On Sunday 17 April 2011 three Austin Sevens set off from the NRMA car park North Strathfield for the Ettamogah Pub at Kellyville. Upon arrival they joined another three Sevens and two moderns, fourteen people in all.
ventured over an electric fence to get a feather. Nobody could find a two-cent coin. Eventually, everyone arrived at Lynwood Country Club for a hearty lunch. Bob & Judith’s son Edward, and his son and mother-in-law joined us at the Club. After the Riches checked the day’s competition sheets they declared Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright the winners with a score of 230 points.
Bob & Judith Riches Everyone was there for Bob and Judith Riches Pitt Town Run, but little did we know what the Riches had planned for us. An instruction sheet was issued with directions via icons, with questions to answer and things to collect along the way; like a feather, pine cone, milk carton, golf tee, Cadbury’s Easter Egg, shopping receipt, paper airplane and a two-cent coin. At least two members climbed up a pine tree to fetch a cone. One member drove through a duck pond and another
Pitt Town is a historic town located 59 kilometers northwest of the Sydney CBD. It’s one of five Macquarie Towns established by Governor Macquarie in 1810. It’s named after William Pitt the Elder, the 18th Century British Prime Minister. A site for a village was laid out in 1811 but developed very slowly. a little church at Pitt Town
Thank you Bob and Judith for organising such a wonderful day ... the Editor
Committee Name
Home Phone
Mobile Phone
President
Warren Gracie
(02) 9569 2108
0417 417 826
Vice President
Paul Pui
(02) 9958 1791
0413 621 078
Secretary / Public Officer
Maureen Boatwright
(02) 9822 8609
0413 017 263
Treasurer
Helen Lewis
(02) 9709 2344
0407 108 196
Spare Parts
Mervyn Boatwright
(02) 9822 8609
0412 940 001
Club Examiners
Warren Gracie Mervyn Boatwright
(02) 9569 2108 (02) 9822 8609
0417 417 826 0412 940 001
Membership / Registration
Faye Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
0412 830 041
Editor / Webmaster
Robert Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
-
As a courtesy, please do not contact Committee Members after 9:00pm.
Club Meetings The Austin 7 Club NSW Inc meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 8:00pm in the NRMA Training Rooms, NRMA Building, George Street, North Strathfield. Parking is available in the NRMA car park opposite the building.
Magazine Deadline The deadline for all contributions to Baby Torque is ALWAYS the last Friday of each month. Contributions should be sent to The Editor, Baby Torque, 10 Lorraine Street, North Strathfield NSW 2137.
Banking Details Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc Spare Parts
Bank
Laboratories Credit Union
Bendigo Bank
BSB
802-841
633-000
0000009132
128875804
Account Page 2
Presidents Report It seems our Members who attended Austins Over Australia 2011 really enjoyed themselves over the Easter break. If you have not previously received your copy of our new Constitution & Members Mate then it should accompany this edition of Baby Torque. Mr Michael Gibson from Lumley Special Vehicles Insurance attended our last General Meeting to present us with various insurance product suitable for vintage and veteran cars; especially those on RTA Conditional Registration. As I’m NOT in London due to my Invitation to the Royal Wedding being lost in the post, I hope to see you at our next General Meeting on 11 May. Happy Sevening ... Warren Gracie
... a colourful and happy Royal Wedding ...
