CLASSIC CAR MART FEBRUARY PREVIEW

SELL YOUR CAR FOR FREE – SEE PAGE 73

Why now’s the time to grab this Nineties’ style icon See Page 58

Vol.16 No.02 February 2010

www.classic-car-mart.co.uk

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F M H A HU RT E D WO

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Vol.16 No.02

£3.70

FIND YOUR PERFECT PROJECT

PLUS MEET THE XR OWNERS’ CLUB MINOR MAKES £3445 FOR CHARITY BUILDING A MK II ESCORT FOR SPRINTING

DEALER’S WHEELS: 1967 VOLVO AMAZON 122S

SUPER SWEDE IS THE ULTIMATE DAILY DRIVER – AND IT’S ON SALE NOW! MEET COMPETITION THE MIDGET MINIS MAN

COMPETITION FRISKY SPECIAL MINIS

WINTER WARMERS

RANGE COMPETITION ROVER HISTORY MINIS

HIGH VOLTAGE: SEVEN PRODUCTS TO MAKE YOUR BATTERY LAST LONGER

Classic Car Mart

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2010 WWW.CLASSIC-CAR-MART.CO.UK

64

‘The 500 has always had a massive following, but since Fiat revived the brand things have reached fever pitch.’

E U S IS W E N T A E R G R U O INSIDE Y 06 PLUGS & LEADS

Why scrappage is making the UK’s recession worse; and the Gordini name is back

10 NEW PRODUCTS

All the latest garage gear, including a gorgeous Aston Martin calendar ON THE COVER

12 WIN A DEHUMIDIFIER!

Your chance to win a dehumidifier worth £199

14 WHAT’S ON

A preview of the TR Register’s 40th anniversary meet, and a list of events for January and beyond

16 POSTBAG

Your thoughts on the NEC show, plus free beer up for grabs in the classic crossword ON THE COVER

18 PRIDE & JOY

We meet the man who’s keeping Frisky microcar devotion alive

22 BURIED TREASURES

Mike Worthington-Williams uncovers some classic tractors and a vintage Citroen

26 FROM THE WORKSHOP

Suspension work keeps the boys at Edinburgh Sports Cars busy this month but they still find time to reflect on a year of classic fettling

58

ON THE COVER

32 VOLVO AMAZON

Keith Moody makes the case for the 120-series as the ultimate winter daily driver ON THE COVER

36 THE LOST TRAVELLER

Steve Wilson meets a Midget enthusiast

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! P184

32

SAVE CASH! GET 2 FREE BOOKS

49 18 ON THE COVER

ON THE COVER

42 SECRET HISTORY

64 FIAT 500 BUYER’S GUIDE

ON THE COVER

185 CLUB LISTING

Paul Guinness looks at how the idea of the upmarket Range Rover got off the drawing board

49 SIX WINTER WARMERS

On a tight budget for your end-of-year hack?

Here are six tempting cars

56 AUCTION NEWS

Minor makes money for charity while Coys celebrate 90 years in business ON THE COVER

58 MODERN CLASSIC

After an ice-cool coupe? Look no further than Audi’s stunning, stylish TT

60 BOOK REVIEWS

Four books that we think should be on any motoring nut’s shelves this month

62 PRODUCT GUIDE

Seven ways of keeping your battery in tip-top condition during the cold days ahead

This cute Italian will warm your soul – as long as you follow our in-depth buying advice

Your handy listing of all the UK’s biggest and best classic car clubs

188 CLUB FOCUS

Meet the good people at the XR Owners’ Club

190 BACKWARD GLANCE

Your chance to put your feet up and enjoy some car ads from yesteryear

194 NEXT ISSUE

FInd out what’s coming up in March’s Classic Car Mart here

26

CHECK OUT LOADS MORE NEWS AT WWW.CLASSIC-CAR-MART.CO.UK

SCRAPPAGE ‘PROLONGS’ RECESSION

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Worthy show winner was this stunning 1935 Riley Imp.

CONCOURS AWARD FOR JIM

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im Rose, the proud owner of this stunning 1935 Riley Imp, emerged victorious from the recent MPH Prestige & Performance Car Show when he was awarded the Autoglym Invitation Concours Trophy.

Having been stored in a barn from 1959 to 2000, the Riley became the subject of a 5,000-hour rebuild and restoration over six years, aided by experts at the Brooklands Motor Company. Autoglym’s judges at the MPH event commented that the Riley was one of the most expertly restored and best presented classics they’d seen in over 30 years of adjudicating at concours competitions. This was the Riley’s first concours outing and it will now go on display at the Brooklands Museum.

