Performance Automobiles was based in Hobart and founded by Dennis Pooley, John's father. Dennis was from the UK and Performance Automobiles were originally VW dealers, and they took on Subaru in the early 70s. John took over the business after Dennis retired and he ran it for a number of years. The family now runs the successful Pooly Wines, which Dennis started with a small vineyard in the Coal River valley. PAs are now agents for Subaru, VW, Porsche and Mercedes Benz.
Early Lotus sales outlets in Australia
#151
Posted 08 January 2018 - 02:18
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#152
Posted 08 January 2018 - 19:55
Dennis P did indeed hail from South London, a friend of my late father before they emigrated to Tasmania. I'm sure Vic would have been delighted to know that a vinery developed from the motor business as they would have enjoyed the odd glass when attending Le Mans back in the day.
Fyrth Crosse
#153
Posted 09 January 2018 - 10:55
Despite barking up the wrong tree on Tasmania's (Goss/Bates) Performance Cars and the (Pooley) Performance Automobiles (refer previous page last couple of posts) it's good to see something good came of the mention of the Pooley's.
For Fyrth... http://www.pooleywines.com.au/
Thanks for the clarification Geoff, I'm not sure where the VW connection started and ended, but they sold and raced BMC cars in 1967.when there was a BMC factory magazine run a feature on them. One of ellrosso's oldracephotos snappers had the gig for the feature photos (Geoff Harrisson).
Stephen.
#154
Posted 11 January 2018 - 03:39
Just to give a bit of background to Performance Automobiles (and various pics). They were very prominent amongst the Southern sporting car/racing scene from the mid 60's onwards. John Pooley built the rear engined VW based sports car and from memory that was his first race car (refer accident pic with Goss FJ behind - Baiilie Galaxie just visible at rear too). In 1967 John and Mike Dorney ran two Cooper S's (black /gold roof) at local Tassy events. Mike's dad was a well known doctor in Hobart and Mike's day job was an ambulance driver. In 1968 Mike's S was painted gold with black stripes and John continued with his in PA colours. John dipped out of regular competition (to my knowledge) till 1975 when he purchased the Tom Naughton Porsche and also raced the VW Passat. He may have had the odd go in a Vee PA's sponsored , but I think he was effectively out of it after 1975.
Geoff Harrisson knew John well and we had a good chat with him at the HSCC 50th Anniversary (Bask) in 2004 when we launched the oldracephotos website.
Pooley Wines does very well these days and is pitched towards the upper end of the quality scale. Their HQ is a beautifully restored historic homestead on the LH side of the road as you go into Richmond and I think his children are involved as well (so I've been told). Shot of Leo Geoghegan in Elite at Longford to get back on thread.
#155
Posted 12 January 2018 - 09:28
To add to the stunning Geoghegan photo posted by Lindsay, if you click the link it will take you to one of the series of Lotus Elite features pmurray orchestrated as editor for the LCV magazine on the Australian delivered cars.
http://lotusclubvic....2LotusNotes.pdf
Stephen
#156
Posted 12 January 2018 - 09:51
This link will take you to the feature on Derek Jolly who imported the early Elites. If you only scroll as far as page 15 then I will understand the reason.
http://lotusclubvic....9LotusNotes.pdf
Stephen
#157
Posted 12 January 2018 - 12:06
Originally posted by cooper997
To add to the stunning Geoghegan photo posted by Lindsay.....
It actually is stunning...
That corner would have been the MOST important corner on the circuit for the Elite. An awkward braking area as they came flying off the Long Bridge, a tight climbing corner with solid kerbing leading to the longest straight. All of this would have been so important for a 1220cc Elite dicing with much bigger cars.
.
Edited by Ray Bell, 12 January 2018 - 12:07.
