The CRANKHANDLEcrankhandle.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/June-2016...2016/06/10  · The The CRANKHANDLE Newsletter of the Southern Peninsula Classic and Historic Car Club Inc.

The

CRANKHANDLE The Newsletter of the Southern Peninsula Classic and Historic Car Club Inc. A00011676Y

Print Post Publication PP100002657

The Crankhandle is sponsored by the Bendigo Bank

JUNE

2016

All at the SPC&HCC wish to thank the Bendigo Bank for their ongoing financial support in the production of The Crankhandle

The deadline for articles and advertisements in the next edition of The Crankhandle is 15th of the Month. Items received after then may be held over till the next edition. Please email copy or information to:

Keith Morrison: [email protected]

What’s inside

Page 3-4 Presidents Report Page 5 Coming Events Page 5 Domain Chandon Visit Page 6 &1 3 RACV Rally 2015 Page 7 Behind the Scenes Page 8-9 Club Visit to Yarram

Page 10 Heritage Day Mornington Page 11 Farwell to Peter Bradbury Page 12 Home for the new Library Page 13 RACV Rally 2015 cont’d Page 14 Buy, Swap or Sell

Postal Address: S.P.C.& H.C.C. Inc., P.O. BOX 12, DROMANA, VIC., 3936 Website: www.crankhandle.com.au Email: [email protected]

The aim of the Club is to cater for people who have an interest in restoring, touring and displaying all types of Veteran, Vin-tage and Classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and stationary engines, etc. or any piece of machinery of historical interest.

The views and/or opinions expressed in CRANKHANDLE are not necessarily those held by the Committee of the SPC&HCC.

On the Yarram to Maffra Run

Motorclassica are inviting People to enter their Veteran

Vintage or Classic cars for the Annual show at

The Exhibition Building 9 Nicholson Street Carlton

See Brian Evans For application information or Phone him on 0409 639 118

MEETINGS General meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Dromana Community Hall, Hodgkinson St, Dromana at 7.30 pm. Melway Ref 159 G7 From Oct 1st 2015 the joining fee is $35. The Membership fee is $55 pa.

EXECUTIVE

President:

Mick Daddo 0419 879 004

Vice President:

Brian Evans 0409 639 118

Secretary:

Brian Niblock 0476 264 726

Treasurer:

Paul Lucas 0420 927 073

COMMITTEE

Anne Kruger 0417 830 755

John Marten 0418 513 774

Warwick Spinaze 0407 016 719

Alan Turner 0407 091 932

David Doubtfire 0409 603 749

John Becker 0411 202 911

OTHER OFFICERS Editor: Keith Morrison 0411 127 765

Events managers: Brian Evans 0409 639 118 John Becker 0411 202 911 Club Permit Officer: David Kisby 0427 049 829

Membership Officer: Anne Kruger 0417 830 755

Safety Check Officer: Tim O’Leary 59868628

Club Photographer Anne Kruger 0417 830 755

Club Regalia: Michael Hurd 97 873 181

AOMC Representative: Ray Beagley 0414 598 614 Federation Representative: Peter Greening 0408 039 311

Web Master: David Doubtfire 0409 603 749 Library, Property & Dispatch: TBA

LIFE MEMBERS

Geoff Anderson, Ray Beagley, Greg Cripps, Ray Gardini, Tony Howard, Noel Meates, Lawrie Turner, Don Robinson, John Watson, Max Caddy, Bill Glover Steve Lloyd** Eric Evans** Peter Bradbury** ** Deceased

