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M . A . P. S R E V I E W

N E W S L E T T E R O F M A I T L A N D A U T O P R E S E R V A T I O N S O C I E T Y ,

S O U T H A U S T R A L I A

“ M A P S - T h e H i s t o r i c M o t o r V e h i c l e C l u b o f t h e Y o r k e P e n i n s u l a ”

w w w . m a p s - y p . o r g JUNE 2013

IN THIS ISSUE -

Page 2-Contacts. Page 3- Secretary has the answers. Pages 4 & 5 - Events. Page 6 & 7 Pictures & Reports. Page 8- Minutes. Page 9- RWC woes. Page 10- Amazing tales. Page 11 Peking to Paris? Page 12 For Sale.

1973 CADILLAC DE VILLE

As the MAPS newsletter has a fair share of British cars pictured, it makes a change to show something more from the USA, following on from the Pontiac of Ashley Rowe. You cannot get much more American than this 1973 Cadillac De Ville. It is owned by Grant and Sandra Harvey of Moonta. In their ownership it has completed three trouble free trips to

Queensland. We look forward to seeing it on future events with MAPS.

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MAITLAND AUTO PRESERVATION SOCIETY INC P.O. BOX 86, MAITLAND, S.A. 5573, ELECTED OFFICE BEARERS for 2012-2013 PRESIDENT: KEITH PENHALL 08 88232 999/0417 865697 VICE PRESIDENT: TREVOR CLERKE 08 88537 191 SECRETARY & PUBLIC OFFICER: MIKE OSBORNE 0888373 158 Mob. 0427 373158 ozbornes@internode.on.net TREASURER LYN CLERKE 08 88537 191 COMMITTEE MEMBERS TREVOR BEAN 08 88233 366 JOE INGRAM 08 88373 126 MARY OSBORNE 08 88373 158 BRONTE GIESCEKE 08 88253 008 REGO OFFICER & AUTHORISED PERSON KEITH PENHALL 08 88232 999 AUTHORISED PERSONS ROD NIXON 08 88322 691 (B), TREVOR CLERKE 08 88537 191(H) EDITOR: MIKE OSBORNE 08 88373 158 ozbornes@internode.on.net EVENTS COORDINATOR BRONTE GIESECKE 08 88253 008 MINUTES SECRETARY MARY OSBORNE 08 88373 158 PUBLICITY & ASSISTANT EDITOR: JIM SEWELL 08 88373 826 PATRONS: DON & SHIRLEY ROSE 08 88252841 LIFE MEMBERS: RON BRIGGS+, LOIS BRIGGS, KEN HEINRICH, HOWARD HEARD + DON ROSE, SHIRLEY ROSE

FINAL SUBS & LOG BOOK PROCESSING REMINDER

All members have been given a renewal form to complete, in order to update their details. Please complete BEFORE you present it with your subs payment and log books, if applicable. Blank Statutory Declaration forms have also been provided. These should be completed as regards owner’s name and car details BEFORE it is handed over. As these forms need to be witnessed by a JP, this should be done, either before handing it over, or prior to the meeting when a JP is often present. However, do not assume a JP will be on hand that night. The procedure is that you present your subs payment and retain the receipt. Next, you hand you current log book, registration document and COMPLETED Stat Dec. to the Historic Registration or Authorised Officer to be duly processed. If your current log book is due for renewal, then have the $2 necessary for a new book ready. For the small number of people who still require to renew by post, then all the documents and payments should be posted to the HRO, Dick Penhall at 3 Matta Street, Wallaroo, 5556 to arrive between June 19th and July 1st. If you do not include a stamped addressed envelope and the $2 necessary for any new log book, you will have to pay that and collect at the July meeting. To remain a financial member, you subs are due by July 1st. If you use any vehicle on CHRS via MAPS, after this without paying your subs and getting your log book processed, then you are driving an unregistered vehicle.

