSmash Repairs’ at Chermside.Ready for Paint 2011Noel and Helen are going full steam ahead with the projectaiming to have it finished for the 2012 National Rally inQueensland.Iain McPherson with help from Noel StandfastA psychiatrist was conducting a group therapy session with four young mothers and their small children."You all have obsessions," he observed.“Mary, he said, "You’re obsessed with eating. You've even named your daughter Candy."“Ann, "Your obsession is with money. Again, it manifests itself in your child's name, Penny.“Kathy, “Your obsession is with alcohol. This, too, shows itself in your child's name, Brandy.At this point, the fourth mother, Joyce, quietly got up, took her little boy by the hand and whispered, "Come on, Dick, this guy has noidea what he's talking about. Lets pick Willy up from school and go home."20Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

A school inspector is assigned to the year 4 class in one of the localstate schools. He is introduced to the class by the teacher. She saysto the class, "Let's show the inspector just how clever you are byallowing him to ask you a question".The inspector reasons that normally class starts with religiousinstruction, so he will ask a biblical question. He asks :"Class, whobroke down the walls of Jericho?"For a full minute there is absolute silence. The children all just stareat him blankly. Eventually, little Bruce raises his hand. The inspectorexcitedly points to him and Bruce stands up and replies: "Sir, I don‚tknow who broke down the walls of Jericho, but it wasn't me".Of course the inspector is shocked by the answer and looks at theteacher for an explanation. Realizing that he is perturbed, theteacher says: "Well, I've known Bruce since the beginning of the year,and I believe that if he says that he didn't do it, then he didn't.The inspector is even more shocked at this and storms down to theprincipal's office and tells him what happened, to which the principalreplies : "I don't know the boy, but I socialize every now and then withhis teacher, and I believe her. If she feels that the boy is innocent,then he must be innocent".The inspector can't believe what he is hearing. He grabs the phoneon the principal's desk and in a rage dials Julia Gillard’s telephonenumber and relates the entire occurrence to her and asks her whatshe thinks of the education standard in the State.The PM sighs heavily and replies: "I don't know the boy, the teacheror the principal, but just get two quotes and have the walls fixed !! …Hundreds and Thousands October 2011 21

Retired Old Farts & Wannabe's2nd Thursday every Month - Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30 sharp departureWhat you need to know;This is an official AHOC activity.We drive on the 2nd Thursday of each month.We drive for about 1½ hours, plus lunch and other stops. We aim to drive North, East, West and South…turnabout.We use Free/Tollways whenever possible to get out of town - eTAG!Meeting points;North - Excelsior Hotel Motel, Cnr Mahoneys & Edgars Rds Thomastown - meet at 10:15am for a 10:30departureNorthern runs arranged by Mike Snelgrove - 0418 320 524East - Kilsyth Club car park, Cnr Canterbury & Colchester Rds - meet at 10:15am for a 10:30 departureEasterly runs arranged by Warren Gartner - 0418 536 350West - McDonalds, Western Hwy & Westwood Dve (Melway 25 A6) - meet at 10:15am for a 10:30 departureWesterly runs - Mike Snelgrove - 0418 320 524.South - Basketball Centre car park - Stud Rd and Monash F'way - meet at 10:15am for a 10:30 departureSoutherly runs - Arthur Tuckett - 0418 105 627Now…..the "big picture" stuff;Visitors with "other" cars are welcome.If it's not Healey weather….bring a tin top!This is not just a boy's day out.Send drive suggestions to the appropriate organizer above.If you want to go a bit faster than the guy in front - overtake him and have fun.We obey the road laws……yet we still have fun!22Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