#158
Posted 03 February 2018 - 00:05
In the mid-eighties I was a Manager of a Melbourne based accounting firm which specialised in motor dealers and via Geelong's Porsche Dealer, Chris Taylor (Motors in Mercer Street) we were referred to 'Pools' , at that time Performance Automobiles were located in 269 Davey Street Hobart and had Porsche, Subaru, Volvo , and perhaps one or two other franchises.
JP was careful with the $, so on my trips there I stayed with he and his family at their home, a farm they had at Campania, which is a drop kick from Richmond where Pooley Estates is now. The drive with John to Campania was great- safe, fast! Libby would cook a meal from farm produce and John would produce a post meal Port and the work continued well into the evening whilst 'the meter is off- it is off isn't it Mark?!,
Several times in the evening we walked into the next valley where Johns mum and dad had a farm- and where the first grapes were grown. For years I was sent bottles of the wine which at that stage was Chateau Cats Widdle. In the morning we would go for a run, he never did enjoy the jokes about his cute sheep explaining that he was a Tasmanian not a Kiwi.
We kept in touch and years later I bought a 3.2 Carrera from him, a memorable trip my then 4 year old son still remembers, not least for him chundering on the plane, in the rear seat of Pooley's Subaru demo car- JP picked us up from the airport, and in the ferry on the way back to Melbourne! When I got the car to Melbourne it was checked over by Porsche Melbourne as JP and I had agreed, 'it had been hit by the Southern Aurora' , the whole front of it had been replaced. JP sent the car back to SV's in Sydney from whom he acquired it, refunded my money, costs and knocked on my door in Melbourne several weeks later with a Subaru loan car he let me have for a couple of months! A very honourable guy to do business with.
Roll forward another few years and he invited three of us down to Targa to have dinner with Walter Rohrl, his wife, Klaus Bischof (Porshe Museum) Walter ran a 911 of some sort that year- somewhere I have notes of that conversation, if ever I can find them they will form the basis of a nice article!
I've lost touch with John but I do know he sold the dealership business some years back but he didn't sell the dirt- three years ago when last I was in Hobart the dealership premises were still there, albeit all closed up, a shame really as it was a very busy, buzzy place in its heyday.
Time moves on- it's amusing that the two little kids on the farm at Campania are now the wine makers/operators of Pooley Estates and that the wine is now far from Chateau Cats Piss!
John Pooley, a gentleman of the old school and fine businessman and driver .
#159
Posted 03 February 2018 - 09:44
I'd forgotten that one. They had been dealing with Proven Products since back when it was Peter Antill Motors.
.
Edited by Ray Bell, 03 February 2018 - 09:47.
#161
Posted 23 May 2018 - 07:25
Nice story Mark. John was racing the Cooper S at my first ever race meeting at Baskerville in May 1967 and was one of our top Mini racers in Tassy back then. Mike Dorney used to race under the PA banner back then too.
John called in on our trade tent at Bask in 2004 when we launched the ORP website at the HSCC 50th Anniversary meeting and had a good chat with Geoff Harrisson and myself. Very well regarded in Hobart circles.
Just a quick pic of him dicing with Tony Calvert's EH at Syms in 1967 - Copyright : David Keep (one I had on the desktop to go on the ORP Instagram page)
#163
Posted 03 January 2019 - 11:08
I've tried messaging 'DanTra2858' about the matter following, as he worked at Geoghegans about the time, but I haven't heard back. I'm hoping he may spot this and reply. (edit - reply received, thanks)
With the restoration of the Bob Caddy Lotus Cortina complete the only bit of information missing is the 12 months between when it was traded to a BMC dealer for a Morris 1100 and it being purchased from Geoghegans.
https://forums.autos...alia/?p=8570773
In addition to the Geoghegans logo on the rear window the car sported two green stripes with gold trim (Castrol livery) on the front apron, when purchased from Geoghegans. Fascinated to know the origins of the stripes. A workshop prank or a marketing ploy maybe?
Attention Mr Medley; I passed on your "kind regards" to Stevie. He was stunned that the term 'kind' was in your vocabulary!
Edited by Wirra, 04 January 2019 - 23:50.
