'Black Beauty' - Austin Healey Owners Club

“Looks Good! Send your expressions of Interest now”
‘Black Beauty’
Inside:
• The John Olsen BN1
• Side Exhaust
• Aussie Racers retro
• Coming Events
The official newsletter of the Austin-Healey Owners Club of Victoria incorporated.
July 2011 – Issue #18

This Club is affiliated to the Confederation of Australian Motor Sports (CAMS), a member of the Marque Sports Car
Association (MSCA) and the Association of Motoring Clubs (AOMC).
We are dedicated to the maintenance, preservation and enjoyment of the Austin Healey motor car.
OFFICE BEARERS
President Bill Vaughan 0428 359 029 or 5988 4264 president@healeyvic.com.au
Vice President Ralph Fletcher 0418 567 218 or 5367 1401 vicepresident@healeyvic.com.au
Secretary Brian Aitken 0419 025 858 or 9775 3699 secretary@healeyvic.com.au
Treasurer Mike Snelgrove 0418 320 524 or 9379 2836 treasurer@healeyvic.com.au
Membership Bill Metcalf 0447 010 145 or 9876 2167 membership@healeyvic.com.au
Clubrooms & CMC Chris Coughlin 040 0312 552 or 9822 7712 clubrooms@healeyvic.com.au
GENERAL COMMITTEE
Social Barb Meredith 0417 384 712 or 9499 4610 social@healeyvic.com.au
Librarian Barb Meredith 0417 384 712 or 9499 4610 librarian@healeyvic.com.au
Website Gordon Lindner 0418 540 920 or 9707 1294 webmanager@healeyvic.com.au
Competition-MSCA Rod Vogt 0408 395 240 or 5962 1915 competition-MSCA@healeyvic.com.au
Regalia
Vacant
AOMC-VicRoads Ken Styles 0431 481 082 or 9809 4382 AOMC-vicroads@healyvic.com.au
CAMS Tony Barrett 0427 051 297 or 9725 5587 CAMS@healeyvic.com.au
Registrar Iain McPherson 9850 3267 registrar@healeyvic.com.au
Magazine Editor Harvey Pearce 0419 108 532 or 9836 7596 editor@healeyvic.com.au
HUNDREDS & THOUSANDS IS THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF
VICTORIA INC ABN 21 230 686 083
The statements of opinion or fact appearing within are those of the individual contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect
the views of the Club or its members
Registered by Australia Post. Publication No. VBH 1552
CORRESPONDENCE: P.O. Box 97 Mulgrave, Victoria. 3170. INTERNET-ADDRESS www.healeyvic.com.au
GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the first Thursday of the month at the Clubrooms, 19-23 Rosalie Street, Springvale.
Meetings commence at 8.00pm.
CONTRIBUTIONS: Items of interest, articles, technical information, correspondence, constructive criticism, photographs
etc., are constantly being sought. Any material for inclusion to the magazine should be sent directly to the Editor, by 13 th
of the month.
The Next General Meeting will be held in the Clubhouse, Rosalie Ave Springvale
on Thursday July 7th commencing at 8pm
THIS MONTH’S COVER
JOHN OLSEN’S BN1 at BEAUMARIS
Photo: Bill Ingham
Dinner Dance
Saturday 26th November 2011 Bayview Eden, 6 Queens Road Melbourne
LOCK IT AWAY IN YOUR DIARY NOW!
HEALEYS IN THE NEWS
Have you seen the ABC news clip from the Adelaide rally yet?
Go to ww.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/04/24/3199464.htm
Printed by GPD Digital 14/9 Elite Way Carrum Downs Vic
1

CONTENTS
Editor’s Notes Page 2
Coming events Page 3
President’s Report Page 4
Meeting Minutes Page 6
Cover Storey Page 9
Competition Report Page 11
Side Exhaust Page 15
Island Gateway Page 17
More from Iain McPherson on Healeys that raced in Australia Page 19
For Sale and Wanted Page 20
Insurance Matters Page 21
More 2011 National Rally Photos Page 23
2012 Queensland Rally Page 24
FROM THE EDITOR
I usually write my bits and pieces
when I begin collating the
magazine.. This month any
inspiration has been conspicuous
by its absence and, yes, I can hear
the collective sigh of relief!.
Perhaps one of Gordon’s photos
from the last meeting will do.
I had a message from our
departed regalia manager Allen
Saunders who is “over in the
west”. Allen’s new contact details
Mobile: 0400 094 468
Email:
allen@stonewallconstruction.com.au
Phil Walker’s immaculate Chev Corvette Stingray
2

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SUPPER ROSTERS
JULY Ralph and Linda Fletcher
AUGUST Anne and Jeff Gillard
JULY
Sat/Sun 2/3 rd
MSCA Round 5, Sandown
Thursday 7 th
General Meeting in ClubRooms commencing 8.00pm
Wednesday 13 th
Committee Meeting
Thursday 14 th
ROF’s Run North
Fri/Sat 22 nd & 23rd
Rusty Springs “Christmas in July” Weekend at Avenel
Wednesday 27 th
Peninsula Lunch Run – South Beach, 464 the Esplanade,
Mornington - Phone 59 74 4443
Sunday 31 st
Social Page for details and flyer. Just testing this out in June
(If going on the Peninsula runs please ring the venue to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance and mention the Healey Club)
AUGUST
Thursday 4 th
General Meeting in Clubrooms commencing 8.00 pm
Sat/Sun 6-7 th
Phillip Island - 6 hour relay
Sun 7 th
Alfa Club Sprints, Winton
Thursday 11 th
ROF Run East
Sat/Sun 12-14 th
Historic Winton (Long Track) Festival of Speed
Sunday 14 th
Fang Run – Early Morning Run – See separate note for details
Sat/Sun 20 th -21 st
MSCA Rd 6 Phillip Island (incl Rd 3, Vic Supersprint Championship)
Sunday 28 th
Lunch in Williamstown. Final details and venue in August Magazine, and Gordons
block emails. Watch this space.
Wednesday 31 st
Peninsula Lunch Run – TRIOS CABARET – Cranbourne Racecourse, Grant Street,
Cranbourne. PH 59 963233
(Don’t forget if attending the luncheon, please ring venue 24 hours in advance and mention the Healey Club)
PLEASE MARK IN YOUR DIARY
September 25 th
Bringing back A Brain Buster drive, simple navigation and questionnaire.
Watch next two magazines for all the details
Barbs Briefings
The Balgownie Drive Day, attracted 26 members, we had 7 Healeys, a Porsche, a Ferrari, an Aston Martin, an E Type, a
Cobra, a Mercedes, a BMW, and couple of normal tin tops. A great day was had by those of us who attended.
There are a few more activities happening in the second half of the year,
We have Lunch in Williamstown on Sunday 28th August, final details in next month’s magazine.
Brian Aitken’s Brain Buster, on Sunday 25th September,
and finally the Mini Rally/Border Run is back on the Calendar. Ralph Fletcher has been working hard at fine tuning all the
arrangements. The dates of the event will be Friday 7th - Sunday 9th October, 2011. See separate note in magazine.
That’s all from me this month.
Happy Healeying
Barb
******************************************************************************************************************************************
FANG RUN SUNDAY, 14TH AUGUST, 2011
The idea of aSunday morning fang is simple.
Early start(8.30 am) couple of hours drive on a variety of interesting scenic roads. Coffee & cake and Home for
lunch
To join us on the day.
Pick up the Monash/Princes Freeway and drive towards Warragul.
Leave Princes Freeway at Pakenham/Koo Wee Rup exit.
Take first exit at roundabout towards Pakenham.
At next roundabout turn left.
Meet fifty metres in the car park on the left front of Pakenham Paints.
We depart this meeting point at 8.30 a.m. sharp.
We chose this meeting place as it is the only safe area to meet and park prior to departure.
A man calls his mother in Perth. "Mum, how are you?"
"Not too good", says the mother. "I've been very weak."
The son says, "Why are you so weak?"
She says, "Because I haven't eaten in 38 days."
"That's terrible, Mum! Why haven't you eaten in 38 days?"
"Because I didn't want my mouth to be filled with food when you called."
3

