Winnererremy Bay 12 February 2012. It was hot and humid today as we set off on our Mystery Twilight Run. Fourteen members in five A7’s, one Mini and a modern attended. Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright, Warren Gracie, Ron Selig, Mark & Joanne Wellington, and Faye & Robert Yarroll left from the NRMA car-park North Strathfield. We enjoyed travelling through beautiful bush scenery along McCarrs Creek Road through Terry Hills and Church Point before arriving at Mona Vale’s Winnererremy Bay Parklands. There we met Bob & Judith Riches, George & Sue McGill and Eric Steinhaus & Cissy. And what a gorgeous place it is; another great choice made by Merv & Maureen. Faye was heard to say, “you’ve
found another place we’ve never visited before”. After finding a shady picnic table some members rushed to get a coffee from the park’s café. Others took a leisurely stroll around the walking tracks and took in the beautiful vista of yachts and motor boats moored in the bay. This is an ideal spot for picnics where the kids can fly a kite and have fun in the adventure playground. There’s lots of flowers to see and the track is decorated with fascinating animal themed rock art; there’s also plenty of shady tables and chairs to relax on and a sandy beach too. After some chatting and eating, the sun started to set; so it was time for everyone to head off home. Thank you Maureen & Merv for another great outing.
Committee Executive
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
Name
Home Phone
Mobile Phone
Events Team
Maureen Boatwright
(02) 9822 8609
0413 017 263
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
Faye Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
0412 830 041
Editor / Webmaster
Robert Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
-
Office Bearers
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
100008499
128875804
Account Page 2
Presidents Report Following our last Monthly General Meeting on 8 February 2012 a Special General Meeting was held to consider an appeal by Club member Kevin Harte. This appeal was in respect of a Committee decision not to endorse Kevin’s Registration Renewal 1259 Form with our Club listed as the Primary Club for Conditional Registration requirements. Whilst I won’t go into details of this meeting, Kevin did apologise for his appeal since he did not attend the Committee Meeting that he was invited to. As it turned out it came to our notice that Kevin had nominated another Club as his Primary Club around the time of his requested Committee attendance. Had the Committee been advised of this, there would have been no need for a Special General Meeting to consider this matter and its associated expense. As a result of this Special General Meeting your Committee will be reviewing all matters in respect of Conditional Registration requirements and Club policy. Happy Sevening … Warren Gracie
WELCOME NEW MEMBER Bob Burrell ……….… Gilgandra NSW
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Events Report Australia Day festivities at Flagstaff Hill Reserve saw seven Austin 7’s and one modern from this Club join the AMVC for a thoroughly enjoyable day. The weather was very hot and humid and some of us went home with a hot glow. There was so much to do and see that it was difficult to decide on what food to buy from the great number of excellent food stalls to choose from. In their Austin 7’s were Eric Steinhaus, Warren Gracie, Mark Wellington, Paul Boatwright, Ken Rolley, Paul & Amy Pui and Merv & Maureen Boatwright; and Robert & Faye Yarroll took their modern. Unfortunately, the weather was not as kind at the NRMA Motorfest in the City where Eric & Ann Bourn and Brian & Deidre Haywood displayed their Austin 7’s. The Breakfast Run to Brooklyn on Sunday 12 February 2012 was fun and full of its own events. I have never seen or heard of so many mishaps on a Club run. #1 - Ken’s car had a problem before it left the car park and Faye raced home to get a bottle of methylated spirits; #2 - Warren Gracie slept in and missed the outing altogether; #3 - Eric Steinhaus & Cissy had a bit of bad luck at Ryde when their gear lever broke off, so Ron Selig kindly drove Eric home to retrieve his modern and trailer; #4 - Ron didn’t re-join us in his A7 as it kept cutting out when he stopped; #5 - we were pulled over for a Random Breath Test, and while Mark was being tested some other Police officers were admiring Merv’s car, and it wasn’t until much later we realised if Merv had been tested he could have failed as he had swallowed some of the methylated spirits when syphoning it for Ken; #6 - we finally sat down for breakfast when Brian Haywood rang to say he wouldn’t be joining us because his car had an ignition problem; #7 - Merv ran out of petrol on the freeway on his homeward jourPage 4
ney; #8 - three kilometers further on Mark ran out too. I was travelling with Faye & Robert and it looked so funny to see Mark on his way back to his car with a small can of petrol as we were on our way to get a can for Merv & Ashley. I can’t remember such an eventful day of mishaps in the entire history of our Club. It was great to see Warren Tite with his sister Margaret at breakfast. Jim & Merilyn Dunn was presented with their Shield and Trophy for the “Most Enthusiastic Member” for 2011 and they were thrilled with the photo of their car on the trophy. In Austin 7’s were Ken Rolley, Eric Steinhaus & Cissy, Ron Selig, Mark & Joanne Wellington, Paul & Amy Pui, George & Sue McGill, Merv Boatwright & Ashley Cottell; and in their moderns were Jim & Merilyn Dunn, Bob & Judith Riches, Warren Tite & Margaret, Robert & Faye Yarroll and Maureen Boatwright. If you are interested in organising or assisting with a Club Run then please contact me on 9822 8609. Two events are still to be organized for 15 April and 20 May 2012. Everyone who returned their Expression of Interest should now have received an Entry Form for the 90th National Rally in S.A. Accommodation is almost nonexistent now, but I am aware of one motel room about to be cancelled which is available for a family or a double; so please contact me on 9822 8609 to secure this room. Next year (2013) is our Club’s 30th Anniversary and a week away is planned (probably up north). At this stage I am only looking for expressions of interest, dates and costs will be made available soon. I’ll see you on the Twilight Mystery Run. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright
Coming Events 4 March 2012 … Breakfast Run - South - New Venue and Start Time Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:30am or Heathcote Railway car-park at 8:15am. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending and advise your starting place. 23-25 March 2012 ... Sydney Vintage Car Restoration - Crookwell This will be a long-weekend based in Goulburn. Ten rooms have been secured at our motel and all these rooms have now been allocated. A Run will take place for anyone interested on Friday 23rd at 1:00pm. 15 April 2012 … Mystery Run 29 April 2012 … Breakfast Run - North - New Venue Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:40am sharp. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 23-24 June 2012 ... Weekend away at Mt.Victoria Our Club will be staying at a very nice Guesthouse at Mt Victoria. So far eleven en-suite rooms have been booked - the remaining rooms do not have en-suites. On Sunday we will be joining the Vauxhall Club and other clubs for lunch at the Guesthouse and enjoying Kitty & the Bagman at the Mt.Victoria picture show. Today you may wish to dress in the era of your car. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 1 - 5 October 2012 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, S.A. Make sure you have booked your Barossa Valley accommodation as there is immense interest in this Rally. Remember, there’s only 10 months to go and more than 140 Austin 7’s will be attending. The renowned Bay to Birdwood Run is for vehicles manufactured before 1956 and will be held the day before the Rally starts (Sunday 30 September 2012). Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you require an Expression of Interest form or further information. Those staying at the Barossa Motor Lodge will need to leave for the Bay to Birdwood at about 5:30am on the Sunday. Also, you should now have received your Rally Entry Newsletter and Entry Form.
Invitations Accepted 6 May 2012 ... Wings Over Illawarra 2012 Cars will NOT be admitted to this event without an official sticker. Please contact the Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 29 March 2013 - 1 April 2013 … Austins Over Australia - Bendigo VIC This event falls over Easter. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you require an Expression of Interest form and/or Newsletter #1. Page 5
Leura’s Automobile
Picnic in the Mall
ple dance routine for five minutes with a bunch of people you don’t know? Ladies wearing Flapper dresses and men with slicked-down hair and wearing braces really took everyone back to a bygone era. However, the Charleston Challenge Down-under didn’t exceed the required 250 dancers needed to break the World Record ... but didn’t everyone have great fun!
4 February 2012. Jan O’Shea is an Australian Champion of Jitterbug and Rock N Roll dancing. She also choreographed an enthusiastic crowd in an attempt to break the World Record for most people dancing the Charleston at the same time. This was just one event at todays Leura’s Automobile Picnic in the Mall. Club members Robert and Faye Yarroll joined the attempt after their first and only two-minute lesson. After all … how difficult can it be to do a sim-
The crowd then enjoyed a stroll through a great display of historic vehicles from the early 1920’s and 1930’s; and afterwards many had lunch under the shady trees lining the Mall. This event is just the start of a month -long festival throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon regions. From jazz concerts, garden parties, high teas and even a Roaring 20’s Ball there’s something for everyone to see and do.
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“please sir, I want some more”
12 February 2012. It was a nice warm February morning as we set out on our Breakfast Run to Brooklyn Marina. We met at North Strathfield at 7.40am with Maureen (Nana) and Merv (Grandad) Boatwright, Faye & Robert Yarroll, Ken Rolley, Joanne & Mark Wellington, Ron Selig and Eric Steinhaus with Cissy. We all thought this would be an easy trip to Brooklyn without any particular problems but, as you can see in the Events Report, there were many misadventures and far too many to mention here. But we did eventually arrive at Brooklyn Marina where we met up with Bob and Judith Riches, Jim & Merilyn Dunn and Warren Tite and his sister Margaret. We all ordered breakfast then sat down and talked while waiting for our food to arrive. Some of our members wondered why they had ordered the Big Breakfast when they saw the size of it. The sun was beaming on us and it was so hot, so we all decided to go for a run up to Peats Ridge. So off we set for the second part of our run. We eventually got there and started to walk into a furniture shop that sold tables and chairs all made out of trees that had been sanded down when Faye got a call from Ron Selig saying “I’m at Brooklyn … where are you?” When Faye told him we were at Peats Ridge I don’t think he wanted breakfast anymore. We had a look in the furniture shop which had a little lizard running around inside. We had to get it to move before Amy Pui realised that it was alive and not a statue. Before leaving we went to get a cold drink from the former Oak Milk Bar when Ron shows up, once again just a bit too late. Nana & Grandad and Faye & Robert had a quick talk to him before he set off again to visit his brother. A few minutes after, we all set off home with a few of us stopping at nearby fruit shops. Of course, we did eventually run out of petrol on the way home. I would say we were stuck waiting for a good 40 minutes in the boiling heat. When Nana and the Yarroll’s got to us with the petrol, they told us another funny story which sounded quite similar to ours. Mark & Joanne Wellington also ran out of fuel, not far away from us. Apparently Joanne was calmly reading her book while Mark Walked to the nearest place to get a can of fuel. So in the end the two people who are always telling everyone how to do this and that, and telling people what’s right from wrong, were the ones who ran out of petrol on the expressway. So really, the four cars who got through the whole day with no problems or wrong directions were of course the 6 people in the moderns. After all the problems of the day Nana, the Yarroll’s, Grandad and I met up at North Strathfield again where I squashed into the back of the Nippy and Nana got into the front, and after the long day we headed home with (surprisingly) no more problems. Written by Ashley Cottell ( junior member) Page 7
Car of the Month ... Bob & Judith Riches 1966 Liege Bob and Judith Riches are the proud owners of two club-cars; a 1930 Sports Two Seater Type EA Ulster and a 1966 Reliant Liege. This month we feature Bill ... their smart little cream and silver Liege. The name Bill is dedicated to a motor-cycling friend who lived in the village of Charlton in Worcestershire (England). Bill kindly allowed Bob to build the car in his garage. The project began back in the 1990’s when Bob purchased two donor cars; a 1966 Regal Reliant and a 1996 Rialto Reliant. Parts from these cars were combined with a trials-car kit purchased from the Liege Motor Co of Fladbury, Worcestershire; plus other parts that had been gathered over a two year period. When you assemble your own car some forethought allows you to incorporate into it all the features that you really want. However, Bob has made two major changes since completing the Liege. Experiences of early long distance trials showed weaknesses in the Reliant back axle and the Liege Motor Co recommended it be changed to a Suzuki Carry axle. Although Bob and Judith hadn’t experienced any problem with their car as they were touring only, they did comply with the suggestion and acquired a suitable axle, and duly modified and installed it.
Bob & Judith Page 8
The second change was supercharging. Although this was contemplated at the time of construction the factory supplied kit was based on an Autorotor unit; which was far too expensive. After bringing the Liege to Australia and running it for some time, fellow Club member Paul Boatwright took up the challenge and installed an Aisin blower. Paul did a very neat job and the engine power is now greatly increased.
… and their 1966 Reliant Liege
Bob and Judith are seasoned tourers and members of a number of different motoring clubs. When we asked Bob what his most memorable Aussie trip was in his Liege, he replied, “our tour to Tasmania with the Vintage Motor Club, and we’ve joined several other great tours in Australia too”. They have also travelled extensively around the UK and Europe, and their most memorable trip overseas was Europe 02 organised by Ken Cooke of the 750 Motor Club. This was a two-week tour like many previous 750MC runs; and in company with 87 other Austin 7’s of various shapes and sizes it took Bob and Judith through many places located between the UK and Berlin (East Germany). Anyone who toured on Le Tour to the Mediterranean in 1997 will recall that Ken Cooke arranges hard driving with lots of fun! The Liege is comfortable and easy to drive. The Riches longest local trip was probably a rally from Sydney to Melbourne. Bob and Judith have no hesitation in driving the Liege to anywhere that takes their fancy; and they can be seen at many motoring-club Events each year. Whether they are driving their Ulster, Liege or their zippy little black Smart car; there’s one thing for sure … they genuinely enjoy the camaraderie and companionship of the many car enthusiasts they meet along the way.
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
Round the World in a “Baby” Car by Gladys de Haviland Part 2
CHEERFUL PROPHECIES From Log Cabin Camp we drove on to St. Louis and civilization, and here we were advised to take the southern route instead of the northern one which I had planned. Which-ever route we took, people told us cheerfully, we were “for it.” If we didn’t freeze in the mountain passes we should be killed by brigands. Several motorists, we were informed, had lately been robbed and murdered in the wilds of New Mexico. It was not exactly an enticing prospect, but I was determined not to give up now. Other folks examined our tiny car and then shook their heads doubtfully. Owing to narrowness, they said, she wouldn’t fit the wheel-tracks on the “dirt” roads ahead of us and therefore we should never get through. We made up our minds, however, that we would have a jolly good try.
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It was not long before it began to look as if the latter dismal prophecy, at all events, might be fulfilled. The road steadily deteriorated until it became no better than a mud-track, the mire being so deep that British motorists can have no conception of it unless they have seen it. Fearsome potholes were everywhere – great cavities half as big as the “Baby” itself. Near a place called Big Indian Ranch we came to a “detour” where there was only a single track, and a man with a red flag stopped us and told us we must wait until the traffic coming in the opposite direction had all got through. We sat there for about an hour watching, and the way the oncoming cars heaved and wallowed and bumped through the mud made me quake for my little Austin. It certainly seemed that we should never be able to battle successfully with that awful morass. When the time came to start I found that I was at the head of a line of about fifteen cars, a position that scared me badly when I pictured myself stuck in the mud, holding the whole convoy up and listening to pungent American comments on the situation. Yet actually, when it came to it, the Austin went
through better than they did! Being lighter, she didn’t sink so deeply into the mire, and when we eventually emerged I found that we were some way ahead of the others. After this, light relief was afforded by some cheery parties of Negroes in dilapidated Fords. They tried to race us, and when we romped ahead they stood up in their cars and cheered, roaring with delight. A day or two later I had another experience with mud which made me cross with myself for having omitted to bring chains or ropes with me. We lost our way and strayed off the proper road on to a most appalling track where we skidded in crab-like fashion. On either side lay frozen flood-water of considerable depth, into which I was momentarily in fear of sliding. Again and again we stuck fast, having to get out and push the car along by main force, for the wheels refused to grip with the engine running. Our shoes and stockings were speedily soaked with icy water, and we were smothered up to the knees in mud. All of a sudden the Austin pitched into a big hole, from
which our united efforts failed to budge her! Utterly weary, and consigning all cars to a clime where mud is unknown, I looked around and spotted a farmhouse in the distance. When I went there for assistance a big Alsatian dog barred my entrance with fierce growls, but I cajoled him to let me pass by giving his toffee. The farmer, when he heard my tale of woe, readily offered help. Even with the essential chains with which his own car was fitted it was only with utmost difficulty that we got back to my sorelytired Austin and saved her from a watery grave. Fortunately, pleasant experiences alternate with unpleasant ones, and two days later saw us bowling merrily along over sunlit prairies, stopping occasionally to take photographs and bask in the sun. Thus we progressed uneventfully through the Arkansas River Valley to La Junta, in Colorado. COWBOYS AND INDIANS An entertaining town is La Junta, full of cowboys and Indians, though it gives one a queer sensation of the mingling of ancient and modern when one sees these picturesque types shopping in Woolworth’s stores! We stayed there for a day, and then set out again almost immediately encountering more mud. We were about ten miles past
the settlement of Nodel when the trouble occurred, and at one period there were five cars, likewise “stuck,” close by. Again we went through the old familiar routine of pushing and heaving, getting covered with mud ourselves in the process. So thick and heavy was the mire that the tyres churned it up into masses which wedged themselves tightly between the wheels, body, and mudguards, so that after a time the wheels could not turn. We pulled the glutinous stuff away with our hands, but a few yards farther on the wheels gummed up as badly as ever. To add to our troubles it was growing dark and beginning to snow. Just as it looked as if we might have to spend a freezing night in this undesirable locality three big cars came slithering along the track toward us, with brown faces peering out at us. “Stuck?’ inquired a voice, and forthwith a perfect torrent of dark-skinned figures poured from the cars. I suppose we must have looked a little alarmed, for one amiable old gentleman who seemed to be the “boss” hastily explained that they were a troupe of Negro musicians on their way to Trinidad. Many hands make light work, and these good fellows soon had us out of our predicament. In spite of the fact they were in a hurry they insisted on driving behind us all the
way to Trinidad in case we got stuck again. Right across America, by the way, we found that “road courtesy” is certainly not dead there. Raton Pass, the summit of which is seven thousand eight hundred feet high, was our next thrill. The climb was one long struggle with snow and slippery roads, and at times there were unguarded precipices along the sides which made the thought of a more than usually bad skid decidedly unnerving. The ups and downs of the Raton Pass are really formidable, but it gives one glimpses of some of the most beautiful scenery in America. The mountains are clothed to the timber-line with forests of spruce and pine, full of cougars, bears, and deer. Reaching the end of the pass, we put up at Home Ranch, Maxwell; and of all the cold places I have ever been in Maxwell is assuredly the coldest! We had another bitter drive the next day, continually drinking hot coffee from a Thermos flask in order to keep our blood moving; I found the two pairs of gloves I wore perfectly useless for keeping my hands warm on the steering-wheel. Snow was again a trouble, but other motorists were invariably ready to help us, notably a wild-looking but really charming Indian and his wife in an old Overland.
... to be continued ... Page 11
These minutes of the Austin 7 Club NSW Inc are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the February 2012 General Meeting Held on 8 February 2012 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:05pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all members to the meeting Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Attendees: 28 Apologies: Helen Lewis, Carolyn Thompson, Joanne Wellington, Don Scanes. Visitor: Terry Thompson (President CMC) Moved: Mark Wellington
Seconded: Kevin Fahey
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted: Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Ken Rolley
Business arising from minutes: Nil Correspondence: Inwards: 10 membership renewals, 1 new membership, magazines from Baby Torque W.A., Broken Spoke - Veteran & Vintage Car Club of Goulburn, Austin 7 Journals S.A, Lightshaft, Bent Wire, Depender. Invitations from Chiltern Tourism & Development Inc for their 13th Annual Cancer Cruise on Sunday 15 April 2012, Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motor Club Inc for Motorfest on Saturday 10 March 2012, flyers for the Official 2012 Seasonal Launch of V8 Utes - 18 February 2012 at 17 Yulong Cl. Moorebank, CMC’s two major events take place in May (National Motoring Heritage Day) and August (SECC), our Club has already paid for their entry forms on 31/01/2012 for (SECC), CMC has sent the Austin 7 Club NSW Inc a Certificate of Affiliation for the year ending 31/12/2012 and enclosed guidelines for Club Committee Hand-over etc. Correspondence Out: Notice to all members of Special General Meeting on 8/02/2012, letters to Vauxhall Owners Club & AMVC listing this clubs calendar of events for 2012. Moved: Mark Wellington
Seconded: Bob Riches
Treasurers Report: Paul Pui read the Financial Report in Helen Lewis’ absence. Moved: Paul Boatwright
Page 12
Seconded: Bob Riches
Spare Parts Report: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report. Moved: Denis Quartly
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Editor: Robert Yarroll mentioned the change to club Bank Account number (refer page 2 in February magazine). Membership Officer: Faye Yarroll thanked members who paid early, it makes paperwork & phone calls easier to handle. Message sent out to members who have not yet paid. New membership received from Bob Burrell who has a 1929 Roadster. Welfare: Jenny Bloser recovering from knee surgery. A card will be sent also Don Scanes wife Barbara is having further eye surgery. Public Officer/Secretary: Nil Events Team: Maureen Boatwright reported. All who sent expressions to S.A. for 2012 National A7 Rally should now have received their entry forms, accommodation is now almost non existent, but I have been advised of a motel room that will be cancelled as no longer required please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 a.s.a.p. if you need this room. A week away to celebrate 30th Anniversary of Austin 7 Club NSW Inc will be held in 2013. Moved: Paul Boatwright
Seconded: Ken Rolley
General Business: No urgent business discussed, meeting closing early as Special General Meeting to now commence. Meeting closed: 8.25pm Door Prize - Won by Judith Riches Raffle - None this evening.
Recent Happy Snaps
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Austin Seven 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.
How much is an Austin Seven worth in Britain? Apparently, the market for Austin Sevens in Britain is going mad. A good Chummy is likely to cost you £15,000 with prices starting at £9,000. Open top Sevens always find stronger money, but even Box saloons are fetching up to £8,000. The Ruby has traditionally been the value model of the baby Austin range. Despite it being the nicest of the Sevens to drive, some see the later model as lacking the charm of the original. However, even these are worth about £5,000. That used to be about as much as any saloon would get on the open market. The box saloons are still more popular though … they’re the cars that everyone who can’t afford a Chummy wants. As with any classic car, originality and condition are the prime drivers, with items such as original paperwork strongly aiding a sale. Seven-based specials vary wildly in execution and value. They used to be the cheapest way into a Seven, but a Nippy is likely to set you back between £10,000 - £15,000, while a pretty Special will be £7,000 £8,000. You can double that for Ulster Replicas. It seems the value of Austin Sevens in Britain won’t be dropping any time 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 March 2012 11 April 2012 9 May 2012 13 June 2012 11 July 2012 8 August 2012
Maureen & Merv Boatwright Helen Lewis & Carolyn Thompson Amy & Paul Pui Ken Rolley Bob & Judith Riches Denis & Helen Quartly 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 29 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.