#164
Posted 03 January 2019 - 20:03
Thanks, Wirra.
Please advise Stevie that I never forget a poor quality insult-- of which he attempts one. And I am not only kind, but also witty and handsome.
#165
Posted 03 January 2019 - 20:33
#167
Posted 26 August 2019 - 23:18
These photos appear to be of different show events. The last photo appears to be from late 62 / early 63. The poster for the Warwick Farm event states it is the Grand Prix and 10 Feb - the only time that occurred was 1963 - the Bathurst date is 15th April - that again is 1963.
My guess is the car here is Lotus 20 20-J-960. The car carries the No.5 and that is the number given to the Geoghegans at Catalina in March and May (63) and although I don't have reference to the January meeting 63, l'll bet they carried that number there too. Just before that (20th January) they competed at Calder in 960 also with the no.5 for the car.
So my guess is this is very late 62 but more likely very early (before 10 Feb) 63.
Note if you are researching dates for meeting there is a terrific website that is listing race programme front covers all known meetings worldwide to be found at
http://www.progcover...otor/index.html
go to covers by track - or covers by year etc ...
Edited by ed holly, 26 August 2019 - 23:28.
#168
Posted 27 August 2019 - 03:00
I agree Ed that the two photos are at different venues
The first is at a motor show at maybe the old RAS.
The second is very different IMHO. Look at the marble columns and the woodwork in the counters. It may be in a CBD bank office. It is certainly not a motor show
#169
Posted 27 August 2019 - 10:49
Maybe a display arranged especially somewhere.
#170
Posted 28 August 2019 - 05:10
The more I look at the 2 photographs the more I tend to agree that the first one was taken at a motor show, possibly the old Sydney(International?) Motor Show at the original Moore Park showground whilst the second appears to be in a Commonwealth Bank building.
.
The "Motorist" signage on the display board and the window appear to say Commonwealth Savings Bank.
The Commonwealth Bank building in Elizabeth Street Sydney near Martin Place has a lower floor level that can be seen from the footpath where the 2 gentlemen are looking in through the 3 pane window fixture that still exists today.
Obviously I could be wrong but I was walking past the bank yesterday and it caught my attention so much so that last night I got the old magnifying glass out to closer examine the photo. I checked the Google street scene and whilst the sunny conditions and reflections tended to prevent seeing inside the rest of the façade looks similar.
#171
Posted 30 August 2019 - 00:31
It was taken in the pavilion to the south of the very big Commemorative Pavilion, in the pavilion with the red and blue squares on outside wall (I'd love to post a photo of it but beyond my skills)
https://dictionaryof....org/media/3829
The main big exhibitors were in the Hall of Industries and Commemorative Pavilion. The overflow was in this much smaller pavilion, hence the few spectators.
It must have been 1964 or later as Ed says in post #1 that is when Geoghegans first imported Elans.
as noted by chatswood47 the second photo is in the glorious old Commonwealth Bank Building on the corner of Martin Place and Elizabeth Street Sydney
I alluded to this in post #168.
I was familiar with place as I used to work in nearby Philip Street.
Edited by TerryS, 30 August 2019 - 06:56.
#173
Posted 27 April 2020 - 08:39
I know this isn;t strictly Lotus, But it's Derek Jolly related and given he was friends with Colin Chapman and an early Lotus mporter to Australia...
These come from Tony Johns collection and show Derek Jolly's Austin Seven that helped forge the connection with Colin and Lotus..
What follows is Tony's photo descriptions...
"The first photo taken at the 5th Templestowe Hill Climb (Austin with bodywork) on March 9, 1953. The results and report in the March AMS record Derek with a time of 70.6 seconds in second place to Otto Stone driving Stan Jones Q type MG 67.41 a new class record.