CHECK LIST ♦ Payment for subscription ♦ Completed renewal form ♦ Completed Statutory Declaration- Joint members? BOTH members to sign the declaration. ♦ Rego Documents/ Receipts ♦ Log book ♦ $2 for each new log book -check old ones! ♦ Stamped Address envelope for any postal requests. NOTE- Under the Club’s byelaws, the Committee has the option to decline renewal from members who have not attended the required meetings and events in their provisional membership period. REMAINING DAYS TO GET LOG BOOKS PROCESSED IN PERSON ARE; SUNDAY 23RD JUNE AT PETERSVILLE HALL FROM 11.30 AM PRIOR TO THE AGM ON THURSDAY, 4TH JULY FROM 7 PM If by August 16th, your subs are still unpaid and log book not processed, the club is required to advise the Vehicle Registration authority. Any member with a CHRS log book via MAPS, but who is not rejoining, should submit that logbook to the MAPS HRO/Authorised Officer for cancelation.

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FROM THE SECRETARY AND EDITOR. Well, this is the last edition that I will have both those positions within the MAPS club. It might even be that some one else wishes to do the newsletter! I’ll leave my reports on both roles until the AGM in a couple of weeks. I hope that many of you will turn out for the AGM. Whilst a number of nominations for the committee have been received, we are not over the line yet as regards filling all the positions. A proposal has been made that we have a larger committee, something which I believe would reduce workloads and bring new people on board with new ideas. Also suggested is that there is a time limit to the time served on the committee in a specific role, such as a three year term. I think that would be a positive move for various reasons. However, it will be for the members to vote on, if these amendments are tabled in the future. Already this year’s Cavalcade of Cars seems a long way off. The club had a good number of entries equaling those of past years, plus a fair showing of spectators along the route. Just a couple of days ago, I went along to the Maitland Rotary Cub as the guest speaker. MAPS member Clive Kelly was on hand to welcome me before I enjoyed a pleasant meal. I was able to put on a slide show of some of our many MAPS photos during the meal. My talk was not prepared in great detail, but I think I was able to outline the history and activities of MAPS over the last 28 years. The Rex Fox bequest was explained in detail and Hugh Wearing from the Maitland Progress Association was also present, so we able to talk about our joint venture to produce a suitable memorial. Initially, I had wondered what I could talk about, but that worry soon disappeared. I think might also have recruited a new member as a result of the talk. I was also to learn that MAPS member Kevin Cross was recovering well after a serious health issue, so we hop he’ll be out in the red Beetle again shortly. One think that did make me think was that of the group of about 16 people, few knew anything about our club. Perhaps a higher profile in the Chatt Centre will bring about changes in that area. Subs and Log book reminders? If you have still to pay subs and log books, then please read page 2 and act accordingly. Our congratulations to Meg Brown of Ardrossan in being awarded the Order of Australia in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Meg has an amazing record of work for the community in so many ways over a great deal of time. Husband Vic was awarded the OAM some time ago, so a husband and wife duo with OAM’s must be pretty rare. Both still are very active in our community and they both go about their work with a smile. MAPS member Ashley Farrow’s father Ralph passed away on Friday, 7th June. Our sympathy goes to Ashley and Margaret at this sad time. Mike Osborne

QUIZ ANSWERS Last month’s quiz was a list of cars with the characters who travelled in them. All were detectives, either police or private investigators, from film or TV. PEUGEOT 403 CONVERTIBLE- Peter Falk in Columbo JAGUAR MARK 2 Morse, played by John Thaw ROVER 3 LITRE Inspector George Gently, played by Martin Shaw. BRISTOL 409 & PEUGEOT 607- Inspector Lynley AUSTIN TAXI AND LAGONDA TOURER Poirot- played by David Sachet who never drove. VOLVO 240 ESTATE AND FORD SIERRA -Frost played by David Jason FORDS GRAN TORINO.- Starsky & Hutch SUNBEAM TIGER & VW KARMANN GHIA- Maxwell Smart PONTIAC FIREBIRD- Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files FERRARI 308GTS- Magnum VOLVO P1800 SPORTS- The Saint, played by Roger Moore as Simon Templar. Jaguar said “No” to using an E type... FORD MUSTANG GT 1968 - Bullitt , Steve McQueen TRIUMPH ROADSTER 1947 -Bergerac. John Nettles JAGUAR X TYPE & ROVER 45/75 & 800 - Tom Barnaby, played by an older John Nettles . Other cars used too. COVENTRY STANDARD - 1930 Dr Blake HISPANO SUIZA 1920’S -Miss Fisher- good Aussie drama ALFA ROMEO- (car looked a bit of a dog) Inspector Rex! Others cars were his mode of transport, dependent on which country Rex was working in! FORD CONSUL GRANADA- Inspector Regan, played by John Thaw, later to become “ Morse” If you got most of them right, then that means you probably have an unfinished project car in the shed, watch too much TV, or pay others to do the work! IN ALLER WELT I’m unsure as to what this phrase really means; possibly In all the World, or “around the world Anyway, I can tell you that it is the title of a glossy Mercedes Benz “lifestyle’’ magazine. How do I know that? Because MAPS member Ken Heinrich has collected a pile of these from the Maitland Museum. They cover about 30 years from the late 1960’s. They feature a fair range of the Mercedes Benz cars over the period. If you have Merc between these years, they might prove of interest. They will be at the club room shortly. Mike O NOMINATIONS REMINDER- For a nomination to be valid and to be included at the AGM, it must be signed by the person nominated and the nominator, unless the nominee already holds that office. Nominations on the night may only be accepted if no other nominations have been received prior to the AGM