President’s Report - July 2011
A very short report this month as Carole and I prepare for a short trip away. Yes we are going North again, not to sunny
Queensland but a bit further away this time to Alaska. While our Healey will be well and truly rugged up, we do hope that
you will be using yours.
Since the last report, we have had a number of functions and it is good to see that we have had a good roll-up. The run
to Cowes went well and I know there will be a separate report on this. Barb's winery run was also well attended and I
have had good reports on the run there planned by Warren Gartner. My thanks to Arthur Tuckett for organising the
ROF's run South to Loch. Good planning ensured that those attending did so on one of those magic autumn-like days;
sunshine, little wind and lovely roads to boot.
My thanks, too to Ron Boyle who has offered to look after our Regalia stocks and sales 'until another volunteer can be
found'. Ron is actively looking for some new items and would be very grateful for suggestions and assistance.
Barb and Ralph have been putting their heads together to plan the Vic/SA Mini-Rally during October and finalising the
end-year Dinner Dance. Make sure that you pencil the dates in as I am sure they are going to be fun events. Another
date to mark down is that of the Motorclassica - sponsored this year by the RACV. I missed the exhibition last year and
I'm told it was exceptional. The Motorclassica will take place over 21 st to 23 rd , October at the Royal Exhibition Building
and will mesh neatly with an RACV 'City to Country Club' run on the 23 rd . With the Winton 6-hour Relay on the previous
weekend, October is shaping up to be a very busy month.
Bill Vaughan
2012 NATIONAL RALLY SUNSHINE COAST QUEENSLAND
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
To assist us with our forward planning, the Austin Healey Owner’s Club of Qld Inc would appreciate your expression of
interest in attending the 2012 National Rally to be held at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast Qld between
Friday 6 April, 2012 and Monday 9 April, 2012.
To register your interest contact chris.miles@ctcplc.com or by fax addressed to 07 3839 9900, attention Chris Miles or go
to www.austinhealeyqld.com.au (or download a form from our own website www.healeyvic.com.au).
May we please have your expressions of interest lodged by 31 July 2011, if possible.
4

Combined Victoria/South Australia run. Mildura
Friday 7 th –Sunday 9 th October inclusive
Come and share in the fun with fellow Austin-Healey Owners.
With interest high both sides of the border I have no doubt that numbers for this
weekend will fill quickly!
Accommodation has been booked;
Standard room –
Queen bed, ensuite, LCD television, mini bar facilities $139.00
or
King Spa-room –
King bed, ensuite, LCD television, lounge area, mini bar facilities and in-room spa bath
$159.00
All within walking distance of clubs and restaurants.
Paddle Steamer rides, winery luncheon, run to junction of Murray and Darling Rivers
are just a few of the things on offer.
Full schedule in 100’s and 1000’s next month.
Come along to sunny Mildura for what promises to be a fabulous weekend.
Reserve your spot now!
Ralph Fletcher – ralphf@bigpond.net.au
Phone (03) 5367 1401 or 0418 567218
5

AUSTIN HEALEY OWNERS CLUB OF VICTORIA INC.
Minutes of “General Meeting” held on
Thursday 2 nd June 2011
AT 19 – 23 ROSALIE STREET, SPRINGVALE
Meeting opened at 8.10pm
Present: 60 financial members
No Visitors
Apologies: Chris Coughlin, Greg Howe, Phyllis Howe, John Raisbeck, Fay Raisbeck, Rex Genoni, John Mason,
Bryan Meredith, Barb Meredith
Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Motion that the minutes of previous meeting, held on 5 May 2011, be
accepted. Moved: Ron Boyle Seconded: Andrew Goad Carried.
Matters arising from the previous minutes: Nil.
Welfare:
President Bill Vaughan announced the sad news that we have lost 2 more of our members during the past few weeks –
Frank Mornane’s funeral took place last Friday whilst Graeme Slater’s funeral was only yesterday afternoon. They will be
missed by all their friends in the Club..
LETTERS
Letter from Denis Walker advising of a spelling error in the data base.
Cheques from various advertisers for passing on to Treasurer.
Invitation to visit Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park
FLYERS
Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction advice
Speed Works advertising brochure (Ringwood based engine machining and building)
MAGAZINES
May edition of AOMC Newsletter
June“Crankhandle” SPCHCC (Southern Peninsula Classic and Historic Car Club) magazine
May “Healeys West” magazine from WA AHOC
May “Flat Chat” magazine from NSW AHOC
June “Goblin Gazette” from Sprite Driver’s Club
E MAILS
1. Invitation to Sandown Raceway Car Display on July 24
2. Advice from CAMS re the new Sport and Club Development Officer in Victoria, Ben Manning.
3. E mailed invitation and Flyer for Watsonia Motor Show on 13 November
4. Veloce Books flyer
5. Veloce Books News – new publication covering MG Midget and AH Sprite.
6. Advice from CAMS re the State Government “Green house Gas Games” initiative for Clubs to raise money by
competing in the challenge.
7. E mail from David R. Koch in Texas with list of Healey 3000 parts for sale.
CORRESPONDENCE OUT:
Thinking of you card to Judy McConville
E Mail to AOMC with details of 2011 Committee.
Sympathy card to Carole Slater and Family
Sympathy card to Pam Mornane and Family
REPORTS:
Financial:
Mike Snelgrove submitted the following report:
Operating Account
Opening balance as at 31 March 2011 $27,826.79
Deposits $6,036.98
Payments (+ withdrawals) $14,643.07
($11,393.68 transferred to fixed deposit)
Closing balance as at 30 April 2011 $19,220.70
Special Purpose Account as of 30 th April 2011 $2,842.78
$2,750.00 cheque issued to Marysville Lion’s Club cashed on 5 May 2011.
Term Deposit Account at 17 April $51,393.68
Interest for next 6 months will be 5.9% = $1,520.27 income
6

Membership:
Peter Heading was unable to attend the meeting but did provide a note to BV confirming that we presently have 575
financial members including our latest to join, Daniel and Marie Tenaglia.
Social:
Barbara was unable to attend the meeting however she had provided information to Ralph Fletcher to pass on to
members. She reported that 27 people attended the run last Sunday with all agreeing that the lunch was excellent as
was the drive through the Yarra Valley mapped out by Warren Gartner
With winter well and truly upon us, not much is planned for June/July other than the usual Peninsula Lunches and ROF
runs. On this subject, President Bill advised that we were still in need of a co-ordinator for the ROF run south to replace
Mike Forrester – unless we get a volunteer, the next south ROF will not happen!.
Mike Snelgrove then addressed the meeting to propose a scheme whereby members who were unable to drive their cars
could be picked up and taken on ROF runs by others attending, drawn from a list of volunteers. The meeting agreed that
this was an excellent idea and Mike undertook to co ordinate and manage the volunteer roster.
Finally, Ralph Fletcher reported that the proposed Mini Rally with SA members has been provisionally scheduled away
from the Melbourne Cup week end to earlier in October – possibly around the week end of 7/8. Preferred venue is still
Mildura.
Editor:
Harvey said there was not a lot to report except the magazine was produced in time for early posting this month. He is
pleased that our advertising has gone international with Putzke’s “Fahrspass” spares from the USA. Finally, Harvey
requested that all articles and submissions for the July magazine be with him before mid June.
Regalia:
BV advised the meeting that while Ron Boyle was prepared to open the regalia stand for General Meetings, we still need
a full time committee person to fill this important post. Bill requested that an orderly queue of volunteers form immediately
following the meeting.
Competition / MSCA:
Rod Vogt made the following report:
COMING EVENTS
I will be away for July and August (apologies for those monthly and committee meetings)
June and July are quiet for competition. Peter Jackson and Brian Duffy will be competing at Eastern Creek in a Historic
meeting on June 25/26th.
Next MSCA event is Sandown on Sunday July 3rd. Put August 12-14th in diaries for Winton Historic (long track) where
many of our Healeys/Sprites will be racing or doing regularity.
EVENT REPORTS
1 MSCA PHILLIP ISLAND May 22nd
9 members competed plus 6 from Sprite Club giving 15 of total entry of 105.
Support of our "social group" who came down for the weekend was much appreciated.
Results-
Regularity
Rob Raverty 2nd and new fastest lap for Rob
Tim Westover 4th
Bill Vaughan 5th in his new/old Bugeye Sprite
Brian Aitken 8th after a couple of "moments"!
Cary Helenius 9th
Sprint classes
Rod Vogt 1st in Class A, back in the Sprite
Larry Varley 1st Class H in the Historic Williams Special (MK4 BOLWELL with Holden grey
motor)
Mark Bird competed but did a head gasket AGAIN
EASTERN CREEK, ARDC SPORTS CAR CARNIVAL May 28/29
Peter Jackson first place in all races for Group Sa 1940 - 1959 Production Sports Cars, and up to 3rd place outright in
Race 2 against Porsches etc.
Broke his own lap record by 1.5 seconds - now an incredible 1.51.88 sec
Brian Duffy - 2nd place Group Sa in all 3 races and improved his best lap time at E.C. by 3.75 secs to 1.56.05.
3. HISTORIC WINTON (short track) May 28/29
Fantastic event, great entry of older cars and motorcycles with a very big crowd attending. AHOC should try to organize a
run to this event next year. The Sprite Club had a formal tent display, cars on display and sponsored the Group S races!
(a) Group S races
Steve Pike was best Sa car and won the Alan Jones Trophy for first Sa car in the 8 lap feature race, finishing 18th, 21st
and 19th in his three races in a field of 29.
Peter Kaiser had his first race in the ex Bill Ingham Gr Sb Sprite and ran consistently with 20th, 15th and 14th placings.
Peter won a trophy for "best presented" sports car.
7

