Report on the 24 - Aston Martin Owners Club Victoria

AREA REPRESENTATIVE 

& PRESIDENT 

SECRETARY TREASURER & 

MEMBERSHIP 

SECRETARY 

EVENTS 

CO-ORDINATOR 

RUNNING AMOC Summer 2010 - 2011 Page 1 of 58 

EDITOR 

RUNNING AMOC 

Neil Boothroyd Richard Counsel Jason Vochala Tony Smith Chris Shilton 

39 Camelot Drive, 

Glen Waverly, Vic. 

3150 

Phone: 03 9887 7820 

AH 

Email: 

neil.boothroyd@daimler.com 

21Georges Ave, 

Templestowe, Vic. 

3106 


AH 

Email: 

vk3ylz@bigpond.net.au 

4th Floor, 124 

Exhibition Street, 

Melbourne, Vic. 3000 


BH 

Email: 

javochala@bigpond.com 

PO Box 317, 

Camberwell, Vic. 

3124 


AH 

Email: 

akns007@yahoo.com.au 

Volume 10, Number 7 Summer 2010 - 2011 

CONTENTS 

PO Box 37, 

Coldstream. Vic. 

3770 


Anytime 

Email: 

cshilton@genesis.net.au 

Diary of events Page 2 

Editorial comment Page 2 

Pres says Page 3 

<strong>Report</strong> on the 24 th AMOC Australian National Meet Pages 4 - 45 

Changes to Victoria’s Club Permit Scheme Page 46 

<strong>Report</strong> on the 24 th Annual Picnic at Hanging Rock run Pages 47 - 49 

Run to the 2011 Colac Heritage Festival Pages 50 - 55 

For sale / Wanted Page 56 

Parting shots Page 57 & 58 

Published Quarterly by The Aston Martin Owners Club Victoria Register Incorporated, 

PO Box 37, Coldstream, Vic. 3770. 

Contributors Please Note 

Inclusions for next edition should be emailed to the Editor by the second Monday of the month 

(March, June, September and December) to the email address cshilton@genesis.net.au to ensure 

publication. Articles preferred in MS Word, or text format. The articles & views published in Running 

AMOC are of the authors & are not those necessarily of the Editor or Committee of Aston Martin 

Owners Club. Permission to reproduce any of the contents of this magazine should be sought through 

the Editor as a courtesy to the authors and artists.

Sunday 3rd 

April 

Tuesday 5th 

April 

Tuesday 3rd 

May 

Sunday 15 

May 

Tuesday 7th 

June 

Tuesday 5th 

July 

DIARY OF EVENTS 

Classic Showcase. Formerly the British and European car showcase. 

Venue. Flemington Racecourse member’s car park. Enter off Epsom Rd. 

Monthly Meeting 

Dinner Meeting. Venue- "The Bistro Function Room" at The Emerald Hotel. 

415 Clarendon Street, Sth Melb. 6.30 pm. 




National Heritage Motoring Day. 

Event to be announced. 







For further information please contact: 

The Area Representative and President: Neil Boothroyd on 03 9887 7820 

Email The President AMOC Victoria 

EDITORIAL 

COMMENT 

Well, it has been awhile since your last edition of Running AMOC. Apologies for its 

late arrival, Christmas/New Year and the difficult weather combined with the hay 

season have all conspired to get in the way of its production. I hope you find this 

edition too your liking, its packed full of articles provided by participants of various 

Aston related events (Unfortunately no captions were supplied with the photo‟s, but 

I‟m sure those who attended the events will know who, what, where and when!). 

I would like to take this opportunity to ask the membership if they would like to 

contribute an article or two for future editions. As usual, the struggle continues to get 

enough content for your club magazine. 

I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting, take care, and remember, use your 

Aston whenever you can, that‟s what they are for. 

Cheers, 

Chris. 

