72 replies to this topic

[GeoffR]

Just a few pics from Saturday ...

 

 

 

 

 

[Geoff Smedley]

Would loved to have been there but I'm afraid the old chassis needs a service!

[ellrosso]

Is that Rod Wilcox following Geoff Munyard through the Esses Geoff? New car for Rod? Would have liked to have been there too - track looks good. Spoke to Bruce Gowans on Friday and he said there was a big entry for the meeting.

Edited by ellrosso, 04 October 2014 - 19:46.

[GeoffR]

Car no 102 is Darryl Wilcox. The Wilcox clan had 3 cars there, the 'FX' as well as an EH and V8 Monaro. It was a big meeting for Baskerville, something like 200 cars & bikes.

[ellrosso]

They just need an XU-1 to complete the full set now!

[stuartbrs]

It was a fantastic weekend. Biggest crowd in 23 years apparently. Just goes to show that the people prefer steel over carbon fibre..

 

Baskerville is just about the perfect place for an Historic meet.

Edited by stuartbrs, 05 October 2014 - 21:54.

[Ray Bell]

Max Stahl was very enthusiastic about it all...

They took him down to reunite him with the early Holden he raced in the '80s.

[GeoffR]

From the Hobart Mercury on Saturday October 4 .....

 

Edited by GeoffR, 06 October 2014 - 06:26.

[275 GTB-4]

Nice artycule!...however, "the original stars of the V8 Supercar world" means its was written by a kid
 
[PS this might be a clue...Current Photographer at News Ltd]

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 06 October 2014 - 08:04.

[stuartbrs]

Some nice photos. The atmosphere all weekend was perfect. This meeting is certainly gathering momentum now.

 

http://www.examiner....art-2/#slide=76

[GeoffR]

I think they call that 'editorial licence' don't they??

 

In regard to Targa Tas being a 'proudest achievement'. I can remember a meeting held in Hobart back then between MS and John Large met with a number of local car clubs who aired their concerns about the event (Tassie back then was not used to speed events on public roads). Max was subsequently critical of my meeting minutes which I always maintained were an accurate record of the meeting. Despite the concerns of the time Targa Tas has proved to be a successful and long lived event.

[Ray Bell]

Right from the beginning Max didn't want the Targa to be as much of a high speed event as it has been...

It's hard to say whether or not his ideas would have either worked or resulted in fewer deaths, injuries or damaged cars.

[Lee Nicolle]

Right from the beginning Max didn't want the Targa to be as much of a high speed event as it has been...

It's hard to say whether or not his ideas would have either worked or resulted in fewer deaths, injuries or damaged cars.

I am not sure of the answers to Targa. To me all of those events have been quite dangerous. I am surprised how many competitors are willing to take the risk. 

Many have been embarrassed and crashed in Tassy. Dick Johnson, Peter Brock [in James Torana] Mick Doohan as well as the Beast and Bana have come to grief. And Brock got killed in a similar event.

What is the death and injury toll now? I know it is way too high.

Targa Adelaide too has had more than a bit of carnage. 3 or 4 killed and many injured. And a lot of cars trashed too.

 

BTW, the Baskerville event looked to be very well recieved. I am glad for you blokes in Hobart it went so well.

Edited by Lee Nicolle, 06 October 2014 - 09:24.

[GeoffR]

Thanks for that insight Ray, I seem to recall that at that meeting the emphasis was on a speed event, which was what concerned the Tassie folk. Maybe that came more from J Large than Max?? I must admit that the publicity around Targa seems to emphasise the speed aspect rather than the variety of cars that are involved.

[GeoffR]

 I am surprised how many competitors are willing to take the risk. 

 

I come from a gravel rally background and have always been circumspect in my evaluation of tarmac 'rallies'. At least on gravel you had an indication that you were starting to slide (losing grip). On tarmac you have grip then all of a sudden you have lost it, often at high speed. End result can be totally different.

[brucemoxon]

Max will be livid that the car is called an "FX". he was always insistent that they were a 48/215.

And is this the car he built for Appendix J's return in 1981?

 

 

 

 

Bruce Moxon

[Lee Nicolle]

Max will be livid that the car is called an "FX". he was always insistent that they were a 48/215.

And is this the car he built for Appendix J's return in 1981?

 

 

 

 

Bruce Moxon

I have been around many early enthusiasts. And virtually they all say the same thing. 48s are 48 215s. FX was a 60s and on thing.

Tassy must be the humpy capital now. How many are running there now?

Edited by Lee Nicolle, 06 October 2014 - 21:49.

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by GeoffR
Thanks for that insight Ray, I seem to recall that at that meeting the emphasis was on a speed event, which was what concerned the Tassie folk. Maybe that came more from J Large than Max?? I must admit that the publicity around Targa seems to emphasise the speed aspect rather than the variety of cars that are involved.

Max was eased out of the organisation before the first event and has been unhappy with John Large ever since...

His ideas were certainly not as 'high speed' as the event finished up. Witness his subsequent organisation of the Camp Quality Caper to see how he was always more reserved about these things.