Rod Vogt (MGB) finished 11th in race 1 and then 18th and 13th in races 2 and 3 after a spin in race 2 and a climb back
through the field (progressive Grid)
Hamish MacLennan ran steadily towards the rear in his MGB.
(b) Group Lb Sports and Racing
Graeme Marks competed in the Mac Healey, with a 2nd place qualifying and 5th place finish in race 1. A damaged
engine (new block required!) resulted in no activity on Sunday.
Several references were made by the course announcers re the passing of Graham Slater who was a stalwart of Group N
Touring Cars.
TARMAC RALLIES
The attendance at our meeting of Brian and Linda Dermott at the meeting is a reminder that we should canvas the idea of
some of our better prepared road/semi-race Healeys enjoying the Classic/Touring classes offered. I will seek more info
from B.D. who is active still but in his XU1 Torana. The 4 round series is Targa Tasmania. Targa Wrest Point (Tas),
Targa Classic Adelaide and Targa High Country (N.E. Vic).
Several Sprite Club members competed in the latter in 2010. John Goodall has been the last regular Healey entrant -
Classic Adelaide event.
Vic Roads / AOMC:
Ken Styles reported that he has noticed that he has recently noticed a number of mistakes on Vic Roads Club Permit
renewal forms. He advised members to check the forms carefully and if errors are discovered, to deal direct with Vic
Roads to effect corrections.
Cams:
Bill Vaughan reported that he attended a meeting of Club Presidents at CAMS last Monday evening, where the proposed
CAMS Carnival (originally planned 2 years ago for Echuca but cancelled at the last minute) was again mooted. At the
commencement of the meeting, it was proposed to try to run the event in October this year, however after considerable
discussion it was acknowledged that the earliest it could take place was February 2013! Watch this space!
Cars / parts for sale:
Following his motor failure at Winton Historics recently, Graeme Marks would like to hear from anyone with a spare 100/4
block!
Alan Cant announced that he has an electronic ignition module to suit a 6 cylinder Healey – free to a good home – see
him after the meeting.
Ron Smith said that Mike Forrester’s beloved Tri Carb BT7 is now for sale. The car has beautifully polished paintwork, a
recent Gary Blackman mohair hood and tonneau and new carpets throughout. Anyone interested should contact Ron.
General Business:
Bill V noted that at the Island Escape held on the week end of 21/22 May last was a great success and thanked all those
who attended. There will be a report in the July mag.
Gordan Lindner advised the meeting of the latest information on the Lumley’s insurance anomaly, whereby members who
display their cars in museums and the like have found that although other insurers such as Shannons cover their cars,
Lumleys do not. Lumleys board have been requested to consider changing their policy. Gordon will monitor developments
and advise members going forward.
The President declared the meeting closed at 8.50pm and after a short break for refreshments introduced our guest
speaker for the evening, Phil Walker from Unique Cars magazine. Phil had his immaculate Chev Corvette Stingray on
display and spoke about his background and role as a Project Manager for Unique Cars, working closely with John Bowe
amongst other great Australian motoring personalities.
Phil was able to report that a major feature is shortly to be published on 100/4 cars, specifically Mike Snelgrove’s! We
look forward to that with great interest.
Next meeting: 7 July 2011.
8

“I DID IT MY WAY - WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS”
THE STORY OF JOHN OLSEN’S 100/4 BN1 RESTORATION
My interest in car restoration is such that I enjoy the
challenge of the project, more than the exhibition of the
finished car. So, on completion of my last car, I found
myself attempting to find better solutions to the problems
inevitably raised by a new undertaking.
I have established a network of people whom I can ask for
information, and often it was some of these people I could
ask to do the jobs that needed more experience than I
have.
My previous restoration was a Jaguar XK 140, so the
Healey presented a different set of problems.
After stripping the body down, it was obvious that the car
had taken a bump at the front right suspension, mudguard
and shroud. This had been repaired in the US (from
where the car had come) and beautifully done it was (n’t).
The repairs to the panels were quite good, but the chassis
had a bend and had been repaired with second hand
components. This strangely done repair had resulted in a
complete BN2 (2¼ inch wide brake shoe) front brake fitted
to the right hand side. How this could be considered
suitable as a repair is a mystery! The undamaged left
hand side brake was an original BN 1 (1¾ inch brake
shoe). Other ‘work’ included badly fitted telescopic
shockers to the front and the rear and ⅜ inch thick steel
flame cut rough brackets welded to the thin panel metal.
These suspension modifications, while undoubtedly
creative, were never going to work.
While most of the body and mechanicals came with the
car, there also came an oft repeated promise by the seller
of the car that the missing parts and fittings were on their
way. Unfortunately, nine years later, I could have still
been waiting, had I not bought the promised parts
elsewhere.
Body work:
Repairs to the body panels were done by Mark Ingham.
Rather than elaborating on his work, I will quote the car’s
painter. ‘The panel work was so good that it was an easy
paint job. Every little detail had been thought about and
the job was executed with great care.’
Body alterations:
Extra welding of the panels around the bulkhead was
done to curb scuttle shake.
As I am tall, I need more arm and leg room. I had decided
to make a driver’s bucket seat out of aluminium. Bolting it
to the floor kept the seat lower by the thickness of the seat
runners.
I also had the bulkhead behind the driver’s seat cut and
curved to allow the seat to be positioned further back from
the dashboard. The overall result is that I am very
comfortable when driving and certainly not as cramped as
I am in other original 100/4 Healeys. I had a fitting at the
upholsterer’s for the seat and had the base foam tailormade
for ride height. The higher seat squab under my
thighs offers good support.
The body was also fitted with suitable seat belt anchorage
points at this time.
The spare wheel panel was raised to allow a 4½ inch wide
rim and wider tyre.
The battery box area now has a divided lid, due to the
fixed back rest on the driver’s side.
Car Assembly:
9
I decided to do something different with the engine bay
insulation. In order to provide better heat insulation in the
cabin than that offered by AC sheet, I made a sandwich of
aluminium panel, insulation cloth and a space age
corrugated pressed aluminium. I also fitted a panel of the
same make-up on the underside of the floor above the
muffler.

Mechanicals:
Differential and Gearbox:
I read of the overall lighter weight of the BN1 differential
and gearbox compared with the BN2. I liked the gear
ratios of the 3 speed gearbox. Bruce Dixon strengthened
the 4 studs in the rear axles and fitted a 3.66 ratio.
The suspension has up-rated front standard shockers,
new springs and a heavier sway bar. The rear suspension
has reset springs with zinc rubbing strips between the
main leaves, as was the case in the original springs.
The rear shock absorbers are telescopic and are mounted
to aluminium brackets.
Engine Bay:
The engine is bored 30 thousandths of an inch above
standard bore, a counter balanced crank shaft and a
special harmonic balancer along with a mild cam, a gas
flowed head and an extractor exhaust.
An alloy radiator was a cheaper alternative to buying a
new core for the original brass radiator.
The engine has 1¾ inch S.U. carburettors. The
carburettors were aqua blasted before reassembly. This
process gives a new look to the alloy. The carburettor
linkages have been restored and are similar to the
originals.
I designed and made stainless steel heat shields. The
challenge was to do it differently. The result is probably
good heat shielding of the carburettors, but it is awkward
to get at some of the mounting bolts. As they say, for
every change you make, you create several more
alterations to compensate.
Wheels:
Borrani painted 4½ inch rimmed wheels with 165 x 80 x 15
inch Continental radials have been fitted.
Wiring:
The new braided wiring loom with added relays was made
by Wade Jaunzemis.holstery:The seats have been
upholstered in green leather and the cabin panels in vinyl
similar to the original factory upholstery.
Extra fire wall insulation under the carpet was suggested
and fitted during the restoration of the interior by Tim Ward
Steering Wheel:
I made a tracing of an 100 S alloy steering wheel and
made the wood rim to suit. Although not a copy of the 100
S wood rim, it is my interpretation of an E type wood rim.
Many thanks to all the people who have helped me with
information, guidance and work done. Most of the work
that is seen on a restored car is often done by
professionals, but there is an amazing amount of work that
I, as an interested amateur, have been able to complete.
In alphabetical order these are the people to whom I am
grateful:
Steve Cahun
Bruce Dixon
Geoff and Howard, the Healey Factory parts staff
Phil de Gruchy of Lightfoot Engineering
Mark Ingham, Allmarks Bodyworks
Wade Jaunzemis
Geoff Leake
Rod Smith
Peter Sodatis
10

