â What if ? â - Austin Healey Owners Club
â What if ? â - Austin Healey Owners Club
â What if ? â - Austin Healey Owners Club
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“Isotta Fraschini”<br />
“ <strong>What</strong> <strong>if</strong> ? ”<br />
Inside:<br />
• The <strong>Healey</strong> 4000 in Australia Story<br />
• Ken Styles and a 1908 Isotta Fraschini<br />
• Side Exhaust<br />
• Aussie Racers<br />
• Display Car this meeting Russell Baker and his SLS AMG Mercedes Benz Gull Wing<br />
The official newsletter of the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> <strong>Owners</strong> <strong>Club</strong> of Victoria incorporated.<br />
July 2012 – Issue #29
This <strong>Club</strong> is affiliated to the Confederation of Australian Motor Sports (CAMS), a member of the Marque Sports Car<br />
Association (MSCA) and the Association of Motoring <strong>Club</strong>s (AOMC).<br />
We are dedicated to the maintenance, preservation and enjoyment of the <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> motor car.<br />
OFFICE BEARERS<br />
President Paul McPherson 0418 123 925 president@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Vice President Bill Metcalf 0447 010 145 or 9876 2167 vicepresident@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Secretary Brian Aitken 0419 025 858 or 9775 3699 secretary@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Treasurer Mike Snelgrove 0418 320 524 or 9379 2836 treasurer@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Membership Peter Heading 0413 769 068 or 9025 6702 membership@healeyvic.com.au<br />
<strong>Club</strong>rooms & CMC Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 clubrooms@healeyvic.com.au<br />
GENERAL COMMITTEE<br />
Social<br />
social@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Librarian Mick Smith 0419 553 840 or 9789 7698 librarian@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Communications Gordon Lindner 0418 540 920 or 9707 1294 webmanager@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Competition-MSCA Rod Vogt 0408 395 240 or 5962 1915 competition-MSCA@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Regalia Arthur Tuckett 0418 105 627 or 9571 8324 regalia@healeyvic.com.au<br />
AOMC-VicRoads Ken Styles 0431 481 082 or 9809 4382 AOMC-vicroads@healeyvic.com.au<br />
CAMS Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 CAMS@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Registrar Iain McPherson 9850 3267 registrar@healeyvic.com.au<br />
Magazine Editor Harvey Pearce 0419 108 532 or 9836 7596 editor@healeyvic.com.au<br />
HUNDREDS & THOUSANDS IS THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF<br />
VICTORIA INC ABN 21 230 686 083<br />
The statements of opinion or fact appearing within are those of the individual contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the <strong>Club</strong> or its<br />
members<br />
Registered by Australia Post. Publication No. VBH 1552<br />
CORRESPONDENCE: P.O. Box 97 Mulgrave, Victoria. 3170. INTERNET ADDRESS www.healeyvic.com.au<br />
GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the first Thursday of the month at the <strong>Club</strong>rooms, 19-23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.<br />
Meetings commence at 8.00pm.<br />
CONTRIBUTIONS: Items of interest, articles, technical information, correspondence, constructive criticism, photographs<br />
etc., are constantly being sought. Any material for inclusion to the magazine should be sent directly to the Editor, by 13 th<br />
of the month<br />
The Next Meeting will be held in the <strong>Club</strong>house, Rosalie Street, Springvale<br />
On Thursday 5th July commencing at 8 pm<br />
Our Guest Speaker will be Russell Baker who will tell us about his Mercedes Benz<br />
SLS AMG Gull Wing which is our Display Car.<br />
"THIS MONTH'S COVER"<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> 4000<br />
"THE WORLDS MOST SOUGHT AFTER HEALEY CAR"<br />
"Three of these cars were built, one of them entirely at my home near Mawnan Smith in Cornwall, and today they have<br />
become the world's most sought after <strong>Healey</strong> cars. Rolls Royce even made a one - off twin - overhead- camshaft cylinder<br />
head for this engine - you can imagine what it must have cost them! With this spec<strong>if</strong>ication the car would have been a<br />
world beater, but it came too late. Lord Stokes, upon the formation of The British Leyland Motor Corporation, as it was<br />
then termed, had decided to kill off names of <strong>Healey</strong>, MG. and Cooper, leaving the sports car field open to his Triumph<br />
cars." Donald <strong>Healey</strong> - My World of Cars - 1989<br />
In the Magazine is a story & photos of : "The History of <strong>Healey</strong> 4000 in Australia"<br />
Cover design production W & M Ingham, Photo Gordon Lindner<br />
Printed by GPD Digital 14/9 Elite Way Carrum Downs Vic<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 1
CONTENTS<br />
Coming events Page 2<br />
Peninsula Run Page 2<br />
President’s Report Page 3<br />
Meeting Minutes Page 4<br />
Competition Report Page 7<br />
Side Exhaust- Page 10<br />
Worlds most sought after <strong>Healey</strong> Page 11<br />
1908 Isotta Franschini Page 13<br />
<strong>Healey</strong>s That Raced in Australia - More from Iain McPherson Page 15<br />
I Blame Peter Watt Page 16<br />
ROF's Page 19<br />
For Sale and Wanted Page 21<br />
Stand in Editor<br />
As you know Harvey & Marion are away enjoying themselves on a on well deserved overseas holiday, this is why I am<br />
putting the magazine together for July. I have thoroughly enjoyed the one off experience and wish Harvey a safe return.<br />
I have found three interesting stories, the first one is about one of our members Ken Styles and his latest project,<br />
restoring a "1908 Issotta Fraschini", its amazes me about the talent in our <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> <strong>Club</strong>. The second article is<br />
about our cover car the "<strong>Healey</strong> 4000" this car has been in Australia since 1975, I have only seen this car twice since<br />
1975, I thought that a bit of research on the car since its been in Australia could be interesting. The third story is from<br />
John Mooney about his Racing Days.<br />
Gordon Lindner<br />
JULY<br />
Sunday 1st<br />
Thurs 5th<br />
Wed 11th<br />
Thurs 12th<br />
Sunday 22nd<br />
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY<br />
MSCA Round 4 Sandown<br />
General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm<br />
Committee Meeting<br />
ROF's North<br />
Jaguar Car <strong>Club</strong> - Christmas in July<br />
MSCA Round 5 Phillip Island<br />
Wed 25th Peninsula Run to Sage at Parkhill, Parkhill Drive, Berwick. 8790 1733<br />
(Please phone two days before or miss out on Lunch)<br />
AUGUST<br />
Thurs 2nd General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm<br />
Wed 8th Committee Meeting<br />
Thurs 9th ROF's East<br />
10th - 12th Winton Historic Festival of Speed Historic Races (long track)<br />
Murder Mystery at Rusty Springs - contact Barb Merideth 0417 384 712<br />
18th - 19th VHRR Historic Winton (long track) to be confirmed<br />
19th<br />
MSCA Round 6 Haunted Hills Hill Climb<br />
Wed 29th Peninsula Run Mornington Golf <strong>Club</strong>, Tallis Drive, Mornington. 5975 2784<br />
(Please phone two days before or miss out on Lunch)<br />
SEPTEMBER<br />
Thurs 6th General Meeting at 19 - 23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.8.00pm<br />
Wed 12th Committee Meeting<br />
Thurs 13th ROF's West<br />
Sunday 16th<br />
Sunday 23rd<br />
MSCA Phillip Island Round 7<br />
Mike Forrester Memorial Picnic<br />
Wed 26th Peninsula Run Arthur’s Hotel, Arthur’s Seat. 5981 4444<br />
(Please phone two days before or miss out on Lunch)<br />
29th - 30th HSRCA Historic meeting, Wakefield Park, Goulburn<br />
PENINSULA RUN VENUES – JANUARY TO MAY 2012<br />
25 th July Sage at Parkhill, Parkhill Drive, Berwick. 8790 1733<br />
29th August Mornington Golf <strong>Club</strong>,Tallis Drive, Mornington. 5975 2784<br />
26th September Arthur’s Hotel, Arthur’s Seat. 5981 4444<br />
31st October Portsea Hotel, 3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea. 5984 2213<br />
28th November Tanti Hotel, 917 Nepean Hwy,Mornington. 5975 2015<br />
(If a special offer is made, it will not apply to Senior’s lunches)<br />
26th December Trios Cabaret, Cranbourne Racecourse, Cranbourne 5996 3233<br />
Please book at least two days before luncheon and mention the <strong>Club</strong>’s name when making your 12-30<br />
reservation<br />
2<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
JULY<br />
AUGUST<br />
Mike and Ros Sinclair<br />
Faye Raisbeck and Wendy Ingham<br />
SUPPER ROSTER<br />
SEPTEMBER Anne and Geoff Gillard<br />
PRESIDENT”S REPORT JULY 2012<br />
Historic Winton: Bill Ingham led the 12 <strong>Healey</strong>s out of<br />
Yarra Glen, into wet roads, mist, fog, into sunshine and<br />
glare from Yea through Yarck. A super day at Winton. The<br />
<strong>Austin</strong> 7 <strong>Club</strong> said it was the largest crowd in recent<br />
memory excellent display of classic vehicles, utes, trucks,<br />
motorcycles but, not a good day for <strong>Healey</strong> racing, with few<br />
laps on the track. 23 <strong>Healey</strong>s in our part of the enclosure<br />
and another two in the classic carpark.<br />
We had members and guests from Bairnsdale, Ocean<br />
Grove, Winchelsea, Wandong, Christmas Hills, across<br />
Melbourne, Molesworth, Taggerty, Bendigo, Kyabram and<br />
Shepparton a great display of our marquee pictures will<br />
soon appear on Gordon’s Picasa Web.<br />
Jeff Gillard’s “Buy / Swap / Sell” evening on June 7th<br />
was very well received and I believe that all stall holders<br />
went home happy with the results. Many thanks Jeff for the<br />
organization, set-up and clean-up. If you would like to be<br />
part of a similar future event, please make your thoughts<br />
known to the committee and, we can plan one in for next<br />
year.<br />
SOCIAL:<br />
Arthur Tuckett’s Southern ROF run was held on<br />
Thursday, June 14th to the Lazzar Winery, Balnarring.<br />
Chris Lamrock organized a North East Group run on<br />
Thursday, June 14th from Alexandra, over the Skyline<br />
Road, to Eildon, then across the excellent winding <strong>Healey</strong><br />
road, to Jamieson, and on to Kevington for lunch. We look<br />
forward to the articles and pictures on those runs.<br />
June 27, two runs on that day Peninsula Run, down to<br />
the Tooradin Sports <strong>Club</strong> (South Gippsland Highway, on<br />
the right, coming into Tooradin, from Melbourne, before<br />
crossing the bridge) and, the North East Group Run to<br />
Oakridge Estate, Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, for<br />
lunch, then, on to Tarrawarra Art Gallery (Healesville Yarra<br />
Glen Road, Healesville) to view the Archibald Prize entries.<br />
Contact details for the runs are on our <strong>Healey</strong>vic website,<br />
in the “calendar”.<br />
July 1 Sunday head to Sandown for the 4 th Round of<br />
MSCA and support our competition gents they would<br />
appreciate your support coffee and food should be<br />
available on site. If in doubt, take your own. Entry is free.<br />
Christmas in July (22nd) run by the Jag. <strong>Club</strong> at<br />
Springvale. A run will head off from the clubrooms at 9.30<br />
am, with a stop for morning tea, returning to Springvale for<br />
a sit down three course lunch. AHOC members attending<br />
last year thoroughly enjoyed the day. Would anyone<br />
wishing to attend, please email names to<br />
social@healeyvic.com.au and we shall pass on further<br />
details.<br />
Rusty Springs “Murder / Mystery” weekend August 10-<br />
12, organized by Barb Meredith. These weekends are a<br />
hoot for attendees and sell out quickly. Please call Barb for<br />