A WORD FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

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The Library issue_________!! A big thank you to team who helped un-load and set up the library at Roger Howes’ place on Thursday last week and an even bigger thank you to Roger for kindly making space available in his large and very well set-up workshop. The library has been a headache right through the three years of my time as President and no doubt the same for those before me. The library is a valuable resource with an eclectic collection of workshop manuals, motor books and magazines but how can we make it readily available to members? It is not as though we have our own club rooms where we could have the books indexed and on display for members perusal and loan. There are dozens of workshop manuals on Austin, Morris and most other popular English cars of the fifties and six-ties along with a big range on Holden and Ford. Funnily enough, there is practically nothing on MGs of any descrip-tion, the exception being an MG J2 manual, a rarity in its own right. I can almost hear Peter Bradbury chortling in the distance. Would he have dared throw away anything on “Gs” as just another bloody MG book! Amongst other things, there are two albums of members’ cars, set up by Peter at the point of a member applying for red plate regis-tration. They detail the car and the member including in all cases, a great snapshot of the car in question and now make a great addition to history of the club and members’ cars past and present. Most of our members would get endless enjoyment of just browsing through them and remi-niscing on days and cars gone by. If only we could acquire a large lockable cabinet at our pre-sent Club rooms. We could display the books, magazines and manuals at our general meetings and better still, or-ganise a half day library meeting each month whereby members could meet and browse through the collection while chatting and reminiscing over a cup of tea or coffee. Sounds terrific! Only trouble is the Shire, to date, has em-phatically said “NO” to all our entreaties. Perhaps it is time to try again particularly since we have proved to be good tenants over such a long period of time. We have the talent amongst our members to build an excellent piece of furni-ture to meet our requirements and at the same time, be sympathetic to the Shire’s requirements. Time to try again! Our Xmas dinner venue________!! The Rosebud Country Club have increased the cost of the

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NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING

The April Committee Meeting will be held at “The Library”’ Mornington Gardens,

98 Bungower Rd, Mornington. Tuesday June 14th at 1:30pm

Tel 0420 927 073 (Paul Lucas) .

dinner again this year to the point the committee feel we would suffer member resistance to a serious lift in the overall cost for the night. As a result, the Xmas sub-committee has searched for an alternative venue and after looking at three that could meet our needs at a reasonable price, settled on the Dromana Hotel. More on this later in the year but, suffice to say at this stage, we feel confident of providing the usual great night out including entertainment for around $72.00 a double against last year’s $78.00. Note: The cost is indicative only at this stage so more later on. Day trip to George and Pat Hetrel’s home. Thursday June 23rd______!! Make sure you are signed up at our June meeting if you intend going. The car museum is a must but the gardens and surrounds of this lovely venue are worth the visit in their own right, even in early winter! We intend taking the BBQ trailer so the usual high standard lunch time siz-zle will be available to all attending but be warned, we need final num-bers at the June meeting so we can put the day together. That is it from me. Safe motoring to all, Mick Daddo President

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We wish all of our members and their families who have not been enjoying the best of health lately, a speedy recovery and return to good health. Members are not named for privacy reasons and also we do not want

to cause offense by failing to mention someone by name.

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An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eat-

ing, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentle-

men were talking, and one said,

"Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I

would recommend it very highly." The other man said, "What is the

name of the restaurant?"

The first man thought and thought and finally said, "What is the name of

that flower you give to someone you love? You know... the one that's

red and has thorns." "Do you mean a rose?" "Yes, that's the one," re-

plied the man.

He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, "Rose, what's the name

of that restaurant we went to last night?"

On a less serious note:

COMING EVENTS

JUNE 2016

Tue 7th General Meeting Tue 14th Committee Meeting Wed 15th Run to point Nepean national Park meet at old “VicRoads” rear car park Dromana at 10.00am (Mel Map Ref 159 J/5) Convenor:- Thurs 23rd Day visit to George and Pat Hetrel's home, 79 The Basin-Olinda Rd, The Basin meet at Bunnings Mornington at 9.15 am. Club Bar-B-Q trailer on-site for lunch Convenor:- Mick Daddo 0419 879 004 Tue 28th Picnic at the Briars, BYO everything meet from 11.30 am onwards Convenor:-

JULY 2016

Tue 5th General Meeting Tue 12th Committee Meeting Wed 20th Run to Flinders Bakery for coffee and chat with club members, meet at the bakery from 2.00 pm onwards. No Convenor:- Tue 26th Picnic at the Briars, BYO everything meet from 11.30 am onwards No Convenor:-

AUGUST 2016

Tue 2nd General Meeting Tue 9th Committee Meeting Tue 23rd Picnic at the Briars, BYO everything meet from 11.30 am onwards No Convenor

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Please advise Conveners if you are going to attend their event. If you need further details, times, etc., please phone

the Convener. If you’ve already said you would attend and at the last minute cannot, please advise the convenor so they

can finalize numbers

DOMAIN CHANDON VISIT 24TH APRIL A GLORIOUS SUNNY AUTUMN DAY

Our MG’s, complimenting the lovely display of ‘T Se-

ries’ for the MG Club, looked splendid parked on the

green grass with a backdrop of the Yarra Valley’s

colourful vineyards and the Mountains covered in

their greyish eucalyptus haze.