COMPETITION REPORT OCTOBER 2011TEAM HEALEY and MSCA NEWSCOMING EVENTSEvents marked with * count towards the CompetitionChampionship. Sprint and Regularity events requirea basic CAMS level 2S licence only. (contact Rod Vogt)1 MARQUE SPORTS CAR ASSOCIATION (MSCA)CALENDAR FOR 2011Round 8 (final for 2011)Sandown 4 th DecemberSaturday 5 th November* Calder confirmedhas been CANCELLED.Sandown management were unable to give us this date which was to feature a BBQ/presentation. Alternatives for thepresentation will be discussed by the MSCA committee.Due to high demand for track hire, we have been told we will now be allocated only 2 Sandown events in 2012 andbeyond (probably in February and July) – we normally try to run three events at Sandown each year. Winton and PhillipIsland were unable to give us a day to replace Sandown so the season finishes after Calder on November 5 th . Thedifficulty in hiring the various tracks is of concern to the MSCA committee and we can only see the problem getting worsein the future. CAMS claim to support grass roots motorsport but there is little evidence of this. Pressure from residentsnear Sandown and Phillip Island tracks (even Calder and Winton have housing encroaching now) means a reduction inweekend activity and strict noise controls. Increased testing and corporate days bring good income to the tracks andreduce available time for our Club level activities.If you have wanted to try the Healey at our MSCA events I suggest you do not put it off too long. The long term future ofclub motorsport is becoming increasingly difficult to forsee.The 2012 MSCA CALENDAR is a work in progress with no confirmed dates at this stage.ENTRY FORMS for these events will be sent to all on the Team Healey email list and are available on the MSCA websitewww.msca.net.au . If you want to get involved ring Rod Vogt on 5962 1915 or 0408 395 240 or email competition-MSCA@healeyvic.com.au . Spectators are encouraged. Entry is free and you are welcome in our pit garage.Competition starts at approximately 9.15am2 OTHER EVENTS15/16 th Oct *Winton Six Hour Relay Race – supporters/helpers wanted for Sunday 16 th22/23 rd Oct *Vic State Race Series inc MG and Invited British, Phillip Island5/6 th Nov *Historic Sandown11-13 th Nov *FOSC Wakefield Park, Goulburn. NSW26/27 th Nov *HSRCA Historic s at Eastern Creek, SydneyWINTON SIX HOUR RELAY SUNDAY 16 th OCTOBERTEAM HEALEY for 2011 comprises John Goodall (100/6), Bill Vaughan and Rod Vogt in Bug-eye Sprites, Tony Roberts(ex Healey owner in his Porsche 911) and Peter Osbourn (ex Healey owner from Sydney in his Alfa 105). Graham Palichis Team Manager with assistance from Trevor Smith. Trevor has a vaguely unspecified role at the whim of the organizers– don’t forget to bring the toilet brush Trevor! The observant among you will notice that this is the identical group thatcompeted in their first 6 Hour at Winton last year under the Team Healey Number 2 banner. In a bloodless coup we havetaken over the sole responsibility of bringing home the silverware. Surely a one year apprenticeship is more thanenough?All jokes aside, we have become Team One after Peter and Anne Stanley have retired from their long held managers’positions and they are big shoes to fill. We were lucky to share a garage with the Stanleys’and their experienced Team ofPeter Jackson (3000), Geoff Leake (100), and Jeff Smith, Geoff Lawrence and Colin Wallace in their Sprites. The SpriteClub boys will continue to compete in a Sprite Club team. Our group decided immediately after the fall of the chequeredflag in 2010 that this much fun had to be repeated in 2011, little realizing that we would carry the flag alone.A fitting tribute to Peter and Anne Stanley will follow in a later article.THE EVENT “The RDA EBC Brakes Alfa Romeo Club 6 Hour Relay” is open to all marque sports cars,street sedans and sports cars, but not open wheelers. The event is a team event – we ALL have to contribute for theteam to be successful. It is a regularity event where consistency is rewarded rather than speed, racing is not necessaryand drivers who demonstrate race-like or unsportsman-like behaviour may be excluded - to quote the supplementaryregulations. With 45 Teams ( 45 cars on the track at all times for 6 continuous hours ) and requiring only a basic CAMSLevel 2S licence, action can be frantic and safety is paramount. Peter Stanley has tried to explain the mathematics of thescoring system many times in the past but we simpleton drivers just drive like the champions we are and will let GrahamPalich worry about such things. What we do understand is that we will all practice on Saturday and then nominate atarget time for each driver for Sunday. If a time of, say, 1.50 is the target, a lap completed in 1.51.00 or slower counts asone lap. A lap time faster than 1.50.00 is NOT scored! A time between 1.50.00 and 1.50.99 counts as a lap scoredPLUS a BONUS lap. THAT one second target zone is very hard to achieve in heavy traffic with a variety of cars aimingfor their own target times. Drive too conservatively or suffer from the “red mist” and you let the team down.DRIVERS must meet the goals set above. Cars need to be well prepared. With a five car team we will be expected to doat least two sessions of 40 minutes, more if a team car breaks down. Fifty plus laps for the day is common.Hundreds and Thousands October 2011 23