And Bruce, he's losing his grip. Yesterday I heard him say 'FX' on the phone, though it seemed the utterance was somewhat tentative.

[Dick Willis]

Max will be livid that the car is called an "FX". he was always insistent that they were a 48/215.

And is this the car he built for Appendix J's return in 1981?

 

 

 

 

Bruce Moxon

I think it is, later owned by Roger Wells then to Tassie. The original 60s Brian Muir/Max Stahl  car was written off in the 60s.

[Ray Bell]

You're right, Dick...

This is the Stahl/Wells car, not the Muir/Stahl car.

[Dick Willis]

Anyway, its good to see the Humpys enjoying a resurgence in Tassie.

[GMACKIE]

Dick, I think you have got it there.....Max would be more likely to call the car a "Humpy".

[Geoff Smedley]

I can recall Max Stahl coming to visit me in around 1990 and brushed the idea of a Targa type of event to be run in Tasmania and I was very skeptical about the idea as many fantasy events had been brought to the table in this state and all had failed.  A few weeks later Max returned with John Large and girlfriend Rhonda (who had been Peter Brocks manager for a number of years),and showed a more detailed proposal of the event and seeking sponsorship should the event be given the green light. I well remember the group left for Hobart and to my surprise received a favorable response from the people in power and of course John and Rhonda ran steamroller over Max and he bowed out, but to me Max Stahl has always been denied credit for Targa Tasmania, an event that initially brought many great cars to the state creating interest for most of the population but today it has become simply a bit of a yawn.

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by GMACKIE
Dick, I think you have got it there... Max would be more likely to call the car a "Humpy".

I can't say I've ever heard Max use that term often at all...

As for the concentration on them at Baskerville, it's been the case for many years that early Holdens have had a strong following in Tasmania. I think there was about six went over from the Mainland for this meeting to join the throng that live there.

[Ellis French]

Early Holdens at Historic Baskerville....

 

There were 9 from Australia plus the Holden Engined Viva Sports Sedan which was built in Tasmania = 10

From Qld ...1 EH and 3 Humpies

From Vic.....1 EH , 1 FE. and 3 Humpies

From NSW..1 Holden Engined Viva Sports Sedan

 

The Total field of Early Holdens numbered 33 (Track density is 36)

 

Total entries all classes was 204 which included approx 20 Motor Cycles.

35 Entrants were from Australia and one was from UK, the remainder were Tassies.

 

Max Stahl was there at the invitation of several of the Holden Brigade and was a most fitting guest.

He did a stint in the commentary box and prize presentation and proudly drove his old Humpy on

the parade lap with  35 event entries plus two guest well known local ex competitors in their

old Holden race cars making a total of 37 cars on the display lap after the Grid Walk .

Edited by Ellis French, 07 October 2014 - 13:03.

[Ray Bell]

Funny...

I always thought Tasmania was part of Australia.

[GeoffR]

Copy of the program page for the Holden only events ....

 

[Lee Nicolle]

Funny...

I always thought Tasmania was part of Australia.

Only on some maps Ray. 

[Lee Nicolle]

Copy of the program page for the Holden only events ....

 

An interesting lot of capacities. I doubt many are accurate!

[ellrosso]

Like the Wilcox Blue...... they have obviously trademarked it by now! I think Darryl started with it in 1967? Great to see Roy Reeve on the list - still using No 48 - Peter Lockley's old number.

[Stinky]

Hullo All;

Working completely from memory here but wasn't Max's original car written off in a monumental rollover on the approach to Craven A corner at Catalina?

Memory also tells me that Max was not the best after the incident.

Cheers.

Roger.

[Stinky]

Hullo All;

Working completely from memory here but wasn't Max's original car written off in a monumental rollover on the approach to Craven A corner at Catalina?

Memory also tells me that Max was not the best after the incident.

Cheers.

Roger.

[Ray Bell]

Certainly Max's original (ex-Brian Muir) car would have got a new body after that classic rollover between Dunlop and Craven A, around the same spot as where Cusack and Gardner came together one time...

His rollover in Craven A was repairable, so I guess he had to do a better job of it second time round. And I think you're right that he had some injuries.

[Ellis French]

Funny...

I always thought Tasmania was part of Australia.

 

How long since you have been here Ray? ....Things change for the better

Edited by Ellis French, 09 October 2014 - 00:34.

[Ellis French]

Is that Rod Wilcox following Geoff Munyard through the Esses Geoff? New car for Rod? Would have liked to have been there too - track looks good. Spoke to Bruce Gowans on Friday and he said there was a big entry for the meeting.

  

Elrosso

 

Its Rod's car, he was away and Darryl drove it  in the Holden Only Events...the other car is John Talbots driven here by Munyard

Edited by Ellis French, 09 October 2014 - 00:34.

[Ellis French]

Certainly Max's original (ex-Brian Muir) car would have got a new body after that classic rollover between Dunlop and Craven A, around the same spot as where Cusack and Gardner came together one time...