The other photo shows it later form when the earlier body was removed and it was then a sprint chassis and to save weight the radiator was mounted above the gearbox. Also two piece alloy head and hydraulic brakes are now fitted. I ended up owning the very close ratio gearbox from the Jolly Austin and it is still in my first racing car which is now owned by Peter Mathews. When Peter Hollinger built our special four speeds in a three speed gearbox for the 1981 Raid cars we used the same ratios. All very interesting stuff to me but I doubt to anyone else.
Max Foster was the last Australian owner of the Jolly Austin before it was sold to the UK."
Stephen
#174
Posted 29 April 2020 - 00:13
This Elite Super 95 was probably out of warranty by the time it reached its 'first' owner in 1976.
It was the final Elite imported to Australia by Derek Jolly and thanks to occasional TNF poster 'pmurray' has been identified as Chassis 1941. Derek Jolly used the car in Europe before it was sent to Adelaide. Then in 1976 he sold the car to his old Victorian Lotus agent, John Roxburgh - by that stage a Datsun dealer. Who Tony Johns was working for at the time. TJ getting to use the Elite and hence how this photo came about. It must be early upon its arrival to its Victorian residency, because it's still showing its South Australian rego 'RLU...' on the nose.
Without giving too much of the story away, this is the only Australian delivered Elite not to get it's own feature a few years ago in the series Peter co-ordinated in the Lotus Club Victoria club magazine.on the history of each of Derek's Elite imports. At the time things didn't fall into place to enable completion of the part drafted article. But perhaps that may now change... It is of course more familiar to most as the yellow and silver car, that for the last 3 and a bit decades has been with the Mottrams
Stephen
Edited by cooper997, 29 April 2020 - 04:01.
#175
Posted 29 April 2020 - 02:53
Thanks for posting Stephen.
David and Pat Mottram have been close mates since the mid-nineties, he has prepared my Formula Fords and together we owned and (he) restored Roberto Moreno’s 1981 AGP winning Ralt RT4 ‘261’.
I wrote an article about the Mottram’s Elite here; https://primotipo.co...g-similarities/
As Stephen wrote, ‘Rockerbox’ bought the car in 1976 and the Mottram’s from him in 1990, David commented that the car ex-factory was painted yellow with a silver roof as it is now, ‘Derek Jolly must have painted (white) it after one of his offs’.
The sad thing is that DJ was a bit mean in his old age, David asked him to provide the competition history of the car- Derek was happy to do that for a fee but David’s polite unstated response was ‘get rooted’.
Its a fantastic ‘loved to death by its owners’ motorcar.
I wrote a piece on Derek, his ‘Deccas’ and Lotus 15s here: https://primotipo.co...-and-lotus-15s/
Mark
Edited by MarkBisset, 29 April 2020 - 02:56.
#177
Posted 09 June 2020 - 07:37
Hello,
I don't know if this is the right place to ask my question but I did'nt found another thread.
I am highly interested by the Lotus 47 and every thing linked to this model, and so try to learn about every car.
Now I try in particular to know what is the history of Australian 47s.
I know there were at least to of theses racing cars imported and raced in Australia in the late sixties - early seventies
- One raced by Leo Geoghegan (#47GT27) in 1968 and perhaps Bob Beasley in 1969. It is pictured in Shell oil colours en 1971.
- There was also Peter Woodward who owned one (#47GT55) ans campained it from 1968 to 1975 at least.
- I have also read somewhere that a certain Rex Olliver raced at Winton in 1975 and sold this 47 to Tim Trevor in 1976. But I don't know if this car is one of the above or another one?
That's all what I know.
Do you know more about these facts and about Lotus 47s in Australia?
I would be very grateful is one can help in my search (links, articles, photos, and of course memories of the time or more recent).
Thanks a lot!
#178
Posted 09 June 2020 - 18:39
It's all in Marc's book...