Meanwhile, the Autoglym Celebrity Concours trophy was awarded to TV chef James Martin for the third year running, who triumphed with his 1967 Ford Mustang. The fastidiously restored pony car saw off stiff competition from BBC Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond’s Morgan Aeromax, plus a Rolls-Royce Corniche entered by copresenter James May.

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he controversial Scrappage Scheme – recently extended by the Government and now set to run into early 2010 – has come under fresh attack after it emerged that imports of cars increased dramatically in the third quarter of 2009, worsening the UK’s trade deficit and contributing to the recession.

According to The Guardian newspaper, statisticians have singled out rising car imports as the major contributor to a sharp increase in the trade deficit – to £7.2bn, from £6.5bn in the second quarter of the year.

Despite the fact that exports of British cars are also rising, the Office for National Statistics said the deficit on the UK’s car trade rose by £400m over the quarter – equal to the total cost of the Scrappage Scheme to taxpayers.

Karen Ward, UK economist at HSBC, told The Guardian: ‘In recent years, 85 per cent of the new car registrations were of imported cars. If households diverted consumption away from spending on hotels and restaurants to take advantage of the car Scrappage Scheme, this may have actually served to depress UK GDP.’ Meanwhile, Classic Car Mart editor Keith Moody added: ‘I’ve been an opponent of Scrappage since day one, and these latest figures show just what a folly it has been. All we’ve achieved is increased sales of mainly foreign-built cars, while large numbers of good, useable vehicles have been scrapped – robbing already struggling independent garages of much-needed servicing and repair trade.

To add insult to injury, we’re now being told

that Scrappage has actually prolonged the recession in the UK.’ HAVE YOU been affected by Scrappage?

Have you seen any classic cars scrapped via the scheme – or maybe you simply want to have your say? Then get in touch at our new address (see Page 3) or send an email to: keith.moody@kelseypb.co.uk.

More controversy for the Scrappage Scheme.

WELDING BOOK TO BE WON!

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ollowing last month’s review of Stuart Gibson’s Practical Welding book, we’ve got one copy to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply write your name, address, daytime telephone number and email on a postcard – and tell us why you think you should win the book.

Send entries to: Practical Welding Competition, Classic Car Mart, Kelsey Publishing, P.O. Box 978, Peterborough, PE1 9FL. Don’t worry if you’re not a winner – you can now pick this fantastic book up for just £13. For more information contact publishers Macmillan on 01865 405933.

Plugs & Leads: News

Have you got a plug or a lead you’d like to promote through Classic Car Mart?

These pages can provide valuable FREE publicity for you, your company, your club or your organisation. Send full details to: Plugs & Leads, Classic Car Mart, Kelsey Publishing, PO Box 978, Peterborough, PE1 9FL Or email: news@kelsey.co.uk

NO REDUNDANCIES FOR VAUXHALL PLANT

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ollowing last month’s news that General Motors has decided not to sell its Vauxhall/Opel European operations, the company has now announced that 9,000 jobs are set to be lost – with only a small percentage likely to be in the UK. The Ellesmere Port plant will escape any redundancies, and from 2011 will move to a three-shift system in order to increase production of its latest Astra. Meanwhile, the Luton factory – producer of Vauxhall, Opel and Renault vans – is expected to lose around 350 workers. Biggest victim of the job losses is Germany, where Opel’s workforce is expected to be reduced by around 2,400.

Vauxhall has been part of General Motors since 1925, with Opel joining GM later the same decade

Renault 8 was one of the first cars to get the legednary Gordini treatment.

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LUXURY ROUTEMASTER

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former London Routemaster bus has been restored by Bentley Motors on behalf of Cheshire-based St Luke’s Hospice.

But as you’d expect from one of the world’s most famous luxury car manufacturers, the end result is a far cry from the Routemaster’s original specification.

GORDINI IS BACK AT LAST!

A total of 59 Bentley workers were involved in the 2,000-hour project, which aimed to retain many of the original features of the bus whilst adapting it to the needs of St Luke’s. This included a full leather re-trim inside (with the upholstery featuring both the Bentley and St Luke’s logos), while craftsmen from Bentley’s wood shop, tool room and maintenance departments created bespoke work surfaces, rails, kitchen units and shelves to help St Luke’s staff in their fundraising activities.