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INVITATION EVENTS 2013-2014 These are events which might appeal to members. If you see or hear of similar events, please let the editor know and they can be added to the list. The Federation’s web site is the place to look for many more. http://www.fhmcsa.org.au/ NEW July 7th Gourmet Festival at Barleystacks Wines 11AM -5PM - $12 Food, wine and live music. Why not go there after the MAPS Handover Lunch? July 21-27th Swan Hill Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club’s Ruby Rally Details & entry form on www.federation.asn.au Sept Motorfest Classics fortnight and Bay To Birdwood Classic Run - a wide range of venues and activities. IF YOU WISH TO SEE THE PROGRAM, contact the Editor Sept 6th to 8th Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge Fifth Twin Bridges Rally. If you are not going to the MAPS Morgan campout, don’t miss out on this one. Great event with great company and meals. For details see Mike Osborne, or call Brenda Cowie on 08 8531 0151. Sept 29th -Oct 5th Warrnambool. National Chrysler Rally. Oct 13-14th MG Magnette 60th Birthday weekend at Strathalbyn Oct 14-27th Federation Tour to Canberra. Provisional schedule-Day-Renmark, Swan Hill,, Echuca Wagga Wagga, Canberra, Temora ,Deniliquin , Mildura More details from Mike Osborne, Joan Correll, or Trevor & Jeanette Bean. Oct 20th HMVC’s 30th Strathalbyn Swap Meet. Open 6.30AM Details 0423 524 481/8552 1042 Oct 27th on A7SA Diamond Jubilee with YP Tour Monday 28th Oct to Friday 1st Nov. See www.austin7sa.com.au for details. 2014 April 5th-6th Yorke Peninsula’s Saltwater Classic Boat Show, with Car Display and Market April 18th-21st 12th Hillman National Rally at Bathurst 02 4774 2533 May 4th HMVC’s British Classics Tour at Victor Harbor

Old Car Day, Sunday September 1st 2013. Bethany Reserve; Bethany Road, Bethany 12.30pm.BYO Lunch The first day of Spring, September 1st is promoted by the Federation of Historic Motor Vehicles SA as “Drive It Day” in SA. You are encouraged to take your historic vehicles out so that the public can see them. Take them to work, take them shopping, go for a drive, organise a run. This year it falls on FATHER’S DAY, so take the opportunity to take Dad for a run or take the kids and/or grandkids The Gawler Veteran Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club invites your club or club members to join us at Bethany Reserve; Bethany Road, Bethany at around 12.30pm on Saturday September 1st 2012. The Gawler Club has organised runs to Bethany starting as follows: Fremont Park, Elizabeth , TAFE Car Park, Gawler, Mallala Oval, Mallala ( MAPS members will go to MALLALA) All runs meet at 9.00 am for 9.30 am start. You are welcome to join us, organise your own runs, or just turn up. If you organise your own run, could you please contact me with indicative numbers. It is all very informal, BYO lunch, toilets and a large shelter are available, but we suggest that you bring chairs. It is a great opportunity to mix informally and share our hobby. So, come along, meet with fellow enthusiasts, have a chat, give the old vehicle an airing. More Information: Alvin Jenkin 85292504 or email editor@gawlercarclub.com