COMPETITION REPORT JULY 2011
TEAM HEALEY and MSCA NEWS
COMING EVENTS
Events marked with * count towards the Competition
Championship. Sprint and Regularity events require
a basic CAMS level 2S licence only. (contact Rod Vogt)
1 MARQUE SPORTS CAR ASSOCIATION (MSCA)
CALENDAR FOR 2011 Note change to Round 8
Round 6 Sunday 21st August *Phillip Island
Round 7 Sunday 25 th September *Winton
Round 8 Sunday 21 st November *Phillip Island CANCELLED & REPLACED BY
Round 8 Saturday 5 th November *Calder confirmed
Sunday December 4 th 2011 (to be confirmed) will be Round One for the 2012 MSCA Championship and also for our 2012
AHOC Competition Championship (and the MSCA BBQ/Presentation for 2011),
ENTRY FORMS for these events will be sent to all on the Team Healey email list and are available on the MSCA website
www.msca.net.au . If you want to get involved ring Rod Vogt on 5962 1915 or 0408 395 240 or email competition-
MSCA@healeyvic.com.au . Spectators are encouraged. Entry is free and you are welcome in our pit garage.
Competition starts at approximately 9.15am
2 OTHER EVENTS
9 th July *Victorian Supersprint Championship, Round Two at Winton
23/24 th July *Vic State Race Series inc. MG & Invited British Sports Cars
30/31 st July *Historic Morgan Park, Warwick, QLD
6/7 th August *Phillip Island 6 Hour Relay (no AHOC team, but Sprite Club is entered)
12-14 th Aug *VHRR Historic Winton (long track)
21 st August * Round 3 Vic Supersprint Champs at Phillip Island (run by MSCA)
24/25 th Sept *HSRCA Historic Wakefield Park, Goulburn NSW
COMPETITION REPORTS
1 MSCA PHILLIP ISLAND MAY 22 nd
A very good entry of nine Healey Club members put on a show for our large group of supporters who ventured to Phillip
Island for the organized weekend away. It is always nice for the drivers to “show off” a little in front of fellow members.
Have you ever wondered, if all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting? Probably not. I think some of our first
time supporters were suitably impressed and perhaps a little surprised by the large entry of 105 cars and the standard of
the competition. With 6 members also competing from the Sprite Club, the Donald Healey marque was well represented.
Many thanks to Bill Vaughan for organizing the run to Phillip Island, the BBQ lunch at the property of a friend who
proudly pulled his 17 Peugeots out of his large single span shed and displayed them in his extensive garden, and the
evening meal at the Cowes RSL. Most came out to the race track for Sunday morning before heading to the Kilcunda Pub
for lunch.
Brian Aitken (Sprite), Bill Vaughan (Sprite), Rob Raverty (3000) and Rod Vogt (Sprite) departed from their usual prerace
routine and met the social run at the BBQ lunch, Rob being the only one not to have trailered his car down. Our
Sunday MSCA Clerk of Course, David Kelly, attended lunch but shared his love with his Triumph friends on Saturday
night. Aitken, Vaughan and Vogt showed supreme confidence in their abilities to socialize AND be competitive on Sunday
by enjoying the meal and the company at the RSL on Saturday night, but Rob Raverty opted for an early night, we
assume – we did wonder if he had had a better offer from Roger! Yes, we have discovered the name of the Team Goat at
long last. Taking the event even more seriously by arriving on Sunday morning were those supreme athletes Tim
Westover (3000), Cary Helenius (100/6), Mark Bird (100/4), Colin Wallace (turbo Sprite) and Larry Varley in the
Williams Special (Holden powered Bolwell Mk 4).
REGULARITY Our members made up 50% of the field of ten. The MSCA results had Rob Raverty best in 2 nd place, Tim
Westover was 4 th , Bill Vaughan 5 th , Brian Aitken 8 th and Cary Helenius 9 th . Rob Raverty also managed to improve his best
time at Phillip Island, breaking 1min 34 for the first time. Tim and Cary had trouble free runs and all packed up after three
sessions and nearly twenty laps.
Bill Vaughan ran the 998cc green Bug-eye at P.I. for the first time and ran closely behind Brian Aitken in his biggerengined
Bug-eye in each session. Brian had the advantage in a straight line but Bill made up the gap in the twisty bits. In
the first session Brian Aitken had a very BIG off trying to keep Tim Westover in sight in his big Healey. The eternal
optimist spun at the tight down hill right hander we call MG corner and slid over the damp grass and hit the tyre barrier!
Luckily this was done exactly side-on and only left black rubber marks to be polished off later. In a later session Brian did
a “three sixty” in turn Two (Southern Loop) which is a fast double apex left hander but stayed on the black stuff this time. I
believe President Vaughan was in his mirrors. No one can accuse our Secretary of not trying. Perhaps he was showing
off in front of Annette. In Brian’s defence, he had fitted a set of oldish race spec radials that may have gone a bit hard
and the day was quite cold with subsequent problems for all of us trying to get good grip. We were very lucky with the
weather with many patches of rain missing the track by a few kilometres only.
SPRINTS Mark Bird had two good sprint sessions in the ex racing 100/4 of Peter Kent and Darryl Duff (among
others) but persistent reliability problems continue and Mark pulled out of the third session with a repeat of earlier head
gasket problems. A 2.10.88 fastest lap earned Mark 11 th place in Class D for Marque Sports Cars 2500 to 3499cc. The
11

competition in this group is fierce for the old Healey up against more modern Datsun 240/260 Z , Mazda MX5 turbo, and
turbo Lotus Exige! Larry Varley (with brother Dennis supporting) arrived with the Historic Williams Special on the trailer
behind the Vanguard ute with a V8 somehow stuffed in the engine bay. Good one Larry! Larry was trying a new set of
“period” Dunlop racing tyres in preparation for Historic races in the future. Larry expected the stretched Bolwell with the
2500cc Holden grey motor to be slower on these old spec tyres and his first session did not change his perception. In fact
he did a fastest lap of 2.05.08 which beat his previous best at PI last March on the newer spec tyres and won Larry first
place in Class H with a trophy to follow. Larry headed for home after two sessions, happy with his day. Yours truly
dusted off the Sprite for it’s first run since last November, the Group S MGB having been the priority recently. The first
session was difficult on the cold track and I had trouble readjusting to the more direct responses from the Sprite, over
correcting and generally feeling quite twitchy. Apparently I made a comment that I preferred the MGB as I stepped out of
the Sprite! After giving myself a good talking to, I did three more sessions and by getting stuck in and ignoring my doubts
the little Sprite came to heel and we fell in love again! My fastest lap of 2.03.91 grabbed first place in Class A up to
1500cc and was barely slower than my previous best in the Sprite. By session Four I was last one running for Team
Healey and did 29 fun laps. Colin Wallace put the Sprite on the trailer early after one lap in the second session with
what sounded like terminal damage to the turbo charged, fuel injected Suzuki motor. His fastest lap in his first nine lap
session was an incredible 1.56.25! No wonder the car wants to go home. The damage turned out to be only a broken
rocker arm.
Colin has always been a member of both the AHOC and the AHSDC and has decided not to renew his Healey Club
membership and will no longer feature in our Competition Championship. Colin was an initial important supporter of our
Team Healey activities, will continue to compete at MSCA and park with us etc but has started racing in
the State Series in the MG and Invited British class and will join the MG Club as his second club now. Good luck Colin
and thanks for your support. I will continue to mention Colin in the despatches when he runs with us.
Team Healey at MSCA Phillip Island
12
Tim Westover ready to go
POINTS TOWARD COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP, and 4 fastest laps
Rob Raverty (3000) 905 pts 2.33.96, 2.34.32, 2.34.83, 2.34.91
Rod Vogt (Sprite) 895 pts 2.03.91, 2.04.16, 2.04.49, 2.04.96
Tim Westover (3000) 835pts 2.23.09, 2.24.27, 2.24.68, 2.24.74
Cary Helenius (100/6) 783pts 2.35.06, 2.35.63, 2.37.16, 2.37.23
Bill Vaughan (Sprite) 775pts 2.27.50, 2.27.65, 2.29.58, 2.29.75
Brian Aitken (Sprite) 771pts 2.27.27, 2.28.36, 2.28.59, 2.29.56
Mark Bird (100/4) 613pts 2.10.88, 2.12.58, 2.14.61, 2.14.75
ASSOCIATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Larry Varley (Williams SpL) 821pts 2.05.08, 2.05.14, 2.05.96, 2.06.87
2. ARDC SPORTS CAR CARNIVAL, EASTERN CREEK, SYDNEY. 28/29 th May
Peter Jackson and Brian Duffy raced their Healey 3000’s in the Group S Historic races at this event which offered races
for Mazda MX5, Marque Sports, Clubmans and featuring the expensive and very fast GT class – Porsche, Aston Martin,
Lamborghini, Ferrari, Corvette etc. Although not an historic meeting, points were earned toward the Group S Racing
association championship (go to www.groupsracing.org.au)Groups Sa, Sb and Sc raced together so Peter and Brian in
their Group Sa pre 1960 Healeys ran outright with Porsches, Alfas, Datsun 240, Triumph TR6 and MGB. Peter was first
Sa and Brian second in all races.
The Jackson 3000 finished 5 th and then 3 rd outright in the first two races, heading home three Porsches and a 240Z in
that second race and lowering his own Gr Sa lap record by an amazing 1.5 seconds to now leave it at 1.51.88. After
much work post Easter Mallala historics the car ran well obviously but still on its well worn Bridgestone tyres which again
were poor off the start line and finally ran out of grip in the last race where Peter finished a very competitive sixth behind
the much newer Porsches. Peter returns to Eastern Creek at the end of June with new Yokohama tyres and a definite
goal to break the record again and try to go under 1min 50 seconds! Unfortunately I will not be there to watch. I asked
Peter where he thought he had improved his lap time and he said he now goes flat out through Turn One – I cannot begin
to tell you how brave and skilful that is. I find Turn One at eastern Creek more daunting than Phillip Island.