RUNNING AMOC Summer 2010 - 2011 Page 2 of 58

Pres Says 

Well Ladies and Gents, another one bites the dust! It only seems like yesterday that I 

was writing a Pres Says for December 09 and here we are in the last few days of 2010. 

Membership keeps going from strength to strength we now have around 65 members. 

Don‟t forget our Subs are due in January so please send your cheques to Jason and if 

you have changed any details please let us know so we can keep you up to date. 

During the year we had many enjoyable outings together including the various RACV 

Rallies early in the year and the Phillip Island Classic and the British and European 

Car day at Flemington in March. 

Whilst not big in number our day trips were very enjoyable with a very pleasant run to 

Daylesford organized by Vyvian and Deb Hirons and an enjoyable day down the 

Mornington Peninsula organized by Sally. 

In August Trivett's invited us to an evening at their premises to view a number of new 

vehicles we were very lucky as a number of special vehicles had been assembled for a 

track day later that week. 

2010 was National year and our South Australian friends arranged a fantastic 3 days 

in the Barossa region. The Councours was held in the grounds of Peter Lehmann 

Wines where about 45 cars were judged with our own Peter and Anne Saglietti 

winning the DB4, 5 and 6 class. On the following day we ventured out to the Mallala 

racetrack where there was plenty of action and some of the cars even managed to stay 

pointing in the right direction. Following the National the SA team organized a 4 day 

tour of the Adelaide hills and Fleuriea Peninsula with over night stops in Hahndorf, 

Strathalbyn, Normanville and McLaren Vale, overall a very enjoyable week with 

many an evening enjoying great conversation and one or two South Australian reds. 

Last month we held our concours at Rippon Lea Estate, unfortunately Mother Nature 

misbehaved again but at least we were better off than last year. We had a magnificent 

turn out of man and machine with 27 beautiful Aston Martins and about 70 beautiful 

people. Congratulations to Peter and Anne Saglietti who‟s beautiful DB6 won our 

Leigh Bennett memorial trophy and Richard Counsel who once again won our MILES 

award. 

On a personal note I would like to thank my fellow committee members, Richard, 

Jason, Chris, Barry and Tony for their support throughout the year. 

Sal and I would like to wish you and your families a very enjoyable Christmas and a 

safe start to 2011. 

See you at the Emerald on the 1st of February 2011 

Cheers 

Neil. 

PRES SAYS 


<strong>Report</strong> on the 24 th AMOC Australian National Meet. 

Words by Richard Counsel. Pictures by Bronwyn Ballantyne. 

My and Bronwyn‟s trip to the National started a week earlier than most, with us 

departing Melbourne on Saturday, the 25th of September. 

The reason was due to me wishing to watch the Bay To Birdwood Run. This year was 

for the older cars, a group we don‟t normally see, being the reverse year to the one we 

normally participate in, referred to as “The Classic”. 

The trip across to Adelaide, was for us, a well-trodden route, and uneventful 

really. This was, of course, AFL Grand Final day, and this appeared to be the reason 

the highway was so devoid of traffic. I think the quietest run we have ever had! 

Bronwyn had her laptop set up to receive TV, so was able to watch the match while 

we travelled the South Eastern Fwy (SA‟s version.) coming into town. We arrived at 

destination with only minutes left in the match. I was so stressed hoping Collingwood 

wouldn‟t win; I started to unload the car without watching the dying minutes! What 

an outcome. 

Sunday the 26 Th was rally day, so an early start to the day, making the trek to 

the starting point at Henley Beach for a walk amongst the participating vehicles, and 

watch them depart for Birdwood. We spotted 2 Astons, one, a blue, Victorian reg, 

DB3. We have seen this car before at other rallies, and owned by a Hamilton based 

couple. The other, a local DB3, who‟s driver appeared very unsociable and 

uninterested in the whole event. Apparently, it was “Daddy‟s” car, and Jnr was 

driving it just so it could do the run. Both cars were well presented. All cars had 

departed by 1030HRS. It was great to see our “Opposite Group”! 