Rather appropriately, the ‘used ticket’ bin – a feature at the exit of all Routemaster buses – has been converted into a donation tin.

The bus – now named Luke – will be used to help raise public awareness of St Luke’s, as well as being an education base when visiting schools and other events.

There will also be an on-board charity shop to help the hospice to raise funds while on the road.

enault has announced that it is reintroducing its famous Gordini badge, kicking off with a sporty version of its current Twingo, followed next year by a Clio Gordini – in the same vein as the Renault 5 Gordinis, the first of the hot hatches of the 1970s.

Gordini-badged Renaults first appeared in the Sixties, when Amédée Gordini – who developed almost 200,000 sporting Renaults over a 20-year period – got involved with the French giant, kicking off with the Dauphine and Renault 8 Gordini. And it was the R8 model that proved to be one of Gordini’s most iconic creations, finishing 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th in the 1964 Tour of Corsica rally. Just two years later, the 1300cc version of the same car heralded the Gordini Cup one-make race series – the blueprint for all single-make motor sport championships since then.

It’s good to see Gordini making a comeback after more than 20 years in ‘hibernation’. Renault’s challenge now is trying to ensure that the next generation of Gordinis is as fun to drive as previous models.

First proper hot hatch of the Seventies was the R5 Gordini.

No Routemaster was ever intended to be this luxurious!

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WINTER WONDER With the nights drawing in and the temperatures dropping, you’ll need a classic that is strong, reliable and stylish. Keith Moody thinks a Volvo Amazon might be the ideal candidate

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SPECS: 1967/8 VOLVO AMAZON 122S

Engine: 1778cc/4-cyl Power: 90bhp at 5000rpm Torque: 105lb-ft at 3500rpm Top Speed/0-60mph: 94mph/15secs Consumption: 28mpg Gearbox: 4-spd man Length: 14ft 7in (4.45m) Width: 5ft 4in (1.62m) Weight: 2400lb (1090kg)

Road Test: 1968 Volvo 122S ‘Amazon’

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hen the buzzing alarm crashes into my restful reverie, the bedside clock blinks 6.55am.

Outside it’s dark, cold and inhospitable. The roads are icy, there’s frost on the windscreen and suddenly running a classic every day doesn’t seem to make much sense. Unless you’re in a Volvo Amazon, that is. You see, in the short time I’ve spent behind the wheel of this 122S, I’ve come to the conclusion that when the clocks go back and the temperature drops, there really isn’t a better motor for tackling my 60-mile daily commute. Sure, the Amazon might not boast heating to its windscreen, mirrors and seats like many modern cars, but it does start first time, every time – which is a damn site more than can be said for most classics I’ve run at this time of the year.

And once you’re on the move, the heater soon kicks in and you find yourself snug and warm within its spacious, elegant cabin. It’s the automotive equivalent of a large Courvoisier and a Montecristo at seven-thirty in the morning. Try saying that about your Mondeo.

to the project. The new car had to share the same 102.4in (2.6m) wheelbase as the PV, as well as the same engines and gearboxes. That, however, was where the similarities ended.

Initially badged the Amason (no emails please, that’s not a mistake!), the car was renamed after scooter manufacturer Kriedler claimed ownership of the brand. Volvo was allowed to use the tweaked Amazon badge for the domestic market, but exports were referred to simply as the 120-series.

Which is fairly confusing, given that none of the cars ever wore that badge. Instead, the model range comprised the 121, 122, 123 and 221, 222 derivatives, as well as 131 and 132. The 122S we’ve got here today is a four-door saloon powered by a 1.8-litre version with twin SU carburettors – in my opinion, the best of the bunch.

SAFETY FAST

Despite the saucy SUs and the many Amazons that take part in historic motorsport races, Volvo is perhaps best known for making cars that are reliable and safe – and the 120-series is where it all started. Within six months of the 122S going on sale in 1956, front seatbelts were fitted to all Amazons – a first for an international car maker. By the end of 1965, all Amazons were equipped with dual circuit, servo-assisted brakes.

Later, Volvo would go on to redesign passenger seats for maximum comfort, even going so far as to consult medical experts.

There were also new fabrics and construction techniques to make sure that accidents did not occur because drivers weren’t sitting comfortably or injuries sustained because occupants were not properly located.

HISTORY

Such stonking winter credentials are hardly surprising given the Amazon’s Swedish heritage. Here is a country that spends several months each year under a blanket of snow and 24-hour darkness… no wonder they’re fond of fondue, seek solace in steam rooms and make time for massages.