reservations, on 0417 384 712.<br />
An excellent lunch run is being organized by Valerie<br />
Vermaas, on Sunday, September 9, to Gypsy Creek<br />
Winery at Labertouche, Gippsland. Get in early and<br />
register with Val, arieandval@gmail.com Travelling details<br />
will be available, closer to the date.<br />
Our inaugural Mike Forrester Memorial Picnic will be<br />
held on Sunday, September 16th we are looking for a<br />
suitable, interesting venue, to take a large group of<br />
<strong>Healey</strong>s (or tintops <strong>if</strong> the weather is not flash!) in support of<br />
those in our club who work so hard to make our operations<br />
evolve seamlessly, for the benefit and enjoyment of our<br />
membership!<br />
PLEASE LOCK IN OCTOBER 21st: Our <strong>Healey</strong> Display<br />
Day, at Docklands Promenade we would like to see all<br />
running <strong>Healey</strong>s attending for a great day.<br />
The October Mini-Rally: for Victorian and South<br />
Australian AHOC members is fully subscribed. All details<br />
being handled by Paul Bradley from SA and he will be<br />
contacting everyone with further details.<br />
Selwyn Hall may have a couple of spots left for his “Plains<br />
and Mountains” Cruise on November 23-25. Travelling<br />
through Gippsland to Bairnsdale, across to Omeo,<br />
Hotham, Mt. Beauty, to Bright, then home via the King<br />
Valley and Mansfield, that weekend promises to be a<br />
beauty. Please call Selwyn on 0412 546 302, <strong>if</strong> you are<br />
interested.<br />
Please check out the website for all of the social and<br />
competition dates.<br />
A FEW SETS OF HANDS HELD UP TO HELP WITH<br />
SOCIAL WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED<br />
ESPECIALLY IN CO-ORDINATING THE CONTACT<br />
DETAILS OF UPCOMING EVENTS, AND<br />
ORGANISATION OF RAFFLES ETC. ON OUR MEETING<br />
NIGHTS. Please speak to Paul McPherson. <strong>if</strong> you can<br />
help.<br />
Looking forward to seeing you at the General Meeting, on<br />
Thursday, July 5.<br />
Our Guest / Display car will be Russell Baker and his<br />
fabulous SLS AMG Mercedes Gullwing.<br />
Cheers,<br />
Paul McPherson<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 3
NEW MEMBERS<br />
Please welcome the following new members:<br />
Boyd and Hazel Thompson, BN2, BN4 and Sprite IIA, Andis and Deborah Salins, BN1<br />
Stephen and Rhonda Dean, BJ8, John and Janet Stearne, BN1, previous members from 2004<br />
Alan and Trish Gerraty of Qld have just joined, BN 2 & BN 4, Harry and Chris Humphries, Sprite Mark 1, BRG.<br />
CLUB MINUTES<br />
AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF VICTORIA INC.<br />
Minutes of “General Meeting” held on<br />
Thursday, 7 June 2012<br />
at 19 – 23 ROSALIE STREET, SPRINGVALE<br />
Meeting opened at 8.14 pm following the start of Buy, Swap, Sell commencing at 6.30pm.<br />
Present:<br />
70 Financial Members<br />
New members in attendance were John Stearne (100/4) and Barry Newell (BJ8)<br />
1 Visitor – John Powderham.<br />
Vale Judy McConville – Judy passed away on May 21, from her battle with cancer. With husband Jim, they were<br />
foundation members of our club and, Jim was an avid <strong>Healey</strong> racer, though in later years, he has been campaigning his<br />
Cooper-Brabham.<br />
Judy and Jim raised three children, Stuart, Kylie and Robert and, were devoted grandparents. Very well known to long<br />
term AHOC members, the McConville family are in our thoughts. A packed service for Judy, in Bacchus Marsh, a fortnight<br />
ago, was a fitting tribute to her l<strong>if</strong>e and passions.<br />
FROM A POINT OF SADNESS TO ONE OF HAPPINESS – Good news to the many friends of Howard and Sandra<br />
James, very well known members of AHOC Vic., who have lived in Pontville, Tasmania, for many years – they are now<br />
living in Mansfield. Howard was the Editor of 100s & 1000s in 1984/1985; AHOC Vic. President in 1986/1987; Competition<br />
Champion in 1986 and, both Howard and Sandra were <strong>Club</strong> Champions in 1986 and 1987 – we are delighted to have<br />
them back in the fold!<br />
Apologies:<br />
John and Mary Birdsey, Rex and Deanna Hall, Alan and Kathy Saul, Peter and Lyn Edwards,<br />
Max and Helen Storey, David and Yvonne Thomson, Bill and Judy Aitken, Bill Petschack<br />
Minutes of Previous Meeting:<br />
Motion that the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 3 May 2012, be accepted.<br />
Moved; Bill Vaughan Seconded; John Raisbeck Carried<br />
4<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
Matters Arising: Nil.<br />
Correspondence In:<br />
Flyers<br />
Euroa National Show & Shine October 7, 2012<br />
Mt. Gambier Hill Climb (LEGEND OF THE LAKES) November 9, 2012<br />
Rob Roy Hillclimb October 25, 2012<br />
Geelong Speed Trials December 1 and 2, 2012<br />
Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction catalogue<br />
Advertising from Plastic Repair Surgeons<br />
Flyer from Victorian Gold Fields marketing team<br />
Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction catalogue<br />
E Mail<br />
Invitation for <strong>Club</strong> to attend the 2012 Echuca Steam Rally<br />
Vale notice from CAMS re the funeral of Mr Jim Reark<br />
Advice from Mr Terry Date re Temora 1000 this year. Race day is September 8 th .<br />
E Mail from CAMS re details of upcoming CAMS officials training courses. (See BA <strong>if</strong> interested.)<br />
E Mail from RunA<strong>Club</strong> club administration system advertising their software.<br />
Kruze 4 Kids e mail with details of new web site and advice re next years run on March 29.<br />
A H Spares newsletter with invitation to attend the opening of their new show room on June 23.<br />
E Mail from CAMS re upcoming Observed Licence Test (OLT) at Sandown in September<br />
E Mail from CAMS with unconfirmed minutes of the previous Victorian State Council meeting held on May 1 st.<br />
MAGAZINES<br />
June “Cat-A-Log” magazine from Jag Car <strong>Club</strong><br />
May / June “Crankhandle” SPCHCC (Southern Peninsula Classic and Historic Car <strong>Club</strong>) magazine<br />
May “Flat Chat” magazine from NSW AHOC<br />
May “<strong>Healey</strong> Torque” magazine from Queensland AHOC<br />
June HRA News (Historic Rally Association)<br />
June 2012 “Slipstream” magazine of the Bolwell Car <strong>Club</strong><br />
May AOMC Newsletter x 2<br />
June Goblin Gazette from Sprite Drivers <strong>Club</strong><br />
LETTERS<br />
Letter from Alan Wilson to Arthur Tuckett with cheque for regalia<br />
Invoice from CAMS for <strong>Healey</strong> Day Public Liability Insurance premium.<br />
Letters from various magazine advertisers with payment cheques.<br />
CORRESPONDENCE OUT<br />
Acknowledgement from AOMC of receipt of 2012 Committee information<br />
Application to CAMS for Public Liability Insurance for <strong>Healey</strong> Day at Docklands<br />
E Mail from Paul Mac thanking Noel Wilcox of the <strong>Austin</strong> 7 <strong>Club</strong> for running an excellent Winton Historic meet.<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
Mike Snelgrove submitted the following report:<br />
OPERATING ACCOUNT – April 2012<br />
Opening balance 31 st March 2012 $39,148.46<br />
Deposits $2,906.73<br />
Payments $1,689.13<br />
Closing balance 30 th April 2012 $40,366.06<br />
TERM DEPOSIT ACCOUNT<br />
As of 17 th April 2012 $51,393.68<br />
MEMBERSHIP:<br />
Peter Heading reported that membership presently stands at 583 paid up members with the latest being Boyd and Hazel<br />
Thompson, Andis and Deborah Salins, Stephen and Rhonda Dean and Alan and Trish Gerraty.<br />
SOCIAL:<br />
Paul McPherson reported the following:<br />
HISTORIC WINTON – Bill Ingham led a group of twelve <strong>Healey</strong>s, away from Yarra Glen, collecting members at Yea,<br />
Yarck, Euroa and Winton – we ended up with 23 <strong>Healey</strong>s in the car park and another two from the Riverina Sporting Car<br />
<strong>Club</strong> (one of which was new AHOC member Boyd Thompson – son of long time member Ken -, Boyd has a BN2, BN4<br />
and Sprite) They were parked in muddy circumstances in the general classic car park.<br />
We had members from Paynesville, Barwon Heads, Winchelsea, Melbourne, Christmas Hills, Wandong, Bendigo,<br />
Molesworth, Taggerty, Kyabram and Shepparton.<br />
The <strong>Austin</strong> 7 <strong>Club</strong> said that the Sunday crowd was the largest in recent memory - a beaut<strong>if</strong>ul, sunny day for displaying our<br />
cars and, for the time we spent north of the divide! Many thanks to all those who came on the run and, were part of our<br />
excellent display.<br />
EASTERN ROF RUN, next Thursday, June 14 – Arthur Tuckett is co-ordinating the run Every vineyard needs something<br />
d<strong>if</strong>ferent that sets it apart from the others. Next months ROF South run is to the little known, but long established, Lazzar<br />
Winery at 2910 Frankston/Flinders Road, Balnarring, 3926, telephone (03) 59831813.<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 5
NEXT WEEK, also on Thursday, the North East <strong>Healey</strong> Group has a run from Alexandra, over the “Skyline Road” from<br />
Eildon to Jamieson, and, on to the Kevington Pub, for lunch. Chris Lamrock is co-ordinating the run. If anyone is<br />
interested, we can give you his contact details.<br />
Check website for details of ROF run south on same day.<br />
ON THE LAST WEDNESDAY of June, we have two runs - The Peninsula Run is to the Tooradin Sports <strong>Club</strong>, from 12<br />
noon – excellent company, food and sealed parking areas.<br />
PLUS THE North East <strong>Healey</strong> Group has a run down to the Yarra Valley, lunching at Oakridge Estate on Maroondah<br />
Highway, then on to TarraWarra Gallery to check out the “Archibald Prize” entries, on show. Chris Lamrock, again, is<br />
organizing this run. We shall put his contact details on <strong>Healey</strong>vic.com.au for any Melbourne members who would like to<br />
link up.<br />
Now, as an opening to the spring season, Val and Arie Vermaas will be running a drive to Gypsy Creek Winery at<br />
Labertouche on Sunday 9 th of September. It is beaut<strong>if</strong>ul countryside and meeting points could be club rooms – travelling<br />
up the Monash Freeway with second meeting point at the Nar Nar Goon BP service station. More details as we get<br />
closer to the event BUT we will need to have final numbers by August 10, and Val will co-ordinate bookings. If you’d like to<br />
register now, please drop her a line on arieandval@gmail.com<br />
PORT FAIRY’S VIC/SA MINI RALLY – October 27-28 – Paul Bradley from the SA <strong>Club</strong>, heads up the organizing<br />
committee – Ralph Fletcher reported that numbers are up to 80 bookings but he is accepting new entries at present.<br />
Some issues around allocation of ground floor accommodation have arisen and some people may be asked to share a 2<br />
bed unit on the first floor.<br />
SELWYN & SANDRA HALL’S “Plains and Mountains Cruise” scheduled for November 23-25 - Selwyn suggested that<br />
the meeting place will be near Warragul heading for the first nights stay at Bairnsdale, then off to Omeo and lunch at the<br />
famous “Blue Duck” inn and on to Bright for that evening. Next day, brunch at Oxley – King River Café – then home via<br />
Mansfield. Accommodation approx $230.00 – food paid separately – hurry <strong>if</strong> you would like to go – only 10 cars will be<br />
included and numbers are almost filled!<br />
EDITOR:<br />
Gordon Lindner has kindly offered to carry out the Editor’s task whilst Harvey is on holiday and requested all mag articles<br />
be to him by 13 June. editor@healeyvic.com,.au.<br />
REGALIA:<br />
Whilst almost strangled by what appeared to be an extremely warm scarf, Arthur urged members to look at purchasing his<br />