On the Wednesday, I caught up with Richard Dyson-Harvey (RDH), and some 

other members of the National organizing committee (Terry Holt, and Keith 

Degenhardt), to do a run up to the Barossa, then on to Mallala to finalise some 

National arrangements. 

Thursday was interesting, as I got a chauffeur driven tour of Adelaide‟s “Back 

Street” car enthusiast‟s haunts. The in-laws neighbour, Peter Bail is well known in 

this fraternity, so I was given access to some interesting places while being driven 

around in his Ferrari Mondial. Some of the highlights were seeing a Lancia Stratos up 

on a hoist (That way, you could have a good look around the car.), a Lamborghini 

Countage with the engine being refurbished, a DB2/4 resto, and AMV8 S2 (It‟s the 

car that has the David Thompson Tremec gearbox conversion.) in the same state. By 

far the highlight though, was being the passenger in a Ferrari Daytona while on a test 

run after a tune-up. And I can tell you, the driver gave it the beans while testing it too! 

Friday was a leisurely day, with a short run to Rowlands Flat for the beginning 

of the 24 th Australian National Meet. We were one of the first to arrive, with only 4 

cars present. Once registered, and the accommodation sorted, we were able to 

socialise, and watch the others arrive. That night was a cocktail party held at the resort 

to welcome all the participants. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, 

meet new ones, and hear a couple of tails of wow from people who struck some grief 

on the way. 

A large proportion of the local AMOC membership were new to us. It was great to see 

Ken, and Maddy Tushingham had made the trip over from Perth. They were superb 

hosts while we were at the Perth National. It was also good that David and Barbara 

Perks had made the effort to come south from QLD…. That was also a considerable 

commitment! 


It was a little sad that more from NSW hadn‟t joined us. Later in the evening, we 

moved to “Harry‟s Restaurant”, where we were lucky enough to get a couple of seats, 

and spend an interesting night chatting with other participants, hosted by RDH, and 

his wife Pam 

The main event for Saturday was the Concours. This was held at the Peter 

Lehmann winery situated at Tanunda, only a short drive from the Novatel. Bronwyn 

and I wanted to visit the Barossa Farmers Market prior to the concours. This was only 

a minor detour, being just outside Anguston. We were joined by Bruna, and Lucia. On 

arrival at Peter Lehmann‟s, we were greeted by a great display of about 50 cars 

showcased on a lovely contoured grass area. Perfect for the occasion! Once parked up, 

we again moved around, and socialised. A fantastic spread was put on for lunch, with 

plenty of the local product consumed. At days end, we returned to Rowlands Flat, 

where we prepared for the evenings Black Tie Dinner at the historic Seppeltsfield 

Winery. This was organized to celebrate the 75 th anniversary of the AMOC. 

A coach was organised to transport us there from the Novatel. After a coach trip, and 

walk, we arrived at the venue, an old distillery building. The interior was very 

tasteful, with a lot of the old machinery on display, as well as other memorabilia. A 

live band was also in place. This proved to be a most enjoyable evening, with good 

tucker, and company. 

Sunday was race day at Mallala, about an hours drive from base. I took a 

leisurely drive to the track via Gawler. Competitors had to arrive a bit earlier for 

scrutineering and briefing. As I was not competing, I arrived a little later. I won the 

job of Pit Marshalling. This had the unfortunate side effect of keeping me so busy, I 

didn‟t actually see any cars run. Later in the day, I helped Keith Degenhardt with the 

running of the motorkhana, and the “Go-Stop” event. The usual mix of driver 

competency, and car preparedness made for some interesting results. A couple of the 

older cars really came into their own, as they had been set up for track work. David 

Gleen‟s, and David Robinson‟s DB4‟s were stand out in this regard. It was also good 

to see the “Moderns” take part as well. At the completion of racing, I was treated to a 

couple of laps in Roger Trethawey‟s (The chief marshal.) Bolwell MK7. This wasn‟t 

your standard Holden red motor powered version though, a small block Ford V8 

lurked under the bonnet. What an absolute adrenalin rush, with Roger being a very 

competent driver. The speed, acceleration, and sound were very appropriate! 