Gawler Veteran Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club Inc. PO Box 640, Gawler, SA, 5118

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Date MAPS EVENT DESCRIPTION Members involved

Comments

June 23rd Rego & Subs Day with sausage sizzle at Petersville Hall

Clerkes D Penhall

BYO Salads & Desserts

July Handover Lunch at Yorke Valley Hotel Maitland 12 Noon for 12.30 PM

Lyn Clerke $17 for Main & Dessert. Bookings with choice to Lyn Clerke on 08 88537 191 Sweet Chilli Chicken, Beef Snitzel or Fish & Chips

August 4th Rex Fox Memorial “ Hot Dog Run” B Giesecke

Sept 1st

Old Car Day Bethany Gawler VVCCC’s annual favourite. MAPS group join

at Mallala Sept 5th

General meeting with guest speaker, Robert Wehr, a talk on rocks and minerals

Lindon Penney

Sept 6-8th Morgan Campout & meet Murray Mallee Auto Club

Osbornes If you still need accommodation, Colonial Motel offers ensuite

Sept 8th Lunch at Lochiel Hotel $20 + $6 dessert

A coordinator for the run needed. Meet up with the Campout party returning home

Sept 23rd MONDAY

Cruising Classics. Morning tea at Kulpara then Farm Shed, Kadina

Penneys host m/tea.. Osbornes

Offers of food required please.

Oct 4th NEW

General meeting with Guest Speaker From Rex Minerals

G.Littler

Oct 6th Edithburgh Gala Day Don McPhee & others

Oct 12th Visit to Snowtown’s 135th along with PADARC

B. Muirhead

December 1st MAPS Christmas Luncheon Price Community Club. Course meal $25 PP

2014 Campout at Pt. Turton Ron Anderson

April 5/6th YP Salt Water Classic April D.McPhee

Nov 2nd/3rd NEW

Moonta Antiques Fair Weekend

MAPS EVENTS CALENDAR 2013-2014 . GENERAL MEETINGS- 8pm FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH EXCEPT JANUARY VENUE- CHATT CENTRE, MAITLAND. Light refreshments served

CLUB REGO DAY & SWAP MEET AT PETERSVILLE HALL ON SUNDAY 23RD JUNE. ( ARTHURTON- ARDROSSAN ROAD) BYO SALADS AND DESSERTS, FROM 11.30 AM ONWARDS

ITEMS TO SELL? BRING THEM ALONG!

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SCENE AT THE CAVALCADE OF CARS ♦ Top left- Greg Chittleborough in the Chev tourer awaits the arrival of wife Wanda. Greg’s car had a few clutch problems as

a result of the slow pace during an earlier Moonta KL parade. However, despite some difficult gear changes, he made the run OK.

♦ Top right- Brian Rooney’s Buick, restored to a high standard by Goode Restorations, was one the better pre war cars on show at the Kadina Oval

♦ Bottom left- I nearly called this a knitting machine, as in side this 1933 CO Chrysler sat Ann Myers- knitting away frantically! Meanwhile, husband Bob was taking it easy in the passenger seat!

♦ Bottom right- If Brenton Goodfellow was asleep inside his EH Holden, it would have been understandable, as he had got up really early to get first place on the grid. However, I think Jayne Goodfellow opted for a lie in, joining the MAPS spectators group in Victoria Square. Mayor Paul Thomas made an earlier start in his Mark 6 Bentley, due to the fact he had official duties to do elsewhere on the day. I understand the car went well,

♦ Finally the

Rock’nRoll area was a good attraction.

I reckon that Terry Dunning from

PADARC is on the right of this picture.

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OUR LONG WEEKEND CAMPOUT WITH THE GAWLER VVCVC BASED AT BERRI. Plenty to see and do on this four night stay at the excellent Berri Caravan Park. We commenced by meeting at the Overland Corner Hotel. Try the Summer Ale! Activities included a trip on the PS Industry from Renmark, the Loxton Historic Village, Ruston’s Roses, Cobdogla Museum, Olivegrove

House at Renmark. Also on the unofficial schedule was a visit to a couple of large sites which might be termed as graveyards for a wide range of Jaguars, Mercs, BMW, plus a few other cars of interest. These included a MG Magnette, a Fiat coupe and an Austin A40 ute. Perhaps it was as well that the ones I liked were not for sale! There was a good showing of US cars on the group, with some 76 people taking part. The majority came in classic cars, but I think we were the sole couple with a classic car and a caravan. Gawler Club organisers, Lorraine and Barry Bywater did a top job in setting the whole event up. Our thanks to them and all the others who made it such a worthwhile long weekend. Mike, Mary & Molly Osborne

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POINTS FROM MINUTES FOR GENERAL MEETING, THURSDAY JUNE 6th 2013 AT CHATT CENTRE, MAITLAND Meeting business opened by the Chairperson, Trevor Clerke at 8.00 PM Visitors-. Judith Willis from Kadina, 1972 Ford, Carol & Doug Wilkin from Coobowie, Mustangs and A40’s Copies of May 2013 minutes circulated to all members via newsletter. Printed copy available prior to meeting.. Matters Arising; Nomination forms available on the table Treasurers Report. . Aero Club cheque for 2012 has still not been cleared. Secretary had emailed Aero Club and recently spoken to caterer, Tony Clark. Events Report & Update by Bronte Giesecke Bronte mentioned the forthcoming Kadina Show’n Shine which was not on the club calendar. Report on past events – Bernard Knope gave a spectator’s viewpoint report and Mike Osborne reported from an entrant’s viewpoint. Forthcoming events. June 23rd rego day at Petersville Hall. Club supplying basic BBQ items with Clerke’s trailer. BYO salads/desserts. Arrive from 11.30 AM. Bring along items to swap or sell. July 7th Handover lunch at Yorke Valley Hotel. Menu confirmed as Sweet Chilli Chicken Tenderloins, Beef snitzel, Fish & Chips, with two dessert choices. $17 per person. Bookings to Lyn Clerke, pay on the day. Matters Arising from Correspondence. Draft lease- two points queried- site description incorrect and request to insure building. Corrections accepted and lease to be returned after June 18th. Ref Moonta Antique Weekend, Brenton Goodfellow asked if members wanted the scones on the day selected. Discussion as to likely display area. Secretary suggested members from the Moonta area discuss and advise. Committee to discuss possible donation to the Edithburgh Museum ref fire truck. ( Details of project arrived next day via Don McPhee) General Business Handover Lunch Bookings- To Lyn Clerk Menu for Lochiel Meal after the Morgan campout- Selected Rump Steak, Chicken Snitzel and Lamb Shanks $20 to be pre ordered, Desserts $6 extra MAPS display in Chatt Centre- Members suggested high level photo display. Club will provide frames, but many new photos required Nominations- forms on desk A7SA week on YP- program to be publicised. Motorfest Classics event at Kulpara- date clarified- Monday 23rd September Pt. Augusta VRC- Barbara Muirhead asked if any members wished to attend this event on July 20th. Trevor Clerke said Dick Penhall would be happy with possible new members who owned Fords. He also said that Elvie Francis still wished to sell her Austin Kimberley for $3500. Joe Ingram asked about the clubs VHS video camera. Secretary said there were various assets that needed to be listed, utilised, or in some cases disposed of, such as the electric typewriter. Lucky Squares- Winners- Peter & Pam Wilton, Margaret Klingberg, Monica Smith.–Meeting closed at 8.45PM Next Meeting- Thursday, July 4th Trevor Clerke then recounted the saga of his recent trip where the new caravan leaked and the Nissan Patrol needed new injectors. He praised the RAA cover which saw the outfit towed back to Orange

Bendigo Swap Meet Coach Tour, November 16th- 17th 2013 travelling with Southside Roadlines. Travel to Bendigo swap meet in comfort and hassle free to seek and retrieve those illusive parts you require. Enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts. Friday Nov 15- Coach departs Central Bus Station Bowen St, just off Franklin St at 8:30pm. Stopping at designated pick-ups on route. Sunday Nov 17- Return to Adelaide with ETA of 9:45pm. Cost $245.00 per person twin share $280.00 per single Rooms and Coach seats are limited so ‘first in- best dressed’... Book Early! Included in cost is- Return coach travel to Bendigo Swap Meet- Breakfast on arrival Saturday morning- Swap Meet entry for two days - Motel accommodation, dinner and breakfast - Freight of parts to South Australia (provided they fit, the coach has a large cargo hold and will accommodate that fender, bonnet or bike) Further information contact Russell 0413 024 225

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ANOTHER GOOD REASON FOR LIVING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Whilst I am sure we all wish to see roadworthy cars on our roads, the story below highlights that motorists are often a target for those looking to make an easy dollar. Thanks to John Lang and John Link of the Alvis Victoria Club for allowing use of this item. I recently sold my 1967 Mark I MGB, providing a Roadworthy Certificate. I went to a local roadworthy man, who seemed to be very efficient and he gave me a list of about 20 items going into very fine detail; including requiring me to take off the reversing light switch which was factory fitted when it was first registered in 1967 and insisted that it be gearlever operated, otherwise he wouldn’t pass it for roadworthy. In addition, he said that the speedometer needle was flickering and reading slow, the window winder was stiff and needed to be fixed and the spare wheel had to be fastened into position. $1100 fixed those four problems. I also repaired the heater as there was no demisting available on the windscreen (which was reasonable). There was a slight knock in the rack and pinion steering which was going to cost $280 to fix the right hand end or $450 to replace the whole rack and pinion system which I did. The handbrake was worn and needed to be fixed and so on and so on. A total of $3,500 later, I had a roadworthy certificate, a happy buyer and completed the sale. I then found a rubber bumper late model 1977 MGB which I bought in Berwick, Victoria and the seller provided a roadworthy certificate. He fitted two tyres, and repaired lights, signals and reflectors. The horn needed a loose wire fixed and the lights were focused. He made a special note to say there was a knocking noise from the steering rack, which was the same as the problem I had on my first MG, but that it was still roadworthy. The next day I took the car to the same local man and asked him to go through the list as though it was to be a proper roadworthy to the same standard as my previous roadworthy. He produced the following list: - . Align both headlights . Sheet Metal at the front of the boot had speakers fitted which should be removed and the sheet metal welded back in. . Upper bumper stops split . Lower bushes split . Steering rack box has free play . Both front upper control arm front bushes split . Diff oil leaks . Engine and transmission oil leaks . Both rear and trailing arm bushes split . Speedometer jumping and reading wrong speed . All wheels to be balanced . Steering and suspension to be aligned

When I went back to the seller’s roadworthy garage, he said he was sympathetic to old cars and although many of these things were split, he considered the car still to be roadworthy. He advised that some people find faults in order to make a fortune on the repairs. He specifically said that an occasional drip of oil from an old car didn’t make it unroadworthy. However, if it was leaking badly, of course it would have to be fixed. He refused to acknowledge any of the items brought up in my roadworthy. I then registered the car and I will proceed to fix the problems raised at my own expense. My expectation was that the roadworthy given to me by the seller would give me the car in excellent condition just as I had done with my sale. Roadworthy Certificates are obviously very flexible and vary from mechanic to mechanic. It is probably better when purchasing a car, to obtain a roadworthy from a neutral party whom both buyer and seller agree upon. I hope this cautionary tale is helpful when people are buying and selling cars. Interestingly, I spoke to Shannons on another matter and they advised it was preferable to sell a car without a roadworthy as they cause too much conflict between buyer and seller which could lead to the buyer being able to back out of a transaction. Of course if you purchase a car without a roadworthy you have to be prepared to spend money to get it fixed

PITSTOP AT EUDUNDA

On the way home from Berri, we came across a brace of Jowett Javelin cars returning from their rally over at Morgan. Then along came a very nice Jaguar Mark 2, owned by a member of the NARC Kapunda Chapter. Eudunda has a good historical museum, plus an excellent memorial park which is worth a look.

The local butchers also provided some excellent meat. Anyone fancy a run over that way some time?

Mike O

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NOTHING TO DO WITH CARS …... A TRUE STORY ABOUT TWO B-17’S in 1943

A mid-air collision on February 1, 1943, between a B-17 and a German fighter over the Tunis dock area, became the subject of one of the most famous photographs of World War II. An enemy fighter attacking a 97th Bomb Group formation went out of control, probably with a wounded pilot then continued its crashing descent into the rear of the fuselage of a Fortress named All American, piloted by Lt. Kendrick R. Bragg, of the 414th Bomb Squadron. When it struck, the fighter broke apart, but left some pieces in the B-17. The left horizontal stabilizer of the Fortress and left elevator were completely torn away. The two right engines were out and one on the left had a serious oil pump leak. The vertical fin and the rudder had been damaged, the fuselage had been cut almost completely through connected only at two small parts of the frame, and the radios, electrical and oxygen systems were damaged. There was also a hole in the top that was over 16 feet long and 4 feet wide at its widest, and the split in the fuselage went all the way to the top gunners turret. Although the tail actually bounced and swayed in the wind and twisted when the plane turned, and all the control cables were severed except one single elevator cable still worked, and the aircraft still flew - miraculously! The tail gunner was trapped because there was no floor connecting the tail to the rest of the plane. The waist and tail gunners used parts of the German fighter and their own parachute harnesses in an attempt to keep the tail from ripping off and the two sides of the fuselage from splitting apart. While the crew was trying to keep the bomber from coming apart, the pilot continued on his bomb run and released his bombs over the target. When the bomb bay doors were opened, the wind turbulence was so great that it blew one of the waist gunners into the broken tail section. It took several minutes and four crew members to pass him ropes from parachutes and haul him back into the forward part of the plane. When they tried to do the same for the tail gunner, the tail began flapping so hard that it began to break off. The weight of the gunner was adding some stability to the tail section, so he went back to his position. The turn back toward England had to be very slow to keep the tail from twisting off. They actually covered almost 70 miles to make the turn home. The bomber was so badly damaged that it was losing altitude and speed and was soon alone in the sky. For a brief time, two more Me-109 German fighters attacked the All American. Despite the extensive damage, all of the machine gunners were able to respond to these attacks and soon drove off the fighters. The two waist gunners stood up with their heads sticking out through the hole in the top of the fuselage to aim and fire their machine guns. The tail gunner had to shoot in short bursts because the recoil was actually causing the plane to turn.

Allied P-51 fighters intercepted the All American as it crossed over the Channel and took one of the pictures shown. They also radioed to the base describing that the empennage was waving like a fish tail, that the plane would not make it and to send out boats to rescue the crew when they bailed out. The fighters stayed with the Fortress taking hand signals from Lt. Bragg and relaying them to the base. Lt. Bragg signaled that 5 parachutes and the spare had been "used" so five of the crew could not bail out. He made the decision that if they could not bail out safely, then he would stay with the plane and land it. Two and a half hours after being hit, the aircraft made its final turn to line up with the runway while it was still over 40 miles away. It descended into an emergency landing and a normal roll-out on its landing gear. When the ambulance pulled alongside, it was waved off because not a single member of the crew had been injured. No one could believe that the aircraft could still fly in such a condition. The Fortress sat placidly until the crew all exited through the door in the fuselage and the tail gunner had climbed down a ladder, at which time the entire rear section of the aircraft collapsed onto the ground. The rugged old bird had done its job. Ed’s note- I checked this story out and it’s true. Google “B17” and “All American’ for more photos of this amazing story. Now for the tale of another B17. There are some queries on some points, but nevertheless, this remarkable event occurred. 2nd Lt. Charlie Brown & his B-17F Flying Fortress named “Ye Olde Pub” with the 379th Bomber Group at Kimbolton, England. His B-17F was called “Ye Olde Pub” and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters. The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton. Most of the tail & half of the stabilizer were gone. After flying over an enemy airfield, a pilot named Franz Stigler Was supposedly ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17F. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he “had never seen a plane in such a bad state”. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage. The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere. Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at 2nd Lt. Charlie Brown, Lt. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and bloodstained plane. Aware that they had no idea where they were going, Franz waved at Charlie to turn 180 degrees. Franz escorted and guided the stricken plane to and slightly over the North Sea towards England. He then saluted Charlie Brown and turned away, back to Europe. When Franz landed he told the C.O. that the plane had been shot down over the sea, and never told the truth to anybody. Charlie Brown and the remainder of his crew told all at their briefing, but were ordered never to talk about it. More than 40 years later, Charlie Brown wanted to find the Luftwaffe pilot who saved the crew. After years of research, Franz was found. He had never talked about the incident, not even at postwar reunions. They met in the USA at a 379th Bomber Group reunion, together with 25 people who are alive now - all because Franz never fired his guns that day. Research shows that 2nd Lt. Charlie Brown lived in Seattle and Franz Stigler had moved to Vancouver, BC after the war. When they finally met, they discovered they had lived less than 200 miles apart for the past 50 years! Charlie Brown lived to the ripe old age of 86, passing away in 2009. Franz Stigler passed away less than a year earlier. This item was prompted by details on the first story by Bob Haywood which subsequently led me to find the second one. Mike O

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ANYONE FOR THE PEKING TO PARIS RALLY? Mike and Rosi Sigston mentioned they would like to do this event in the next few years. This led me to look at the Aus-tralian entries for this year’s event. This can be view on http://www.endurorally.com/pages/5th-peking-to-paris-rally-2013 3 Nicky Bailey(IRL) / Nadja Saralam(AUS) 1913 - Ford Model T 9 Paul Darrouzet(AUS) / Ian Brown(AUS) 1928 - Packard Phaeton 18 Rod Wade(AUS) / John Bell(AUS) 1930 - Ford Model A 24 Mike Armstrong(AUS) / Peter Armstrong(AUS) 1934 - Dodge DR Special 28 Daniel Schoch(AUS) / Shaneen Pointing(AUS) 1936 - Bentley Sports Derby 31 David Browning(AUS) / Michael Dow(AUS) 1939 - Bentley 4¼ MX Saloon 35 Chris Clemons(AUS) / Tim Clemons(AUS) 1939 - Packard Six 51 Paul Kirkham(AUS) / Mariella Kirkham(AUS) 1968 - Datsun P510 53 Kerry Finn(AUS) / Kevin Finn(AUS) 1969 - Volvo 142 54 Garrick L. Staples(USA) / Hayden Burvill(AUS) 1969 - Volkswagen Beetle 63 Peter Lovett(GB) / Tim Smith(AUS) 1965 - Porsche 911 78 Mike Killingsworth(AUS) / James Killingsworth(AUS) 1963 - Holden EH 80 Hans Middelberg(USA) / Malcolm Rose(AUS) 1967 - Ford Mustang Convertible 87 Robbie Sherrard(AUS) / Peter Washington(AUS) 1974 - Citroen DS23 90 Gerry Crown(AUS) / Matt Bryson(AUS) 1973 - Leyland P76 100 Peter St George(GB) / David Gainer(AUS) 1973 - Holden 48-215 FX BRONTE”S JOTTINGS Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the latest sensation at the live theatre. In 1968 just before I saw the film we had a family wedding . At the reception my aged uncle who liked to imbibe with Cuban cigars and Plenty of alcohol said . “ I think I will go and see this new movie-Shitty shitty bang bang ! “ Because I am a car enthusiast I wonder what make of car it is ? It could be an American type ,as a line in the song goes “–My fine four fended friend .” Australians say—mudguards, English say – wings, Americans say –fenders. Who knows, who cares flying cars never did really eventuate. ( Ah, but Bronte, if you look, a number of car cum planes have been successfully built, flown and sold ! Mike O, Editor) As events coordinator I have just had an idea. Called “The Chicken Run “. We obtain a couple of old bombs And meet at the Ardrossan cliffs at 8pm. The members form a flare path with their cars. Two volunteers or protagonist get set to drive the s…boxes, with Shirley Rose standing in front as official starter. She shouts to the lines of cars. “ Hit your lights “ then turns to the two combatants who are nervously revving their engines . Shirley raises her arms above her head momentarily before dropping them dramatically as the signal to go. The idea of-course is to drive the two cars flat out over the cliff, the first one to jump out is the chicken. Then we all high-tail it out of there before the cops come. (I must ask Bronte’s wife, Michelle which red wine Bronte had been sampling when he thought of this one! Added to that Bronte tells me he’s taken up going to the ballet. Mike O ) Repco Double Discount Month Attention RAA Members! Show your RAA card at any Repco during the month of July for 20% off * in store.

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TO

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