His rollover in Craven A was repairable, so I guess he had to do a better job of it second time round. And I think you're right that he had some injuries.

 

 

I believe Max's original "Humpy" ended up being stolen.

[Ellis French]

Like the Wilcox Blue...... they have obviously trademarked it by now! I think Darryl started with it in 1967? Great to see Roy Reeve on the list - still using No 48 - Peter Lockley's old number.

 

 

"Wilcox" Blue is actually Eden Blue

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Ellis French
How long since you have been here Ray? ....Things change for the better

August 2005, Ellis...

I might make it back for Longford next year if it looks good enough.

There's not much about Tassie that could be bettered, is there?

[ken devine]

Has anybody got a date for Longford next year?

[ellrosso]

Just while your on Ellis (and your a Lonny boy), did you know Darryl Boyd back in the day? I remember when he first raced that EH it was green/white roof (std Holden colours) and I think it had a 149 motor with triple SU's from memory - do you know if that's right? I might be getting his car mixed up with David Elson - you might have programs which show both cars.

I know it had a 179 later on for sure when it was metallic blue.

[GeoffR]

Has anybody got a date for Longford next year?

According to the handout I received at Baskerville it's 20-21 March 2015

 

I might be getting his car mixed up with David Elson

When I was a young guy in Mildura back in the early '70s there was a guy showed up from Tassie with a red EH, and I seem to recall his name was Dave Elson (or something very similar). Ring any bells with anyone who was in Tassie back then?

[Lee Nicolle]

"Wilcox" Blue is actually Eden Blue

The turquiose/blue on the humpy and Torana above are not Eden blue. That is quite dark. Beecheys EH was at a guess Eden Blue, if not very close. I have painted 3 cars that color myself.

[ellrosso]

Here is a shot of David from Baskerville 1970

[Ellis French]

Just while your on Ellis (and your a Lonny boy), did you know Darryl Boyd back in the day? I remember when he first raced that EH it was green/white roof (std Holden colours) and I think it had a 149 motor with triple SU's from memory - do you know if that's right? I might be getting his car mixed up with David Elson - you might have programs which show both cars.

I know it had a 179 later on for sure when it was metallic blue.

 

 

Darryl Boyd is still around in NE Tas but not in good shape.

 

Dont remember Darryl's car ever being Green altho it may have been. His Humpy and later his EH were metallic Blue....was 149 then 179 tho.

 

David Elsons EH was red...similar colour to Mahnkens..It was his road car and he converted it for racing...came  from NW Coast 5 km from where I lived.

 

 

 

 

 Longford Revival....March 20- 21   2015

 

 

 

Eden Blue .....Lee

The Wilcox Clan had a song  when they were in the mood back in the day sung to the tune of "The Yellow Submarine"

 

We all live in an Eden Blue EH....Eden Blue EH....Eden Blue EH....etc etc

 

In fact I mentioned it to Darryl on Frid of Baskerville and he burst into song....Maybe  they put too much White in the 200 Litres of it

that they must have had and it was "a lighter shade of pale".....lol

Edited by Ellis French, 09 October 2014 - 20:32.

[Ellis French]

August 2005, Ellis...

I might make it back for Longford next year if it looks good enough.

There's not much about Tassie that could be bettered, is there?

 

 

Necessity of Passports to get in ...maybe...lol

[Ellis French]

An interesting lot of capacities. I doubt many are accurate!

 

 

Exactly the same accuracy ratio as in the day Lee I would think......about 10% correct

 

 

Edit...Just checked the prog Lee and 18 of the 33 are correct....more honesty than I thought.

Edited by Ellis French, 09 October 2014 - 20:49.

[ellrosso]

This is a good period shot of Darryl Wilcox's FX and EH towcar in the photographer David Keep's driveway at Risdon Vale on the Eastern Shore of Hobart. No doubt stopping off for a "couple" before the long haul (back in those days) back to Huonville.

[GeoffR]

 

David Elsons EH was red...similar colour to Mahnkens..It was his road car and he converted it for racing...came  from NW Coast 5 km from where I lived.

 

That would be the one that showed up in Mildura then. Funny thing was, at the time a guy up there had a blue EH with white stripes and the number plates PK 751 that he claimed to be the ex Beechey EH, but the motor in that was nothing compared to the one that was in the red Tassie EH!

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Ellis French
I believe Max's original "Humpy" ended up being stolen.

I'd never heard the story before, I don't think...

Ron Hodgson advertised the car for £1,000 and a 17-year old turned up with the cash. He took the car and parked it in the street near his home.

That night someone stole the carburettors.

The next day, therefore, he moved it around the corner. I guess it was a quieter street. The rest of the car was stolen from there the second night he owned it.

A pretty sad tale, but you hear them from time to time. I gather it was never found, maybe it would have been if they'd (the kid and his mother) concentrated on getting the police to look for the car rather than try to get Max to refund the purchase money.

[Ellis French]

http-::youtu.be:Hiq_GOdmCuc

 

Some of the Earlies going out to Practice Baskerville Historics 2014