Brian Duffy continues to make massive improvements in his 3000, improving his fastest lap at Eastern Creek by a
massive 3.75 seconds on his last visit by doing a 1.56.05! Looking back over my records it is interesting that Peter
Jackson set a fastest lap of 1.58.44 in his first event at Eastern Creek on 29 th November 2009 in the very newly built Sa
3000. Brian Duffy is now quicker than that BUT Peter continues to improve (now 1.51.88) and Brian’s goal is always
moving on! Brian is working hard at reducing car weight and making other improvements (secret men’s business?) and
obviously driving harder and better too – his first event at E.C. in May 2010 had a fastest lap of 2.02.45, so his
improvement has been massive.
POINTS TOWARD COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP and 4 fastest laps.
Peter Jackson (3000) 983 pts 1.51.88, 1.51.97, 1.52.05, 1.52.05
Brian Duffy (3000) 896 pts 1.56.05, 1.56.28, 1.57.03, 1.57.09
3. 35 th HISTORIC WINTON (Short Track) May 28/29 th
Thirty five years is a long history and 2011 was celebrated in style with 280 cars and 110 racing motor cycles from the
1920’s to the 1980’s. I had not attended as a spectator for some years and recalled a meeting organized by the Austin 7
Club which focused on older, slower cars and the unwanted interruption of rough and slowish old motor bike events which
gave you a chance for a coffee or a walk through the pits to look at the cars. I entered the MGB in the Group S races to
tick the meeting off my bucket list and because it was more convenient than the alternative event at Eastern Creek in
Sydney. As it transpired, the racing was fantastic in the company of Steve Pike, Peter Kaiser, Hamish MacLennan and
Graeme Marks, the crowd of spectators was amazing and the general atmosphere was, dare I say it, equal to the Phillip
Island and Sandown events.
Celebrations featured 100 years of Chevrolet, Stutz and Indianapolis 500, 90 years of the French marques Amilcar and
Salmson, 75 years of Fiat 500, 60 years of Triumph renown and Mayflower ( could hardly wait!!), 60 years of E-type
Jaguar and 50 years of MG Midget. These cars raced and put on lunchtime demonstrations and were represented by
their clubs, in the Shannons display area and in the general car park where classic cars far outnumbered the modern car.
I must be getting old but these beautiful machines were quite different to the newer and faster marques we see at other
Historic meetings. Their technology was fascinating. The motorbike racing was exciting and the level of preparation was
much better than I remembered. In my pit garage I had two very fast mid 1980;s (the newest class) Suzuki 1000cc race
bikes complete with electric tyre warmers on one side and on the other side was Mick Neeson (famous in his younger
days but now in his sixties) with two Molnar Manx Nortons and a unique Suzuki powered special built and ridden by an
International rider ( ? McIntosh) from New Zealand. The Molnar is a new replica of the original Manx Norton and each
owed Mick close to $100,000.00, but his three wins and two seconds were priceless.
The Sprite Club had an impressive display in the Club display area. The AHSDC also sponsored our Group S races. Our
Club had five members racing while the Sprite Club had none but they could barrack for seven Sprites/Midgets entered
from a variety of clubs, four of whom had travelled from interstate, plus Steve Pike in the lone big Healey. We had
unexpected and very welcome support from Warren Ward, Jeff Gillard, Bruce Dixon, Mark Ingham, Bob Symons, Hugh
Purse (across from Romsey) and Brian O’Meara (down from Kyabram.) There may have been others. Jim McConville
entered his Brabham BT29 for Geoff Burton to drive.
The SHORT TRACK is the original layout used prior to the extension built approximately 10 years ago for the V8
Supercar circus. It is now the only chance we have to run the demanding short circuit. With only two short straights giving
a brief respite from the many tight corners there is no luxury of waiting for a long straight to power past a slower car!
Passing cars of similar performance involved a precise move under brakes at the end of front or back straights or waiting
for a mistake in one of the corners. The Group S field numbered 28 cars with 5 Sa cars, 13 Sb and 10 newer Sc cars,
including two DeTomaso Panteras, two Porsche 911’s, a very quick Lotus Clubman which finished second each race, a
V8 TVR Tuscan, Lotus Elan, Triumph TR4 and TR6, Alfa Romeo’s and MGB’s.
Steve Pike was one of 5 cars fighting for the Alan Jones Trophy for the winning Gr Sa car, awarded for the final 8 lap
feature race honouring the Austin Healey stalwart who was tragically killed in a road accident on the way home from this
event some years ago. This is the same Alan Jones honoured at our National Rally each year, with Bill Ingham the proud
recipient in Adelaide at Easter. Steve was top placed Sa car in the first two races and completed the trifecta by winning
the Alan Jones Trophy in the feature race, defending his win from 2010. Peter Jackson won the Trophy in 2009 – let’s
keep in Healey hands! The big Healey 3000 is not really suited to the short track and Steve worked hard to keep his
opposition at bay. I know the Trophy means a lot to Steve.
Peter Kaiser has retired his 100/4 from competition and has been running a modern Mini Cooper in Sprints and 6 Hour
races. What a pleasant surprise to see Peter back in the ex Bill Ingham Mark 2 Healey Sprite. His first lap in Saturday
qualifying was his first drive in the car after buying the Sprite from Bill and getting it ready just in time for this event. Peter
knows Winton very well and settled straight in to the well sorted Sprite and was immediately on pace to qualify 18 th of 29
at 1.14.25, two places in front of Steve’s big Healey. Peter finished 20 th , 15 th and 14 th in the three races and won the
Trophy for “Best Presented Sports Car” (I suppose Bill Ingham wants some credit for that). I checked my records and
Peter has now gone quicker in the Sprite at his first attempt than his best time in the 100.
Hamish MacLennan ran his red MGB in Group S. We normally see Hamish in Historic Regularity at Phillip Island and
Sandown but post-war regularity is not offered at this Winton event so Hamish steps up and uses his full race licence
here. Plus he is a local and must know Winton well. After solving a dead battery problem on Saturday (no choice but to
buy a new battery at the track – hard to negotiate a good price when desperate!), Hamish then had some good battles
with an Alfa, an MGA and three bugeye Sprites lapping around the 1.18 mark.
13

Rod Vogt (yours truly) completed the AHOC complement in Group S in the MGB. Pleased and surprised to qualify 12 th
at 1.13.05 I was even more surprised to finish 11 th in race one on Saturday afternoon just point four of a second behind
the 10 th placed TR6 and with a Porsche and one of the DeTomaso’s less than two seconds in front at the finish and well
within sight. I was first MG home, and set a fastest lap of 1.12.57. The queue for autographs starts here! Sunday
morning, race two and high expectations of improving race position and faster lap time. Chocolates to boiled lollies! We
were held in dummy grid for a long time while they retrieved three broken cars from the previous race, one having put a
conrod through the block in turn one and leaving oil in the middle of the corner. Most of the drivers were told of this
problem in dummy grid but not all – including Steve Pike and myself – and no oil flag was shown on the warm up lap. We
negotiated the start OK and after a hectic first lap I was pleased to be maintaining my eleventh place and making good
ground down the main straight in to turn one for the start of the second lap – no wonder I made up ground because the
drivers in front were slowing to avoid the oil which I duly found, slid off rather gracefully and watched and waited while the
whole field went past. So I started again from last place and next lap I saw the big blue Healey of Steve Pike in the same
predicament. Well we had a lot of fun charging back through the field but my finishing spot of 18 th meant starting race
three from 18 th and having to work through again on a very slippery track, eventually finishing 13 th and almost back to
where I should have been. I certainly learned some new passing skills.
Graeme Marks raced the Mac Healey in Group Lb Sports and Racing, qualifying an excellent second and finishing fifth in
race one in a field of thirty two. This group features some of the rarest Australian built specials of the 40’s and 50’s plus
factory Elfin Streamliners and Coopers. Unfortunately Graeme became a spectator for Sunday with terminal damage to
the 2916cc Healey four cylinder engine – anyone got a good block?
POINTS TOWARD COMPETITION CHAMPIONSHIP and 4 fastest laps
Steve Pike (3000) 959 pts 1.15.96, 1.16.12, 1.16.29, 1.16.37
Peter Kaiser (Sprite) 956 pts 1.14.25, 1.14.57, 1.14.63, 1.14.69
ASSOCIATE COMPETITION
Hamish MacLennan (MGB) 971 pts 1.17.85, 1.18.05, 1.18.07, 1.18.14
Graeme Marks (Mac Healey) 947 pts 1.13.39, 1.13.68, 1.13.85, 1.13.92
Roger the goat has a quiet word with our President who looks concerned
is a coup imminent?
A CLOSING THOUGHT :More people regret the things they didn’t do than the things they did.
ROD VOGT
I told my friend that this morning I waded across a raging river, escaped from a bear in the woods, marched up and down
a mountain, stood in a patch of poison ivy, crawled out of quicksand, and climbed up an enormous tree.
My friend said, "You must be some outdoorsman."
"No," I replied, "I'm just a lousy golfer."
14