We returned to Rowlands Flat to prepare for the cocktail party, and 

presentation dinner held at the Novatel. Again, a well organized affair. This too, was 

an enjoyable night, but I guess the highlight was in fact the presentations. I will not go 

through each and every one, but it was great to see Anne, and Peter Saglietti take out 

the DB4.5.and 6 trophy. This has even greater significance because Peter was very 

apprehensive initially about entering his car for judging. The Victorian‟s also won the 

Silverstone trophy, which is a team event, although in this case, minus any input from 

myself. or Bronwyn! 

Monday morning was effectively the end of the National meet proper. 

Everyone met at breakfast to say their farewells, at least those not going on to 

participate in the tour. We were continuing on, as were 14 other cars. For the SA mob, 

this was a long weekend, so many had to return to work on Tuesday. 


I must confess, I was very critical early on in the piece with regard policies, 

and the apparent lack of information about organization, but I must eat humble pie. It 

was so pleasing to see common sense once again prevailed, and the whole event came 

together brilliantly. The SA organizing team have clearly put a lot of effort into 

creating this event, and they need to be congratulated for pulling off a really great 

couple of days. 

All involved, pat yourself on the back! 

Post National Tour. 

Monday, post our breakfast farewells with those not joining us, we started out on the 

National Tour component of the event. Our daily start and finish points were known, 

but the route between each point was optional. A very comprehensive set of course 

notes were provided, should you choose to follow them, but as usual, us being nonconformant, 

chose our own route. 

The first destination, was a night at Hanndorf. Bron. and I made our way 

progressively in that general direction via numerous junk, antique, cheese, and food 

shops. In most cases, we didn‟t see any other participants on our travels. Due to our 

regular visits to SA, we kind of knew most places, so we already had our route 

planned. 

Finding our Motel at Hanndorf proved a little challenge due to the level of tourist 

traffic. It was hard enough driving down the main drag, let alone finding the place, 

which was hidden behind the shops in the main street, off a small alleyway. Once 

found, we were able to guide others in by phone, or hand gesture. Once settled in, the 

girls dragged us blokes on a shopping expedition down the main street. More food and 

goodies. 

Terry Holt had booked a table at a restaurant opposite the Motel. Word got around, so 

we all descended on it for a very social evening…. A very pleasant evening indeed. 

Next morning we all congregated at a café for breakfast. For us, another walk 

to a dress shop before departing. The shop was not bad for blokes, as the owner had 

set up some relaxing chairs outside, complete with a selection of car magazines, ECT. 

What a novel idea! Some more cheese, then we set off to Currency Creek, where a 

long lunch had been organized at the Kingsbrook Estate. What a fantastic spot, 

obviously one of RDH‟s or Pam‟s finds! The owners, Chris, and Anna had allowed 

the cars to park on the lawn tennis court set in a perfect spot outback of the 

homestead. The place resembled a French villa. (Chris was a Sir Richard Branson 

lookalike!) A very long table had been set up in preparedness for lunch. After a slight 

re-arrangement of cares, we all sat down to a “Long Lunch”. I enjoyed the local 

produce, specially the Kingsbrook Shiraz. By the time we had finished, little time 

remained of the day, so we all made our way to the night‟s stop at Strathalbyn. The 

Amos‟s had a holiday retreat nearby, and were kind enough to offer an open invitation 

to join them for a relaxing night around the fire. A very relaxed night with pizzas 

ordered. And, yes, more red wine! 

Wednesday, and our next destination was the Links Lady Bay resort at 

Normanville down on the Fleurieu Peninsula. As Strathablyn was the antique capital 

of SA, this required further attention… even if we had been here before! We pulled up 

in the main street, and as we alighted from the vehicle, a bloke came flying out the 

barbour shop adjacent. “Great car… I own one of those!”. We later found out he 

owned the AMV8 resto job I saw a week or so back at St Peters in Adelaide. Small 

world! Anyhow… On to Normanville via…. Yes, more cheese factories. 