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Events Report The April Run saw our little babies travelling the countryside, stopping frequently while their owners searched for items required to complete the hunt. We finished in the Pitt Town area where we dined at a Country Golf Club and consumed great food. Thank you Bob & Judith for a wonderful day. Our next club Run will celebrate National Heritage Motoring Day, and our team needs to book breakfast at an Italian restaurant at Menai. So please contact us on 9822 8609 to confirm numbers. Mark Wellington has organised this Run and it promises to be a great day. Also, if you are interested in joining a mid-week Riverboat Postman ferry run from Brooklyn, then please contact us immediately on 9822 8609 as our booking is required well in advance. The Team is waiting your Expression of Interest for the 24-25 September 2011 Presidents Weekend in the Kiama area. Our President is considering joining the Kiama Vintage & Classic Car Rally for Charity on Sunday 25 September. To all those Members visiting Orange in May, have a great time just like those who recently attended Austins Over Australia at Forbes. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright
Coming Events 15 May 2011 ... National Heritage Motoring Day - Mystery Run Departing from NRMA Car-park North Strathfield at 7:30am heading south for breakfast and continuing south for a Mystery Run. Please contact the Events Team ASAP on 9822 8609 to book your place for breakfast. Organised by Mark Wellington 19 June 2011 ... Don Avery Memorial Shield Run Departing from NRMA Car-park North Strathfield at 9:30am. Organised by Warren Gracie 17 July 2011 ... Sydney Landmark Run Starting at Lady Macquarie’s Chair at 7:30am then going to Milson’s Point, Luna Park, Blues Point Reserve, Cammeray (suspension bridge) and much more. Finish at Paul & Amy’s place for a BBQ lunch. Any member trailering their Austin 7 can leave their trailer at Paul & Amy’s place prior to the run. Please contact Paul or Amy if you are interested in attending. Phone 0413 621 078 or 9958 1791. Organised by Paul & Amy Pui
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Coming Events - continued 1 - 5 October 2012 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, S.A. The Headquarters for the National Rally will be at the Tanunda Show Grounds Hall which is in a very nice setting and has plenty of parking available. Prior to preparing and issuing entry forms the Austin 7 Club SA need to get an indication on how many people are likely to enter the 2012 National A7 Rally. Consequently they need your help by completing and returning an Expression of Interest Form as soon as possible. Also, please give a form to anyone else you know who may be interested in attending this rally. Forms may be obtained by:
logging onto the 2012 Rally page on the Austin 7 Club SA website at www.austin7clubsa.com.au, asking your Events Director for a hard copy, asking Ralph Drage (2012 Rally Secretary) to send a hard copy.
Invitations Accepted 6 - 8 May 2011 ... Central Tablelands Autumn Tour - Orange, NSW Eligible Vehicles – Manufactured Pre 1931. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 to get an Entry Form and Accommodation List. Entries Close on 20 April 2011.
some happy Members setting out on Bob & Judith Riches Pitt Town Run
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Car of the Month .. Brian & Deirdre Hayward’s “Annie” When I retired and set up my own business, one of my projects was to be the restoration of an Austin 7 or MG. Mark Gibbs, who was then a member of our Club, persuaded me to join and I subsequently found Annie at a garage in Thornleigh. So, the choice was easily made, especially as my first car in the UK had been a 1937 Ruby, which I used when I was at London University!
and interior head lining had collapsed. Paintwork was royal blue/ black and the upholstery was dark blue with cream headlining. The only solution was a complete restoration, which was commenced in November 2004.
Annie is an Austin 7 RP Deluxe Saloon, and was originally purchased by SA Bacon of Knowl Hill, Twyford, Berkshire and registered as JB1816 on 24 March 1933. Unfortunately, subsequent ownership was lost in the consolidation of all UK County registrations into a National Centre at Cardiff in 1970. She was shipped to Sydney in 1969 and came into the ownership of Victor Dellit, an architect in Chatswood, who used it until February 1971 registered as AHC 406. He then stored it until he decided to sell it in February 2000 for $5,000.
