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2005 Concours - Aston Martin Owners Club Victoria

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Area Representative Secretary Editor Treasurer & Events<br />

& President Membership Secretary Co-ordinator<br />

Richard Shenfield Mike Bindon Richard Counsel Jason Vochala Tony Smith<br />

9 Rennison St 9 Baloo Crt 21 St Georges Ave 4 th Floor 124 Exhibition P.O. Box 317<br />

Beaumaris. 3193 Greensborough 3088 Templestowe. 3106 Melbourne 3000 Camberwell 3124<br />

Ph 9589 6004 a/h Ph 9434 5167wk&a/h Ph 9846 4085 a/h Ph 9654 6670 Ph 9819 1015 a/h<br />

Volume 7, Number 3 Dec <strong>2005</strong><br />

DIARY OF EVENTS Page 2<br />

EDITORIAL COMMENT Page 3<br />

PRES SAYS Page 3<br />

REPORT ON THE “BAY TO BIRDWOOD CLASSIC” Page 5<br />

<strong>2005</strong> CONCOURS Page 6<br />

TECHNICAL: Water pump rebuild on an AMV8 Page 6<br />

“YES IT WAS MIKE BINDON IN AN MG” Page 9<br />

“A DAY OUT AT THE SANDOWN CLASSIC RACES” Page 10<br />

REPORT ON TONY’S “BREAKFAST RUN” Page 11<br />

Published Quarterly By<br />

The <strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>Owners</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>Victoria</strong> Register Incorporated, 21 St Georges Ave, Templestowe.<br />

3106.<br />

Contributors Please Note<br />

Inclusions for next edition should be emailed to the Editor by the second Monday of the month<br />

(March, June, September and December) at the email address vk3ylz@bigpond.net.au to ensure<br />

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

AMOC of the authors & are not those necessarily of the Editor or Committee of <strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>Owners</strong><br />

<strong>Club</strong>. Permission to reproduce any of the contents of this magazine should be sought through the Editor<br />

as a courtesy to the authors and artists.<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 1 of 14


January 7 th BBQ at the Shenfield’s.<br />

11 Frederick Street Anglesea (Melway map 196 ref.<br />

8C/D) Time: 12 to 12.30. Please call<br />

9589 6004 prior to 4/1/06 or 035263 1369 or<br />

0408364470 after the 4th would be appreciated for<br />

catering purposes.<br />

January 22 nd RACV Great Australian Rally. Finish Point and display<br />

– Mornington Racecourse. Designated start<br />

point:Brandon Park shopping centre. Cnr Ferntree Gully<br />

Rd, and Springvale Rd.<br />

See entry details in Running AMOC.<br />

February 7 th Dinner Meeting<br />

Venue. Bells Hotel. Cnr, Moray St, and Coventry St.<br />

Sth Melb. 6.30 pm<br />

February 12 th Picnic at Hanging Rock. Venue – Hanging Rock<br />

Reserve, Woodend. Designated start point / Ticket<br />

sales: Calder park raceway entrance. 0830 HRS.<br />

February 26 th Mike & Maree’s Vineyard Run. Details to<br />

be announced.<br />

March 7 th<br />

Dinner Meeting<br />

Venue. Bells Hotel. Cnr, Moray St, and Coventry St.<br />

Sth Melb. 6.30 pm<br />

April 4 th Dinner Meeting<br />

Venue. Bells Hotel. Cnr, Moray St, and Coventry St.<br />

Sth Melb. 6.30 pm<br />

April 23 rd Tony Smith’s run. Details to be announced.<br />

April 30 th AOMC British and European Motoring Show<br />

Venue – Flemington Racecourse.<br />

A gentle tap on the shoulder…….<br />

Don’t forget that your 2006 membership subs are due in February<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 2 of 14


Greetings all..<br />

Well, I am in a most unusual position for club editor, I started out with no news<br />

articles left in reserve after my “maiden” issue of Running AMOC, and ended up with<br />

more than enough to fill this issue thanks to some very active members who have<br />

overwhelmed me with suitable inclusions. I would also like to thank the membership<br />

for their feedback, and comments of encouragement. The inclusion of the “Technical”<br />

section seemed to be very popular in spite of the fact I wrote it my self. So you “Do it<br />

your selfers” maybe put pen to paper and let other members know of your experiences<br />

while doing jobs on your respective vehicles or any other technical worthy subject<br />

matter that might help this section of the newsletter continue.<br />

<strong>2005</strong> has reached an end AMOC Vic wise, so I will also take the opportunity<br />

to wish you all the best for Christmas, and the New Year. Be safe, and hope to see you<br />

all in 2006.<br />

Richard Counsel<br />

Well friends, that is it for <strong>2005</strong>. Our annual Car Display and <strong>Concours</strong> at RACV <strong>Club</strong><br />

in Healesville on the 27 th of Nov, and <strong>Club</strong>/Pub night at Bell's on Tuesday 6 Dec.<br />

finalise our planned AMOC Vic. activities for the year. You can now all concentrate<br />

on the festive season with enthusiasm and/or whatever you deem appropriate.<br />

It was great to see 16 <strong>Aston</strong>s on display and 49 people enjoying themselves in the<br />

beautiful RACV <strong>Club</strong> grounds on Sunday. This venue eminently suits our <strong>Club</strong> for<br />

this event and the weather was again just the way we wanted it to be. Congratulations<br />

once again to Andrew Davies and commiserations to the runners-up. Next year we<br />

might have to throw a handful of mud at Andrew's car to give someone else a chance.<br />

Come on Ian Bell, get that car of yours finished!<br />

The <strong>Club</strong> Meeting at Bell's was very well attended and with 24 people in our little<br />

corner it was a somewhat crowded affair. Bill Bell, the hotel owner, had a snide<br />

comment to me about our ability to count. He had apparently been told that 12 were<br />

coming. He didn't really complain much, as he had a smile on his face all the time, but<br />

did promise to make some better arrangements for us for 7 February.<br />

It was pleasing to meet Tim O'Connor who has just returned to Melbourne after<br />

6 years in UK . Tim owns a Series 2 V8 <strong>Aston</strong> and has been a member of AMOC in<br />

UK for 3 years. His car is in a container on its way here at present. He was a visitor<br />

on Tuesday night but our ever-vigilant Jason has ensured that he did not leave without<br />

a membership application form. We welcome him (and Mrs.Tim) back to Oz and look<br />

forward to seeing them along at future events.<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 3 of 14


To start the New Year, Wendy and I have decided to hold a barbecue/casual day<br />

at our house in Anglesea on Saturday 7 January. All members and partners are<br />

welcome but please give us a call beforehand if you intend to join us. You will need<br />

to byo meat and beverages but there are barbecues, tables, some<br />

chairs,salads,coffee,tea,etc. Wendy says that she "may make a cake"??? The address<br />

is 11 Frederick Street Anglesea (Melway map 196 ref. 8C/D) and arrive time 12 to<br />

12.30. Wendy and I will be heading down to Anglesea on 4 January and so a phone<br />

call to 9589 6004 prior to 4/1/06 or 5263 1369 or 0408364470 after the 4th would be<br />

appreciated A bit of discipline along the Geelong Road is also strongly recommended<br />

as there are speed cameras recently installed on at least 3 of the overhead bridges.<br />

The RACV Great Australian Rally is on again on Sunday 22 January. This is<br />

usually a big event and a good day out. We have listed this in our programme but<br />

members will need to do their own entry, etc. as we are not planning an organised<br />

attendance.<br />

Our first major events for 2006 will be the <strong>Club</strong>/Pub Night at Bell's on<br />

Tuesday 7 February and the Mike & Maree Vineyard Run on Sunday 26 February.<br />