Not long ago, a prominent AHOC member berated Side
Exhaust for his competition activities and the stresses it
put on the car. “Don’t you realise we are just keeping
these cars in trust for following generations? “ he spat, in
the same tone of voice used by green politicians
haranguing climate sceptics.
The prominent member was offered some free advice
about his attitude and what he could do with it.
But in a way, this self righteous er, person, had a point. If
we all take our teenage fantasies - or twenties’ memories -
out on our poor old Healeys, what will be left in 100 years
time for all those Healey Hoons to enjoy ? Probably not
much and they won’t mind either - there won’t be any fuel
to run them on and anyway the death penalty will have
been reintroduced for exceeding the speed limit.
So we might as well get on and have our fun now, just as
DMH wanted. Our only bother seems to be that Healey
owners who remember a time before speed limits are
wearing out. Sadly, it seems that in almost every
magazine there is a Vale or two. Although Healeys get
younger every year as members spend more and more
fixing them up, the same is not true of the owners.
The average age of the classic car enthusiast is
apparently 59 years, an age which we all thought totally
decrepit when we were wearing kipper ties and flares and
camping under the tail tent of our Torana LX Hatches.
Now, 59 seems quite young. Indeed, it is often said that
60 is the new 40. And with all those 1946 passion babies
now hitting 65, the surge of oldies is really just getting into
its’ stride and the pit garage and AHOC club meeting will
resemble God’s waiting room more and more.
We are not alone. A recent survey of a well known club of
racers - a particularly fierce bunch - revealed that they too
were ageing fast. Over half a recent PI grid would be over
65 within 5 years and records showed that many drivers
stopped competing when they stopped work. Super often
does not reach to a decent racing budget.
So there is that golden 15 year period between the empty
nest at 50 and retirement, which is the peak of the oldie
track attack. Your best times on circuit or stage will be
during this period.
But there is another challenge for ageing heroes. Even for
those who can still manage to scratch together a budget
for Healey adventures and even a bit of competition, the
joints start to stiffen, the girth to expand and the strength
to dwindle. Tolerance of heat and cold and wet can
diminish after climate control in modern cars. Getting into
and out of a Healey, especially one with side intrusion
bars, can be a bit of a test.
So if you want to keep up with he increasing youth of your
Healey, you have to do something about maintaining your
own bits and pieces. Any runners out there will know that
if you were a 4 hour marathoner in your 40’s, you’ll
probably have been a 50 minute ten kayer in your 50’s
and that will have dropped to 55 mins by retirement.
TOO OLD FOR IT?
15
Before long, you’ll be struggling to run 10 kilometres in an
hour. But at least you’ll be out there doing your best and
keeping up a respectable Vmax and BMI.
Diet is another aspect of delaying the onset of ‘slower
times than you used to do’ syndrome. Every morning,
keen types will be eating fruit, munching apricot kernels
and sucking on coral calcium like mad green hippies. An
alkaline system wards off the terrible C disease - or so
they say on the Internet, which is always right.
Many find the biggest barrier to everlasting youth is not
hand eye coordination, where the anticipation of
experience can compensate for speed of response, nor
even the flow of adrenaline and will to win. What
increases lap and stage times is concentration and
processing information.
Many historic racers talk about how hard it is to keep the
brain focussed. A few years ago in a Group N race at
Sandown, a celebrated legend of the track still racing, was
in 8th position and keeping up well with the midfield.
Suddenly he surged ahead and passed three cars. This
was not due to a sudden recovery of his former powers,
but he had failed to process the red flag being waved,
such was his intense focus on the basic task of race
driving - and nothing else. In all his illustrious career, he
had never committed such a crime and the poor fellow
was distraught.
Healey racers are often late developers. When Peter
Brock gave a pep talk to the AHOC Vic members getting
ready for the big race at Bathurst in 1998, he was about to
retire. But he was younger than all nine Healey racers
except Hardi Kuhn.
Going to the Freestone’s Pie Night in May revealed a
wonderful collection of modern and classic racers, with
WAP 7 centre stage and resting peacefully after a long
battle with Targa Tasmania. Paul is in that Golden Age of
Peak Driving and won the GT Production Car
Championship in 2010 in the Corvette, came 5th Outright
in Targa in the Holden 48/215 and is now campaigning a
V8 Supercar in the Fujitsu series. And biking hundreds of
miles a month to keep everything fit and focussed.
Peter Jackson is well into his ‘new forties’ and has
become our Club’s hero as he humbles many faster cars
with slower drivers in Group S events. Peter holds the
Healey lap record at every circuit he has raced at and is
widely admired by the pundits of historic racing. He has a
few more years yet and Peter is at the peak of his game.
Which is why it was so annoying to read the usually well
informed Graham Howard’s report of Historic Winton in
Auto Action last week, that the Alan Jones Trophy for
Group S car was won by a de Tomaso Pantera “This
Trophy”, wrote Graham, “remembers the great Austin
Healey enthusiast (not the F1 racer and not the radio
bloke) killed in a road accident during the weekend of the
1979 Winton meeting. There was only one big Healey,
Stephen Pike’s 3000, in the Group S field - a sign of the
changing times.”

Graham, the only reason PJ was not at Winton was
because he was standing on the Podium at the NSW
Sports Car Carnival at Eastern Creek in the Group S race
2 there. The only change to the times is that we now have
a Big Healey at the front of the Group S races again.
Also, it could hardly more appropriate that Steve Pike was
in the race, since Steve was a close friend of Alan from
the early 70’s, from the time when Steve was one of those
in the older Victorian AHOC welcoming members of the
fledgling NSW Club on a visit.
Alan Jones’ name also appears on the Club Trophy won in
2010 by Bill Ingham. The Jones family awarded trophies
to all the Austin Healey Clubs (for the best contribution to
the Club) in Australia and to the Austin Seven Club to be
awarded at Historic Winton to the fastest Group S car.
Healeys West magazine in July 2007 has an article by
Patrick and Caroline Quinn which tells the story of this
great enthusiast and racer who campaigned a 100S.
The accident which claimed his life is recounted - he was
a passenger, exhausted after a day’s racing at Winton,
lying across the back seat of a car which was side swiped
by a drunken driver and incurring fatal head injuries
The late Alan Jones poses in his 100S (AHS-3603
It would be interesting to hear from those who knew him
what the late Alan Jones would make of the Big Healey
racing scene today. From what can be learned from the
stories, he would probably be still racing, still promoting
the movement for Big Healey adventures in Australia,
except now, like many of us who are still going, he would
have been working harder to keep his body in as good a
shape as his cars.
Once the helmet goes on, age has no meaning; Peter Jackson leading the Group S field
16

As I sit here looking out of the window at the endlessly
falling rain, I marvel at our extraordinary luck last week
end! If for no other reason than we enjoyed an almost rain
free Saturday and Sunday, it had to be a successful event.
As it was, there were other highlights that added to our
enjoyment.
Firstly, there was the artfully selected meeting point – out
of the weather with food and drink available whilst waiting
for everyone to assemble, then an excellent drive thru
interesting country. Almost amazingly, everyone who left
Caldermeade Farm actually made it to the lunch venue –
there was no talk about being lost and not even a hint of
divorce proceedings! This suggests that either the route
instructions were brilliant or Healey people have mastered
the art of navigation – Hmm – good instructions then.
ISLAND GETAWAY 21/22 MAY
A fair number of us took this to mean some more practice
consumption of grape based products, subsequent of
course to settling the question of nominated drivers for the
evening!
Dinner was taken at the Cowes RSL and provided yet
another opportunity for Healey people to do what they like
most – eat, drink, talk and laugh – all up a nice end to an
excellent day.
The next morning, those with the car racing bug (no pun
on Sprites intended!) rose early and made their way to the
GP track in readiness for the day’s MSCA event – some
us doing regularity, and some sprints. The rest snuggled
into their blankets and waited for the sun to appear before
most joined the petrol heads at the track for a look at what
was going on.
Our lunch spot was the generously provided home of Neil
Beddoe on the outskirts of Cowes. To say that Neil “is a
Peugeot enthusiast” is one of the all time
understatements! He has 15 of them, most absolutely
immaculate, many registered and some that are rare and
expensive and spanning from very early models to right up
to the minute! The other thing he has is a heroic garage
that can accommodate 12 cars warm and dry!
Frankly, I don’t have any idea when he finds time to drive
or admire his collection since as far as I could see, he has
a more than full time job mowing his 5 acres of
immaculate lawns and tending his botanic gardens!
Anyhow, he somehow manages to do all that AND keep
all those cars clean and polished – what a man!
We enjoyed a lazy BBQ lunch with obligatory drinks
before drifting off to various accommodation locations to
get ready for the evening’s dinner.
Lots of reving of engines, checking tyre pressures and lots
of waiting for turns on the track is what was going on, with
only yours truly paying the price for trying too hard in
terms of excitement on the track!
The only other casualties were Colin Wallace whose
Sprite’s “pick a part” engine’s overhead gear threw up it’s
hands in the face of pressure from the WRX turbo
charger, and Mark Bird’s 100/4 yet again blowing it’s head
gasket. Mark is becoming increasingly frustrated at not
getting thru a race meeting without mechanical woes!
After observing the usual hours of boredom interspersed
with seconds of excitement, all the sane people buggered
off to lunch at the Ocean View Hotel, Kilcunda which I
understand was excellent.
Sunday wound to a close and it was time for most of us to
pack up and head off home – a lucky few stayed on for
another night, enjoying every last gasp of a wonderful
weekend. What a great idea – combining 2 disparate
groups (racing and social) in a week end away – should
be more of it is all I can say – oh – and new tyres next
time….
Brian Aitken
Thanks Brian for that excellent report. I might have to ask
you to them more often.
I can vouch for the meal at the “Killie”. I’ve been there more
than once and never been disappointed. I hope some of
you took the opportunity to go home via the hills or through
Inverloch. Both enjoyable drives on great Healey roads Ed
17

The “Golden Years” of motor racing in Australia in the 1950’s
created an ongoing enthusiasm for motor sport and the need
for more facilities. Unfortunately, at the same time Victoria
had lost two important venues – Albert Park and Fishermans
Bend.
I have previously conveyed the difficulties the Phillip Island
Auto Racing Club had in developing the Phillip Island track.
Fortunately, this experience did not deter other Groups from
meeting the needs of motoring enthusiasts, so in the early
1960’s there was a flurry of activity to develop other venues
to meet the booming interest. This occurred not only in
Victoria, but also with Warwick Farm in New South Wales,
Mallala in South Australia and Lakeside in Queensland. This
reason for this interest was the growth in all spectator sports,
brought about by the increased prosperity and leisure time
most Australians were enjoying.
The downside of all of this is that this was about the time
when motor racing changed from a sport to a business,
primarily because of the need to recover the cost of providing
the improved infrastructure and amenities.
Fortunately, owners of Austin-Healeys continued to enjoy
their cars on and off the race track and figured prominently in
this new era.
The progressive Benalla Auto Club developed a track at the
Winton Reserve and held its first meeting on the 26
November 1961. The main spectator area of the 1.3 mile
circuit was on a slight rise which enabled spectators to view
all the racing, and there was good balance of straights and
corners for the drivers.
An entrant in the Racing and Sports Cars Division 3 was E
Andrews from Orange NSW in an Austin-Healey 100. He had
previously raced the car at his home track, Gnoo Blas.
In the Racing and Sports Cars Division 2 was David Fletcher
from Deniliquin in his Austin-Healey BN2, and local identity
Laurie Knight in his Austin Special. Laurie had previously
owned and raced a 100/6 during 1959 and 1960. He had
decided a supercharger was the way to go, so following
advice from Donald Healey he built his own Special using a
supercharged 6 cylinder Austin engine. This car was later
called Sabrina – because it was always way out in front. In
fact at this inaugural meeting Laurie had 3 wins, and the car
was not even properly sorted. David was unable to record a
placing.
In October 1961 the construction of a new track north of
Keilor on the Calder Highway was commenced, and by the
14th January 1962 the first Meeting was held.
The driving force behind this project was Pat Hawthorn who
had been racing the Lycoming Special, and later the ex Lex
Davison Aston Martin.
AUSTIN-HEALEYS THAT RACED IN AUSTRALIA
This venue was to be the answer to enthusiasts hopes – it
was close to Melbourne , was well planned enabling
spectators to view the whole track, and would feature short
races of around six laps instead of long processions. The
Meetings were conducted by the Australian Motor Sports
Club. It was noted that at this stage of the development,
spectators had no protection from the elements, but
grandstands would come in time – something which never
happened.
Amongst the entrants, at that first Meeting, were David
Fletcher and Ian McDonald in their Austin-Healey 100s. Both
these drivers would go on to own 100/S’ – David bought his
later that month and raced it extensively, and Ian bought and
sold one in the 1980’s and owned another one in the 1990’s.
He used them both in Historic events.
Also at the same Meeting was Rex Burchell in his MG Healey
– an MG monoposto with an Austin-Healey 100 engine.
It was reported that, “The Le Mans start for the Division 2
Sports Car event was a crowd pleaser. First to clear the pack
was F White in a Twin Cam MGA, then John Stillard in an
MGA (he later owned a BN2), followed by Pam Ingram in a
Sprite and R Trezise in an MGA . White maintained his early
lead to good effect and had no trouble in staying ahead of
Fletcher and McDonald both in Healeys. With less than a lap
to go, the red Healey of Fletcher moved forward and took
front running with Ian McDonald also trying to improve his
place but failing to pass White in the run to the post”.
Although David won the race outright, Ian won the Production
Sports Car section within the race.
Our own Ross Chillianis won the Division 2 Racing Car
Scratch Race in his MG TC.
Over 100,000 people attended the first Meeting held by
Sandown Park Motor Sport at the new Springvale venue.
This event was promoted as an International Meeting and
was conducted over two days – 11-12 March 1962. The
facility, which was considered to be the most ambitious
project of all, was constructed on land owned by the
Melbourne Racing Club and was operating before the horse
racing course was completed. Drivers such as Stirling Moss,
Roy Salvadori, John Surtees, Lance Reventlow, Jack
Brabham and Bruce McLaren were entered In the Sandown
International Cup.
The second event on the Program was the Division 2 Sports
cars. The 18 car field circulated in procession, lead by Rob
Jamieson Jnr in his BN1. The only change in the positions
was when Ken Pitts moved his Jaguar into second place.
(Ken had previously raced a 100/M). Frank Hook in his BN2
was unplaced.
Later on during the first day David Fletcher entered his
recently purchased 100/S in the Kevin Lott Sports Car Trophy
over 25 laps with a Lemans start. First away was John Ampt
in the Cooper Jaguar (He had previously owned a BN1 in the
1950’s). The event was won by Spencer Martin in the Lotus
XV.
Three events later David Fletcher joined Rob Jamieson Jnr
and Frank Hook in the Sports Car Handicap over 6 laps.
The Sports Car Handicap over 10 laps on the second day
included Fletcher, Jamieson and Hook.
Even though they were now up to 8 years old the Austin-
Healeys were not disgraced in the dawn of a new era of
motor racing in Australia
Iain McPherson
19

FOR SALE
BN1 Austin Healey Parts for Sale
Original inlet manifold with carburettors/air cleaners. After-market extractors, generator and starter motor $ 400
Diff assembly brake drum to brake drum with 4.1 diff $ 400
Diff centre 4.1 only 56,000 miles $ 300
Diff centre 3.9 $ 400
100-6
Fibre glass bonnet new $ 120
Front bumper bar assembly $ 220
Ross Chilianis Phone 97812668
REGISTRATION PLATES- After owning a BN4 for 30 years, I have sold it to Geoff Bennett in Adelaide where it is now
registered. The Victorian plates - BN4 106 are available at nil cost. (VicRoads have acknowledged they have been
retained and can be reused).
Greig Provan 9844 3066
BN2 Gear box serial Number I 4690 casting Number AEO 3174 the disc on the top is stamped Type C26A The bell
housing is off a BN4 with linkage to convert to Hydraulic clutch. The gear box came with a BN1 I purchase and restored
using the BN1 gear box and is not required by me. I was advised the gear box had been reconditioned. There is no Over
Drive $1200.00
Keith Bailey on 07 3351 5362 or keithbailey5@bigpond.com
C/Over Reconditioned clutch bell housing fitted with modified First Motion Shaft seal & re-bushed clutch fork.
Suits BN4, BN6, BN7,BT7 ( allside shift Healey’s )Price $180.00
Bruce Dixon on 9511-6097
Austin Healey 100 service manual
Laycock de Normanville overdrive handbook
Austin Warranty
Sales pamphlet (8 pages incomplete and torn)
Open to offers photos available
These items belonged to my late father. I am not sure what happened to his Austin Healey as he used to buy most of his
cars new and sell them within a few years. The registration number used to be. I am if there are any interest in these
items.
Paul Miller
******************************************************************************************************************************************
WANTED
Healey 100/4 engine block.
Graeme Marks 0418 367 743
Rear aluminium Cockpit Moulding, for 3000mk1 (BT7) four seater RHS only, Condition needs to be good enough to
remove scratches, that is, not damaged.
Barry Giddings bdgiddings@yahoo.com.au 94100294 or 0458 910107
The Importance of walking (especially for you health freaks)
Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing
home at $10,000 per month.
My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 years old and we have no idea where he is.
I like long walks - especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing...
20