The venue was packed with wine tasters and Asian

tourists with their cameras. They loved our colourful

cars; taking photos of their friends standing by them.

Our lunch of gourmet sausages and salad was very

enjoyable, however we never received our compli-

mentary glass of wine as promised - luckily we all

had our own supply of grog.

The members who attended are as follows:

Sue & Peter McLean MGB GT

Ann & Hugh Webster MGB

Michael & Marion Herd MGB GT

Max & Lorraine Caddy MGB GT

Robyn & Rob Columbia MGB

Ewen & Nonie McPherson MGB

Colin Pitcher MG TF

Kevin & Libby Griffiths MG TF

Chris Higgins Sprite

Mick & Ruth Daddo Modern

John & Shirley Hartnet Modern

Max

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The 2015, RACV Great Australian Car Rally was held on Sunday 18, January 2015. I had been asked by the committee of the Southern Peninsula Historic and Classic Car Club (of which I am a member) to enter my 1930 Model A Ford “Town Sedan” in a club display of “The Working Man's Car Thru The Years.” There were seven other cars besides mine representing our club. i.e. Valiant AP6, Morris Minor, Holden FX, Falcon XP, Vauxhall 49, Austin 7, Austin A40 (and my Model A). The Rally started at the Western Port Marina, Hastings finishing at the Mornington Race Track. Some of the vehicles seen; Foden Steam Truck 1923 with solid rub-ber tyres, Bugatti open wheel racing car 1927, REO bus (Charabanc) from the Ventura Bus Company, Cadillacs, Rolls Royce's, Packard's, Fiats, Renaults, Stationary Engines, old push bikes, to but name a few. To the side of my car, I noticed a number of what I thought were small Hillman Cars. A closer look showed that they were 'Singer' Cars. I can recall my Aunt driving an old Singer in the 1950's. This was a make of car I knew little about, except that it was a British made vehicle and had not been in production for many years. My research into the Singer Car Company uncovered some very in-teresting facts: The 1936 Olympic Games were held in Germany for the first time (Germany was scheduled to hold the Olympic Games in 1916, but due to the advent of World War 1, they were never held). Hitler was initially not interested as he wasn't sports minded. However, Propaganda Minister, Joseph Goebbells could see the Olympic festivities exploited for the Na-zis. The 1936 Olympic Games are widely known through the winning ex-ploits of Jesse Owens, an African American Athlete, who won four Olym-pic Gold Medals; 200m Men, Long Jump, 100m Men, and the 4 X 100m Relay Men, much to Hitler's disgust! What is not so widely known, is that the 1936 Olympic Games also hosted the only car race in Olympic Games history. Of all the big racing car manufacturers who had entered in the race, Mercedes Benz were the favourite to take the race out. Elizabeth 'Betty' Haig, aged 30, niece of World War 1 military leader Field Marshal Douglas Haig, had been rallying for only a year when she took part in the 2,000 mile cross Europe 1936 Olympic Rally, driving a “Coventry built 1.5 litre Singer Le Mans sports car.” Betty was the only Briton among 125 entrants. Her navigator, Barba-ra Marshall, was also her flatmate. After an adventure fueled drive, arriving at the Avus racing circuit, near Berlin, they learned they were the first car to finish and that their tally of 2,162 points had secured gold. The rally ended at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. A planned presentation at the Olympic Stadium was hastily resched-uled to another venue when the authorities realised a British two seater sports car had beaten the pride of the German automotive industry. Miss Haig recalled: “After many introductions and much heel clicking, we were presented with a velvet case containing the only gold medal for the rally.” Foot note; The car, which originally cost £285, was bought ‘as a box of bits’ in 1987, the year of Miss Haig’s death by businessman Gifford Wright, editor of the Singer Owners’ Club, who had it restored to its pre-sent glory. Similar examples have sold for around £130,000.

