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Where did Brian Muir's Holden S4 go?


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#1 Ray Bell

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Posted 01 December 2017 - 14:31

The spectacular car of 1964 in Australian racing...

Brian Muir's S4, after running in standard trim at Bathurst in 1963, then modified at the December Warwick Farm - but still in its original colour - turned out for the 1964 season in Torreador Red with that neat green line across the front of the bonnet.

Scroll most of the way down this page for a pic: https://aussieroadra...m/Stanley2.html

It looked great! And it was immediately out in pursuit of the dominant Bob Jane 4.1-litre Jaguar, with the similar Holden of Norm Beechey sometimes running in the same company.

Ray Eldershaw fettled the car, aided by Barry Jackson. Brian worked as a salesman at Heldon Motors, their name was always associated with the car and Shell Oil Company put in some decent sponsorship via Scuderia Veloce.

The car came within an ace of winning the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1964 at Lakeside. Forced to use untried Goodyear tyres, they found out too late that these tyre had accelerated wear as they used up their tread rubber.

This was all with the engine stroked to 3.4-litres. But at the end of 1964 the rules changed and so did a lot of other things.

1. Muir won the Smith's Driver to Europe prize, which would lead to him departing the following May.

2. Scuderia Veloce became a one-driver team focussing on the Brabham BT11 and the Ferrari 250LM.

3. The Mustangs started to arrive, putting the Holden 6 at a disadvantage.

4. Ray Eldershaw realised that his growing family meant that being a racing mechanic didn't satisfy their needs.

The new rules meant that engines could only be increased by boring a maximum of 0.040", as long as that didn't take them out of the capacity class. The S4 was the car most affected by this rule and it was now harder for it to be competitive.

But Muir persisted with Jackson doing much of the work. But he also had to chase up a new sponsor and, like former Scuderia Veloce team-mate Greg Cusack, went to Castrol.

It was all dulled down. They green and white was dull, the lower power didn't help, the fact that 'Muiro' or 'Yogi' was only in it for a short time was also disappointing.

But what about the car when he left?

It was sold to Terry Allan in Melbourne. He had some hairy moments in it, I recall seeing it perched up on the fence at Catalina Park in January 1966... and Peter Brock approaching him and suggesting he go to Preston Motors (Brock's former employer) to get parts at a discount.

Then one of the leading early Holden operators, Dave Price got it. Both of them ran it in an orange colour somewhat (but only somewhat) reminiscent of Muir's spectacular colours.

One of Price's last runs in the car was at the March Winton in 1969, when he was beaten by Brock in a one-off drive in an HR Premier. A few months later Garry Rogers bought the car and raced it at Melbourne meetings.

That's as much as I know. And it's actually more than Ray Eldershaw knew when he raised the subject with me yesterday.

You see, Ray constantly gets phone calls from people wanting to know where it is now!

So, did it (as has been suggested to Ray) go to Western Australia and finish up on the Speedway?

Does anyone know where the car got to after Garry Rogers' ownership?

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#2 2Bob

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Posted 01 December 2017 - 21:07

Muir and Jane

 

N48bvh.jpg



#3 Ray Bell

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Posted 01 December 2017 - 21:39

That was just the day of days, wasn't it?

#4 Librules

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Posted 02 December 2017 - 02:23

Maybe someone could ask Garry Rogers if he can remember who he sold it to?



#5 cooper997

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Posted 02 December 2017 - 07:44

There was a letter in Australian Muscle Car about 5 years ago with the reader asking for a feature on Brian and his S4. The editorial response asked about the cars whereabouts. I'm not sure if that was resolved, but Paul Newby had his feature on Brian's career in an AMC around 12 months ago.

 

If Garry Rogers ran just one EH, then google brings it up in a couple of liveries. The first is in ia more sedate production touring car form and another in a triple color scheme in more sports sedan fashion with flared wheelarches. So if they are one and the same car, then could there be a connection to Bruce Hindhaugh around 1972. Lindsay Ross's oldracephotos brings up an all yellow EH attributed to Bruce. The arches could be a clue as is the yellow with the rear of Rogers triple color scheme being yellow. 

 

Stephen



#6 ellrosso

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Posted 02 December 2017 - 08:44

Here is Bruce's and Garry's cars from Calder 1972 (May from memory) running as Improved Prod in the 6 cyl series. Dave Price from Oran Park 1967 too. I'm sure Garry would have more info - anyone know him?4792_N_EH_72-lo.jpg2130_A_R_Rogers_72.jpg8953_F_Price_67-lo.jpg


Edited by ellrosso, 02 December 2017 - 08:48.


#7 Ray Bell

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Posted 02 December 2017 - 09:47

Reposting the photos so we can see them:

4792_N_EH_72-lo.jpg

2130_A_R_Rogers_72.jpg

8953_F_Price_67-lo.jpg


Yes, it looks like the next step is to ask Garry...

See how we get on with that.



.

Edited by Ray Bell, 09 May 2018 - 14:11.


#8 cooper997

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Posted 03 December 2017 - 05:20

This photo comes from a batch of slides that I suspect relate to the August 1966 Calder meeting. I don't have the programme to confirm or deny how accurate that is though.