While one car is on the track the next driver sits in his car with suit and helmet and seat belts on ready for an unexpectedearly call to start if your circulating team member has a problem. Do the maths – up to 90 minutes without going to thetoilet!!! On finishing your session it is time to check the car over for the next stint, refuel, rehydrate and of course go tothe toilet (do you detect a worry weighing on the mind of yours truly?) Which brings me to …….SPECTATORS and HELPERS are needed and encouraged. We do have a couple of helpers I believe,but we probably need more. Come along and watch the fun and support the team. There is plenty of continuous andvaried track activity for the 6 hours. Admission is free, park up the top and walk down to the bottom garages on the frontstraight of the track extension. You will be welcome in our garage, just be aware that we are pretty busy and at timespreoccupied (with going to the toilet?.) I am sure Graham Palich would be happy to assign you a timing/pit board job onpit wall to REALLY feel part of the action (don’t come with any RED clothing). But beware – John Goodall came towatch/help in 2009 and now look where he is. Let me know if you can help (0408 395 240) and I will tell Graham Palich.SUNDAY RACE START IS 10.30 and the event finishes at 4.30pm.SANDOWN HISTORIC RACES NOVEMBER 5/6 thA fantastic race meeting at the accessible Sandown circuit. This is the weekend after Melbourne Cup Day and no socialevents are scheduled - no excuses for not supporting our Healeys in Group S Production Sports Car Races and in PostWar Regularity. For full details of what to expect go to the Victorian Historic Racing Register website www.vhrr.comCOMPETITION REPORTS1 SANDOWN MSCA JULY 3 rd RESULTSA big thank you to Rob Raverty for his report last month. Pity about the weather boys – I didn’t see a single drop of rainfor the 8 weeks I was away in the outback! Sorry about the gratuitous comment, but I had to get it in somewhere. Hereare the POINTS EARNED FOR THE AHOC COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP with 4 fastest laps.1 Russell Baker 3000 904 pts 1.37.00, 1.37.38, 1.37.91, 1.37.962 Hugh Purse 100/4 879 pts 1.48.85, 1.49.97, 1.50.03, 1.50.033 Rob Raverty 3000 851 pts 2.05.34, 2.05.68, 2.06.75, 2.06.834 Tim Westover 3000 788 pts 1.44.67, 1.44.82, 1.46.27, 1.46.795 Leon O’Brien 100/4 574 pts 2.09.92, 2.11.40, 2.11.58, 2.14.18Damp and variable conditions made good scoring difficult. Hugh Purse put out some very good times in the four cylinderHealey and I am sure any advice received from Steve Pike helped a lot. Now Steve, MY next run is at …..Seriously, weall appreciate the advice and encouragement we have had over the last few years from Steve Pike, Peter Jackson, BrianDermott, Geoff Leake, Rob Rowland and Bill Ingham at our MSCA entry level activities. We are very lucky at the AHOCto have regular access to such experienced Healey racers.MSCA Regularity had 9 competitors and Leon O’Brien did well with a fine third placing. Tim Westover 7 th , Rob Raverty8 th and Hugh Purse 9 th formed a tight Healey cluster at the BOTTOM of the result sheet! Actually it was the usualproblem for a damp day – conservative target times set in the variable morning conditions ruined by fast laps in the drierafternoon. No one wants to drive slowly in the better conditions just because a trophy is at stake. Bloody revheads!!!2 VHRR HISTORIC WINTON AUGUST 13/14 thGroup S Racing Peter Jackson (3000) was the only Healey at Winton. He was the sole Group Sa pre 1960Production Sports Car and the Saturday combined Sa/Sb field numbered only nine. Unfortunately they included the twoShelby GT350’s with whom PJ has had many titanic battles in the past, giving Peter a third place behind the newer,powerful V8’s. On Sunday they put the Sa/Sb field in with a strong Group Sc field for single Group S competitions.Rather than being disappointed, Peter relishes a challenge and continued his battle with the Shelby’s plus Porsches, a DeTomaso, Corvette etc.Obviously Peter was declared winner of all three Group Sa races, strengthening his position as defending Group SChampion (hence carrying Number 1 on the Healey this year). In valiantly racing the newer and more powerful Sb andSc cars Peter slashed the lap record for Sa Production Sports Cars by over two seconds to 1.41.81 from a previous1.43.92. Peter mentioned his appreciation of the support from several club members, mainly from the country areas, whodropped by his pit to say hello.Regularitysaw Rob Jamieson as our sole entrant in his 100/4. Rob came 7 th in Event 1 on Saturday afternoonand 8 th in Event 2 on Sunday morning but did not start in the afternoon. I am assuming Rob’s 100 is the same car heraced in Historic. Rob flys under the radar at our Club. Recently joined members (yours truly included) probably do notknow Rob, despite him having flown the Healey flag in historic racing for many years. I fear I have missed some of hisactivities in making my reports since becoming competition secretary. If I do miss any activities by any competingmember, PLEASE let me know.POINTS EARNED for AHOC COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP and 4 fastest timesPeter Jackson 3000 964 pts 1.41.81, 1.41.91, 1.41.92, 1.42.17Rob Jamieson 100/4 759 pts 1.59.95, 2.01.02, 2.01.99, 2.02.36A mighty effort by Peter Jackson to score a high 964 points out of a possible 1000 points. His ability to string togetherfast and consistent lap times under racing conditions is amazing. Completing 28 rolling laps for the weekend, his fastest10 laps covered less than 1 second and his fastest 19 laps covered just 2 seconds. Three seconds covered ALL hisracing laps – 1.41.81 to 1.44.98. This sets the standard for our Competition Championship.24Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