Unfortunately, the weather had turned a bit nasty. Our route took us past 

Milang, where we stopped to see what lake Alexandrina looked like with water. We 

kept away from Victor Harbor to avoid the touristy stuff. Been there before anyway. 

Via some delightful back roads, we found ourselves at Normanville. Yep… Some 

more brick-a-brack shops. I think we may have been the last to arrive at the resort. 

Tidy up, and head down to the bar for a wine tasting sponsored by Paxton Wines. A 

small talk was given by David Paxton on each variety, with plenty for tasting. Once 

things had dried up, most moved into the main bar / bistro area. Another very sociable 

evening. 

Thursday was a free day, so Bronwyn and I decided to visit town via the 

beach. Getting access to the beach proved interesting, as most of the foreshore had 

developments along it that were well secured. Eventually we gained access via a 

private estate. Once in town, we caught up with Frank and Yolaine for lunch. On 

return to the resort, I thought as I hadn‟t seen this part of the peninsula, we would go 

for a drive down to cape Jurvis. 

On the way, we stopped by the sleepy little holiday hamlet of Second Bay. What a 

great little spot, one the developers haven‟t got their greasy little claws into. Once at 

Cape Jurvis , we bumped into the Braziers again. I checked out the ferry to Kangaroo 

Island with a view to visiting it in the future. Very expensive! On arrival back at the 

resort, we asked a few back to our room for drinks. Word got around there was a party 

on, so our candle lit drinks for 6 turned into 18. For dinner, back to the bistro. Some 

partied on hard, but we had had enough. Next day was the McLaren Vale. 

After a relaxing start to the day, we checked out, and headed back north. With 

a visit to the Alexandrina cheese factory on the way. The weather had again turned 

inclement. A quick visit to an antique shop before heading to Correole winery for 

lunch. Bronwyn had put the word around, so eventually, we had quite a turn up for 

lunch. 

After spending most of the afternoon there, we made the run to the motel, and 

checked in. 

Bronwyn, and Sally visited town, and the Almond Train, while I caught up with Terry 

Holt, and went for a drive in his Bentley Turbo R…. Nice car! The final night was 

dinner at Woodstock winery. Again, a coach was organized for the run to and from. 

On arrival, we were treated to a private wine tasting, and talk about the winery by Jim 

prior to a meal in the main restaurant. Home made pizzas done in a wood fired oven. 

These were to kill for! 

You guessed it! More great food, wine, and company. All the women of the 

organizing committee were presented flowers, while Neil made a thank you speech on 

behalf of everyone. This was a great way to spend the last night of the tour. 

Friday morning really was “The End”. A private breakfast was held in the 

motel courtyard so we could say our farewells. Like the National Meet, I was a little 

sceptical the tour would work, but it did, and worked well! 

Well done again the SA team. 

We were joined by Frank and Yolaine for the trip back east. Yolaine had never 

seen the Coorong, so our route home followed the coast. We wanted to do some 

visiting on the way home at Warrnambool, so that suited Bronwyn and I perfectly. 

Once leaving McLaren Vale, we crossed the Murray on the Wellington ferry, then 

followed the coast, with a lunch break at Kingston. A brief stop at Mt Gambier to 

show Frank and Yolaine the Blue Lake, then straight on to Warrnambool, where we 

parted company. 

Although Bron and I hadn‟t seen much new ground on this trip, the social 

aspect of the event more than compensated. I hope future National meets continue 

with the same formula, because as has been said, “If it‟s not broke, don‟t fix it” 


Looks very clean Richard. 

Bron is stunned; she hasn‟t seen him in a suit before! 


Richard & Madeline 

The three amigos! 