LUMLEY SPECIAL VEHICLES
INSURANCE FOR VEHICLES PLACED ON DISPLAY IN MUSEUMS
At the June general meeting, Gordon Lindner made members aware that in the past, Lumley Special
Vehicles have not insured vehicles on display in museums. He was made aware of this by his brother Ray
who was going to leave his Valiant Ute at a Queensland Chrysler Museum and also has been asked to leave
his Valiant Ute at the Maffra Gippsland Vehicle Collection while the Commercial display is on for the next
couple of months.
Ray asked Lumley Insurance if the vehicle would be covered while on display at a Museum, their reply was
no as it is a public display and is not covered under their Policy, even if he told them of the new address they
consider that it is on consignment. Think about it. If you intend selling your vehicle or leaving your car in a
museum. I left my Healey at the Maffra Shed a few years ago uninsured!!
Ray has spoken with the Maffra Shed. They do not have the display vehicles covered under their Insurance.
After much lobbying by Gordon, our members and members of other motoring clubs Lumleys have now
changed their position and will insure you vehicle in a museum.
Conditions apply as set out in the following letter from Lumleys. Gordon has asked that the letter be
published so that members know their position.
Hello Gordon,
Lumley Special Vehicles management have
just finished up in a meeting where the
'museum situation' was discussed. I am
very pleased to say that the decision has
been made to allow Lumley Special
Vehicles customers to display their vehicles
in a museum and still be covered by their
policy, with some conditions being
requested.
Customers *_MUST_* call us and tell us of
their intention to put their vehicle on display
in a museum. They need to tell us the
location i.e. which museum, where the car
will be displayed, the duration the car will be
on display for and supply us with
information, from the selected museum, of
their security features. The same document
that Ray supplied with his application (see
the attached document as an example).
Please pass on this information to all your
members, I'm happy we have been able to
accommodate to our customers needs.
Gordon, I want to thank you and Ray, and
the members that emailed about this issue.
Please feel free to call me at any time and
let me know if you have any further
questions on this, or any other matter.
Regards
Andrew Gottschalk
Sales and Service Specialist
Members should note that the cover
appears to only apply to cars on display in
museums.
If you intend to sell your car on
consignment or display it at MotorClassica
or the F1 Grand Prix it may not be covered.
It is in your interest to contact your insurer.
Ed
21

Interesting Year 1981
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. .Australia lost the Ashes tournament
4. The Pope Died
Interesting Year 2005
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament
4. The Pope Died
Lesson Learned? The next time Charles gets married, someone warn the Pope.
22

Targa Tours launched in Tasmania, Adelaide and the Vic High Country - with a special deal for
AHOC
In response to a huge demand for participation in tours at the four Targa events, Octagon has now decided to provide
them in line with the tour held at Targa Tasmania since 2004. And if at least three AHOC members enter, significant club
discounts are available.
The Targa Tours create an opportunity to experience the thrill of driving on some of Australia's greatest driving roads
when they have been closed for competition without the pressure of competing or having to modify your Healey. Not
everyone wants to drive their vehicles hard and this Tour is just what a large number of people have been asking for - to
be part of Targa but as a tourist.
The Targa Tasmania Tour follows the same course as the competitive sections, driving in convoy ahead of the field over
the closed road Targa stages at the normal road speed. Participants get to preview the course in 'packets' of up to 15
vehicles, lead by an organiser’s course vehicle, usually driven by a retired competitor or official who knows the roads and
their stories - because every Targa road has so many stories to tell.
And although the normal speed limits apply, you really do get the racers eye view and some of the roads you drive on vie
for the title of the greatest driving roads in the world. If your Healey has earned a 50th birthday present, give it a trip
down these roads.
Walther Roehrl, voted the best ever rally driver by Europeans, says that there is nothing to compare with Targa roads. Jim
Richards agrees.
From the drivers seat of your Healey, you can look down the barrel going over the top of Cethana, where a few minutes
later the competitors will be 'threading the needle' at 250 kph under the wires of the long nine right. And you'll experience
the daunting crests on Riana where even the rally Healeys get big air flat out in overdrive top. And nail that wonderful
series of flowing apex on the main road to Rosebery.
In Adelaide, you can feel what it's like coming down the Gorge Road using both sides of the road, cresting Mt Lofty or
driving past the crowds watching from the end of their driveways on Coromandel.
As we all know, some roads are just extra sensational in a Healey, and in the High Country, you can experience one of
the greatest there is as you slalom up the hill out of Whitfield onto the Whitlands plateau. Or let the torque in overdrive
third heave you up the Big River hill climb on the newly sealed Eildon road. Using all the road. With time to take in the
views.
What happens in the Tour
Participants in the tour have the opportunity to mix with the competitors in Targa Tasmania and get to showcase your
Healey at the vehicle expos which accompany each event and where a crowd of surprisingly knowledgeable people will
want to talk about your car. And each Tour participant is invited to attend the events' social functions.
Although the Tour is designed for people who want a chance to experience something unique in the enthusiast world, it
also provides a way for anyone who fancies having a go at Targa one day, to get up close with the event, feel the roads,
the camaraderie, the sense of challenge and achievement and answer the question: "how would I go at this ?". And if
there is one thing which is needed in Targa, it's some Big Healeys again. The late John Large, who was instrumental in
developing the event, said that no car evoked the spirit of the classic era of rallying better than the Big Healey and he
always sought out Team Healey for special encouragement back when there were four or five cars running.
Tour cars are not required to have roll over protection systems but are required to travel with fire extinguishers and safety
triangles. Participants are required to hold a CAMS Level Two Speed Licence and your Healey needs a CAMS Log Book
- both easy to get and AHOC is there to help. Each tour car is issued with the same Road Books as the competition cars
which provide comprehensive details of the course. It is important that the crew member in the left hand seat learns how
to read the Tulip diagrams in the Road Book (again, AHOC has many lady experts on this) so you can follow the touring
route between the closed special stages.
Crews are required to report to the security park - that's where all the competition cars have spent the night, while you will
have been able to use yours to go to and from your hotel or to dinner - 20 minutes before their due time of departure.
They are then to report to their vehicle and prepare to leave when instructed to do so by the Tour Leader. It will be a very
early morning start because the Tour goes at the head of the field, but it does mean an early return, allowing plenty of
time for an afternoon rest before the evening's entertainment.
At the start of the Targa Stages, participants are to queue behind the Tour Leader vehicle on the side of the road as
directed. The Tour Leader vehicle will give two minutes warning prior to departure when participants must be in their
vehicles, with seat belts done up.
During the stages participants are to follow the Tour Leader car through the stage in convoy and normal safe driving
practices are to be adopted at all times. Speed will be as per the posted limits, even though the road has been closed to
public traffic. Overtaking is not permitted, unless a vehicle in front has slowed down and the driver has given a clear
signal. At the finish of stages participants must slow down and be prepared to stop, and then continue to follow the Tour
Leader vehicle into the next transport stage.
Where and when and what it costs - and maybe an AHOC deal
There are four Octagon Targa Events:
• Classic Targa Adelaide 14th - 17th September 2011 (loops around Adelaide)
• Targa High Country 4th - 6th November 2011 (based on Mt Buller, loops around Mansfield)
• Targa Wrest Point 28th - 29th January 2012 (based in Hobart, runs down the Huon Valley)
• Targa Tasmania 17th - 20th April 2012 (Launceston, Strahan and Hobart )
23

The cost of entry for the touring section of the Superloc Classic Targa Adelaide is $3,590; however, if at least 3 cars
belonging to AHOC enter, then the entry can be reduced to $2,990, saving $600 or 17%.
The entry fee for Targa High Country is $1,790 or with 3 entries that can be reduced to $1,390 or 22%.
The entry fee pays for everything you'll need for the event, which is a long list including souvenir event door panels and
the all important road books.
OK I'm interested - what next ?
So we can arrange the deal with the organisers, best to contact Brian Dermott to discuss your interest first on
briandermott@bigpond.com or phone 0419 381 270
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE 2011 ADELAIDE RALLY
Malcolm McGregor Photos
24

WE HAVE MOVED…..
646 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, VIC, 3132
Please talk to us if you are considering
selling or buying a Classic Sports Car
PHONE: (03) 9872 3900
www.healeyfactory.com.au