47/GT/27 - Leo Geoghegan > Bob Beasley > Brian Davies/Don Hall > Chris Royston > Peter Green > Felix Smetana/Tony MacAlinden > Peter Woodward > Ross Heidtman/Warren Lee > Alex Reid (Bernie Bisseling sometimes driving) > Peter and Margaret Simms (to 2012)
47D/GT55 - Peter Woodward > Bob Jane > Leo Geoghegan > John Fraser (with BMW engine) > Rex Colliver (original engine) > Tim Briglia (aka Tim Trevor) > Rex Colliver > Don Hume > Jim Shepherd > Ken Hastings > Mr Greenflag (Japan) from 1994.
47/GT/3 - Displayed London Racing Car Show > Chris Barber > various UK owners include Alan Burton, K Sargent, Peter Bell > Vincent Haydon > to Australia in 2009: Richard Mann (to 2012)
Copies are still available.
#179
Posted 09 June 2020 - 22:37
Ray,
many thanks for that, I don’t have Marc’s book so have not seen that neat distillation before- interesting that the opening shot of this quickie article I did on the 47 five years ago is one of the cars which was in Oz for a bit
https://primotipo.co...w-olympia-1969/
the only car I am aware of in Australia now is one being built up by Richard Mann, longtime Melbourne Lotus enthusiast (who owned 47/GT/3), he bought the bones some years back in the UK, as far as I am aware this machine has no Oz history, shall find out how he is progressing. Last I heard he had an FT200 which competed the ‘key components’
Mark
#182
Posted 10 June 2020 - 06:43
Leo told me he really loved the 47 - said it was one of the best cars he had driven. He also gave a rap to the modern Lotus Elan M100 he had driven in an Adelaide rally l think.
#183
Posted 10 June 2020 - 08:33
Thank you all for these valuable answers! I don't know Marc's book (I am in Europe), I will see if I can find a copy.
Interesting to see that Peter Woodward and Leo Geoghegan had owned at some time the two "Australian" 47s.
I read somewhere in another forum that 47GT03 has been bought by Richard Mann who intented to restore it but this info is quite old and I don't know at what stage of restoration it is today.
#184
Posted 10 June 2020 - 09:01
Speaking to Marc today, he says that he's not heard of the Geoghegan 47 having changed hands since Peter Simms bought it...
lotusien, the only avenue to buy Marc's book is direct from Marc. It's not expensive, the price in Australia is $65 including postage (which is a recommendation I'd make to Mark), postage to Europe can be a bit excessive but we can find out for you.
It has a listing of every Lotus which raced in Ausralia both 'in period' and those imported later, the book having been published in 2012. Cars are listed in sections devoted to their type. Some models are grouped together but not many. The car's owners are listed, many of the cars with photos in all ownerships, some only in a few ownerships, it's a very comprehensive work and gives approximations on the numbers of times raced by each owner too. Changes are noted, like variations in engines (as with the BMW in the John Fraser ownership of his 47), replacement chassis, rebuilds and restorations.
The last type number in the book is the 79, one of which came here in the ownership of John Dawson-Damer. John also had a 25, the 32B, the 39, and the 63.
The story behind Peter Woodward owning two cars is that he originally ordered the one which Leo Geoghegan raced and when Leo - who was the Australian agent - decided to race it himself he ordered a new one direct. When he'd had his time with that car he traded it on Bob Jane's Elfin 350 and Jane, like many car dealers, onsold the 47 to someone who could be better able to sell it again - Leo Geoghegan. It was merely 'stock in trade' at that time.
A change in Production Sports Car regulations put the 47 into this category after that time and Woodward bought the original Geoghegan car to run in that class, which had also had the Australian Sports Car Championship gifted to it after it previously had been contested by Sports Racing cars, like the Elfin 350 Woodward had used to win the title a few years earlier.
#185
Posted 10 June 2020 - 16:33
Thanks a lot for the very interesting information Ray. Fun crossing between Geoghegan and Woodward.
I have found Marc's book on the Internet this morning and ordered it. I look forward receving it. Thanks for the information!
#186
Posted 11 June 2020 - 04:38
You won't be disappointed...