Jason & Richard 


What a beautiful DB6, Peter & Anne. 

Barry & Madeline‟s lovely DB6. 


David & Pat‟s DB6, nice wheels David. 


This Series 2 DB4 is currently owned by Roger, formerly the Lex Davidson, then 

Maurice Hodgson car. 

Andy & Penny Fraser‟s lovely DB4, I think they have probably owned this Aston 

longer than any of their other Aston‟s. I think Andy‟s addition of those large driving 

lights have enabled him to continue driving at night at the speed of light! If not, I‟m 

sure he would try. 












Drivers briefing 

Waiting, waiting, waiting. 

RUNNING AMOC Summer 2010 - 2011 Page 24 of 58

What a nice DBS Vantage. 

DBS Vantage at speed 


DB4 Yellow moneybox, it appears to be modified for some serious track work. 


Richard about to get some hot laps in a Bolwel Mk 7 minus its lid, by the owner 

Roger. 

Richard about to find out how to peddle a DBSV8 quite rapidly. Demonstrated by that 

very experienced DBSV8 pilot Phil White. 





Pat and Maree 


One very chuffed president with the Silverstone trophy. 


Neil & Greg admiring the Silverstone trophy 



The presidential DBS 








Some of Newport Pagnell‟s finest 


What a picturesque scene. 

It looks like shade was hard to come by! 


A great setting for some very nice cars. 


Art on wheels, Bugatti 35. 

Participants of the 24th AMOC National. 


December 2010 

Changes to Victoria‟s Club Permit Scheme will come into effect 

On 1 February 2011 

A windscreen label will be issued to assist in the identifying vehicles operating 

without a current permit. 

VicRoads may suspend or cancel a permit if the permit holder fails to comply with the 

permit conditions or engages in conduct, which threatens public safety or undermines 

the integrity of the permit scheme. 

Clubs will be required to sign an Agreement with VicRoads that they meet certain 

obligations including that they notify VicRoads if they become aware of or reasonably 

suspect a pattern of incorrect use of a logbook by one of its members. If this is not 

done, VicRoads will be able to revoke the club‟s approval to be part of the scheme. 

What about inspection standards and vehicle definitions as referred to in last year‟s 

Discussion Paper? 

It is expected that these changes, which include a new street rod inspection scheme 

and improved definitions of „replica‟ and „modified‟ vehicles, will be implemented 

after February 2011. 

How will the changes be introduced? 

In the lead up to February 2011 all current permit holders will be issued with a free 90 

day logbook. The logbook will be able to be used until the current permit expires. 

It can be used for a maximum of 90 days irrespective of the permit expiry date. It will 

be a requirement that the current permit be carried with the logbook at all times. 

No windscreen label will be issued until the current permit is renewed. 

Will there be changes to number plates? 

Yes, „Slim-line‟ club permit number plates will now be available. 

How will it change? 

Under the new scheme permit holders will no longer be restricted to club sanctioned 

activities when using their vehicles. Vehicles will be able to be used at any time for 

any purpose. However, they will be restricted to a total of 90 days use a year. 

Club financial members will be able to apply for either a 90-day permit or a 45 day 

permit depending on how much use they expect to make of their vehicles over a 12 

month period. If a person obtains a 45-day permit but later decides that this is not 

enough, another 45-day permit may be purchased later on. However, no-one will be 

allowed to obtain a permit to drive their vehicle for more 

than 90 days each year. 

How will it operate? 

A logbook will be issued to permit holders to record the use of the vehicle over the 

permit period. 

Vehicles will be able to be used without a logbook entry within 100 metres of the 

vehicle‟s garage address. 


<strong>Report</strong> on the 24 th Annual Picnic at Hanging Rock run 

Words by Peter Saglietti. Pictures by Bronwyn Ballantyne. 

The 2011 year has began without a blink. We are in February, and our first run for 

the year begins with the Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club 24th Annual Picnic 

at Hanging Rock. We were joined by Bronwyn & Richard Counsel as well as our son 

Brendan, also a car enthusiast. Starting at 8.30am at Calder Park, both our DB6 and 

Richard‟s AM V8 were travelling well. As we travelled, we seemed to be setting the 

pace of the many 100‟s of different cars travelling to the same destination. Arriving 

around 9.30 am, and after waiting patiently to get in, we soon found a great spot to 

setup our picnic gear. It wasn‟t long before we were enjoying a cup of Richards‟s 

authentic Billy tea. Then it was time to look at the cars, motorbikes, old trucks, 

stationary engines & vintage tractors. The weather started out cool and windy, but by 

lunchtime, Hanging Rock had put on a great day. 

The highlight of the trip was looking at the huge variety of cars, from a 1915 T 

model Ford, through to an eighties Volvo. There were lots of American cars, with 

classic Fords and Holden‟s out in force, not to be out done by the Chrysler Charger 

and the ultimate Aussie car we all love to hate, the Leyland P76. Not so many 

European cars, but a few Austin Healy‟s, Triumphs, Bentleys, and Rolls Royce‟s to 

name a few. In search of fellow Aston Martin owners, we walked the entire site 

without a trace. Estimates of 2500 cars on display, with the same number of 

spectators all added to an enjoyable day. Time to sit down for a rest, that gladly 

developed into a long picnic lunch, complemented with an excellent bottle of red 

wine. Many people enjoyed seeing the two Astons together. Maybe not as much as 

we did sitting behind our cars enjoying the company, food and wine, whilst 

contemplating how many classic cars are sitting in people‟s garages? 

We thoroughly recommend the day out if you enjoy looking at an extensive number 

of well presented classic cars and meeting interesting people who all seemed to share 

a love of motoring. 

“This run is for you next year “ 

Peter & Anne Saglietti 


Café Aston 



Run to the 2011 Colac Heritage Festival 

Words by Richard Counsel. Pictures by Bronwyn Ballantyne. 

Our run to the Colac Heritage Festival was initiated by a request made by one of the 

organizers from the Colac P&A Society sent to our “Pres” requesting some vehicles to 

be displayed along side of the David Brown tractors they had assembled, as this year, 

this was the featured brand of the show. When Neil read the hand written letter out at 

the monthly pub night, I felt that the effort should be rewarded by an attendance. 

When a show of hands was asked for of interested people, and no one replied, I felt a 

little embarrassed. The gentleman had obviously gone to some effort writing his 

request, and it seemed very genuine. Later that week, I rang Neil for a contact phone 

number. When I rang Hugh Riches to get some details of the event, he asked how 

many cars were thinking of coming…. I replied one! Dead silence for about 5 

seconds. I sensed Hugh was a little disappointed. 

The event was to be run over the weekend of the 5 th of February. Out of the 

two days of the event, I decided we would make it for the Sunday. After further 

discussions with Bron, we decided to make it into a weekend affair. Travel down on 

Friday night, and tour around the district on Saturday, with the Festival on Sunday. 

The trip down just happened to be “that” Friday night when the heavens let 

loose big time, and cyclonic winds and rain ripped through Melbourne. As you can 

imagine, our trip was a little exciting as a result. The Princess freeway to Geelong 

was heavy going, with most drivers pulling over into the emergency stopping lane. 

We took it quietly, and just followed the white line. The really exciting bit was 

between Geelong, and Winchelsea. The rain became so heavy, even with the wipers 

running flat out, it was just impossible to see the road. In the end, I had to pull over, 

as all I could see were the faint tail lamps from the car in front. We couldn‟t even see 

if we were in fact off the road once parked. At this point the rain was hitting the side 

of the car with such force, it pushed past the door seals, and was gushing into the car, 

then Bronwyn had the bright idea to wind the window down to see if in fact we were 

safely clear of the road…. Oh dear! 

While waiting, I pondered how many other Aston owners would have had their cars 

out in these conditions?? 