3 MSCA PHILLIP ISLAND AUGUST 21 stA day of mixed fortunes for Russell Baker (3000) in Sprints and Bill Vaughan and Brian Aitken in their Sprites inRegularity.Russell Baker completed 6 laps in the first session and posted a personal best lap time at PI of 2.04.85 with high hopesof significant improvement. I can imagine Russell with “the eyes wide open’ as he built up speed on the warm up lap forthe second session and then disaster – right hand front alloy wheel collapses in the hard right hander we call MG Cornerat the bottom of the Lukey Heights hill. The knock-on was all that kept the Healey from collapsing to the groundcompletely! The scary bit is that the next right hand corner is Turn One at the end of the main straight. It doesn’t bearthinking about if the failure had occurred there. It is a reminder that motor sport has it’s dangers at all levels. Of coursethe public roads can be dangerous, as can King Street at midnight.Bill Vaughan posted only two timed laps before the Sprite had major engine failure – more oil inside the engine bay thaninside the motor I believe. At least the block was intact and it will be fixed in time before the Winton 6 Hour Relay. Motorsport can be expensive as well as dangerous.The good news was that Brian Aitken had fitted his first set of new R-spec racing radials and this transformed the Sprite.Brian was flying with the new found grip and confidence to post a personal best at Phillip Island of 2.19.43 which betteredhis previous best lap time by about TEN seconds. And he was complaining of being held up by a slower car! Is the 2minute barrier the goal now Brian? Brian finished 3 rd in the MSCA points score for Regularity.MSCA combined this event with the 3 rd and final round of the Victorian Super Sprint Championship. With a large entryexpected there were doubts that a dedicated run group would be possible for Regularity and only 5 entries were received,including Bill and Brian. In fact the total field numbered only 109 and the Regularity guys got their own sessions. MSCAcommittee is unlikely to continue running a round of the Vic Super sprint Championships in the future if it impacts uponour core members in a negative way. If it’s not broken, why tamper with it?Peter Kaiser competed in his Mini Cooper S (BMW not BMC), obviously getting ready for the Mini Team at Winton 6Hour in October, and earns points toward the Associate Championship. I was surprised to find that this was Peter’s firstMSCA for 2011 in the Mini.POINTS TOWARD COMPETITION CHAMPIONHIP and 4 fastest lapsRussell Baker (3000) 786 pts 2.04.85, 2.05.10, 2.06.36, 2.06.99 (from 6 laps)Brian Aitken (Sprite) 760 pts 2.19.43, 2.19.75, 2.20.77, 2.21.83ASSOCIATESPeter Kaiser (BMW MINI) 936 pts 1.58.61, 1.58.73, 1.59.04, 1.59.25MSCA REGULARITY POINTS SCOREWith two rounds to go for 2011 we have a battle going on between our Healey competitors.Having done three events each, Rob Raverty sits in 5 th place on 50 points, Brian Aitken 6 th with 47 points and TimWestover 7 th on 46 points. A very close battle. Next comes Bill Vaughan in 8 th but some way back with 32 points, closelyfollowed by Leon O’Brien 9 th with 31 points and Hugh Purse next with 27 points. Cary Helenius is lying 12 th on 23 points.This second group have done two events each and are having a close battle of their own. The runaway leader has 93points (Triumph TR6) and the fourth placed Cortina driver is 10 clear of Rob Raverty, so the boys can probably only battleamongst themselves for bragging rights.Hugh Purse and his 100/4Russell Baker’s wide-track 3000 at P.I.REMINDERCOME TO WINTON on SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 th OCTOBERSUPPORT AND HELP TEAM HEALEYPLENTY OF CONTINUOUS ACTIONRACE START IS 10.30 amA CLOSING THOUGHT : What other people think of you is none of your businessRod VogtHundreds and Thousands October 2011 25

26Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

MarketingTwo beggars are sitting side by side on a street in Rome, One has a Cross in front of him; the other one is holding theStar of David.Many people go by, look at both beggars, but only put money into the hat of the beggar sitting behind the Cross.A priest comes by. He stops to watch the throngs of people giving money to the beggar who holds the Cross, but nonegive to the beggar holding the Star of David.Finally, the priest goes over to the beggar behind the Star of David and says, "My poor fellow, don't you understand? Thisis a Catholic country; this city is the seat of Catholicism. People aren't going to give you money if you sit there with a Starof David in front of you, especially when you're sitting beside a beggar who is holding a Cross. In fact, they wouldprobably give more money to him just out of spite."The beggar behind the 'Star of David' listened to the priest, turned to the beggar with the Cross and says: "Moishe, lookwho's trying to teach the Goldstein brothers about marketing."A LAST WORDWhen I sat down to compile this issue I found I was a couple of pages short. I would have loved to cut it to 24 pagesinstead of the 28 you are getting but there is a problem! The advertisments have to go in. Count them. They take up afair bit of space. After all they help to pay for the magazine and I’m positive there would have been a couple of “pleaseexplain” emails if I left any ads out - hence the fillers.On a positive note, Bill Ingam and I have had a chat and decided that we will go on. Bill sources the cover photos and thestories that go with them and we both want to see your newsletter keep improving. We have even mapped out theFebruary issue.From my perspective, even if I’m away, provided there is a reliable internet connection I can work anywhere in the world.So, unless there is someone eager willing and able I’ll soldier on for another year. It helps to keep the brain cells active.Hundreds and Thousands October 2011 27

28Hundreds and Thousands October 2011

A.C.N. 006 848 362646 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, Vic 3132 Ph: (03) 9872 3900 Fax: (03) 9872 4445E-MAIL: healeyfactory@redcentre.com WEBSITE: www.healeyfactory.com.auCAR SALES SERVICE RESTORATION SPARE PARTSDMD Australia manufactures high quality components for Austin Healey engines.The company’s range has been developed to extract performance improvements while maintaining maximumreliability for both competition and road use. All new products are subjected to extensive dyno andcompetition testing prior to release.www.healeyfactory.com.au