I forgot to mention that it lists the chassis number unless it wasn't known. Which applies to very few. But I guess you knew that because I quoted chassis numbers above.
#187
Posted 11 June 2020 - 08:48
Perhaps the answer is in the book, I found this picture of Peter Woodward in 1975. I think this is 47GT27 as Rex Colliver raced also in a 47 in 1975 and his 47 must be 47GT55.
Sorry I cannot put the image.
#188
Posted 11 June 2020 - 09:57
e.mail it to me and I'll put it up for you...
Address below VV
#189
Posted 11 June 2020 - 22:54
Originally posted by lotusien
Perhaps the answer is in the book, I found this picture of Peter Woodward in 1975. I think this is 47GT27 as Rex Colliver raced also in a 47 in 1975 and his 47 must be 47GT55.
Sorry I cannot put the image.
And here it is at Sandown Park in 1975, this is 47/GT/27:
#191
Posted 14 June 2020 - 06:48
Love one of Len’s ploughs sitting off to the side of the track- not ‘really dangerous’ there but sub-optimal in a wayward single-seater...
Quick look at ex-drivers who are still with us- John Fraser pops up on social media, Bernie Bisselling I used to know a bit and Don Hume always has a chat at historic meetings- be good to get some drivers impressions
#192
Posted 14 June 2020 - 07:25
Mark, even by 1969 Health & Safety standards I thought the farm implement could be better placed out of the way of straying racing cars. One can only assume the tractor was elsewhere.
As for Bernie, I purchased some books from him at a Yarra Glen swap meet two or 3 years ago when he was downsizing properties. He got my email, but I never got his. Alas, no contact from him. The Bolwell people might know where he is. He ran a Turner too, IIRC.
Stephen
#193
Posted 14 June 2020 - 13:15
An unusual photo location for the Island...
But a good one. From the spectator area.
#194
Posted 15 June 2020 - 07:17
Pretty environment. Three Lotuses? as the last one seems to be a MkVI?
#195
Posted 15 June 2020 - 09:06
I rather think it's an Elfin Clubman, actually...
But if it isn't, then a Seven would be the only real prospect, only a couple of sixes made it here.
On checking the race report it's nigh on impossible to pick up on it too. A lot of drivers' names without their cars mentioned.
#196
Posted 18 June 2020 - 07:31
the only car I am aware of in Australia now is one being built up by Richard Mann, longtime Melbourne Lotus enthusiast (who owned 47/GT/3), he bought the bones some years back in the UK, as far as I am aware this machine has no Oz history, shall find out how he is progressing. Last I heard he had an FT200 which competed the ‘key components’
Mark
I tried to email Richard to know how is 47GT03 today but this is an old email adress which is not valid now unfortunately.
Here it is seen in 2009 just before shipping from UK to Australia.
#197
Posted 08 July 2020 - 16:35
For Richard Mann news see here https://forums.autos...-4#entry9105017
Otherwise I have just received Marc Schagen book today (nearly one month coming from Australia). I just took a look at it for the moment but I can say the wait was worth it! What a huge job!!!
It's definitely THE reference for australian Lotuses history. Pleasant readings in perspective.
I also tried to contact Peter Simms (owner of 47GT27) but the email I got was old and not valid now unfortunately.
#198
Posted 18 January 2021 - 02:24
So it wasn't delivered new through an Aussie Lotus dealer, as Dennis Ortenburger quotes 'Chequered Flag' selling EB1591 in Jan 61. However it's been in Australia for a very long time. I have an entry of the Ron Brock/Peter Toohey Elite at September 1963 Warwick Farm where it's listed as car 29 & blue. A colour shot (I'm aware of) that it appears in the background of suggests navy blue. But it's been red for most of its life and until last year owned for a very long time by a talented motoring artist with a brother who played a roll at Lotus.
Enjoy the read of Brian's long affair and many adventures here
https://hsrca.com/20...-a-lotus-elite/
Stephen
Edited by cooper997, 18 January 2021 - 02:25.