After about 10 to 15 minutes of this onslaught, the rain eased off sufficiently 

for us to make a move. The car in front also moved off. Once we had made it to 

Colac, the roads became dry. We made our way to Koroit for the nights stop at a 

converted convent that had been recommended. After a hearty breakfast, we took off 

to our first stop at Grasmere, where I spent a few hours sifting through an old country 

style disposal store. Bron went off to visit some friends at Bushfield. I managed to 

find a huge supply of brand new UNF, and BA nuts and bolts (Guess what Astons 

use?), so I bought literally a bucket load of various sizes for $25.00. 

Next it was off to Mailers Flat to another antique store. We then took a short 

run to Hopkins falls before heading in to Warrnambool where we spent the remainder 

of the afternoon wandering around. It was decided to head back to Colac for the 

night, so I chose a route via Naringal, and Cobden. 


On Sunday, after a walk around Colac, we headed off to the showground. 

Once we had found the entrance, it wasn‟t long before the David Brown display was 

located. As we pulled up, Hugh Riches came out to greet us. He was so pleased that 

we arrived, but then started a rather drawn out debate with his fellow enthusiasts as to 

where exactly to park the car. I had to move the car about 4 times. Bronwyn was 

amazed how cool I remained as the debate raged on amongst the David Brown 

aficionados. Soon, everyone came out to have a look at the car, and it wasn‟t long 

before a small crowd had formed. The bonnet went up and down like a yoyo. 

One lady approached me stating she knows a bloke with a similar car 

registered AMLV8….. This woman turned out to be the owner‟s sister. Small world 

Frank? After about an hour or so, we left the car, and went for a wander. There was 

plenty to see. Lots of farm machinery, animal displays, community organization 

displays, and local produce. You couldn‟t walk more than 30 feet without someone 

having a chat with you. There was no doubt that country hospitality had come to the 

fore. On the far side of the oval, they were running a tractor pull competition. 

Nothing fancy…The local farmers had just brought their working tractors along, and 

gave them a go. Some of the competitors had some really old stuff though, like Lanz 

Bulldogs, and Farmall‟s, Ect. We had no trouble filling the day in. Things started to 

fold up around 1530hrs, so we headed home to. The organizers were really 

appreciative that we had made the effort to come along. The trip back was very 

uneventful compared to our run down. 

Lots of water, it was a very damp drive down to Colac. 



A fair bit of interest from some farming folk. 

Another DB, what a Cropmaster? An 880 perhaps? I‟m sure Andy Fraser would 

know. 


Where are the brakes? 


I think the yellow one would be quite useful around the farm! 


Shrink Fit 

Time waits for nobody. Nor does personal weight. If your Aston is off the road for a 

few years, things happen. I have heard of radiators clogging up, and oil gumming up 

passages. Now a new one has been reported; Seat Belt shrinkage. An Aston is now 

back on the road after a couple of years after sorting out various issues, and the owner 

has found that the seat belts have shrunk. 

Proverb 

A cleaver person will find a way out of a difficult situation. A wise person will not be 

there in the first place. 

FOR SALE: 

LAUGHS PER MINUTE 

Racing with David Brown Aston Martins by Chris Nixon. Volumes One & Two 

(Vol 1 with John Wyer) The definitive history of the 13 years of the Aston Martin 

factory racing programme Throughout the 50's. Published by Transport Bookman Ltd 

1980. 1st Edition. Both books are in excellent, if not mint condition. Tight spines and 

bindings, no foxing, no clipped or marked pages and no bumped corners. Both books 

have matching excellent condition dust jackets. Dust jackets are wrapped in library 

quality clear pvc wrappers with paper backing. $800.00 for the set. Books are in 

Kew, Victoria and pick up is most welcome. 

Contact: Nigel Watson ph; 0425 850 909. 

FOR SALE 


A selection of DB4’s 

PARTING SHOT

Report on the 24 - Aston Martin Owners Club Victoria

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