excellent soft shell jackets, polo shirts and of course, scarfs and umbrellas!<br />
COMPETITION / MSCA:<br />
Rod Vogt delivered the following report:<br />
Coming Events<br />
1 MSCA Sandown, Sunday July 1 st – expecting at least 6 members to compete.<br />
2 Peter Jackson and Brian Duffy are entered for the Historic Race meeting at Eastern Creek, Sydney, for June<br />
30 th /July 1 st .<br />
Competition report<br />
Winton Historic Meeting (short course) May 26/27 th .<br />
The Group Sa/Sb/Sc races saw Peter Jackson dominate Gr Sa and finish 5 th or 6 th outright in the three races. His Group<br />
Sa wins resulted in Peter being awarded the Alan Jones Memorial Trophy, repeating his success in 2010 and following on<br />
from Steve Pikes win last year. Rod Vogt and Peter Kaiser battled mid field in a tight fought group of about 8 cars in the<br />
30 car field which included De Tomas Panteras, TVR Tuscan, MGB V8, Porsche, TR 6 and TR 4, MGB’s, Bug -eye<br />
Sprites and several rather slow Triumph Spitfires celebrating 50 years of Spitfires.<br />
We should applaud the domination of Peter Jackson is his Group S <strong>Healey</strong> 3000. He currently holds the 2011 AHOC<br />
Competition Championship, the 2011 Donald <strong>Healey</strong> Centennial Memorial Trophy, the 2011 Ross Bond Trophy (for<br />
competition by the NSW <strong>Healey</strong> <strong>Club</strong>) and both the Victorian and NSW Group S Racing Association Championships for<br />
Group SA. We will ask Peter to bring these trophies to one of our general meetings to display. In addition, Bill Metcalf<br />
holds the 2012 Alan Jones Trophy awarded at the last Annual <strong>Healey</strong> Rally – a clean sweep for our <strong>Club</strong>!<br />
LIBRARY: Mick noted that she is still awaiting delivery of the shelving!<br />
CMC/<strong>Club</strong> Rooms:<br />
Paul Mac reported that on Wednesday last week, Keith Mortimer the JCCV President and I attended a committee meeting<br />
of the CMC. As a result of that meeting, I shall be doing an article for 100s & 1000s on the operations of the CMC, the six<br />
elected representatives of the AHOC Vic. and, the JCCV – and, the management of our joint assets.<br />
An important item on the agenda was the proposed purchase of a defibrillator for the clubrooms – it was agreed that we<br />
should proceed with getting the required information and, seek out interested members for training in the operation of the<br />
defibrillator – subject, of course to the risk management processes we have to apply, in regard to its use. ie; insurance<br />
coverage for our members utilizing the machine.<br />
GENERAL BUSINESS:<br />
John Raisbeck addressed the meeting noting that the financial report indicates that the <strong>Club</strong> presently holds some $90K<br />
in bank deposits and suggested that the Committee could be expending more funds on member’s benefits.<br />
Mike Snelgrove noted that various amounts are allocated throughout the year on expenditure to the benefit of members<br />
including subsidizing the dinner dance and that whilst the accounts are very healthy at present, continuing magazine<br />
publication costs will deplete funds are the year progresses. Phil Howe suggested that a major expenditure on building<br />
maintenance could occur at any time which may require the CMC to place a call on the 2 clubs to meet costs – it may<br />
6<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
therefore be prudent to hold sign<strong>if</strong>icant cash reserves. John Raisbeck stated that the CMC does have provisions in place<br />
to meet building maintenance contingency. Various other opinions were aired including the need to hold reserves to fund<br />
the next Vic state National Rally. Paul Mac undertook to take John’s comments on board and discuss at next Committee<br />
meeting and report decisions to members via the magazine.<br />
Bryan Meredith reported that he and Barb had bumped into South African <strong>Healey</strong> <strong>Club</strong> members whilst on holiday<br />
recently and said they were lovely people who would like the chance to become closer to their Australian brethren – he<br />
said some may attend our next Rally and that some of us should consider attending theirs as well. Bryan said the roads<br />
in SA are some of the best <strong>Healey</strong> roads in the world!<br />
Meeting closed at 9.09pm.<br />
Next meeting, July 5, 2012.<br />
BUY, SWAP and SELL continued following the meeting.<br />
Brian Aitken, Secretary<br />
COMPETITION REPORT JULY 2012<br />
TEAM HEALEY and MSCA NEWS<br />
COMING EVENTS<br />
COMPETITION REPORT JUNE 2012<br />
Events marked with * count towards the Competition<br />
Championship. Sprint and Regularity events require<br />
a basic CAMS level 2S licence only. (contact Rod Vogt)<br />
1 MARQUE SPORTS CAR ASSOCIATION (MSCA)<br />
CALENDAR FOR 2012 – Remaining Rounds<br />
Round 5 Sunday 22 nd July *Phillip Island<br />
Round 6 Sunday 19 th Aug Haunted Hills<br />
Round 7 Sunday 16 th Sept *Phillip Island<br />
Round 8 Sunday 18 th Nov *Phillip Island<br />
Round 9 Sunday 2 nd Dec *Sandown to be confirmed<br />
ENTRY FORMS for these events will be sent to all on the Team <strong>Healey</strong> email list and are available on the MSCA website<br />
www.msca.net.au . Ring Rod Vogt on 5962 1915 or 0408 395 240 or email competition-MSCA@healeyvic.com.au .<br />
Spectators are encouraged. Entry is free and you are welcome in our pit garage. Competition starts at approximately 9<br />
am.<br />
2 OTHER EVENTS 2012<br />
July 21/22 nd *Vic State Race series inc MG and Invited British Sports Cars<br />
July 28/29 th *HRCC Historic Morgan Park, Warwick, Qld.<br />
Aug 4/5 th<br />
Aug 11/12th<br />
*Vic 6 Hour Relay Race at Phillip Island<br />
*VHRR Historic Winton (long track)<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 7
COMPETITION REPORTS<br />
1 ARDC Sports Car Carnival, Eastern Creek, Sydney. May 19/20 th<br />
Brian Duffy was our sole entrant and the only <strong>Healey</strong> at Eastern Creek where Group S Historic Sports Cars were joined<br />
on the bill by a mixed group of more modern sports cars. The Sydney track has been undergoing redevelopment with a<br />
new “extension” nearly ready for use – it was advertised to be ready for the June 30/July 1 HSRCA Historic Meeting (with<br />
the Enduro for Group S), but this has been delayed at the last minute – and this involved a change to one corner where<br />
the new track leaves the old layout so lap times were marginally quicker this weekend. Brian had done considerable work<br />
on the <strong>Healey</strong> after his Phillip Island weekend was spoiled by electrical and gearbox problems and it paid off with a very<br />
competitive drive in the 33 car Group S races. The top 10 cars diced closely – several Porsches, a Shelby GT350, a<br />
Corvette, two Alfas, a Triumph TR6, an MG Midget and Brian in the <strong>Healey</strong> 3000. Brian finished 10 th , 8 th , 8 th and a DNF<br />
(did not finish) in the fourth race on Sunday afternoon. I believe he had simply had enough!<br />
POINTS TOWARD COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP with 4 fastest laps –<br />
BRIAN DUFFY (3000) 944 pts 1.54.58, 1.54.86, 1.54.90, 1.55.14<br />
2 Historic Winton (Short Course) May 26/27th<br />
Mixed emotions for me when writing this report. A bitter/sweet weekend for the Group S competitors with good results for<br />
AHOC members Peter Jackson (3000), Peter Kaiser (Sprite) and Rod Vogt (MGB) slightly overshadowed by several<br />
negative situations for the Group S group leading to a fair amount of grumbling and questioning by some of our ongoing<br />
support of this 36 th running of the <strong>Austin</strong> 7 <strong>Club</strong> event.<br />
Let’s look at the positives first. You may remember Friday and Saturday as a VERY wet weekend experienced in Victoria.<br />
Driving to Winton and unpacking the cars and gear on the Friday did not fill us with optimism for an enjoyable weekend.<br />
Waking on Saturday morning in Wangaratta my weather app on the I- Phone suggested the rain had gone. Ha! Qual<strong>if</strong>ying<br />
at 11.30 am was wet, cold and miserable for the 31 entrants of the combined Sa/Sb/Sc production sports cars entry. The<br />
Jackson <strong>Healey</strong> 3000 had to battle at the front of the field with two Porsches, two DeTomaso Panteras, the V8 powered<br />
TVR Tuscan, and three<br />
“Davids” more suited to the tight short course than those “Goliaths” above – a genuine Lotus Super Seven and two<br />
Spridgets (the very experienced Brian Weston from Canberra and the fearless/talented/crazy ? Troy Ryan from South<br />
Australia) The Kaiser Sprite and the Vogt MGB battled in a midfield group including three other MGB’s, Triumph TR4 and<br />
TR6, two MGB V8’s and a Datsun 260Z. With no long straights at Winton short course, this brought out many entries of<br />
the smaller capacity cars – three Bug-Eye Sprites, a Lotus Elan, an MGA, and 3 Triumph Spitfires and a Triumph GT6.<br />
Fighting in this group was John Davies from<br />
Western Australia in his 100/4 <strong>Healey</strong> which he runs each year at Phillip Island. This car is currently for sale as John<br />
wants to try an open wheeler next – he is in his seventies! I am not too proud to admit that I decided survival to fight later<br />
was my choice which was a common sentiment among the drivers and I qual<strong>if</strong>ied 20 th of 31 cars but just behind 6 cars<br />
that I probably should have out-qual<strong>if</strong>ied. They were braver/sillier than me and proved d<strong>if</strong>ficult to pass for the rest of the<br />
weekend. One of those was Peter Kaiser in the Sprite who qual<strong>if</strong>ied 15 th . (Peter Jackson qual<strong>if</strong>ied 6 th ) The large field on<br />
the short course resulted in a blur of frantic, close racing. Too close sometimes. And some drivers really did suffer from a<br />
bit of the “red mist” at times in a manic effort to make a passing move when the opportunity was not really there! The<br />
starts in particular were a little crazy with Turn One only a couple of hundred metres down the track from the starting flag<br />
and we would ALL arrive there together with locking brakes and frantic wheel wrenching to avoid contact. The large entry<br />
of “oil dropping” old cars and motorcycles at Winton meant constant vigilance was required to avoid the numerous and<br />
growing number of slippery patches just to make things more testing. Some highlights<br />
Race One – Saturday 4.20 pm. The rain stopped early afternoon but the bitumen was cold and had little grip. PJ<br />
maintained his 6 th starting position to the flag, Peter Kaiser started and finished 15 th and I improved from 20 th to 17 th over<br />
the 5 laps which was over in a flash given that lap times were 1.13 for PJ and 1.15 and 1.16 for myself and Peter Kaiser –<br />
a total race time of less than 7 minutes! That sounds fairly simple, even boring, but it was a real battle to maintain those<br />
positions with plenty of passing and being re-passed. Exit one Alfa on lap one after hitting the concrete wall on the main<br />
straight and damaging every panel on the left hand side. A real reminder of my Eastern Creek weekend last November!<br />
Sunday: Great to see the <strong>Healey</strong> support in the display area, with the guys arriving in time for the late morning Race<br />
Two. I bet most thought they would be non attendees on the wet Saturday at home. Most made the long walk down to<br />
see us later in our pit garages at the far end of the complex – a long way from all the action on the long track extension<br />
(we could not even see the race action from there). Race Two was scheduled for 5 laps again. Another frantic start and<br />
bedlam for Jackson and co. at the front with PJ actually touching the Alex Webster Porsche using all his skill to avoid a<br />