The RACV Great Australian Car Rally 2015 - Terry Opie

Continued P 13

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Behind the

Scenes with

Max Caddy

“’Ay? What did you say?” After losing my hearing aid at the Chandon Day, our three day Club run to Yarram and surrounds became a “what did you say?” from me, much to Lorraine’s annoyance, subsequently, the journey was a rather a quiet affair.

We drove in the MX5 on this trip, as the MG had been having all of the fun of late. I moved the MG into the ‘back paddock’ for a while. The problem with the ‘MX’ is that storage space is at a premium and as we were continuing on to Metung for a week or so, we required extra ‘stuff’. It was good to meet Peter and Lorraine Greening on their own turf and enjoy a tour of their extensive country style property. Peter invited the boys into the shed where all

manner of his toys were stored neatly, whilst the girls were shown around their large and lovely home. Good stuff.

Our trip to the ‘Maffra Shed’ from Yarram was a nice drive of around 180km return. Our drive back to Yarram was highlighted, with a few members with convertibles letting their tops down. Chris Higgins was the real ‘braveheart’ having the Healey Sprite hood stored away for the whole trip. Other open air heroes were Vice President Brian Ev-ans and Wife Leonie in their XK8 Jag, Alan Turner and Marie in their magnificent yellow Morris Minor and Lorraine and I in the MX5.

Over a few beers, we enjoyed some laughter whilst com-peting for the fastest time raising our hoods. The winner was debatable! After enjoyable days, Lorraine and I moved on to Metung and you can imagine my delight when I spotted a group of MG’s parked at the curb of the Village. Naturally, we had a chat with the owners who were from a NSW chapter of the MG Car Club. They had driven over the mountains just to see me in Metung! We enjoyed good conversation and bonnet up viewing etc. Isn’t it great the camaraderie you find with fellow car en-thusiasts.

Add to the MG’s was a beautiful collection of late model Mercedes Benz cars parked at our accommodation, ap-parently a group staying over night after enjoying a round of golf.

Having dinner in the Hotel, I observed the Manager wear-ing a black belt with a ‘Leaper’ on the buckle. Obviously a Jag man. I got into discussion with him and he explained that the belt was one of several gifts that came with the purchase of his new F Type Sports Model which accompa-nied his XE Sedan. He was quick to show me photos on his smart phone, a magical pair of vehicles. He informed

me that a Jaguar Club was coming down to the Hotel for a Mothers’ Day Lunch. I wondered if this event was arranged for the Mothers or just for the Fathers and their Jags. Pity I wont be there for the gathering.

Long term members will remember past esteemed member, Alan Pearce who relocated to Kalimna near Lakes Entrance. We dropped in on Alan and wife Wendy enjoying a pleasant chat and catching up with their varied activities. Alan divides his attention be-tween playing the piano, sailing his yacht or his Ho-bicraft, motor cycling, cycling and of course their cara-van holidays. Wendy has developed a lovely garden. Very busy but a happy couple. Lorraine and I enjoyed a good 10 days doing ‘bugger all’ except for walking, eating and drinking and of course, doing some top down motoring.

Now for a couple of practical tips

I thought I would always remember the time when I was drilling a hole for a door stop in new carpet at a school music centre. The pile wound around the drill bit leaving a thread bear line in the carpet. Very em-barrassing and very unsightly. You would think I would take care when undertaking a similar activity. Did I remember – NO! The other day I was fitting a bracket to a carpet panel in the rear of the MG. I knew I should punch a hole through the carpet prior to drill-ing, but no, it will be ok – well it wasn’t and again the same thing happened – a long line of pulled carpet. Remember, if drilling through carpet, always punch a hole first prior to drilling.

Whilst on punching I think we all know to use a centre punch prior to drill-ing into metal. Again, a costly lesson was learnt early in my teenage motoring days. I decided to fit an aerial into the mud guard of my Morris Minor Convertible. I couldn’t afford a radio, however I did have a fox tail from a fox that I shot which was the thing to do in the ‘50’s. I didn’t centre punch first allowing the electric drill to wander all over the place on the shiny paint work. BAD! Learnt later to apply masking tape to the area, mark the spot, centre punch and only then drill the hole, finally removing the tape – no problemo. Old remedies I know, however it doesn’t hurt to remind one another of our mistakes and offer remedies. May-be you have a similar experience that you can relate to us via the Crankhandle. I look forward to reading it. … and always remember “we don’t stop playing be-cause we get old, we grow old because we stop play-ing” – George Bernard Shaw Health, happiness and peace be with you all. Max xx oo for the girls.