The Amazon began life at the end of the Fifties to replace the PV series. Designer Jan Wilsgaard aimed to create a car that was stylish and solid – but there were limitations

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here’s a lot to recommend Italy’s Fiat 500. It’s easy to park, frugal, overflowing with character and great fun to drive, despite a distinct lack of power. It’s also easy to work on and cheap to buy parts for, so if you want a small car there’s no need to look anywhere else.

The original Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’ (or Mickey Mouse) went out of production in 1949, but its replacement didn’t appear for another eight years – a full two years before the

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Mini saw the light of day. Just like the original car, the 1957 model was the work of Dante Giacosa, and it was the archetypal Italian supermini. But whereas the original 500 had a four-cylinder engine, the new car featured half as many cylinders: it was Fiat’s first ever air-cooled twin-cylinder unit.

The 500 has always had a massive following, but since Fiat revived the brand things have reached fever pitch. Although it’s well-served by specialists around the globe, it’s possible to come unstuck if you

don’t do your homework: some bits aren’t available and if you don’t check properly for rot you could end up buying a tartedup parts car.

But unless the car is really far gone, it’s amazing how even really tatty cars can be revived – as long as you don’t mind spending more on the car than it’s worth.

Buy well and you’ll have a car that’s easy to work on and cheap to maintain while also an absolute hoot to drive. And don’t worry if you can’t find a decent right-hand drive one

Buyer’s guide: Fiat 500 (1957-1977)

Small Car Big Fun it’s said that the best things come in small packages and the Fiat 500 is certainly no exception. Here’s how to buy the best one you can afford Photos: magic Car Pics (www.magiccarpics.co.uk)

at a price you can afford: buy a left-hand drive one instead. It won’t matter that the steering wheel is on the wrong side, either, because you won’t be overtaking anything.

WHat to look out For Bodywork There’s not much to the 500, but it can still rot badly. If you can see signs of significant rust, walk away: the deeper you delve, the worse it’ll get. Start your

quest for rot at the front by lifting the bootlid and looking around the battery tray. This rots because the drain holes get blocked and the tray fills with water – spilt battery acid doesn’t make things easier.

While the bootlid’s up, check the tops of the front wings for filler and look for the same thing in the wheelarches, both front and rear. Feel the wheelarch lips but also have a close look at the inner wings – arm yourself with a torch and if you can, take the wheels off for a thorough inspection.

The whole length of each sill needs to be analysed very closely – it’s common for bodged repairs in this area.

From inside the car, check the floorpans and inner sills to make sure they’re not full of filler. Lift the rubber mats or carpets to do it properly – you might find there’s hardly any sound metal there at all. While you’ve got the doors open, have a look at the bottom of each one to see if it’s intact. They tend to fill up with water when the felt window ¥

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WIN A FANTASTIC DEHUMIDIFIER One Meaco X-Dry to give away Classic Car Mart has teamed up with Meaco to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a dehumidifier worth £199.

Ideal for storing your car over winter, dehumidifiers can help avoid the damage that storing a classic in the damp and the cold can cause.

The Meaco X-Dry is ideal for both double and single garages, keeping them both warm and dry. It’s even designed to help reduce energy costs as well as keeping a consistent temperature.

Plus, a handy auto-restart function means that it won’t get caught out by a powercut.

WORTH

£199

There’s even a continuous drainage option and at just 8kgs, it’s almost half the weight of rival products.

ENTER NOW

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below, complete the form and send it to: X-Dry Competition, Classic Car Mart, Kelsey Publishing, PO Box 978, Peterborough PE1 9FL or visit www.classic-car-mart.co.uk and click on competitions BEFORE FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010.

Question: HOW MUCH DOES THE MEACO X-DRY COST? Answer Name

Daytime Tel No.

Email

Address My car is a: Rules: Employees of Kelsey Publishing, Meaco and their immediate families are not eligible to enter. The winner will be selected at random from all correct entries after the closing date. No alternative to the advertised prize is available. Only one entry per household. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Kelsey Publishing accept no responsibility for any damage or injury caused by competition prizes and any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer or retailer. The winner’s name and postal town will be published in Classic Car Mart and the winner will be notified in writing within 14 days of the closing date.

Kelsey Publishing will use your information for administration and analysis. We may share your information with carefully selected third parties. We, or they, may send details of other goods and services which may be of interest to you. Please tick this box if you do not want your details shared with carefully selected third parties. ■