big shunt. (See the accompanying photos where they laughed off what could have been a nasty accident with PJ<br />
autographing the “love tap”). Peter Kaiser probably doesn’t know how close I came to using the MGB to shorten his Sprite<br />
also in the ensuing mayhem. Having survived that start we had to do it all over again when the slowest car in the race, a<br />
Triumph Spitfire, spun off on the first lap and we were red flagged for a re-start. The organizers shortened the race to just<br />
4 laps. Peter Jackson finished 6 th again, I pulled off a couple of butt clenching passes and improved two places to 15 th<br />
and Peter Kaiser finished 17 th . I passed Peter on the inside of the sweeper much to the surprise of both of us. I trusted<br />
his skills completely. I hope he felt the same way. The d<strong>if</strong>ficulty in passing cars which are just a second or so slower is<br />
really highlighted on the short course. I was more than a little disappointed to see that my fastest lap time was actually<br />
faster than the 5 cars which finished just one to three seconds in front of me. Peter Kaiser was two spots but just one<br />
second behind. Extremely close racing. I obviously need more experience to take EVERY passing opportunity like PJ and<br />
PK and qual<strong>if</strong>y better to start nearer the front.<br />
Race Three at 4.30 pm was run in front of a surprisingly large crowd still in attendance. Our <strong>Healey</strong> friends had long left<br />
on their long drive home and missed seeing PJ improve to 5 th and Peter Kaiser got a great start and made a couple of<br />
8<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
good passes to finish 14 th . One of those passes at the start was ME! We were both initially held up by a rather erratically<br />
driven MGB, but having got past and with 8 laps scheduled I hoped I had time to catch the Sprite again only to have the<br />
officials put out the chequered flag after just 5 laps when the same #$%@& Spitfire spun again coming on to the main<br />
straight and stalled across the corner. So it was a 16 th finish for me but at least the MG was in one piece and still running<br />
well. Once again there were cars in front of me whose fastest lap time was slower than my best. As they say,<br />
“opportunities always look bigger once they have passed.”<br />
Webster and PJ all smiles after love tap<br />
Signature collectible?<br />
The negatives? This Historic Meeting has always been about the older pre-war specials and the old motor bikes BUT<br />
we did seem to get a raw deal. We had three races for only 14 laps and track time of 18 minutes. By contrast, the pre –<br />
war Regularity had four 15 minute sessions! At Eastern Creek the previous weekend the entrants had 15 minutes of<br />
qual<strong>if</strong>ying and 4 races totalling 32 laps with sixty minutes of race time and 75 minutes of track time!<br />
We were forced to queue for scrutineering on both days despite the fact that we were exempt under the CAMS Targeted<br />
System – this was an AASA run event. With most of the Sports Car and Group N Sedans well away from everything in the<br />
bottom garages we felt like second class citizens. I fear many of our competitors will not support this event going forward,<br />
especially given that the ARDC Sports Car Carnival at Eastern Creek is an alternative at the same time of year. The<br />
smaller group S cars will still be keen I expect, but the serious racers at the front could be missing.<br />
Geoff McInnes raced his Green/Alloy 1948 Riley Special in the Group Lb Racing events for 9 th , 26 th (problems?)and a<br />
DNF in his three events in a crowded 37 car field. Group Lb covers 1940 to 1960 racing and sports car specials – the<br />
Graeme Marks Mac <strong>Healey</strong> competes in this class – and includes “specials” showing Aussie ingenuity based on MG TC’s,<br />
Elfin, Ausca, Buckle, Jewitt, Cooper, Lola MK 1, Zephyr, Elva, Ford 10 and Prefect and Nota Major to name just some.<br />
The fastest cars lapped in the 1.12’s ( the Jackson <strong>Healey</strong> did 1.11’s) despite most having engines under 1500cc and the<br />
largest cars being up to 3 litres.<br />
POINTS TOWARD COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP and 4 fastest laps<br />
AHOC Competition Champion<br />
Peter Jackson (3000) 990 pts 1.11.52, 1.11.56, 1.11.57, 1.11.62<br />
Peter Kaiser (Sprite) 948 pts 1.14.83, 1.15.17, 1.15.19, 1.15.35<br />
ASSOCIATE Championship<br />
Geoff McInnes (Riley spcl) 876 pts 1.15.61, 1.15.75, 1.16.53, 1.16.85<br />
Rod Vogt (MGB) 808 pts 1.13.61, 1.14.02, 1.15.11, 1.15.53<br />
I must highlight the amazing 990 points out of a total available 1000 points scored by Peter Jackson – just look at how<br />
close together his fastest 4 laps are, given the small number of laps we did for the weekend.<br />
I AM WAVING THE WHITE FLAG Alright you OLD AND RETIRED <strong>Healey</strong> racers, check your records/trophies and<br />
memories and tell me <strong>if</strong> YOU have broken the magic 2 minute lap time at Phillip Island. John Mooney rang me with much<br />
mirth to tell me that he is the OTHER member who reads the competition report and would like his name added to the list<br />
with Peter Jackson, Steve Pike and Rob Rowland – John achieved a fastest lap time of 1.59.79 in a Marque Sports Car<br />
Race at P.I. on 25 th November 2000 in his 100/6. Until a flood of emails arrive to protest otherwise, this makes John the<br />
first to break 2 minutes and the fourth fastest so far. ( I don’t think he can remember his wedding anniversary date<br />
though.)<br />
In my defence, I WAS talking about <strong>Healey</strong>s built to the Group S Rules and John’s 100/6 was built to the d<strong>if</strong>ferent rules<br />
governing Marque Sports Cars and in particular the rules established for the <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> Racing Association which<br />
kicked off with it’s first official meeting as a support category at the 1998 Bathurst 1000. Called the Donald <strong>Healey</strong><br />
International Tribute we witnessed an amazing entry of 41 <strong>Healey</strong>s, Sprites and a lone <strong>Healey</strong> Silverstone. I will attempt<br />
to write a piece ( or ask members who did compete at that time) to remind us of that wonderful time in <strong>Healey</strong> racing. I<br />
can tell you that the only drivers from that 1998 race who are still active in their <strong>Healey</strong>s are Geoff Leake (100/4), Rob<br />
Jamieson (100/4) and Colin Dodds from NSW in his Sprite. As part of this I will highlight just what d<strong>if</strong>ferent mod<strong>if</strong>ications<br />
are made for Historic Racing Group S and the AHRA cars and how they d<strong>if</strong>fer from your road <strong>Healey</strong>.<br />
Lets hear from you guys please.<br />
A CLOSING THOUGHT “Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.”<br />
Cheers<br />
Rod Vogt<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 9
OLD MATES<br />
50 years ago, from the mass production factories of<br />
the Midlands, one went east to Cal<strong>if</strong>ornia, one came<br />
to Australia. 40 years ago, they were impressing the<br />
smart set around LA and Melbourne. 30 years ago,<br />
one had fallen on hard times, the other was a<br />
businessman’s relaxation. 20 years ago, they met up<br />
for the first time in that place where so many<br />
adventures begin, the <strong>Healey</strong> Factory in Ringwood -<br />
one a wreck, the other needing just a bit of TLC.<br />
Their relationship was about to deepen 15 years ago,<br />
they started racing together on the circuits of<br />
Australia.<br />
Tentative first efforts lead to upgrades and soon they<br />
were challenging each other for the inside line at Turn<br />
1, duelling under brakes for the Keyhole, dr<strong>if</strong>ting side<br />
by side over the Oran Park bridge (RIP) and drafting<br />
each other flat out through the kink on the back<br />
straight at Sandown.<br />
More upgrades, more challenges. The Brits were<br />
coming to Bathurst and there was going to be a race<br />
just for <strong>Healey</strong>s. The Victoria <strong>Club</strong> wanted to put in a<br />
good showing. Soon these two rivals were getting up<br />
to speed for the nations greatest circuit as two of the<br />
nine Victorian Bathurst <strong>Healey</strong>s. A few were faster,<br />
many were slower, but it was always these two at<br />
each other’s throats, battling for the apex, not giving<br />
an inch. Who was quicker ? It was always very close,<br />
they took it turns.<br />
It was the same when they finally, after many<br />
challenges, got to race at Bathurst - both got under 3<br />
minutes, both were in the top 10, but one had an<br />
engine let go in those pre-steel crank times and the<br />
other one missed his playmate really badly. Bingles ?<br />
Er, yes, a few, but nothing too serious and soon<br />
standard-setting shiny paint ruled again.<br />
In the years of <strong>Healey</strong> Racing which followed, these<br />
two shadowed each other to circuits all over Eastern<br />
Australia, culminating in that extraordinary adventure<br />
of the Sebring Cup, the main support race to the 24<br />
hour world sports car Race of a Thousand Years on<br />
the last day of 2000 around the full Australian Grand<br />
Prix course in Adelaide. This is the only time the<br />
original course was rebuilt - thereafter, the shorter<br />
and uglier Clipsal 500 for the V8 Supercars has<br />
become the Adelaide track.<br />
With 30,000 people watching and live TV running, the<br />
Bathurst <strong>Healey</strong>s and others put on a thrilling display<br />
of on the limit historic racing, with a group of red and<br />
white <strong>Healey</strong>s battling nose to tail for the whole long<br />
race, which the commentator dubbed ‘the red<br />
brigade’. This culminated on the last lap in a great<br />
braking duel at the end of Brabham Straight, as the<br />
10<br />
red brigade were line abreast trying to stop and turn<br />
in to the hairpin from 220 kph. Guess who did it best?<br />
Afterwards, these old mates took a d<strong>if</strong>ferent path, but<br />
within the last 10 years, each sprayed the<br />
champagne on several occasions.<br />
One was judged several times among the three best<br />
<strong>Healey</strong>s in the world at <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> <strong>Club</strong> ‘concours<br />
d’elegence’ events in Europe. The other became the<br />
most successful <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> in Targa rallying with<br />
podium appearances in Tasmania and Adelaide. And<br />
a growing horde of those pewter ‘plates’.<br />
But as soon as the competitions were finished, these<br />
racers, with only a few adjustments, went exploring<br />
the world. A longer d<strong>if</strong>f, road tyres, a few clicks back<br />
on the dampers and between them, they have driven<br />
many thousand kilometres in Australia and Europe.<br />
They have been cooked by 43 degree sun, gasped in<br />
tropical humidity, lashed by 60 knot winds bearing icy<br />
rain in a searing stream, crunched through pristine<br />
snow and graunched along rocky tracks. They have<br />
caught fire and been extinguished.<br />
From the southern tip of Tasmania - down near<br />
Recherche Bay - to the museum in the north of<br />
Norway at Bergen, from way out east to Venice to the<br />
windswept Omaha Beach to the Stelvio Pass to<br />
tourist laps of Spa, Le Mans and the Ring, from<br />
Monte Carlo swank and the glitz of St Tropez to the<br />
squalid streets around Tilbury docks, these two have<br />
gone there. Its not always been the cool soaring<br />
Alpine Autobahns or the traffic free roads of the High<br />
Country either - there has been the suffocating traffic<br />
during l’heure de pointe in Paris, the tedious grinds<br />
across the Hay Plain or airconless endurance trips<br />