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Club Visit to Yarram — April 2016

17 cars and 31 drivers & passengers met at the departure point on an over cast warm morning ready for a 9.00 am start. First stop, Leongatha for morning tea with Charlie & Sandra leading the way in the Buick. The first leg com-pleted and after a short break it was then time to head to our destination, Yarram. On arrival, we met up with Peter Greening and the crew booked into their respective accommodation and headed off down the main drag for a bite to eat for lunch. The afternoon was basically free time with some members strolling around the town while others found the local historical museum interesting. Afternoon tea was put on by Peter & Lorraine at Devon North, which proved to be a bit of a challenge to some , but in the end we all found our way and had a very enjoyable chat, a look around the Greening's new “castle” consuming fresh scones, tea and coffee thanks to Lorraine & Peter.

The evening meal was booked at the Yarram Club Hotel and then at around 7.30 pm it was off to either the movies or back to the rooms. The movies shown were “The Plank” and the original “The Italian Job” starring Michael Cain, a

great night to set the program for the next couple of days.

Thursday morning was still overcast but around 25º C, so it was tops down as we headed off to Maffra via the 1880 – 1883 National Trust Swing Bridge just outside of Sale. This bridge has been maintained in working order by local enthusiasts and is actually operated a couple of times per month for visitors.

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After a short break it was off to the Maffra Shed where there was a great display of farm tractors, motor bikes and cars to view as well as memorabilia around all the walls and in nooks and crannies. Lunch was available from their kitchen and it was enjoyed by all who were present. After lunch it was off to Rosedale for another stroll around tak-ing in the patch work shop, the Tarra Valley Foods and of course a coffee break. Back in the cars and back to Yar-ram to make a nice round trip for the day with dinner arranged at the Yarram Country Club with the “Good Times Motoring Club of Yarram” who were great company with the evening finishing off with a short thankyou speech from the convenor and a reply by Bob Taylor, President of the Yarram group. Friday morning pack up and time to head off to Port Albert for morning tea where we were met by a few members from Yarram with their cars for a final chat and to say good bye until next time. On the road again, this time to Fish Creek for lunch at the Fish Creek Hotel or any other eatery of choice. By this time the rain had settled in and after lunch our intrepid explorers headed for home under their own steam and at a leisurely pace. It was deemed a good trip by all, no mishaps, no break downs just plenty of safe driving and a few fuel stops over the distance. I travelled back to Mornington via Inverloch and noted that I had travelled 650 Klms from driveway to driveway. I must thank Peter & Lorraine Greening for all their assistance and help in planning and setting up this trip and I wonder when and who will put their hand up and where we might be going on the next trip. Words and Pictures - Brian Evans, Convenor

Those in attendance were as follows;

Don & Bev Robertson '47 Ford Mercury Charlie & Sandra Cassar '47 Buick John & Shirley Steel Mercedes Benz Colin Pitcher MG TF Greg & Jennifer Cripps '48 PS Rover Laurie & Joyce Turner '77 Datsun 260Z Noel & Nola Meates '51 Studebaker Roger Howes '64 Studebaker John & Chrissy Becker Porsche 924T Bill & Barbara Glover '67 MGB GT Chris Higgins '65 Austin Healy Sprite Alan & Marie Turner '50 Morris Tourer Wally & Brenda Allen '89 Ford Capri Trevor & Ann Merton T Model Ford Don & Rosemary Munro '52 Bently Dorothy Lynn (Visitor) '52 Bently Peter & Lorraine Greening '78 Mercedes Benz Brian & Leonie Evans '98 Jaguar XK8 (Mod) Max & Lorraine Caddy '05 MX5 (Mod) Geoff & Pearl Anderson Ford Fairlane (Mod) Kevin Poulton Alfa Romeo (Mod)

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A big thank you to all the contributors for this month, while the weather has been good there have been many

events and activities enjoyed and reported on, well done!

In early May I enjoyed a week away, based in Merimbula, for the Annual Riley Car Club National Rally. I will show

and tell you more about that later

Enjoy your reading.