Tony Smith is also planning a run for Sunday 23 April and Tony's runs are always<br />

popular.<br />

I have received a request from our National Rep, Tim Lewis for our <strong>Victoria</strong>n<br />

group to consider changing its name to AMOC Australia. Tim sees insurance<br />

advantages through CAMS in taking this route. However some of our members do not<br />

agree with Tim and I would be interested in any additional comments or thoughts<br />

from others before we make any decisions. In the meantime I am continuing my<br />

research on the subject.<br />

On behalf of your Committee, may I wish all members and their families a<br />

very happy Christmas and we look forward to enjoying your company in the New<br />

Year.<br />

Richard S<br />

Group Photo, club concours day at RACV Healesville<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 4 of 14


BAY TO BIRDWOOD RALLY<br />

ADELAIDE<br />

SEPTEMBER <strong>2005</strong><br />

By Neil Boothroyd.<br />

After not too much coaxing during our monthly get togethers, Richard and Bronwyn<br />

talked me into joining them in the Bay to Birdwood Rally in Adelaide.<br />

Bronwyn and Richard departed Melbourne on the Thursday prior to the Rally in<br />

AML-8 accompanied by their friends Chris, Fiona and family in their 1953 48/215<br />

Holden (FX) and had a leisurely (Max comfortable cruising speed of the Holden is<br />

about 90kph) cruise to the city of churches with an overnight stop at Bordertown.<br />

With the DBS loaded up, my better half Sal, and I, left Friday afternoon, spending the<br />

night in Horsham before arriving in Adelaide early Saturday afternoon. We spent a<br />

very enjoyable afternoon /evening at Bronwyn’s parent’s home consuming vast<br />

amounts of food and wine, plus a BBQ prepared by Chef Richard that included<br />

everything from snags to Skippy.<br />

Sunday morning (Rally day.) dawned overcast and threatening, we met at 7<br />

am for the drive to the starting point at sports ground near West beach, and what a<br />

sight….over 1700 old bangers (Cars not drivers.). All manner of transport was<br />

represented from Dodges to Darts, REO’s to Rollers, and everything in between. The<br />

<strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Martin</strong> contingent doubled from previous years from 1 to 2 (We need some<br />

more support to beat the Jensen’s (4) ). Many of the car crews donned period costume<br />

and Richard seemed particularly interested in an attractive young lady almost wearing<br />

a very short crochet mini skirt. We met Mr Dowsey wearing equally colourful attire<br />

but apparently these were his everyday clothes. (The pink trousers really made an<br />

impression. ED.)<br />

Prior to the 9.00am start the heavens opened, and whilst costumes and cars<br />

were dampened, our spirits were not. The Motorcade departed the start point,<br />

travelling through central Adelaide and then on to the Australian Automobile Museum<br />

at Birdwood via Tea Tree Gully. The 60km route was very picturesque with hundreds<br />

of Adelaidians lining the route cheering us on .The road marshalling and signage was<br />

excellent, allowing the cars relatively easy passage through the Sunday morning<br />

traffic. White Line Richard pulled out and passed a string of 30 cars on a particularly<br />

windy section of narrow road giving Sal a fright before she realized the road had been<br />

closed to all but one way rally traffic. (Perfectly legal overtaking manoeuvre!!. ED.)<br />

Regretfully the inclement weather stayed with us for the rest of the day, but a tour of<br />

the Museum and some gourmet sandwiches and famous orange cake from Bronwyn<br />

washed down with some infamous Billy tea from Richard made the day very<br />

memorable.<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 5 of 14


We spent a couple of lazy days in and around Adelaide and a very enjoyable trip<br />

home via the Fleurieu Peninsula, The Coorong, and The Great Ocean Road, with<br />

overnight stops in Robe, Port Fairy and Lorne. The DBS didn’t miss a beat during the<br />

2500Km trip and managed to return 15 Mpg…… Not bad for an old girl.<br />

<strong>2005</strong> <strong>Concours</strong><br />

Andrew Davies takes out the Perpetual trophy again in <strong>2005</strong>. Congratulations to the<br />

runners up, Ian Joblin, and Michael Bindon. Our thanks to Vince, and Joe Perillo from<br />

the TSOA for their help carrying out the judging.<br />

Technical<br />

Water pump rebuild on an AMV8.<br />

By Richard Counsel<br />

This month’s technical article relates to a subject dear to most <strong>Aston</strong> owners, engine<br />

water pump rebuilds. Although this particular account is regarding the rebuild of a<br />

water pump on a V8, from what I can ascertain, it would also be applicable to six<br />

cylinder engines.<br />

With a reputation for short life expectancy, and a small dose of paranoia, it<br />

was always on my to-do list to at least check the condition of the unit fitted to AML-<br />

8. I had heard a number of horror stories about these things failing, and in doing so,<br />

“Stranding” the vehicle causing the owner a lot of grief!<br />

As to the mode of failure, well there are a number of theories kicking around.<br />

Anything from just bad design, and under capacity bearings, to too much unsupported<br />

weight by virtue of heavy fan blades / viscous coupling (Where used.) being mounted<br />

out to far from the bearings.<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 6 of 14


During a recent run to Adelaide, I noticed a new noise emanating from the<br />

engine room, so much so, that it was quite audible from the wheelhouse. Funny<br />

enough, the first thing that came to mind was the water pump. Further checks<br />

confirmed my worst fears considering we still had a weeks worth of touring, and a<br />

return trip to Melbourne ahead of us. The only option was to run the gauntlet, and<br />

hope it would all hold together until our return.<br />

Although it hadn’t seized, it was just a matter of time! We got back ok.<br />

With Tony’s breakfast run in only 2 weeks, I needed to tackle this job immediately.<br />

Removing / re-fitting the pump was quite easy. After a brief talk to fellow<br />

<strong>Aston</strong> enthusiast, Dave Thompson from Sale, whom I new had rebuilt Steven<br />

Dempsey’s pump, I had some idea of what was required. One of the problems with<br />

refurbishment of these pumps, is the acquisition / cost of an original seal.<br />

First thing was to dismantle my unit once removed from the engine. This<br />

requires a press, as the pump is basically “Pressed” together. The unit is of very basic<br />

design. I first pressed off the drive flange. This was pretty “Text Book”. Next I<br />

pressed off the impeller, and it was at this point disaster struck. I had not supported<br />

the impeller sufficiently while applying force, which is sometimes hard to judge in a<br />

hydraulic press, and managed to snap the impeller in half. After supporting it<br />

correctly, it was a straightforward job to press off the reminder.<br />

This now exposes the water seal. This is a simple carbon mechanical seal, which uses<br />

the rear of the impeller as the seal runner. I my case, the impeller was made of cast<br />

iron, although some are made of bronze.<br />

In dismantling the unit, you effectively destroy the seal, and both bearings.<br />

Between the seal, and inboard bearing, there is a step in the shaft, which acts as a<br />

“slinger” for any coolant that may weep past the seal. For this reason, the shaft must<br />

be pressed from the front of the bearing housing so as the shaft exits from the rear<br />

(Impeller side.). Next time I have to refurbish a pump, I will remove the shaft. C/W<br />

impeller fitted, and remove this separately where access to support the impeller<br />

correctly would be improved.<br />

Next step is to remove the two deep groove ball bearings from the bearing<br />

housing. I knew that the bearings were retained by a circlip, but wasn’t quite sure<br />

where it was located. I couldn’t see it externally, so figured it was located between the<br />

inboard, and outboard bearings. As the front bearing was flush with the housing, it<br />

had to be the rear bearing that was captive. The front bearing must be forced out from<br />

the impeller side with a punch or similar, through the center of the rear bearing. There<br />

is a spacer between the two bearings, which can be pushed aside to give access to the<br />

front bearing. Once done, this gives access to the circlip that retains the rear bearing.<br />

Remove same, and press out the remaining inboard bearing.<br />

In my case, someone had been there before me, and at some stage had<br />

refurbished the pump. The pump had failed due to what I believe was ingress of water<br />

(Coolant) to the rear bearing. The bearing housing does contain a drain hole, and it<br />

was clear! The front bearing was fine. The last person to have refurbished the pump<br />

also “Loctited” both bearings in place, which may have placed excessive preload on<br />

the bearings?? The front bearing should remain “Floating”.<br />

Now having the whole thing apart, it was possible to ascertain a list of<br />

required parts. The shaft had been pretty badly corroded, and really required<br />

replacement. The two bearings, seal, and impeller were also required, along with two<br />

gaskets, one for the pump to engine, and one for the thermostat / header tank to<br />

engine.<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 7 of 14


I had been pre warned of the price / availability of an original seal. A while<br />

back, I had read an article in a local car mag about a company that specialized in<br />

water pump repairs, claiming that they could refurbish any pump. In anticipation for<br />

the moment, I kept their details. I had a brief chat to the owner over the phone, and<br />

decided to pay them a visit, as they were only about 10-15 minutes drive. After<br />

eventually finding the place, it was like walking into the water pump center of the<br />

universe. The stock they had on hand was amazing. After showing John Ecclestone,<br />

the owner, and his offsider Andy my pump, they advised me of a couple of options.<br />

I eventually took their advice, and decided to fit what they called a “unit seal” which<br />

was the carbon seal, and ceramic seal runner in one assembly. All the options<br />

suggested, required some machining of the pump housing. This was not a great issue.<br />

The seal I used was a “211 UTS”, which also could be pulled apart to allow me to use<br />

“Option # 2” (The seal runner being formed by the rear surface of the impeller per<br />

original.) should I change my mind later. The cost of the seal….A massive $24.00!<br />

compared to hundreds for a genuine item. John did not have change at the time, and<br />

was happy for me to take the part, and drop the correct amount in next time I passed<br />

which I thought was pretty decent of him. I could have also purchased an impeller<br />

there, but decided to use a genuine item. John also suggested to replace the two<br />

original bearings with a unit bearing, but again, I decided to leave the set up as<br />

original. These two blokes really knew their stuff, and obviously had vast experience.<br />

John was also a classic car enthusiast, and had a number of Oldsmobile’s in his shed.<br />

We spoke at some length about our passions.<br />

Most of these parts appear to be <strong>Aston</strong> specific. After few phone calls to some<br />

local suppliers, it appeared the only one that could assist was Paul Sabine, as he was<br />

the only one that had the parts available ex-stock, all the others required a minimum<br />

of seven days. So with such short time available before Tony’s breakfast run, it was<br />

down to Sandringham. On the way, I called into SKF, and picked up the two RLS6<br />

deep groove ball bearings. These are imperial, and consequently not that common,<br />

and quite expensive. Paul was able to assist with all the required parts, he even had a<br />

genuine seal if I have had needed it! The new impeller was a bronze one this time. A<br />

requirement of fitting the unit seal, was that the shaft be in perfect order, so there was<br />

no question of using the old one!<br />

Once home, the fun bit started. After taking measurements, I was able to<br />

modify the housing to accept the new seal. If I was to use the unit seal, accuracy was<br />

most important, as it will no tolerate excessive misalignment. This went perfectly! It<br />

is most important, during assembly, not to place any force across the bearings, as this<br />

may lead to premature failure. I used “Locktite” to secure the captive inboard bearing<br />

as well as the circlip. Next I dropped in the spacer, and pressed in the front bearing,<br />

making sure I did not place excessive preload on it. Once done, the shaft can be<br />

pressed in, making sure that the bearings are properly supported to prevent force<br />

being placed across the two bearings. At this point, it was possible to make the<br />

necessary measurements to ascertain the amount I would have to remove from the rear<br />

of the impeller to accept the new seal. I checked all clearances, both on the pump<br />

assembly, and in the pump cavity on the timing chain case. The impeller was<br />

machined per the required measurements. The seal was then pressed into place with a<br />

small amount of “Locktite” silastic sealer, making sure that the correct amount<br />

compression was applied to the seal. With some more silastic, the impeller was finally<br />

pressed onto the shaft. So far, everything has gone perfectly. The last job was to press<br />

the drive flange back onto the shaft.<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 8 of 14


With a refurbished water pump, the re-installation was now undertaken. This I<br />

found to be a fairly straight forward job. While the cooling system was empty, I also<br />

checked the thermostat, and repaired the water temperature gauge (Faulty sender<br />

unit.). I found that someone had fitted an 88 Deg C thermostat, which Paul Sabine<br />

said was used on the X pack motor. Mine should be a 76 Dec C unit. This was<br />

replaced with the correct item.<br />

With the whole lot back together, the engine was started. What a difference, it<br />

was so quiet! I listened around the front of the engine with a screwdriver, and the<br />

water pump sounded fine.<br />

I am sure there are many ways of refurbishing the water pumps, but this is<br />

how I went about it. If you find your self in this position, and are not confident in<br />

undertaking the job your self, I would highly recommend a visit to John and Andy of<br />

JDM Industrial in Diamond Creek. And if I have to do another one my self, I will fit a<br />

unit bearing assembly this time!<br />

Yes it was Mike Bindon in an MG….<br />

By Maree Thomson<br />

This story began many months ago – Mike had been looking at an MG ZT wagon to<br />

replace the aging Verada wagon for a while but could not bring himself to put the<br />

Golden Hair Leavers in a car with leather upholstery, etc. We had looked at a ZT<br />

sedan and even brought one home overnight to see if it fitted in the carport. Trouble is<br />

we then needed to keep the Verada for work purposes. I said that SIX cars was too<br />

many for two people. He then thought it would be a good idea if I sold my car and I<br />

could drive the Verada. Mmmm let me think about that for a nanosecond – no!<br />

Then we heard about the trouble in the MG Rover factory and so for several weeks we<br />

watched in dismay as the Chinese were and were not going to rescue it and then the<br />

receivers were appointed.<br />

An auction to sell the cars in stock was announced and Mike decided that if ever he<br />

was going to have a new MG, this was the time. The pressure was on! 2 days before<br />

the auction we drove a manual and it changed all our thinking. Our everyday cars are<br />

all automatic so this was from left-field. We got to the auction ¾ hours early (anyone<br />

who knows Mike’s timekeeping will know how important this mission had become),<br />

found ourselves a seat and prepared for the auction. It was a very difficult auction<br />

with bidders in 5 states and the cars being sold in runs not individual lots. We had<br />

watched over 150 cars sold by the time they got to the MGZT 190 so had worked out<br />

the system. We were the winning bidders on the first run of ZT190s and Mike chose<br />

his Xpower Grey sedan.<br />

There were all sorts of things to be done the next day before we went to pick up the<br />

car including getting the registration ZZT 190.<br />

Now to get to the reason for this title -<br />

We were planning to go on the TSOA Christmas in July run to Mirboo North and<br />

decided to take the MGZT. We arrived after most people and everyone was sheltering<br />

from the wind. We parked right in front and the reactions on the faces as we pulled<br />

up, was priceless!! The arrival caused a minor stampede as people came to have a<br />

look and a sit-in.<br />

We then set off for the morning tea stop. As we came into Berwick, Mike spotted a<br />

banner that said MGF. Yes the spot that Joe Perillo had chosen was the same as<br />

chosen by the MGF and ZT Register of the MG Car <strong>Club</strong>!! We suddenly realized we<br />

were batting for both teams!<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 9 of 14


We had a chat to some of the MG people and were handed a membership form. Good<br />

recruiters! As we were about to leave, a lady knocked on Mike’s window and asked<br />

whether the MGs were about to leave. Mike told her we were in TSOA not the<br />

MGCC. She was not taking this though and it was only after checking out his name<br />

badge that she believed him.<br />

Now for some serious driving. What a great route Joe chose. The MGZT loved the<br />

corners, the hills and the opportunity to catch up to everyone else after helping the car<br />

with the petrol problem. [I am not mentioning the model as we have one as well and<br />

we love it and do not like derogatory comments regarding it].<br />

Lunch and catching up with everyone was wonderful as usual and we look forward to<br />

our next outing in the…..TR5 or Stag.<br />

A day out at the Sandown Classic Races<br />

By Maree Thomson<br />

Mike and I are not horse racing groupies but the opportunity to go to Sandown and<br />

combine cars and horses was too much to resist. Bruce Shaw, President of the<br />

Triumph Sports <strong>Owners</strong> Association (one of our other car clubs), had asked us to<br />

bring our non-Triumph – the <strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Martin</strong> DB5 - to put in Shannons Show and Shine<br />

car display. After gathering at Bunnings and then in the public carpark, we finally<br />

made our way to the Pit Village Car Park. This was a great spot to watch the action<br />

and chat to all our TSOA friends, whilst keeping a close eye on the car.<br />

We had champagne, a nice BBQ lunch and listened to all the usual betting hard-luck<br />

stories. Mike and I had attended the Werribee Cup a couple of weeks ago and had<br />

backed the Cup winner, Roman Arch. This horse was running in the next race, the<br />

Shannons Sandown Classic, so Mike put his monthly pocket money ($10.00) on an<br />

each-way bet. Just before the race, we were surrounded by Shannons employees and<br />

Mike was asked if the <strong>Aston</strong> was his. We were then asked to accompany them. (Off<br />

the premises perhaps?) After a minute or so, they stopped and said that they had<br />

better tell us what was happening. Mike’s car had been chosen by the manager of<br />

Sponsorship at the Melbourne Racing <strong>Club</strong> plus the Shannons team, as the winner in<br />

the Show and Shine!!!!<br />

We were then escorted through the crowd, through the Members’ Enclosure and into<br />

the Committee Only Stand – front row of course. We watched the race and to our joy<br />

Roman Arch won!!! We were then asked to go down onto the grass with the owner,<br />

trainer, jockey and strapper and were presented with a lovely trophy. Mike made a<br />

speech thanking all which unfortunately could not be heard where our fellow TSOA<br />

members were watching.<br />

What an honour, what a thrill.<br />

Mike’s <strong>Aston</strong> has been back on the road for 11 years after a complete restoration. In<br />

that time it has travelled 23,000 miles so it is a compliment to him that the car is still<br />

winning prizes like this one. A big thank you goes to Bruce and TSOA for the<br />

opportunity to attend such a day but the biggest thank you goes to the Shannons team,<br />

especially Matthew, Richard, Haroulla and Shelley, for their hospitality and<br />

organisation.<br />

I do not always attend days like this with Mike but had decided to make a special<br />

effort this time- and I am so pleased I did. Can’t wait for next year!<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 10 of 14


Report on Tony’s Breakfast Run<br />

By Frank Miles.<br />

Ahh, a Sunday run, great. Start up the green monster and nose out onto the Tulla.<br />

Hmm, looking at that speedo it’s pretty hard to tell whether I’m doing 100 or<br />

120…the Police speed tolerance may be tested here, I’m thinking. Luckily no sirens<br />

or blue lights, heh (I think it was closer to 120). Driving through the Northern ‘burbs<br />

I ponder, not many <strong>Aston</strong> owners out here, just thistles and rocks, and maybe the odd<br />

marijuana farm or two.<br />

Pulling into the rendezvous point, after a false attempt a turn or two earlier (I hope noone<br />

saw that), I notice I’m the first to arrive…maybe I got the address wrong again,<br />

but no, a fleet of David Brown’s finest soon arrive. After the customary sizing up of<br />

all attendees cars, with particular emphasis on ones not previously seen, and the usual<br />

friendly chit chat with everyone, we’re off….damn, it transpired we left 2 minutes too<br />

early for Mike and Maree who nevertheless enjoyed a great drive, I believe, to the top<br />

of the mountain.<br />

Tony Smith gives a briefing on the days outing.<br />

Us early birds (perhaps we had the time wrong, M & M?) drove in grand fashion into<br />

the grounds of Sunbury’s most elegant property, Rupertswood, for a dekko at the old<br />

mansion followed by a mixed breakfast-lunch at the Coach House, itself a building of<br />

some style. Despite the poached eggs exhibiting signs of enjoying an extended stay<br />

in the cook’s pot, for some tastes, the meal was exemplary and we left for the rest of<br />

the run fairly well sated.<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 11 of 14


Everyone enjoying a nice “Brunch” at the Rupertswood coach house.<br />

The run itself consisted of a scenic tour through the Macedon area, complete with a<br />

variety of country roads, windy, twisty, bending, turning, etc., with the occasional<br />

section ripe for a bit of hooning, where the speed tolerance could be measured in mph,<br />

not kph (using, once again, those earlier figures). Somewhere during the trip, we<br />

became somewhat fractured as a group, possibly as a result of individual differences<br />

in the treatment of the special hooning areas.<br />

All in all, another very enjoyable outing, with thanks to Tony and Heather Smith for<br />

organising it.<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 12 of 14


MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM 2006<br />

To the Treasurer, <strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>Owners</strong> <strong>Club</strong>, <strong>Victoria</strong>n Register Inc.<br />

Dr. J Vochala, Level 4, 124 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000<br />

Dear Sir,<br />

I, the undersigned desire to be elected an Ordinary/Family/Junior member of the <strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Martin</strong> <strong>Owners</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>Victoria</strong>n<br />

Register Inc. I do hereby agree that, in the event of my election as a member, I will be governed by the Memorandum<br />

and Articles of Association and Bylaws as they are now formed, or as they may hereafter be altered. I will advance the<br />

objectives of the <strong>Club</strong> as far as shall be in my power. Provided that wherever I shall signify to the Secretary that I am<br />

desirous of withdrawing from the <strong>Club</strong>, I shall (after payment of any arrears which may be due by me at that date and<br />

after the return of any badges belonging to the <strong>Club</strong>) be free from this obligation.<br />

I enclose cheque/postal order payable to AMOC, <strong>Victoria</strong>n Register Inc.<br />

Subscription for Ordinary member $50.00 $…………………<br />

Subscription for Family member $65.00 $…………………<br />

Junior member $30.00 $…………………<br />

Entrance fee for Ordinary/Family member $25.00 $…………………<br />

TOTAL $…………………<br />

Signature:………………………………………………….. Date:………/…………/………….<br />

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS<br />

PRINCIPAL MEMBER (All types) SECOND MEMBER (Family Membership only)<br />

Title: (Mr. Mrs. Miss. Ms. Dr. etc.)…………………………..….. Title: (Mr. Mrs. Miss. Ms. Dr. etc.)…………………………..…..<br />

Surname:…………………………………………………..<br />

Surname:……………………………………<br />

……………..<br />

Forenames:………………………………………………..<br />

Forenames:…………………………………<br />

……………..<br />

Date of birth Junior only:………………………………. Link with principal Member:…………………………..<br />

(spouse, cousin, parent, partner etc.)<br />

Address:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………<br />

…………………………………………………………….. PostCode:…………………………………………………..<br />

Telephone – home:………………………………………... Telephone – work:…………………………………………<br />

Telephone –mobile:……………………………………….. E-mail:……………………………………………………..<br />

CAR DETAILS<br />

(Please give details of any other <strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Martin</strong>s owned on a separate sheet.)<br />

Model:……………………………………………………...<br />

Year:………………………………………<br />

………………..<br />

Chassis or VIN number:……………………………………Engine<br />

number:…………………………………………….<br />

Registration:………………………………………………..<br />

RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 13 of 14


RUNNING AMOC Dec <strong>2005</strong>.doc Page 14 of 14

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