north to Brizvegas.<br />
They have also paused in some good car parks - the<br />
Goodwood Revival, the Sydney Opera House,<br />
Dreamworld, Chapel Hill winery, Horsehill ski l<strong>if</strong>t, the<br />
Mclaren F1 Technical Centre and the Adelaide<br />
Showgrounds. Ferries have also been popular - from<br />
Copenhagen to Oslo, across Bass Straight, across<br />
Lake Constanz, the Chunnel.<br />
OK these two Aussie Big <strong>Healey</strong>s have done a lot<br />
since first getting together 20 years ago in Ringwood<br />
- but pick up any copy of Hundreds and Thousands,<br />
and they are not unusual by <strong>Healey</strong> standards. This<br />
year, there are 17 members collecting points in the<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Competition. Every week, dozens of Big<br />
<strong>Healey</strong>s are meeting up to go somewhere. Every trip<br />
north or west or south is oversubscribed. At<br />
Flemington, around 80 cars usually turn up.<br />
Its only compared to other cars that this level of<br />
activity seems unusual. Compared to weedy MG’s or<br />
cheap TR’s or stuffy Jaguars or those little things<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
from Hiroshima, the deep throated <strong>Healey</strong> just wants<br />
to go somewhere, preferably flat out.<br />
Anyway, these old mates met up for a bit of a reunion<br />
recently. It had been a few years and there were<br />
stories exchanged there in the big cool garage<br />
together. The morning dawned crisp and frosty with<br />
brilliant sunshine warming the garage doors. It was a<br />
special day - and soon the Castrol Edge was<br />
warming up and heat slowly infusing the old motors.<br />
As the warmth spread, the revs rose and Victoria’s<br />
greatest <strong>Healey</strong> driving road was soon being<br />
vigorously dispatched.<br />
As the road bent this way and that, the dense Vic Ash<br />
forest rolling down to the valley floor and then leaping<br />
up towards the snow topped mountains beyond, the<br />
two old <strong>Healey</strong>s seemed in harmony with this land as<br />
they braked and accelerated, turned in to a late apex<br />
to gain visibility for the corner beyond, webbers<br />
sucking and spitting, overdrives clicking in and out as<br />
the torquey engines served up their tasty power and<br />
force.<br />
Old mates. At it again.<br />
Most of us have either seen or read articles about the<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> 4000, I have collected some information about<br />
"The History of the <strong>Healey</strong> 4000 in Australia". Below are<br />
reports from the three owners in Australia of the car. Of<br />
the three 4000's, this is the only one Donald <strong>Healey</strong><br />
personally completed and kept as his personal transport<br />
until 1970, it was fitted with the 4 speed overdrive<br />
gearbox.<br />
Donald <strong>Healey</strong> and Roger Menadue built this car at<br />
"Trebah", his home on the Helsford Estuary in Cornwall,<br />
now forty five years later "The <strong>Healey</strong> Factory" in<br />
Melbourne has just completed a meticulous restoration,<br />
including original style number plates Reg No. PWD663F,<br />
Donald <strong>Healey</strong>'s prized badges and a one off hand built<br />
hardtop.<br />
I would like to thank Steve Pike, John Gray and Peter<br />
Rowland for their contributions towards this article.<br />
Steve Pike: 1st Owner in Australia<br />
In 1974,I was advised a <strong>Healey</strong> 4000 was for sale in the<br />
UK. The owner Frank Allanby had bought it from the<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> company. Frank mentioned having an accident,<br />
skidding on Ice into a gutter bending the chassis. The car<br />
"THE WORLD'S MOST SOUGHT AFTER HEALEY CAR"<br />
was returned to HEALEY and a new chassis fitted.<br />
Records indicate that 6 chassis were made in the wider<br />
form and 3 cars built. The car was originally white and<br />
registered PWD663F, it had been repainted in red rather<br />
poorly, and had about 20,000 miles on the Speedo.<br />
This car was for sale for £3000, so I sold my MK2 3000<br />
(now owned by Brian Dermott), and sent the funds to the<br />
UK. Joe Jarick was in the UK and had been to see the<br />
car at the precise time I committed to buy the car Joe<br />
assisted by getting the car to the docks. The car was<br />
shipped, stowed underdeck with a lot of other cars and<br />
equipment. I was able inspect the car before unloading<br />
and take a few pictures as it was slung and hoisted out of<br />
the hold and over the side onto the dock.<br />
I registered the car in Victoria then got to experience the<br />
feel of driving this prototype. From memory, the<br />
performance was similar to the 3000 I had sold, the<br />
gearbox sourced for a Jaguar, the overdrive was<br />
switched from the gear knob. The first club outing for the<br />
car was an interstate rally at Swan Hill in 1975. Following<br />
our move to a new house in Bacchus Marsh, and the<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 11
irth of our second son David, the <strong>Healey</strong> 4000 was sold<br />
to finance<br />
more pressing domestic needs. John Gray took over as<br />
custodian.<br />
Steve measures the width the <strong>Healey</strong> 4000<br />
John Gray: 2nd Owner in Australia<br />
I purchased the 4000 in 1975, <strong>if</strong> my memory serves me<br />
correctly, something that can't be taken for granted as<br />
much as it used to be.<br />
I received a phone call from Steve Pike one day saying<br />
that he was going to sell the 4000 which he had<br />
imported some 18 months earlier, and was I interested<br />
in it, a deal was done, and the 4000 moved to its new<br />
home now in Camberwell.<br />
At that stage the car was still pretty much as Steve had<br />
imported it, finished in a delightful reddish orange which<br />
had been applied by brush in the mother country and<br />
with a need for sills, but apart from that it was a very<br />
desirable and unique car. When I bought then car it had<br />
the rego number GNW-722 on it from Steve's first BN2<br />
and this was returned, so a new number was required.<br />
All that was available in those days were standard<br />
personalised plates so the best I could get was AH409.<br />
AH400 being on another car, Bob Congdon's BN1.<br />
During the initial period of ownership, the 4000 shared<br />
the garage with two d<strong>if</strong>ferent 100Ss, firstly 3901 and<br />
then 3510.<br />
John Gray in the 4000 with Santa Claus 1982<br />
Around 1977 I decided that the 100S would have to go as<br />
we were expecting our first child and the 4000 was a<br />
much more suitable "family" car than a 100S. I can now<br />
12<br />
think of several hundred thousand reasons why this was<br />
a wrong decision.<br />
Just after having bought the 4000 the Victorian club<br />
arranged for Donald <strong>Healey</strong> to visit Australia and I spent<br />
some time with him discussing the 4000 while he went for<br />
a short drive in it. He made a number of very interesting<br />
comments about the car, two were of particular interest,<br />
these being that they had been a bit rough when they<br />
converted it from left to right hand drive done in Cornwell<br />
with Roger Manadue, referring to the self tappers in the<br />
dashboard, and that the car went really well when they<br />
fitted the twin cam head motor in it. This last comment<br />
was of great interest as at that stage nothing was really<br />
known about such a motor.<br />
In 1977 I was fortunate enough to travel to England and<br />
meet both Peter Cox and Arthur Carter, the owners of the<br />
two other 4000s, and was somewhat amazed that neither<br />
of them had met each other at that stage, due to the<br />
distance between Dursley, (Peter Cox), and Kings Lynn,<br />
(Arthur Carter).<br />
It was around this time that I became aware of the<br />
d<strong>if</strong>ferences between the three cars and the relevance of<br />
these d<strong>if</strong>ferences to <strong>Healey</strong> History. One thing that I did<br />
learn was that my 4000 had been returned to the factory<br />
following an accident on black ice when it was<br />
considerably damaged.<br />
As a result of this accident the insurance company<br />
wanted to write it off, but the Donald <strong>Healey</strong> Motor<br />
Company were able to save the car by using one of the<br />
four unused chassis they had.<br />
Shortly after this the car was involved in a minor accident<br />
in Ringwood when the car in front was found to be<br />
travelling at a lesser speed than the 4000. This resulted<br />
in damage to the front right hand side of the car and it<br />
was decided to not only repair that damage but to also fix<br />
up the sills, rebuild the overdrive and tidy up the under<br />
bonnet which was still, showing signs of the English<br />
repair, the chassis rails being red oxide while the<br />
bulkheads were the original Old English White.<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> owner Terry Cornelius was commissioned to fix<br />
up the front shroud and while this was being done the<br />
engine bay and front chassis were resprayed by Robbie<br />
Rowland, also at this time the overdrive was rebuilt and<br />
when the car was returned to the road it was a great<br />
pleasure to be able to now use the overdrive in<br />
conjunction with the extra power of the 4 litre engine.<br />
One thing that I had decided to do was keep the car as<br />
original as possible and to this end the seats, door trims,<br />
dash, soft top and boot trim were all left as they were, as<br />
I considered them to be quite serviceable. In this guise<br />
the car was used for many years in all sorts of club<br />
events including motorkhanas, where it was at a great<br />
disadvantage because of its extra width, but try a I might<br />
I wasn't given any special allowances, hill climbs and<br />
interstate rallies, all of which proved the car's versatility<br />
and practicality.<br />
I can recall only one occasion when the 4000 suffered<br />
from this varied use and that was when a rear spring<br />
broke during a motorkhana at Steve Pikes property,<br />
however even this didn't prevent it from getting home,<br />
albeit a little lop sided, and a new BJ8 unit was soon<br />
fitted.<br />
When Geoff and Margot attended the national rally in<br />
Melbourne they both looked at the car and were pleased<br />
to see it once again, and while Geoff, and to a lesser<br />
degree Margo were keen to be reacquainted with<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
NOJ392 during their visit, Margo confessed that the 4000<br />
was her most desirable <strong>Healey</strong>.<br />
After 21 years of ownership I was made an offer I<br />
couldn't refuse by Peter Rowland and was pleased that<br />
the car would be remaining in Melbourne where it has<br />
spent the vast majority of its existence.<br />
I am not sure why Peter was so keen to purchase the<br />
car, maybe the memory of being in the back seat when<br />
the 4000 had its collision in Ringwood. but whatever the<br />
reason ADO24/10092 is certainly in good hands for the<br />
next phase of its l<strong>if</strong>e.<br />
Peter Rowland: 3rd Owner in Australia<br />
I could not believe my good luck when John Gray said<br />
he would sell me his 4000 which I have always<br />
considered to be the world’s most desirable “special”<br />
<strong>Healey</strong>. I agreed there and then, and have thanked him<br />
ever since.<br />
Peter Rowland's car at Naracoorte mini rally<br />
Dayton wire wheels were affected to enable more serious<br />
testing on the Wangaratta and Cowra National Rallies.<br />
Finally “The <strong>Healey</strong> Factory” had an opening, and the<br />
‘’ugly duckling” was recreated far better than it had ever<br />