Please note the email address: [email protected]

HERITAGE DAY-MORNINGTON RACECOURSE 2016 Brian Evans

EDITORIAL Keith Morrison

Blue skies and sunshine set the stage for a great get together for the SPC&HCC members who attended the Herit-

age Day at the Mornington Racecourse recently. We had around 20 cars on display from the club, but unfortunate-

ly we were scattered around a little, so our presentation didn't show us as a sizeable group with variety of cars.

However, tea, coffee, sandwiches and a chat were enjoyed in a circle of friends, in the sunshine, which always

creates a warm and friendly atmosphere. Plenty of cars on display from other clubs and I would estimate the

overall number of vehicles to be around 120 to 150.

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FINAL FAREWELL TO PETER BRADBURY

On a bright sunny day, with a beautiful view around the curve of the Bay proved a most fitting scene for the scatter-ing of Peter Bradbury 's ashes from the Rosebud pier. About 15 close Club member friends joined the Bradbury fami-ly to cast Peters ashes to the waters.

Peter's sister and brother in law came from Canada , and lots of nieces and nephews were accompanied by his brother Ed who has been a tower of strength throughout and who added some very heart felt words as the ashes were scattered on the small waves. The boat was also present to complete the story of a quite remarkable and much loved man.

Words: Bill Glover, Pictures: Shirley Steel, Ray Gardini

CLUB PERMIT HANDBOOK

The AOMC Club Permit handbook is currently being updated to reflect the latest changes to the club permit scheme. The latest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) can be downloaded from the AOMC website, printed off and placed as an insert into the existing handbook (yellow cover 2011 edition). A revised version of the handbook will be published as soon as details are confirmed. AOMC’s website is www.aomc.asn.au

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The library has now been established at Roger Howes place and all praise to him for making space available in his magnificent work-shop to house it. Eleven members kindly volunteered to help unload packing boxes along with the cabinet and shelves from Roger’s truck and then set the whole thing up in the workshop. Not an easy task at the best of times and always made slower by picking up a book and reminisc-ing about cars of old and the ones we should have bought that got away or the ones we did buy and stupidly sold! Once the hard yakka was done, out came the paper plates and mugs and on went the sausages and in no time we were yarning about all things car, enjoying hot coffee and well sizzled snags with onions and coleslaw. Amongst Roger’s many achievements, including building his own home, he also has a pilot license and a Gypsy Tiger Moth in the process of restoration which of course led to some great flying sto-ries as well as some stories of nasty accidents. Right now, I bet there is no-one else in the club with a plane sitting in their workshop in the process of restoration! Well, I can think of one or two mem-bers expert at building and flying model planes but that is as close as it gets. All in all, it turned out great day of work and play and showed just what can be accomplished with a few willing helpers. The club spirit shines through on these occasions. Many hands make light work! My very sincere thanks to the following: Roger Howes; Mike Hurd; Terry Opie; Neil Kitchingman; Murray Grierson; Ian Grierson; Bill Glover; Max Caddy; Richard Pye; Brian Evans. Lastly, a huge vote of thanks to Roger for helping the club out by taking on the library storage. It is much appreciated.

Commercial Advertising Rates for The Crankhandle

(11 Editions)

B&W Colour (Back Page)

1/4 page $110 1/2 page $330 1/3 page $160 Full page $660

. A NEW HOME FOR THE LIBRARY Mick Daddo

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This Club is a member of the

FEDERATION of VINTAGE, VETERAN & CLASSIC VEHICLE CLUBS Inc. (Vic) and

THE ASSOCIATION OF MOTORING CLUBS Inc.

Singer Motors Limited was a British motor vehicle manufacturer, founded by George Singer in 1874 as a bicycle manufacturer in Coventry, England. From 1901 the company also manufactured cars. Singer was the first mo-tor manufacturer to make a small economy car that was a replica of a large car, showing a small car was a practical proposition. With a four cylinder ten horsepower engine the Singer 10 was launched at the 1912 Motor Show. William Rootes, Singer apprentice and consummate car-salesman, contracted to buy the entire first year's supply. It became a best-seller. Ultimately Singer's business was acquired by his Rootes Group in 1956, which continued the brand until 1970. Singer made their first four wheel car in 1905. It was designed by Alexander Craig and was a variant of a design

he had done for Lea – Francis having a 2-cylinder 1853 or 2471 cc engine.