 

Calder_Price_EH_S4_TNF.jpg

Dave Price ex Muir S4 with Thommo's ex Beechey Mustang parked near all the officials.

 

Stephen


Edited by cooper997, 06 May 2018 - 09:03.


#9 Ray Bell

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Posted 03 December 2017 - 10:43

I suspect that's the August 28 meeting, Stephen...

Price only seems to have run the early model at the June meeting, both cars in August. And he won a race in which Thomson wasn't a runner.

#10 cooper997

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Posted 06 May 2018 - 09:19

I'm not sure how big an audience thiese newsletters had, but given there's a couple of TNF members involved at the time, then perhaps they can tell us.

 

The Muir SV S4 artwork by Shane Cowham deserves some further coverage though. Brilliant!

HRR_Muir_S4_TNF.jpg

 

Stephen



#11 Ray Bell

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Posted 06 May 2018 - 10:28

From memory the circulation was around 800...

Shane did a great job of drawing up whatever we needed for the covers.

#12 cooper997

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Posted 07 May 2018 - 11:30

Tthanks Ray. Without going off thread too far, how many issues were published?

 

Stephen



#13 Ray Bell

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Posted 07 May 2018 - 19:10

I did about a dozen, but prior to me there was over 160...

I sure wish I had been able to continue with it.

#14 Kenzclass

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Posted 09 May 2018 - 04:12

Slightly OT, perhaps, but still in the famous EH whereabouts ambit, and with maybe equally famous driver.
Whatever became of Dick Johnson’s EH?

#15 cooper997

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Posted 09 May 2018 - 11:54

I did about a dozen, but prior to me there was over 160...

I sure wish I had been able to continue with it.

Ray, I don't have that many issues of your newsletters. Issue #171 is the highest I have and its sounding like it could have been close to the last then.

 

Back to the Brian Muir EH and Classic Carlectables released a 1/18th scale model a few months ago. 750 examples made, not cheap though...

more details page 3 of this pdf. http://www.classicca...s/ccnews_70.pdf

 

Stephen



#16 Ray Bell

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Posted 09 May 2018 - 13:05

Send me the numbers you're missing, Stephen, and I'll see if I can send them to you...

#17 cooper997

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Posted 10 May 2018 - 00:29

Muir S4 related advert from a Warwick Farm programme

Heldon_Motors_Muir_ad_TNF.jpg

 

Stephen



#18 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 10 May 2018 - 01:03

Once upon a time the 179 badge was a fast moving part for Holden dealers as people were swiping them for belt buckles.

 

As for Dicks EH? yes would be interesting where that went. I believe his Torana is still around?



#19 Formula 5000

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Posted 10 May 2018 - 11:35

My father was a Holden dealer in Ferntree Gully, Victoria at the time. The 179 badges were often stolen and were on long delay back order from GMH Spares so he had stick on decals made. These were silver replicas of the 179. He stuck them over the holes left in the boot where thieves had prised off the emblem.

 

Years ago at an open day, Garry Rogers told me he sold the EH to a Phillip Morriss whom I saw race it at Calder and then not much more.



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#20 cooper997

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Posted 10 May 2018 - 12:35

Interesting information from Formula 5000. I seem to recall there was a Phil Morriss who competed with a rather quick Datsun 1600 during the 90s. Wish I could recall 100 percent but thinking PIARC / Group 5 events here in Victoria.

 

I'm assuming your dad was the FTG Holden dealer before Neil Neilson?

 

Stephen



#21 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 10 May 2018 - 22:58

Phil Morris has been a Datsun punter tuner and preparer for a long time. Same one? Does anyone know.?



#22 cooper997

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Posted 11 May 2018 - 01:18

As Formula 5000 wrote Morriss with the double 's' is how I recall too. Spelt that way not that common in motor racing circles. I'm also thinking of a brother, not 100 percent recollection but might be Rod. So good chance this might be the best lead to further the ownership chain of the Muir S4.

 

Stephen



#23 cooper997

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Posted 11 May 2018 - 01:28

Another point, there was a ripper photo Bob Williamson posted of Brian fettling the Webers on the Holden 6 recently on his facebook photos site.

https://www.facebook...1&theater&ifg=1

 

Stephen



#24 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 11 May 2018 - 01:56

With several decades of hindsight that pic has some not to do things for a race engine. Three carbs needs a distribution block to get even fuel pressure and volume to each carb. or the back carb starves.

And it seems they are running the thing on a glass bowl pump. Fuel pressure is maybe just adequate but volume is not. long straights it will lean out.

Street use is ok, you are not pulling over 6000rpm in top gear for a kilometre.

A fuel pressure guage is a very handy thing on a racecar



#25 Porsche718

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Posted 11 May 2018 - 02:41

Rod MORRIS was a different guy. Mini and Fiat driver IIRC



#26 Ray Bell

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Posted 11 May 2018 - 02:58

What on earth is the point of posting a link to that?

As soon as the picture appears it goes away to be replaced by another, if you try to make a comment it goes strange, I just hate having to do anything with Facebook!

#27 cooper997

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Posted 11 May 2018 - 03:38

I'm not sure what device you're using Ray, but I've checked with the computer and ipad and it goes directly to the photo of Merv & Brian, Once there, a facebook sign in 'pop up' appears, hit 'not now' and you can see the photo. Tap or click the photo and the image gets bigger and you should be able to then read comments from the likes of  Peter Molloy. To comment yourself you'll need to sign in.

 

I'm a bit reluctant to copy the image directly over, because I'm not sure how Bob will take to us copying everything to TNF.

 

Stephen



#28 Ray Bell

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Posted 11 May 2018 - 05:11

I'm signed in there, Stephen...

And I try to go through other photos and I always come to some situation where I cannot do what I want to do. I made a couple of comments on some pics there, but then it all goes sour and I have to start again.

Someone wanted info on an Argus Clubman and I wanted to give him a few tips and it just got all useless on me and I couldn't find it again at all!

#29 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 11 May 2018 - 22:44

Phil Morris is racing a Porsche at Sandown this weekend.

Rod Morris raced a  quick Mini at Tailem Bend rallycross in the late 70s and has not raced since then.

He also circuit raced in that period as well.



#30 Formula 5000

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Posted 12 May 2018 - 10:19

Trying to get the spelling correct for Phillip Morriss and can't find my old Calder program. But I remember he tried for a few laps and did an outside pass on ( I think) Brian Mayman's EH. His nickname was "Chesterfield" and it is probably more than 40 years ago so he may have retired.

Again, Garry Rogers has the answer.

 

Replying to Cooper997 post 22, yes my Father was the Holden dealer before Neilson and he was originally an Oakland dealer. 



#31 bob433

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Posted 12 May 2018 - 12:33

I'm signed in there, Stephen...

And I try to go through other photos and I always come to some situation where I cannot do what I want to do. I made a couple of comments on some pics there, but then it all goes sour and I have to start again.

Someone wanted info on an Argus Clubman and I wanted to give him a few tips and it just got all useless on me and I couldn't find it again at all!

Hi Ray, I find when things seem to disappear you need to check the 'reply' to bring them back in view.



#32 Ray Bell

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Posted 12 May 2018 - 13:48

I tried everything, no way could I get back the pic I wanted to see and make my comment on it...

Somehow I find Fecesbook a disaster.

#33 cooper997

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Posted 17 May 2018 - 07:07

Slightly OT, perhaps, but still in the famous EH whereabouts ambit, and with maybe equally famous driver.
Whatever became of Dick Johnson’s EH?

 

Ken, DJ offered the EH for sale in December 1969 RCN at $2500.

 

Stephen



#34 Kenzclass

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Posted 17 May 2018 - 09:07

Ken, DJ offered the EH for sale in December 1969 RCN at $2500.

 

Stephen

Thanks for that, Stephen.

Been enough time now for someone to have stepped forward with it, if it's still around, especially with a DJ provenance to go with it.

Missing, presumed dead? Might have to contact AMC, to run it in 'Whaddayaknow' (somehow, I preferred that page under its former 'MIA' moniker).

Ken.



#35 cooper997

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Posted 17 May 2018 - 09:43

I'm with you on the title change, Ken. Same applies with the 'Punter Pics' title, doesn't do much for me, but it does unearth some interesting stuff.

 

If you do contact AMC then you may as well mention the Muir car too.

 

There's been numerous photos (and comments) appear on Bob Williamson's site regarding the Johnson Toranas in recent times. So maybe that's where DJ EH info might be forthcoming too.

 

Stephen



#36 Kenzclass

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Posted 17 May 2018 - 09:55

Stephen,

I was intending to wrap those two EH's up in the MIA request - they're probably the only ones driven by famous drivers during their careers, other than the known Beechey S4.

I've been watching Bob's site avidly, since it was tipped on this Forum - some really good stuff appearing quickly on there, so they won't lose me in a hurry!

Ken.



#37 Ray Bell

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Posted 17 May 2018 - 12:18

The Johnson EH, however, was merely an EH...

As were the Starcevich, Taylor, Wilkinson, Ryan etc EHs. Muir's was an S4.

#38 cooper997

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Posted 24 May 2018 - 11:28

This photo appears in Tuckey's 1964 book. Brian Muir is bending talking to Barry Jackson or Ray Eldershaw perhaps?

 

Muir_EH.jpg

 

Stephen



#39 Ray Bell

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Posted 24 May 2018 - 12:28

Not Ray Eldershaw...

And I don't think it's Barry Jackson. Barry was Brian's flatmate at 33 Raymond Road, by the way.

If there's anyone it looks like, to me it's like Bill Brown.

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#40 cooper997

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Posted 23 November 2018 - 09:45

For Australian TNF members, Paul Newby's Brian Muir feature appears in the October 2018 issue of UK Classic & Sports Car magazine - having just arrived in newsagents in the last week.

 

Here's one that was in newsagents a few years earlier.

Brian-Muir-EH-S4-Hot-upo-Guide-TNF.jpg

 

Stephen