been. I won’t bore you with the details as the finished<br />
article says it all, and I’m sure you have seen this<br />
amazing quality from Rob’s team many times before.<br />
Nearing completion we discussed a factory style hardtop<br />
that was then designed and constructed to fit the extra<br />
width and height with perfect dimensions and finish.<br />
It was always our aim to recreate the car as DMH built<br />
and owned it at Trebah, his home in Cornwall; so much<br />
time and effort was spent on sourcing and affixing the<br />
personal items, his prized BARC, BRDC and Mille Miglia<br />
badges along with the original style “Blue Dot” stereo he<br />
fitted.<br />
In my opinion, there are less than a handful of truly<br />
special works <strong>Healey</strong>’s that are neither racing cars nor<br />
Coupe’s, making these few far more practical in so<br />
many ways. The historical involvement of Rolls Royce,<br />
DHMC, Jaguar, <strong>Austin</strong>, BMC, Alec Issigonis, and<br />
Donald <strong>Healey</strong> all added to the appeal of the 4000<br />
model, plus the special attention that DMH had paid to<br />
this particular car. On top of that it was here in<br />
Melbourne, affordable, original, and my older brother<br />
Rob was the only bloke capable of really rebuilding it to<br />
the condition it deserved. I considered my ownership to<br />
be fate then, and I still do.<br />
Repairs were promptly made to exhaust, brakes and<br />
steering then improvements by way of telescopic<br />
shockers, integrated air conditioning, an alternator and<br />
In conclusion I would just like to thank John Gray and<br />
brother Robbie again as with their help and a little luck<br />
this dream is coming true. PS (The harder I work the<br />
luckier I get)<br />
Peter Rowland<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 13
At one of our recent <strong>Club</strong> meetings I was talking with Ken<br />
Styles asking about his work, Ken told me about his latest<br />
project which was restoring a 1908 Issotta Fraschini, I<br />
thought to myself I must find out more, asking Ken to send<br />
me photos and some details, here is Ken's reply to me.<br />
Gordon<br />
The 1908 Tipo FENC Isotta Fraschini<br />
Four cars, all with ‘Semi-Racer’ bodies, are known to exist<br />
in modern times. In 1985 two cars were purchased in<br />
upstate New York, restored there and in Italy. Two cars<br />
were originally sold from Charles Kellow’s Russell St<br />
showroom in 1909, surely the two extant cars in<br />
Melbourne. Of these cars, one came to light in 1950<br />
discovered at North Shore Corio & restored by Lyndon<br />
Duckett of Toorak. The other was purchased from the John<br />
Creswell estate by Warwick Anderson and myself in 2008.<br />
John had found the car in 1969 on a farm outside of<br />
Benalla having been used to pump water from a dam.<br />
Ken Styles was well established with restoration work at<br />
The Delage Garage in Cremorne when he became, in<br />
2004, involved in the restoration & recommissioning of the<br />
very original Duckett car. When our little Isotta Fraschini<br />
came to us in a trillion pieces & mechanically tortured<br />
state, we naturally selected the expertise of Ken to restore<br />
& recommission this car.<br />
Some background to the ‘Grand Prix des Voiturette Type :<br />
Dieppe’, Semi-Racer cars by Peter Latreille, June 2012<br />
Three of these 10HP 4 cylinder Voiturette cars, prototyped<br />
as Tipo FE, were designed & tested in Milan, then raced at<br />
the “Grand Prix des Voiturette” at Dieppe in July 1908<br />
where their competition was against the extraordinary and<br />
faster, single & twin cylinder class race cars, ever<br />
increasingly stroked with higher and higher compression<br />
engines, pure race cars that could never be suited for<br />
normal road use. In the Voiturette race one car driven by<br />
Buzio was 1 st in the newly introduced 4 cylinder class, and<br />
8 th overall. Another was driven by Isotta Fraschini<br />
apprentice Alfieri Maserati. Soon after they were placed<br />
into series production as the Tipo FENC, but no more with<br />
40 cars are thought to be made. The design engineer was<br />
Guiseppe Steffanini.<br />
Ken completed exceptional work on the engine, gearbox<br />
and transmission, and the braking systems, then<br />
concluded the restoration with the overall assembly of all<br />
the components to culminate with a running car.<br />
Restoration of the radiator, front axle, chassis frame with<br />
springs, wooden wheels, and making of the replica Semi-<br />
Racer body were assigned to other specialists.<br />
Our mission was completed in early May 2012 when both<br />
of the “Melbourne Cars” were taken to Dunkeld, in the<br />
Grampians, to mingle with the annual Bugatti <strong>Club</strong><br />
Australia event. There we drove both cars extensively &<br />
our little car raked up its first 500km. Here was a totally<br />
new driving experience, one far from the familiarity of our<br />
powerful Vintage 30-98 Vauxhalls. Now for the application<br />
Where the diminutive size of the FENC, and their complex<br />
design, and of their 1320cc single OHC engine was,<br />
however, designed for performance & reliability for series<br />
production, of which the singles and twins of Dieppe were<br />
not, place these cars in the exceptional class for their time.<br />
In particular I single out the 4 cylindered monoblock<br />
inclusive of overhead camshaft, patterned as a single<br />
casting comprising all intake, exhaust man<strong>if</strong>old & water<br />
passages, and the finished aluminium crankcase, both<br />
surely engineering masterpieces of their time.<br />
14<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
of every little bit of those available horses to maintain a the gearbox & handling is as sweet as any fine motor car I<br />
reasonable average speed, since these 1320 cc have experienced from the decades that followed 1908.<br />
voiturettes, rated at 10hp by their 65mm bore, develop Currently the choice inner urban drives are alongside the<br />
more or less than 20 horses aided by a reasonably sized Yarra River, the circuit around the Royal Botanical<br />
flywheel for torque advantage. Slow at takeoff the 4 closely Gardens, & to the bayside esplanades, with choice stops<br />
spaced high ratio gears are frequently changed back & for a latte. The speed limits are easily achievable. Felici<br />
forth, in a rev range 500 to 1750 RPM, on upward & Buzzio’s Isotta averaged 46 MPH over 286 miles in 1908, a<br />
downward inclines to maintain these average speeds. Here figure we aspire to achieve in due course, possibly the<br />
Grampians back roads would, again, be of choice.<br />
******************************************************************************************************************************************<br />
AUSTIN-HEALEYS THAT RACED IN AUSTRALIA - Episode Nineteen<br />
Over the years I have gathered information on Australian<br />
<strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong>s from all kinds of sources, and sometimes<br />
this can be quite unexpected. In December last year I was<br />
in Adelaide to help BN2 Owner Bob Shepard celebrate his<br />
70 th birthday when I was introduced to one of his former<br />
work colleagues, Mal Jonas. As the conversation<br />
progressed, I found out that it was his father Murray who<br />
had hillclimbed a BN1 in South Australia back in the<br />
1950’s..<br />
Murray Jonas bought his <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> new in 1954. This<br />
was a green BN1, which was registered 400-967.<br />
Sometime later it was damaged and it reappeared as a<br />
Green/White car.<br />
At an early Hillclimb before the colour change.<br />
Competition driving was not new to Murray. As a Member<br />
of the Sporting Car <strong>Club</strong> of South Australia he had been<br />
hillclimbing a 3.5 litre Mk 5 Jaguar which was the family<br />
car. He used the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> to drive to his Marine<br />
Engineering business in Port Adelaide, but when it was<br />
necessary to use the Jaguar for business, he would leave<br />
the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> with his w<strong>if</strong>e to do the shopping –<br />
which she did, and always with the top down.<br />
After the Closed Hillclimb of the Sporting Car <strong>Club</strong> of<br />
South Australia on 12 September 1954 it was reported that-<br />
“Murray Jonas in his new <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> gave the car its<br />
first outing in competition and caused a keen battle with<br />
Greg McEwin in a similar car by clocking identical times of<br />
46.4 seconds, only to be bettered by one tenth of a second<br />
in the final runs”.<br />
By April 1955 the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> of Greg McEwin was<br />
being described as a “Hot <strong>Healey</strong>” and was running in the<br />
Sports Car Class rather than the Production Sports Car<br />
Class which Murray continued to run in.<br />
In August 1955 he decided the car needed more<br />
performance, so had the head ported and polished, fitted a<br />
mod<strong>if</strong>ied camshaft and re-routed the exhaust under the<br />
passenger door. The car remained eligible to be entered as<br />
a Production Sports Car. By now the car started to appear<br />
without bumpers and was fitted with an aero screen.<br />
The Collingrove Meeting on the 6 October 1956 was the<br />
first appearance of Geg McEwin’s Mac<strong>Healey</strong> which he<br />
had built from a burnt out car and which now appears in<br />
Historic Events in the hands of Graeme Marks.<br />
During the early part of 1957, Collingrove was closed for<br />
mod<strong>if</strong>ications. There had been problems with a dip on the<br />
approach to the Wall which had caused Clem Smith in his<br />
<strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> to bottom out and put a hole in his sump.<br />
Even after it was reopened, the Mac<strong>Healey</strong> would drag its<br />
tail on the approach to the Wall.<br />
As an alternative to Collingrove, a temporary Hillclimb<br />
with an oiled surface was constructed on the property of<br />
Billl Holmes at Redwood Park 12 miles from Adelaide. At<br />
the Meeting in April 1957 Murray recorded second fastest<br />
of the day for all the Classes, behind Clem Smith who was<br />
now driving a Terraplane Special.<br />
In early 1957 the Production Sports Car Record at<br />
Collingrove was still held by Greg McEwin in his <strong>Austin</strong>-<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> with a time of 45.8 seconds, so it can be seen from<br />
the Results below that Murray was not far off the pace<br />
with his car.<br />
Leading the parade of cars at Collingrove Hillclimb.<br />
In May 1958 Murray and his w<strong>if</strong>e trailered the car to<br />
Broken Hill behind the Mk 5 Jaguar for a Hillclimb at Peak<br />
Hill Station, Silverton near Broken Hill. Murray managed<br />
a best time of 48.85 seconds, which bettered the existing<br />
Class Record of 48.90 seconds which had been held by<br />
another <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong>.<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 15
On the line at the Weapons Research Institute Sprint<br />
Meeting.<br />
Murray only used the car for hillclimbs, but on one<br />
occasion at Port Wakefield in 1954 Murray lead the field<br />
for the Gold Star race with a cameraman in the passenger<br />
seat filming the racing cars on the parade lap.<br />
As an 8 year old, Mal has memories of being taken to<br />
Rowley Park Speedway with his older brother, three up in<br />
the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong>. The trip home was always faster as<br />
there was often a lad in a hot Holden wanting to take them<br />