Singer's part in the origin of Aston-Martin; The first Singer designed car was the 4 cylinder 2.4 litre 12/14 of 1906. The engine was bought in from Aster. For 1907 the Lea Francis design was dropped and a range of two, three and four cylinder models using White and Poppe engines launched. The Aster engined models were dropped in 1909 and a new range of larger cars introduced. All cars were now White and Poppe powered. In 1911 the first big seller ap-peared with the four-cylinder 1100 cc Ten with Singer's own engine. The use of their own power plants spread through the range until by the outbreak of the First World War all models except the low volume 3.3 litre 20 hp were so

equipped.

Lionel Martin made his first ascent of Aston Hill in that hill climbing competition in a tuned Singer 10 car, 4 April 1914. He repeated his success a month later and when he first registered his own car the following year he called it an

Aston Martin.

The Ten continued after the war, with a redesign in 1923 including a new overhead-valve engine. Six-cylinder mod-els were introduced in 1922. In 1921 Singer took over another Coventry car maker Coventry Premier and continued to sell a range of cars under that name until 1924. Calcott was purchased in 1926. For 1927 the Ten engine grew to 1300 cc and a new light car with 850 cc overhead cam (OHC) engine, the big selling Junior was announced and at the same

time the Ten became the Senior. By 1928 Singer was Britain's third largest car maker after Austin and Morris.

During the 1920s Singer, restricted by a built in site acquired other companies for factory space. In 1926 they made 9,000 cars. In 1929 with seven factories and 8,000 employees they produced 28,000 cars though having just 15% they trailed far behind Austin and Morris which shared 60% of the market. Hampered by their new acquisitions, the cost of new machinery and a moving assembly line in their latest acquisition Singer's offerings were eclipsed by new models

from their rivals; Austin, Morris and Hillman and then from 1932 the new Ford Model Y.

The range continued in a very complex manner using developments of the OHC Junior engine first with the Nine (two bearing crank), the 14/6 and the sporty 1½-litre in 1933. The Nine became the Bantam in 1935. Externally the Bantam was very similar to the Morris Eight, had a three-bearing crankshaft and it was the first Singer to be fitted with

a synchromesh gearbox, albeit with only three forward gears.

The 1935 Le Mans Tourist Trophy race was a disaster, three of the four Singer 9 cars crashed because of steering failures before the fourth was withdrawn. In May 1936 W E Bullock who had been managing director from 1919 togeth-er with his son, general manager from 1931, resigned following criticism from the shareholders at their annual general meeting. No longer viable Singer & Co Limited was dissolved in December 1936 and what had been its business was

transferred to a new company Singer Motors Limited.

By 1956 the business was in financial difficulties and Rootes Brothers, who had handled Singer sales since before the First World War, bought it. The Singer brand was absorbed into the Rootes Group, whose brands largely sold badge engineered versions of each other's cars. The next Singer car, the Gazelle was a Hillman Minx variant that re-tained the pre-war designed Singer OHC engine for the I and II versions but this too went in 1958 when the IIA was given a push rod engine. The Vogue, which ran alongside the Gazelle from 1961, was a re-badged Hillman Super Minx with more luxurious trim. By 1970, Rootes were beginning to struggle financially. They had been acquired by the American Chrysler organisation, and founder Sir William had died in 1964. In April 1970, as part of a rationalisation process, the last Singer rolled off the assembly line, almost 100 years after George Singer built the first cycle. The last car to carry the Singer name was an upmarket version of the rear engined Hillman Imp called the Chamois. With the take over of Rootes by Chrysler begun in 1964 and completed in 1967, many of the brands were to vanish and the Singer name disappeared forever in 1970. The site of the Singer factory in Coventry is now occupied by Singer Hall, a hall of residence for Coventry University. Note: All Rally proceeds to 'Peter Mac.' Information taken from the Daily Mail (UK) in an article on Elizabeth Haig, by Ray Massey, Published 6 August 2012, also from Wikipedia.

Continued from p 6

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BUY, SWAP OR SELL Members may submit notices of items they wish to BUY, SWAP or SELL at no charge (2 issues only).

Non Members (not commercial) shall be charged $10.00 for seven lines, max. two issues only. Club Permit eligible vehicles only.