... as she was in the beginning The engine was serviceable at the time of purchase but the body was in poor condition and the Pytchley sliding roof
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... stripped bare The car was stripped down and rebuilt from the chassis up. The body was stripped, shot blasted, repaired and then repainted by Colour Works in Thornleigh. The replacement of most of the birch timber frame on the passenger side and doors presented some challenges, especially learning how to steam the wood to shape. Mervyn and Paul Boatwright straightened the front axle. The upholstery and sliding roof were done at Brad’s Auto at Vineyard. The Pytchley sliding roof was a particular challenge, but remarkably it seems to keep the rain out and provides valuable air-conditioning on hot days! The engine rebuild was relatively straightforward with a cylinder re-
condensed limousine for my son Alistair’s wedding. I took him to the church in Pennant Hills and then both he and Kristy to the reception at the Sydney Rowing Club in Abbotsford. ... everything is coming along nicely bore and new valves. The original car had manual ignition, but the distributor had been changed to a centrifugal type at some point. This is now the only modification. Much of the electrical wiring is original, but winkers have been added and the new/original headlights were purchased from the UK. The ignition switch and petrol gauge rheostat presented some challenges, but are now working satisfactorily. As is usual with car restorations, time slips past! The 85th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally in Mudgee in 2007 became the event to focus the mind. Annie burst into life on Good Friday and was taken by trailer to Mudgee on Easter Monday 9 April 2007. She performed well with runs to Gulgong and Rylestone covering 125 miles during the week. The highlight was (of course) that she won the Best Sedan Prize at the Rally dinner. In October 2008, Annie was used as a
Annie was photographed at the NRMA Motorfest on Australia Day 2009 and became the September pinup girl in a classic car calendar for 2010. Being fully road-registered, Annie has now become our second car and is regularly used and recognised around the Epping/Beecroft area. She has traveled a little over 1,200 miles since registration and is now just about fully run in! Her sister car Alix is still in many pieces, but maybe the 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally in South Australia in 2012 will provide the event to again focus the mind and get her finished.
... the end result is simply stunning Article written by Brian Hayward
Information Sheet If you would like to see your Austin 7 featured in this magazine please complete and return the “Car of the Month - Information Sheet” available from the Editor.
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Forbes is a town in the Central West of New South Wales located on the Newell Highway between Parkes and West Wyalong about 386 kilometres from Sydney. It was established in 1861 and proclaimed a Municipality in 1870. Forbes is probably named after Sir Francis Forbes, first Chief Justice of NSW.
racing colours and cap; and an assortment of very embarrassing items that seemed too way-out to be true. Fortunately for Paul, all this public humiliation was the final act of a very longterm and well executed hoax. However, hundreds of local patrons and car club members joined in the fun and laughter and had a thoroughly good time; all at Paul’s expense. Day 1 - Friday 22 April 2011
Forbes was also the venue for Austin’s Over Australia 2011. Over 500 people and 200 cars converged on Forbes making this event one of the largest the town has hosted. The Austin 7 Club NSW was well represented by Ross & Robyne Bell, Merv & Maureen Boatwright, Paul & Sandra Boatwright with their children Jessica, Katie & Jackie, Cliff & Jeanette Edwards, Gordon & Marilyn Love, Paul & Amy Pui and Robert & Faye Yarroll. Most of us met at the Forbes RSL for dinner on Thursday evening to enjoy a hearty meal at the Bistro. But the real excitement came when everyone moved to the lounge area where the Camel Races organisers publicly announced that Paul Pui would jockey a camel the following day. Paul was officially presented with his Page 8
After a quick look around town we headed off to the local Showground for the Annual Forbes Camel Races. Over two hundred Austin’s assembled on the infield as a teaser for the Car Display in town on Easter Sunday. The day’s events included camel races, sheep shearing displays, sheep dog handling, children’s running races, State versus State lawn mower races, R.W. Williams fashion show, an animal nursery plus a real fun filled family carnival atmosphere. Over 5,000 locals and visitors attended and it was an event not to be missed. Our Club jockey Paul Pui was also spotted mounting a camel dressed in his colourful outfit. Don’t forget to check out our Events Gallery on www.austin7clubnsw.org.au for all the AOA2011 photos. Some members ventured off to McFeeters Car Museum after the races. This stunning custom-built museum houses a large privately owned collection of meticulously restored veteran, vintage and classic cars plus a couple of custom cars too. Some cars are rare, some common and some just down-right bizarre. Over 500 people attended the evening Welcome Supper at the Forbes Memorial
Club. Day 2 - Saturday 23 April 2011 We set off from the Forbes Town Hall Rally Headquarters for a 64 miles (103 kilometres) run to Cowra. Our 7’s were in the first group to depart and lead the way to Cowra. On route we had the opportunity to visit the Age of Fishes Museum at Canowindra; while some members preferred to visit the local coffee and antique shops for some retail therapy. We congregated at Cowra’s Holman Oval for lunch and to give the locals a chance to enjoy our cars while we relaxed in the glorious sunshine. After lunch there were a number of places of interest to visit; so we all headed off in different directions. The attractions included the beautiful Japanese Gardens, the Peace Bell, the Rose Gardens, the Cowra Breakout Hologram and the War Cemetery. Later that evening we enjoyed a BBQ at the Forbes Memorial Club together with more socialising and laughs. Day 3 - Sunday 24 April 2011 Anyone for Poker! Starting from Rally Headquarters we set off on a 14 kilometre sightseeing trip around beautiful Forbes collecting 5 poker cards along the way. At the end of this short run we handed in our Poker Card Sheets and waited for the results. Who will get the best hand and win? All will be revealed later in the day at dinner. By mid morning we all took our positions at the Austins Over Australia Forbes Car Display; and what made this day really special was everyone had to “dress up” in
the era of their car. Well ... didn’t our Club members do a great job! They all looked stunning in their 1920’s and 1930’s outfits. Many locals came along and the weather was just perfect. Actually, some of us got a little sun tanned. We headed off later on a trip to the Forbes Museum in Cross Street and learned more about the area’s history. The Rally Presentations and festivities were held at the Club that evening. Day 4 - Monday 25 April 2011 Naturally, some rally participants started the day at the Anzac Dawn Service and then joined the rest of the cars going to Parkes. Our first stop was the Henry Parkes Museum and Pioneer Park Antique Machinery Museum. We also saw a private collection of Elvis memorabilia owned by ex-Wiggle Greg Page. We enjoyed a lovely morning tea and sausagesizzle lunch at the museum, and I heard that 1,000 sausages were needed. That’s a lot of snags. Some members visited the CSIRO’s Parkes Radio Telescope; better known as “the Dish”. By this time we were getting a little tired, so back to Forbes we went for a rather noisy Happy Hour together as the Rally came to a close. To the Austin Motor Vehicle Club NSW and the organising Committee, we would like to say thank you for organising such a wonderful rally. I’m sure our attending Club members had a lot of fun and enjoyed the chance to share a few days touring with both local and foreign Austin owners. Article written by Faye Yarroll Page 9
These minutes are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the April 2011 General Meeting Held on 13 April 2011 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:12pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all Members to the meeting. Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Attendees, Apologies & Visitor There was 20 members in attendance. Apologies from Mark & Joanne Wellington, Paul Boatwright, Brian & Deirdre Haywood. Visitor (guest speaker) was Michael Gibson from Lumley Insurance. Moved: Faye Yarroll
Seconded: Helen Lewis
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted Moved: Kevin Harte
Seconded: Bob Riches
Good story by junior member Ashley Cottell on Wings Over Illawarra. Ads for parts going OK. For Sale and Wanted ads will appear for two months. Membership 1 new member. 72 financial members. Public Officer Constitution now available with membersmate. Appendix 1 & 2 are not enclosed with the first issue but will be available with next run & are available for members if needed. Also, TCIS Public Liability Certificate of Currency available. Special thanks to Mark Wellington for taking on the responsibility of the preparation of the Club’s Constitution.
Business arising from minutes Nil
Welfare Nil
Correspondence 3 Membership renewals. 1 new Membership. Burwood Spring Fair 18/09/2011, Motorlife Museum Motoring Expo 12/06/2011, The Bent Wire, Wintersun Retro Nostalgia Festival Port Macquarie, Drive Chatter, Cruise USA. Thank you letter from Jean McCarthy’s children, Maureen, Paul & Annette. Request letter for permission to move for Forbes & Orange from: Robert Yarroll, C. Stockley, Paul Pui, George McGill, Ross Bell and Mervyn Boatwright. Correspondence Out: Permission to move letters for Forbes & Orange for the above names.
Events Team Austins Over Australia 2011 at Forbes should see approximately 216 vehicles with 500 people attending. Brooklyn midweek “Postman Ferry Run” $40 concession, if over 20 attending cost reduced to $30. $12 for fish & chips otherwise you can take your own food. Numbers required, so please phone events team on 9822 8609.
Moved: Amy Pui
Seconded: Trevor Hails
Treasurer Report Helen Lewis read the Financial Report Moved: Maureen Boatwright
Seconded: Carolyn Thompson
Spare Parts Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report Moved: Paul Pui
Seconded: Faye Yarroll
Editor Restoration of wheels story by Robert & Faye Yarroll appears in this magazine. Page 10
Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Helen Lewis
General Business Warren Gracie explained stickers for entry to Eastern Creek have been reduced in size, aerial shot will be taken at Eastern Creek. Maureen requested when asking for permission to move for Invitations Accepted or for Other Events of Interest, permission must be requested prior to going to the event. A talk will be given in a few months by Neil Wilson about roof bows, etc. The meeting closed at 8.55pm Door Prize - won by Mervyn Boatwright Raffle - won by Eric Bourn
Recent Happy Snaps - Austins Over Australia
George & Sue McGill
Maureen & Mervyn Boatwright
Robert & Faye Yarroll
Cliff & Jeanette Edwards
Ross & Robyne Bell
Amy & Paul Pui Page 11
1936 Stainless Steel Ford Here’s an interesting story that has nothing to do with an Austin 7. Featured in the photograph is a Ford Tudor sedan built for Allegheny Ludlum Steel (USA) in 1936. This car is in exceptional condition and is one of only four in existence, and the only one still running and roadworthy. All four cars had gone over 200,000 miles before they were removed from service. The cars were built as promotional and marketing projects. Each year, the top salesmen were given the honour of driving them for one year. The 85hp V8 engine was surprisingly smooth and quiet. This car was insured for $1.5 million for a trip to a Louisville motor show. Not surprisingly, the dies used to manufacture the body panels were ruined by stamping the very hard stainless steel, so no more of these cars will ever be produced.
Robert Shannon Foundation The Robert Shannon Foundation was established to perpetuate the memory of Robert Shannon, founder of Shannons Insurance, who died in March 2000. Robert was an avid classic car enthusiast and a strong supporter of the historic motoring movement. The Foundation aims to encourage people under the age of 30 to become involved in the restoration and preservation of veteran, vintage and classic motor vehicles. The Foundation may help with the purchase of tools, assist with the cost of restoration, contribute towards TAFE or tertiary fees or contribute towards any project considered worthwhile by the Trustees. Any person under the age of 30 years who is engaged in studying automotive restoration and preservation or actively working on historic vehicles is eligible to nominate for a grant. The person or group must be nominated through an historic vehicle club. The nominating club must be affiliated with the representative body or council in its state. For more information go to www.motoring.org.au or contact Robert Shannon Foundation, P.O. Box 260, Ashfield NSW 1800. Page 12
A True Champion
Paul Pui
It would be hard to find a better bloke than our Vice President Paul Pui. It was a great relief for Paul when it was revealed his jockey role at the recent Forbes Camel Races was a hoax. However, this was not before he was presented with his cap and riding colours which he wore proudly (see picture at left).
Paul said, “I must have sucker written on my forehead. Some people are forever playing practical jokes on me and I fall for them every time”. Even though Paul didn’t get to race a camel he is a true champion for being such a good sport. Good on you Paul ... the Editor
Another True Champion Past President Mark Wellington is a man of many talents. He recently participated in the 2011 NISSAN BRW Corporate Triathlon. This consisted of a 400 metre Sydney Harbour swim, followed by an 8 kilometre cycle ride and then a 4 kilometre run. Some say this man of steel can Can you see Mark? He’s the swimmer outrun an Austin 7 in full flight, with number “2” written on his arm! but then again, most people can. Mark finished the event in a personal best time of 35 minutes and 50 seconds. And this was without any fuel stops. His success was all the sweeter as he managed to out-perform his fellow team mates. I’m sure all Club members join me in congratulating Mark on his outstanding performance. He is a true ironman. Well done Mark ... the Editor Page 13
All Spare Parts correspondence should be addressed to: Mr Mervyn Boatwright, P.O. Box 366, Casula Mall. NSW 2170 Telephone: (02) 9822 8609
Email: m.boaty@bigpond.com
Spare Parts will NOT be brought to meetings unless requested beforehand due to the vast number of parts in stock nowadays. Please contact Merv by the Thursday evening prior to the meeting with details of the parts you need. All Members choosing to pay by cheque for parts should read the instructions at the bottom of their invoice. Please make all cheques for Spare Parts payable to Austin 7 Club NSW Inc Spare Parts.
REAR LAMP - CHROME only
$130 each
Early pattern cylindrical rear lamp with side number plate illumination. Fitted with prismatic lens. Lucas 582 style. Be quick ... limited stock available.
5 x 19” AVON SIDE CAR TYRES (3.5” x 19”) $80 EACH Contact Merv Boatwright (on behalf of a Club Member) on (02) 9822 8609 or at m.boaty@bigpond.com 1937 AUSTIN BIG SEVEN PARTLY RESTORED - WITH LOTS OF PARTS Contact Robert Waller on (02) 4573 1272 after 6:00pm 1 x SET (2) RUBY HEADLIGHTS Contact Kevin Harte on (02) 9614 1512 1935-37 AUSTIN 7 RUBY TOURER - GOOD CONDITION Contact Trevor Wilson on (08) 8524 8036 Page 14
Bad Weather If bad weather conditions are looming, please contact Maureen Boatwright on Saturday evenings or from 6:30am on the Sunday of the run (H) 02 9822 8609 (M) 0413 017 263 or Warren Gracie (H) 02 9569 2108 (M) 0417 417 826. And please remember to always carry the following documents in your Austin 7:
Comprehensive Insurance Policy Clubs’ Certificate of Currency Baby Torque Magazine
Point Score Trophy Don’t forget the Austin 7 Club NSW “Point Score” program. Our aim is to see as many people as possible attending events and meetings (including monthly general meetings). Participation in an event or outing from the starting point to the finish will score you 2 points, while attending a general meeting will score you 1 point. These points are awarded whether you attend in your Austin 7 or modern car. The person with the highest points tally will receive a trophy at our Christmas Luncheon / Presentation Day. So come along and get involved.
2011 Supper Roster 11 May 2011
Joanne & Mark Wellington
8 June 2011
Maureen & Merv Boatwright
13 July 2011
Helen & Denis Quartly
10 August 2011 14 September 2011 12 October 2011
Faye & Robert Yarroll Sandra & Paul Boatwright Amy & Paul Pui
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Member of The Council of Motor Clubs, Inc
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc "Dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of all types of Austin Sevens" Postal Address: P.O. Box 6009 North Ryde NSW 2113 Email: info@austin7clubnsw.org.au Website: www.austin7clubnsw.org.au
The Austin 7 Club NSW Inc has been active for over 25 years and aims to bring together people with the common interest of restoring, preserving and driving Austin Sevens. We are an informal family club that regularly takes our "Babies" to the road for some fun social touring. Spare parts are available to Club Members through the Club Spares Division and our technical people will give advice, where possible, in regard to the restoration of these cars.
Conditional Registration Any Member using a vehicle on RTA Conditional Registration (HCRS) and attending a Secondary Club Run or any event listed under Invitations Accepted or Other Events of Interest MUST contact a Committee Member to advise your vehicles movements PRIOR to attending the event. The committee of the nominated primary club on your conditional registration must be aware, and approve of, all movements of
your vehicle. If you wish to attend invitational events outside Club runs, you MUST contact a Committee Member to log the trip, otherwise your registration and insurance is NOT valid. You should carry a copy of the Clubs’ Certificate of Insurance (Public Liability) in your Austin 7 at all times together with the most recent copy of this “Baby Torque” magazine.