on at the traffic lights. Murray was always happy to oblige.<br />
In about 1958 the <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> was stolen from the<br />
garage at the rear of the house and used by the crooks to<br />
remove the safe from the local Tennis <strong>Club</strong>. Murray was<br />
the prime suspect when the police came knocking at the<br />
front door at 5am. The car was recovered undamaged from<br />
the sand hills at Grange.<br />
Murray kept the car until about 1961/1962. He progressed<br />
with Jaguars, at first a Mk1, then a 3.8 Mk2 which he used<br />
in Closed Meetings at Mallala, but then his interests<br />
changed and he bought a shack on the Murray River and a<br />
ski boat.<br />
A later owner of the car was Keith Ashby who had owned<br />
another 100, and a couple of 100/6’s. Generally his cars<br />
were highly mod<strong>if</strong>ied but only used as road cars.<br />
In November 1964 the car was bought by Vaughan Cottle<br />
who became an early Member of the South Australian<br />
<strong>Club</strong>. By the time he bought the car it was fitted with an<br />
A90 engine and the 4 stud rear end had been replaced with<br />
a 5 stud. He used the car as his daily driver, and over time<br />
its condition slowly deteriorated. He sold the car in about<br />
2000 and its current whereabouts is unknown.<br />
RACING RECORD<br />
Collingrove Hillclimb 12 September 1954 46.4<br />
Collingrove Hillclimb 9 October 1954 46.15<br />
Collingrove Hillclimb 11 April 1955 46.27 Fastest prod sports<br />
Collingrove Hillclimb 25 April 1956 46.24 and 46.25 Fastest prod sports<br />
Collingrove Hillclimb 6 October 1956 47.2 2 nd fastest prod sports<br />
Redwood Park Hillclimb April 1957 36.8 2 nd fastest time of day<br />
Collingrove Hillclimb 20 April 1957 46.20<br />
Collingrove Hillclimb 7 December 1957 45.54<br />
Collingrove Hillclimb 7 April 1958 44.94<br />
Peak Hill Hillclimb 24 May 1958 48.85<br />
Weapons Research Institute ¼ Mile Sprint 21 September 1958<br />
17.561 sec ¼ mile<br />
108.9 mph Flying 1/10 mile<br />
I must thank Mal Jonas, his brother and his mother for the background information, and of course John Read who is the<br />
Guru on all <strong>Austin</strong>-<strong>Healey</strong> history in South Australia.<br />
Iain McPherson<br />
I blame Peter Watt (Pete, Watty) for what has been a<br />
wonderful 13 years ownership of my Black Beauty and<br />
membership of a great club. I had hoped to detail some of<br />
my race experiences with Watty chief spanner man and pit<br />
manager but space and embarrassment prevents. I hope<br />
these few anecdotes are of interest.<br />
Filled with envy over Peter Watt’s <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong>, I<br />
purchase my first <strong>Healey</strong> (only about 34 years late) but<br />
after having the car painted I realise restoration is not for<br />
me and sell the car to Rob Congdon.<br />
It is 1998 and Watty’s car becomes increasingly desirable<br />
and we start talking about my buying a Big <strong>Healey</strong> 100/ 6<br />
for racing. For those of you who are maybe new to <strong>Healey</strong><br />
ownership and membership of the club, Peter and Pat<br />
were club stalwarts and total enthusiasts.<br />
We head off one fateful day to locate the car of my dreams<br />
(finally). First to The <strong>Healey</strong> Factory, Rob (Rowlands)<br />
I BLAME PETER WATT by John Mooney<br />
terr<strong>if</strong>ic; helpful, informative, and great to deal with but can’t<br />
show me the “right” car.<br />
Next to a <strong>Healey</strong> restorer in Harkaway (sorry, memory<br />
gone can’t remember name or location) where I find the<br />
perfect car; restoration complete but turquoise and I<br />
wanted black,so on to Steve Pike’s Marsh Restorations at<br />
Bacchus Marsh where Steve has the right shell and the<br />
right price to take on the project which included converting<br />
a Cal<strong>if</strong>ornian car, gusseting the chassis, fitting disc brakes<br />
and Konis all round flaring/widening the guards, race<br />
venting the seats and trimming the car which was to be<br />
painted by a friend of mine.<br />
I recall only too well the phone call I received from my<br />
painter: “You have to inspect the car now”; a quick trip to<br />
his workshop thinking all the time that something is wrong<br />
only to find the most perfect paint job I have seen and him<br />
pleading with me not to race the car so that it doesn’t get<br />
stone chipped!<br />
16<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
One should never look back or have regrets but I wasted<br />
20 odd years by not being involved in motor racing or<br />
taking racing opportunities and to make my <strong>Healey</strong> more<br />
competitive should have fitted a steel crank, close ratio<br />
straight cut gearbox, Qua<strong>if</strong>fe d<strong>if</strong>f and alloy wheels. The<br />
moral of the story, do it right, do it now, tomorrow could be<br />
too late.<br />
My car is finally complete and Anne and I follow Peter and<br />
Pat (Watt) to the 1999 Concours at Como Park. On arrival<br />
Peter and Pat head off to say hello to everyone leaving<br />
Anne and I alone and a little uncomfortable.<br />
Next thing from immediately behind me I hear a booming<br />
voice “Moooneeee, Moooneeee” and turn to see a happy,<br />
beaming, huge personality Mike Forrester who introduced<br />
himself and immediately made me feel that it was a club<br />
that I wanted to be a part of. Mike loved my car, christening<br />
it “Black Beauty” (the original) and was constantly<br />
enthusiastic. I miss him. We all miss him.<br />
Not much to tell about the car or it’s racing history. Lapped<br />
Sandown in 1.36 dead and Phillip Island in 1.59.7 in 2000<br />
after surviving a near catastrophe in it’s first race at Calder.<br />
Pouring rain, wind, freezing cold; first lap no problems,<br />
second lap into right hander (continuing) at bottom of main<br />
Practice times:<br />
Rob Rowland 2.05.7919 Mike Broso 2.08.5834<br />
John Mooney 2.08.7945 Neil Dunn 2.08.8304<br />
Peter Jackson 2.08.8333 Tom Smith 2.09.3813<br />
Tim Pyne 2.11.9390 Geoff Leake 2.11.5065<br />
John Moore 2.13.4103 Brian Dermott 2.13.1872<br />
Rob Foster 2.15.9851 Hardie Kuhn 2.16.1455<br />
Keith Brodie 2.17.8057 Bill Ingham 2.18.2382<br />
Peter Williams 2.18.5333 Frank Karl 2.22.5065<br />
Peter Ford 2.23.0699<br />
straight and a white Datsun 240Z spins onto grass on<br />
outside of track.<br />
Safe to continue when suddenly it becomes clear that he<br />
has kept the boot in it and rejoins the track; I pull hard right<br />
and we miss by no more than one inch (sounds less than<br />
25mm) I heave a huge sigh of relief, I still have my<br />
beaut<strong>if</strong>ul car.<br />
One highlight of the car’s racing history should have been<br />
our invitation along with another 16 <strong>Healey</strong>s to compete in<br />
a Le Mans car support race held on the fabulous but scary<br />
walled circuit through the Adelaide parkland. We deposit<br />
our wives at our motel and deliver the car to the special<br />
<strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> marquee – very impressive indeed before<br />
allowed to do a sighter lap in the Landrover. I declare to my<br />
mechanic that I have real fear, the concrete walls are<br />
daunting to say the least.<br />
Next day dawns and all too soon it’s that time. Practice<br />
commences and second lap Neal Dunn who had<br />
potentially the quickest car crashes out – claimed by one of<br />
those dreaded concrete walls putting an end to his<br />
weekend. My second lap commenced okay but gear knob<br />
snaps off and lose overdrive but finish 3rd quickest so quite<br />
chuffed considering problems.<br />
John Mooney heading into the countryside<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 17
Fabulous times by all the drivers, sadness for Neil Dunn,<br />
and indication of what was to come for Peter Jackson - 4th<br />
fastest in only his second drive in his new car!<br />
Now to racing; “flag drops” jumps out of first gear and<br />
everyone gone except lonely old me, but catch a few<br />
before getting black flag then drive thru to be told not me<br />
another car. The story doesn’t end there, two laps later a<br />
bolt comes out of flywheel jamming clutch and gears and<br />
forcing retirement – weekend over. As the pundits<br />
say, “that’s motor racing”, an expression that seems always<br />
to be linked to bad luck or misfortune or finance.<br />
In 2008 and after a lengthy hiatus from racing I decided to<br />
try my luck in the Targa Tasmania with John Cl<strong>if</strong>t as<br />
navigator. As first timers and knowing that my car would<br />
not finish a 5 day event we entered as “rookies” to contest<br />
the first 3 days.<br />
First day a fun challenge through the streets and our first<br />
problem – our intercom working intermittently and I hear “5<br />
left” but not “into 5 left” that followed immediately. Luckily<br />
nothing to hit and through the yellow tape with<br />
embarrassment the only injury.<br />
Second day and serious stuff but not having driven<br />
competitively for many months I decide to take it easy and<br />
notes, don’t look up when you feel the car sliding at high<br />
speed and expect the unexpected.<br />
The stage that I best recall was Beaconsfield (the mine<br />
disaster town) with it’s narrow (very) little back streets<br />
through the houses. I had told John “I can’t do this” but<br />
once underway loved it with the best bit the policeman<br />
taking a jump to the left (Rocky Horror Show like) as we<br />
slid sideways toward him.<br />
The story of my two attempts at the Targa Wrest Point is<br />
probably best left unsaid. 2009 Brian Aitken navigating,<br />
problem with intercom again and Brian forced to indicate<br />
corner by hand/finger signs; into “crest into 4 left into 4<br />
right” at around 70 mph – too fast make crest and 4 left<br />
okay but forget golden rule (keep to middle of road) and<br />
get left front off bitumen with car now on steeply sloping<br />
edge of gutter.<br />
Another driver error (but I think natural instinct) steer right<br />
away from gutter but this slides rear of car into<br />
embankment – huge impact right where Brian sitting, car<br />
bounces into air spinning across road to rear end Armco<br />
fencing which had just been installed to stop cars going<br />
over edge of 300 foot drop.<br />
2010 I am unbelievably sea sick on trip over hardly ate or<br />
left:John Cl<strong>if</strong>t<br />
dial myself in to finish in a somewhat unsatisfactory 14th<br />
place.<br />
So third day starts and we are in 14th place after the<br />
caution of the previous day but decide to have a go making<br />
up 7 places to finish a respectable 7th in class.<br />
For the uninitiated, navigating is bloody hard. Head down<br />
car sickness a problem, don’t lose your place in the pace<br />
right: John Mooney 2010 Targa, Wrest Point, Tasmania<br />
drank for 3 days and did not recce the stages properly.<br />
This time John Cl<strong>if</strong>t navigating as we approach up hill over<br />
crest into 9 left . Now “9” in my car is almost flat out; we<br />
arrive at what is virtually a wide hairpin (see photo) so I<br />
think the pace note people got it wrong. Perhaps a “9” for<br />
the computer controlled Evos or Subaroos but not an old<br />
<strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong>.<br />
18<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
The rules of rallying instruct the crew of a crashed car to<br />
indicate they are okay to following drivers. Our okay<br />
indicators became warnings to slow down as 6 or 7 cars<br />
mimicked us and spun or ran off while we watched and I<br />
believe another 3 or 4 came to grief after we got going<br />
again.<br />
So my retirement from competition taken somewhat<br />