.

Commercial advertising enquiries should be addressed to: The Treasurer, S.P.C. & H.C.C., PO Box 12, Dromana, Vic., 3936. Government regulations require that the registration, engine or chassis number of the

vehicle MUST be included in all “FOR SALE” advertisements.

NOTIFY THE EDITOR ONCE YOUR ARTICLE HAS BEEN SOLD OR THE ADVERT. IS NO LONGER REQUIRED.

FOR SALE

1969 Honda Coupe 7. Runs needs restoration.

Workshop manual . No reg or rwc.

Chassis no. H1300C1043916.

Price: $2500 ONO

1965 Honda S600 convertible. Fitted with Datsun

1200 motor , gearbox and rear end. Has engineers cer-

tificate and was reg in Vic.

Not running needs full restoration. Part disman-

tled .Factory workshop manual and parts list on disc.

No reg or rwc. Chassis no. AS2851008119.

Price: $2500 ONO

1967 Honda S800 Coupe. Original motor and gear-

box. Not running and needs full restoration. Dismantled

with many new parts and panels.

Factory workshop manual and parts list. No reg or rwc.

Chassis no. AS800C1001446.

Price: $3500 ONO

Contact John Hehir 0409 932 943

FOR SALE

I have a 1971 Toyota RT 81 complete motor with starter,

carb, air cleaner, fly wheel etc. out of a Corona for sale.

$100 ONO

Tony Howard 0416094193 or [email protected]

FOR SALE

Millard Caravan - 15 foot. Old but sound.

Ready for holidays. Registered till August 2016.

Registration Number N 41906

Price: $5,450 ONO

Contact Bob Scott-Howarth 0412 735 240 FOR SALE

Ryobi 5speed 13m/m drill Press and Machine Vice $70 Torque Wrench with 3metric sockets and short extension in plastic case. $35 Hitachi ½ two Speed Electric Drill. $40 Contact Harry Cooper. 59759707.

WANTED

–STORAGE SPOT FOR CARAVAN

Seeking secure accessible shed or carport for caravan storage. Van size is 2.7 m high by 6.2 m long. Terms negotiable.

Warwick Spinaze Tootgarook

Phone: 5985 1808 or 0407 016 719

The Committee wishes to advise the members of the

following permits becoming due in the next months:

JUNE:

B. Leslie, F. Pye, E. Bone(4), S. Perkins, J. Mason, K.

Buckland, P. Warren, E. Neill, T. Opie, D. Turner, B.

Niblock, D. Buchanan, B. Crocker, S. Knightley, D.

Doubtfire, C. Schwerkolt, J. Jones, R. Connell, J. Smith.

JULY:

P. Lucas, P. Greening, D. Turner, E. Bone, P. Boulton,

S.Rose(2), G. Anderson, B. Jones, k. Buckland, D Me-

ates, S. Gillard, C Schwerkolt

FOR SALE

1 - 595x10 Olympic tyre 96% tube and mini wheel . $48.00

Air cleaner Ford XD-XE EC. $5

Car magazines - B.M.W four (4) for $1.00

Street machine four (4) for $1.00

Radiator - Hillman Super Minx or Humber Vogue GC. $35.00

Geoff Anderson Phone: 59864929

FOR SALE

1979 Jayco Dove $5500.00 Fully enclosed annex, ex-

tended draw bar, raised suspension with off road

wheels, two way fridge,

electric brakes, very

good condition. Any

questions please

call Charlie Cassar on

59753242 or

0459235187.

Page 15

The CRANKHANDLE

Club Permit Scheme Management Info

David Kisby is now the Club Permit Officer and Ray Beagley is deputy officer for emer-gency only

Driver Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the driver of a club red plated vehicle being driven to ensure the vehicle is in a current roadworthy condition

ABS MORNINGTON

53 Tyabb Road, Mornington, Vic 3931

Phone: (03) 59736855 Fax: (03) 59736344

Email: [email protected]

OR check the ABS website:

www.absauto.com.au (Club members, 10% discount on presentation of this advertisement)

See Darren Hodgson and staff for all

your auto service needs, from what

makes it go …. to what makes it

STOP

They’ll even give you a 12 month or

20,000 km guarantee on parts and labour

Call and talk to Darren: