28 August 2011. Today our Club members gathered at North Parramatta in the manicured grounds of the Kings School for the 31st All British Display Day. It’s very interesting how this wonderful event came about. Until 1988 annual display days were organised by the Austin Motor Vehicle Club to help support various charities. In that same year the Association of British Car Clubs was formed to replace the Austin Motor Vehicle Club as co-ordinator of this annual event. They named it the All
British Display Day. The aim is to encourage the preservation of British manufactured motor vehicles made in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The Association continues to actively bring together Clubs that cater for these cars. British motor cars have an important place in motoring history. They cover the whole spectrum of motoring styles from low cost vehicles like the Baby Austin to luxury cars such as the Rolls Royce. Other manufacturers have since acquired nearly all the early British motor Continued on Page 7
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 the 2nd 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
John Re - Concord
Presidents Report As I write this report we are about to present our Austin 7’s to the 2011 Shannons Eastern Creek Classic display of about 1,850 cars from 113 Clubs. Hopefully the weather stays fine after Sydney’s big wet. This big event is conducted by the Council of Motor Clubs Inc. (CMC), an organisation of which our Austin 7 Club has been a member for many years. Although the CMC was formed some 50 to 60 years ago as a forum for veteran and vintage car clubs it has changed over the years and now caters for all historic vehicles, i.e. vehicles over 30 years old. The CMC lobbies government agencies like the RTA and various heritage organisations on behalf of about 150 member Clubs. It was due to CMC efforts that a decent registration process was introduced for our cars. Mervyn Boatwright and myself attend the CMC’s bi-monthly meetings as Austin 7 Club NSW Inc delegates. The organisation of the upcoming two day Presidents Run on 15-16 October is well in hand and will start from Liverpool on Saturday morning, so you may not need your trailer. If you have not already registered for this event please contact me or Maureen as accommodation is still available. It’s sure to be a very enjoyable weekend. Happy Sevening ... Warren Gracie
Page 3
Events Report We were extremely lucky at the Eastern Creek Display day as the weather remained fine and no rain. In attendance were 13 Austin 7’s and what a great display they made. Paul & Amy drove around the track in their little chummy for the first time and Amy said, “it was great ... we’ve had the entrée but when is the main?”. Our Club is expecting 16 Austin 7’s to be on display at All British Day. The winners of the question/ answer sheet for the Sydney Landmark Run were Faye & Robert Yarroll. They will be presented with an etched Austin 7 glass at our September meeting. Happy Austin 7 touring ... Maureen Boatwright
FOR SALE 1929 Austin 7 Roadster
Congratulations to Cliff & Jeanette Edwards on the birth of their granddaughter
Mia Tracey Page 4
Coming Events 18 September 2011 … Annual Austin 7 Display Day - Kyeemagh Meet at the Fishing Club car-park (off Bestic Street, Kyeemagh) at 10:00am. Put on your thinking cap to win a prize! This event will be held in the Brighton area for this year ONLY. BYO lunch or buy from nearby shops. 1 - 3 October 2011 … Last Minute Run Expressions of Interest required for this run prior to 10 September 2011. Contact the Events Team on 9822 8609. 15 - 16 October 2011 … President’s Weekend - Southern Highlands Meet at Liverpool Regional Museum Cnr. Hume Highway and Congressional Place Liverpool to depart at 9:00am. For members with trailers please contact Warren Gracie on 9569 2108 or Maureen Boatwright on 9822 8609 for further directions. Please bring a Thermos of hot water. Morning tea will be provided. If you want to make this a long-weekend and stay overnight Sunday too, then contact Warren or Maureen to arrange extended accommodation. 27 November 2011 ... Christmas Function/Presentation Day Starting place TBA. Destination is Twin Creek Golf & Country Club at Luddenham. Buffet available at Adult $39.00 and Children $19.50. There is also a two course selection for the kids from the Dining Room for just $12.95. For further details please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609. Bookings are required by 30 September 2011. Your family and friends are very welcome. 11 December 2011 ... Ladies Day - Lunch at a Club Departing NRMA car-park at North Strathfield and visiting various places along the way including Oatley Park. Lunch at a Club. 1 - 5 October 2012 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, S.A. There is immense interest in this Rally, so make sure you have booked your Barossa Valley accommodation. The renowned Bay to Birdwood Run is for vehicles produced before 1956 and will be held on the day prior to the Hub Rally (Sunday 30 September 2012). Since Austin 7’s will be the featured car of this event, it would be preferred if all participants could be in Adelaide for the Bay to Birdwood no later than the evening of Saturday 29 September 2012. This will be the largest single-day vintage and veteran vehicles event in the world. You could also consider arriving in Adelaide earlier to join some of the Motorfest events during the week leading up to the Bay to Birdwood Run. Those members who sent their Expressions of Interest to the Austin 7 Club SA should now have their June 2011 Update to read in detail. Please contact our Events Team on 9822 8609 if you require an Expressions of Interest form or any further information. Members staying at the Barossa Motor Lodge will need to leave between 5:30-6:00am on Sunday to drive to the Bay to Birdwood event. Page 5
Recent Happy Snaps - All British Display Day
Page 6
Continued
vehicle manufacturers. The acquisition process continues and most of the original badges have ceased production. Many owners of those old cars continue to maintain them in superb condition. And there’s a wonderful selection of them on display at North Parramatta today. Our Club is well represented by 29 members and 2 junior’s along with 3 children and a few friends. It was an early start for Jim & Merilyn Dunn who travelled from Maitland and Jim Johnston came all the way from Tamworth. The school’s grounds were a bit damp on arrival but when the sun started shinning on us it became a very warm and pleasant day. A few members even managed to get sun-burned! It was really good to see so many of our Club’s cars out for the day. We all had a chance to have a good catch-up and chat about our little Austin’s and enjoy well over 1,000 other cars too. During the day, many members ventured off to admire the magnificent Art Show and the many stalls as well. And didn’t the ladies love their retail therapy. And the junior members and younger kids had lots of fun too on the many amusement rides. I’m sure all the kids slept well after their big day out. Jim and Merilyn Dunn’s blue 1937 Austin Special won the hearts of the judges as being one of their 10 most favoured cars to take home and put in their own garage. Congratulations Jim and Merilyn. So, after such a great day out this year, we hope to see even more members and cars at the 32nd All British Display Day in 2012.
Merilyn & Jim Dunn
Page 7
Car of the Month ... Cliff Stockley’s 1929 Meteor Article written by Cliff Stockley. Way back in the mid 1960’s I was looking for an Austin 7 motor to pull to pieces and maybe learn a bit. A letter was received by the Austin 7 Club from a member of the public saying they had an A7 motor available for ₤5. The Club President gave me the letter and when I went to get the motor it turns out the old lady had bad handwriting ... and in fact 80% of the Meteor was in her garage. Not bad for five quid! The car was in poor condition and in pieces; and many parts were missing. I was just 14 or 15 years old, but with a little help I did get the Meteor roadworthy and, by the time I was 17, it was on the road as my first car. When I drove it to school and on many occasions I fit two trim girls next to me too (I was slimmer then). I also drove it to work some days and to NSW Uni on some nights. Although, I did get tired of my mates lifting-up the little car and hiding it! I stopped driving the Meteor after about three years because I couldn’t afford double registration and repair costs, so I dismantled it and stored it under my dad’s house for about 25 years. My other car was a 1949 Morris Minor with an MGA motor, brakes, differential ... a really well engineered car. I named it Godzilla Morris. It was a 160kph car and very easy to drive, but the Meteor was much more fun. Over the years I overhauled the Meteor’s chassis and mechanicals; and modified it to make the car safer and faster. I added hydraulic brakes to make stopping much easier and safer, and a low ratio differential for better hill climbing ability, and for more engine power I added a Cambridge alloy head, twin SU carburettors and bigger valves and better camshaft.
on the beach WITHOUT a Permit
Page 8
It wasn't until I heard about the Austin 7 National Rally at Mudgee that I really got stuck into the painting, rechroming and getting the car fit for Club Plates ... I finished everything just 3 days before the Rally. However, although my son loved it, it was hard work making it to Mudgee with my 30 year old motor (it was a bit low on power). Also, the fuel tank had dirt in it and for two days the
carburettors suffered repeated blockages and the radiator had a bad leak. We discovered the overflow pipe was blocked by an old wasps nest! But by day three we had all the issues fixed and thoroughly enjoyed the remaining three days. After Mudgee I drove the Meteor to a local car Club rally at Hat Head the old-look front NSW (near Kempsey). I was up against some really good and expensive sports cars ... one chap had spent $32,000 restoring his Triumph TR6 ... and he got 2nd place. And guess what happened ... my collection of nuts and bolts won me 1st place. My son and I were playing the pokies at the presentation night and didn’t realise we had won ... until we bumped into the 2nd place guy at the bar. He wasn’t happy when I told him my car cost ₤5! And that’s what its been like for the past four years with my Meteor ... surprising people with its speed (and yes, its hydraulic brakes do actually work), and winning a few trophies and having lots of fun along the way. I went on a long charity trip to Longreach with the Qld A7 Register, returning via Rockhampton and raising money for the Flying Doctor Service. It really was a great A7 experience driving about 2,900 kilometres and meeting fantastic people on the event. In the picture (at the left) you can see my Meteor on the beach at Hat Head NSW. The local fishermen told me that only four-wheel-drive vehicles could go along the beach, but we all know an Austin 7 is a GO ANYWHERE car. An Austin 7 was the first car to travel all the way to Cape York ... so a small beach at Hat Head is no problem at all! PS.
I later found out that only four-wheel-drive vehicles can apply to get a permit to drive on the beach ... “what permit officer?”