unhappily but having lost confidence and discovering that I<br />
had bad cataracts it seemed for the best at the time.<br />
Have now had cataracts done and as one should never<br />
retire prematurely or on a bad note returned to Sandown<br />
for a very very cautious re-run. My time 1.40 and a full 4<br />
seconds slower than my times in previous years so<br />
obviously need more practice.<br />
I love the sport, the camaraderie and the thrill of speed<br />
and believe that my car and I can still do 1.36’s at<br />
Sandown but having done it for so long I am not as<br />
enthusiastic as I once was and find it hard work loading<br />
and unloading and getting to the track at 7.30am for<br />
registration and scrutineering.<br />
I now polish the car occasionally all the while imagining<br />
one more competition drive and take it out once a month<br />
on the very enjoyable Peninsula lunch runs.<br />
John Mooney<br />
ROF's JUNE 2012<br />
On Thursday 14th June, 6 <strong>Healey</strong>'s and one M/Benz SUV<br />
ventured down the Mornington Peninsula on roads that had not<br />
been traversed by some before. We visited the townships of<br />
Crib Point and Stoney Point, circled the boundaries of HMAS<br />
Cerebus through the hamlet of Somers to Lazzars Wines at<br />
Balnarring. Sandra and Diego made us very welcome with a<br />
cosy wood fire, a glass of their sparkling wine and a delicious<br />
lunch of gourmet pie and vegies washed down with a red or<br />
two. Some went on to Balnarring village for coffee. A great day<br />
was had by all. Cheers<br />
right Welcome to New Members Mervyn & Jill George.<br />
Arthur Tuckett<br />
A DRUNKEN STRANGER<br />
A man and his w<strong>if</strong>e were awakened at 3:00 am by a loud pounding on the door.<br />
The man gets up and goes to the door and there is an absolutely plastered drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain,<br />
asking for a push."Not a chance," says the husband, "it is 3:00am in the morning now bugger off!"<br />
He slams the door and returns to bed. "Who was that?" asked his w<strong>if</strong>e."<br />
Just some bloody drunk guy asking for a push," he answers. "Did you help him?" she asks.<br />
"No, I did not, it's 3am in the morning and it's bloody pouring rain out there!" "Well, you have a short memory," says his<br />
w<strong>if</strong>e. "Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down in the middle of the night and those two guys<br />
helped us? I think you should go and help push him, and you should be ashamed of yourself ! God loves drunk people<br />
too you know." The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pouring rain. He calls out into the dark,<br />
"Hello, are you still there?" "Yes," comes back the answer. "Do you still need a push?" calls out the husband. "Yes,<br />
please!" comes the reply from the dark.<br />
"Where are you?" asks the husband. "Over here on the swing," yells the drunk.<br />
******************************************************************************************************************************************<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 19
BARBER SHOP<br />
A guy sticks his head in the barber shop and asks<br />
“How long before I can get a haircut?” The barber<br />
looks around the shop and says, “About 2 hours.”<br />
The guy leaves.<br />
A few days later, the same guy sticks his head in the<br />
door and asks, “How long before I get a haircut?”<br />
The barber looks around the shop full of customers<br />
and says, “About 2 hours.” The guy leaves.<br />
A week later, the same guy sticks his head in the<br />
shop and asks, “How long before I can get a haircut?”<br />
The barber looks around the shop and says, “About<br />
an hour and half.” Again, the guy leaves. The<br />
barber looks over at a friend in the shop and says,<br />
“Hey Bill, follow that guy and see where he goes.”<br />
In a little while, Bill comes back into the shop<br />
laughing hysterically.<br />
The barber asks, “Bill, where did he go when he left<br />
here?”<br />
Bill looked up and said, “To your house!”<br />
20<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
FOR SALE<br />
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE INVITED FOR THESE RARE AND SIGNIFICANT AUSTIN HEALEYS<br />
AUSTIN HEALEY "75" SPORTS BOAT<br />
Built by Donald <strong>Healey</strong> Marine circa 1959,this is a very rare example of the <strong>Healey</strong> 75 sports boat and is very original and<br />
unmolested still with its original trim, dash board, lighting and motor/gearbox.<br />
The boat is currently fitted with a BMC 1800 engine and comes with the original 1500 MG motor which requires<br />
reconditioning.<br />
The <strong>Healey</strong> Marine forward reverse neutral transmission is still fitted and was rebuilt by the previous owner.<br />
The <strong>Healey</strong> Marine inlet exhaust man<strong>if</strong>olds and twin SU carbies are fitted and in good condition.<br />
The boat was imported from Canada in 1996 and has been stored undercover since. It has been run regularly since.<br />
The <strong>Healey</strong> Marine trailer is in excellent condition and has the original mechanical brakes with it , but not currently fitted.<br />
The trailer has been restored and has the Donald <strong>Healey</strong> Motor Company id plate still affixed to it.<br />
The id of the boat is hull number 1144 and this is still visible on the rudder and the engine cover.<br />
The timber deck is original and requires sanding and revarnishing. The instruments are original, the tacho / speedo<br />
requires a new cable and the temp gauge needs a new capillary tube.<br />
The oil pressure gauge, light switches and horn button all work correctly, as do the clearance lights.<br />
BOLWELL HEALEY<br />
This <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> 100 BN1 was purchased by Winston Bolwell in the late 1950s and was subsequently extensively<br />
mod<strong>if</strong>ied by him into its current configuration.<br />
The car was fitted with an early Jaguar 3.4 motor and gearbox and the front body work extensively mod<strong>if</strong>ied by Winston to<br />
resemble a Maseratti 300S,using a completely new fibre glass front.<br />
After swapping the car for a Mini in the early 1960s Winston was tragically killed in the mini and the <strong>Healey</strong> was put aside<br />
by the then owner and not used again.<br />
I have owned the car for in excess of 22 years and it remains almost entirely complete.<br />
The chassis, suspension and brakes have been rebuilt but would require refurbishing.<br />
The front bodywork has been restored but not painted and the rear panels , still 100. require restoration.<br />
The original gearbox is with the car but the 3.4 motor has been unassembled and no longer has the block and head both<br />
of which were no longer restorable.<br />
The many unique features of the car such as the large quick release fuel filler, the alloy egg crate grille and the hard top,<br />
all of which were made by Winston are still with the car. The original windscreen and frame are also still with the vehicle,<br />
as are the fuel gauge, oil pressure and temp gauge and the mechanical Tacho as fitted by Winston.<br />
This car is a unique piece of Australian sports car history and would be a wonderful road car once the restoration is<br />
completed.<br />
Retirement and too many other projects force the reluctant sale of these two <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong>s.<br />
Further details are available from John Gray on 03 5424 1166.<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 21
1960 3000 Mk1 (Engine upgraded to BJ8 Specs) Monza Red with Black leather interior, hood and tonneau. Dayton 72<br />
spoke 6"x15" chrome wire wheels, sports steering wheel, extensive recent mechanical works including new wiring loom.<br />
Full receipts and history file Excellent driver. 45600 original miles<br />
Asking Price $62,500.00 with RWC John Hawksworth 0418 339 178 or 03 5985 6713<br />
1958 BN6 100/6, (3000 mark 1 engine ) coupe, Royal Blue over Silver, requires some restoration, drives well, asking<br />
price 30,000.00 ONO. Registration number UVM 551, registered until June 2012. Regretful sale - unfortunately I will be<br />
moving interstate to NSW.<br />
Michael Hogan 03 5966 2493 (Warburton) Mobile : 0409 277235<br />
MK 1 SPRITE.<br />
Standard MG Midget Mk 3 front brakes and suspension<br />
Front suspension lowered by 1” using short competition springs by<br />
Bugeye Barn and has 1.5 degree negative camber blocks and a large<br />
diameter competition anti roll bar<br />
Rear suspension is standard Mk 1 Sprite assemblies with Simon<br />
Gardner fitted progressive bump stops.<br />
Morris Major rear brake assemblies with 8” drums<br />
MG Midget 1970 model 3.9 gear rear standard d<strong>if</strong>ferential set<br />
Standard bore 1,275 cc balanced engine<br />
9.725 high compression Pistons<br />
Webber twin choke carburettor on long tract inlet man<strong>if</strong>old. Extractors<br />
Four core radiator<br />
Ported and polished Head with larger inlet valves<br />
Camshaft Engineering 38K grind mod<strong>if</strong>ied, belt driven cam linked to 1.5 rocker gear<br />
Cooper S large impeller Water pump<br />
1,600 Ford Escort Flywheel mod<strong>if</strong>ied and lightened to fit 1,275 block.<br />
Datsun 1,200 Clutch uprated with Datsun 1,200 self aligning bearing<br />
VH44 Brake booster.<br />
5 speed Datsun 1,400 commercial van Gearbox - extremely strong!<br />
Complete with hard top, side screens and tonneau<br />
3 sets of tyres and 2 sets of wheels. Full set of original hub caps.<br />
<strong>Club</strong> Reg so no stamp duty. $15,500 Brian Aitken 9775 3699.<br />
<strong>Healey</strong> 100 service (workshop) manual (BN1 with BN2 supplement) This is an original copy dated 1959.<br />
$70 Leigh Mansfield (03) 9553 8090 mobile 0435 247 132<br />
Brand New Aluminium Head, Fully assembled , lead- free valve seats , top quality valves ,<br />
Valve springs & guides , Springs & Top caps , Viton valve stem seals fitted , fully polished & ported ( refer to Crankshaft<br />
rebuilders Blackburn ) invoice included<br />
Fully Guaranteed $4800.00<br />
2 x BN4 – to early BJ8 rear springs as new $300.00<br />
Bill Metcalf, 0447 010 145 or 9876 2167 or<br />
billmetcalf@bigpond.com<br />
WANTED<br />
1960 <strong>Healey</strong> 3000 Mk1 Cylinder Head (12 port) in<br />
reasonable order.<br />
Mike Chadwick 0402 315 219 or 03 6227 2859 or<br />
michael.chadwick@oocl.com Hobart, Tas.<br />
BUY/SWAP/SELL<br />
June Meeting was a successful night with quite a<br />
few Sales being made from the tables.<br />
22<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012 23
24<br />
Hundreds & Thousands July 2012
CLASSIC SPORTSCAR SPECIALISTS<br />
CAR SALES<br />
Our Classic Car Showroom Has Over 50 Cars For Sale<br />
Talk to us <strong>if</strong> you are considering selling or buying a Classic Sports Car<br />
RESTORATION / ACCIDENT DAMAGE<br />
Trophy Winning Cars<br />
Accident / Classic Car Insurance Repairs<br />
From All Over Australia and Overseas<br />
SERVICE<br />
Regular Service and Safety Check<br />
Classic Rally & Track Day Preparation<br />
Mechanical Repairs / Improvements / Mod<strong>if</strong>ications<br />
SPARE PARTS<br />
Mail Order Parts Specialists<br />
D M D<br />
AUSTRALIA<br />
SPECIALIST AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS<br />
DMD Australia manufactures high quality components for <strong>Austin</strong> <strong>Healey</strong> engines.<br />
The company’s range has been developed to extract performance improvements while maintaining<br />
maximum reliability for both competition and road use.<br />
All new products are subjected to extensive dyno and competition testing prior to release.<br />
646 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham (Melbourne)<br />
www.healeyfactory.com.au Telephone: (03) 9872 3900