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. Page 9
Recent Happy Snaps - Shannons Eastern Creek Classic
Page 10
Sydney’s extremely wet and windy weather leading up to the 47 th Shannons Eastern Creek Classic was enough to give any Austin 7 owner the jitters. But the day arrived and so did plenty of sunshine mixed with a few clouds. It was great to see country members Jim and Merilyn Dunn in their new bright yellow Chummy. This handsome little car is the latest member of the Dunn household. Our Club was well represented by 19 members and 1 guest in 13 Austin 7’s. This years Eastern Creek Classic celebrated several motoring related milestones; including 100 years of the Chevrolet brand, 60 years of the Renault Car Club of Australia and 50 years of the E-Type Jaguar and Volvo P1800. The Chevrolet Company was formed in 1911 and built its first vehicle in 1912. This was called a Classic Six and there is only one surviving in the world, owned by GM in America. In October 1951 a small group of Renault enthusiasts met and formed the Renault Car Club of Australia. They probably didn’t realise it, but they formed the first Renault Car Club in the world. Do you know that Jaguar sold over seventy thousand E-Types during it’s lifespan? And believe it or not, the MG Midget and the VW Type 3 turn fifty this year. Due to our relatively warm and dry climate, more Type 3’s survive in Australia today than any other country. Did you know the Volvo P1800 nearly didn’t make it? Just what would the Saint have driven if not the P1800? And finally, the VW Superbug turns forty this year. How time flies! Now, getting back to Austin 7’s, it’s amazing how many people commented that their father used to own an Austin 7, or they had learned to drive in one themselves! Well, another great annual event has come and gone. Everyone had lots of fun and the weather was good. And that’s exactly how Austin 7 owners like it!
Page 11
These minutes are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the August 2011 General Meeting Held on 10 August 2011 at the Concord RSL Club, Cnr. Nirranda Street and Nullawarra Avenue, Concord West. The meeting was opened at 8:00pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all members to the meeting. Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Apologies: Faye Yarroll, Mark & Joanne Wellington, Paul Boatwright, Helen Lewis and Carolyn Thompson. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Cliff Edwards
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted: Moved: Ken Rolley
Seconded: Amy Pui
Business arising from minutes: Nil Correspondence: Inwards: The Depender, Austin 7 Journals (SA), The Bent Wire, Burwood Spring Festival Show & Shine, 1 x membership, email from Bob Riches. Outwards: Letter to Mr. A. Wood. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Bob Riches
Treasurer Report: No Report given due to Treasurer’s absence. Spare Parts: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report. Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Robert Yarroll
Editor: Robert Yarroll reported about our Sydney Landmark Run. Membership Officer: Not present - 1 x new member John Re. Welfare: Nil Public Officer: Maureen reported - July 27 attended Page 12
Seminar with Warren Gracie, held on Fair Trading & Department of Gaming & Racing, involved duties of Public Officer. Austin 7 Club doing things the right way, no problems. Events Team: Christmas Party/Presentation Day 27/11/2011 at Golf Club, buffet $39 adults, children $19.50 or $12.95. Ladies Day 11/12/2011, Centennial Park elsewhere this year only. 16 x entries for All British Day, 1 x entry left for Eastern Creek. Robert Brandes will step down as organiser of All British Day after 2 decades. 2012 Rally in S.A. spoke with organisers re time arrival at Bay to Birdwood. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Trevor Hails
General Business: No raffle tonight due to location. Starting next month raffle tickets will be 1 for $2 or 3 for $5 due to ongoing costs of beautiful magazine, calendars & high increased costs involved in day to day running of club. The club will need to increase membership and this will be checked by Helen Lewis & Warren Gracie & they will report back to committee members next month with their suggestions. John Re welcomed back to club. Shoebox of items you wish to donate to club & will be auctioned at Christmas Party. Bush council, some members are now joining with CMC. The meeting closed at 9:03pm. Door Prize - won by Barbara Fahey (Prize donated by Robert Yarroll) No Raffle tonight.
Some fond memories from the 1920’s and 1930’s.
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.
Need an Oil Cap or Fuel Pump Diaphragm?
$40
$29
Paddy got into a crash the other day. The two drivers climbed out of their cars and surveyed the damage. The cars were pretty well smashed up but both drivers were OK. Paddy pulled out his handy liquor flask and offered it to the other driver. "Here, it'll calm your nerves," he said. "Thanks," said the other driver taking a swig. He hands the flask back to Paddy who promptly puts it back in his pocket. "Aren't you having any?" the second driver asks. "Nope. Police will be here soon."
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.
Supper Roster 14 September 2011 12 October 2011 9 November 2011 14 December 2011
Sandra & Paul Boatwright Amy & Paul Pui Judith & Bob Riches Members to bring a plate
11 January 2012
Your Committee
8 February 2012
Faye & Robert Yarroll Page 15
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.
RTA Conditional Registration Any Member using a vehicle on RTA Historic Conditional Registration Scheme (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 move-
ments 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.