Member
Posted 09 January 2021 - 22:47
With the points raised since yesterday's post 247, Tony and myself submit the following from period hardcopy material.
1931 Program with list of Trophies.
1931 Program acknowledging the Phillip Island Sports Association for providing the £220.00 prize money.
1931 Program confirming that cars will be started according to their handicap.
1931 AGP program from the Bob King Collection
From Otto's SCCSA 1950 AGP supp regs…
cooper997 collection
Tony & Stephen
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Member
Posted 09 January 2021 - 23:56
We are, however, treading water with the discussion about whether there was any theft on not...
The 1951 Australian Grand Prix also carried on the handicap theme in a race where the winner was decided by fastest actual time. Interestingly, the trophies for both handicap and outright win were identical, but that might be because that's what they were able to get from the Commonwealth Government for this race in the country's Jubilee year.
I see nothing in that 1931 programme which defines who will be the Grand Prix winner. To establish that there was any deceit we need to compare the results with the Supplementary Regulations.
Member
Posted 10 January 2021 - 08:33
If the cars were 'started according to their handicap', then surely the winner is the first past the post, not the scratch man with the fastest speed? That was how the 1928, '29 and '30 races were run, and the results declared according to that 1932 programme in post 247; it's only the 1931 result which has been 'doctored'
Member
Posted 13 January 2021 - 11:22
Tony has been doing some digging on Cyril Dickason's 1931 AGP Ulster chassis.
More than 60 years ago, steel plates were welded to the top of the side rails of the Ulster Austin raced by Cyril Dickinson. The nearside plate covered the all important chassis number stamped into the rail. After all these years and several owners the nearside plate has just been removed and we can now see the chassis number once again. C10349?
The date stamped on the back axle confirms the ‘Ulster’ chassis was assembled on the 6-1-1930, and would have been shipped to Melbourne in time for the 1930 AGP.
I have no record of the eight stud unblown engine that would have been fitted at the time, however the special engine from the 1930 Brooklands 500 Mile race car can be seen in these photos. XA11163.
My friend David Howe has been very helpful sharing his knowledge on Factory cars to enable me to prepare this post.
Tony Johns.
The nearside chassis rail showing confirming the number, unfortunately the last digit was damaged when the plate was welded on. Perhaps a 9? We now know its identification to within 10 numbers.
10 stud crankcase but standard depth below engine mounts.
Replica Cozette supercharger manufactured in the 1970’s by Colvin Gunn.
Works engine number stamped on the crankcase.
1970’s photo of dismantled engine clearly shows 15 spring works competition clutch assembly.
Tony Johns Collection.
Rear axle plate with build date of chassis stamped and 4.9/1 CWP ratio.
Ulster gearbox no 48 with an X either side. Please ignore incorrect gate change gearbox top, will not be used in the restoration.
Member
Posted 13 January 2021 - 20:50
The last digit in the original chassis number doesn't look like the '9' preceding it...
More like the '3', but it could be a '5' or even an '8'.
Member
Posted 31 January 2021 - 07:37
Dickason Abroad. In Tasmania anyway. The Mercury, Hobart June 22, 1929
Member
Posted 02 February 2021 - 08:16
A race of a different kind with Austin 7s to the fore.
Myer winter, by the look of it, sales. The crowds Australian retailers can now only dream about
Bourke Street Melbourne 1937 (Herald/Sun)
Edited by MarkBisset, 02 February 2021 - 08:18.
Member
Posted 02 February 2021 - 14:43
Is that snow, Mark?
It looks like it...
Member
Posted 03 February 2021 - 03:45
Is that snow, Mark?
It looks like it...
I know that Mexico gets very cold,, but have never heard of snow in Melbourne. Ballarat yes but that is higher.
It seems to be a sandy slush. But in that part of the city come sale time? Weird!
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Posted 14 February 2021 - 23:09
Inspired by some Speedex information sent through by Roger Lund.
Tony Johns wrote...
"To the best of my knowledge only one Speedex Austin 7 ever came to Australia. In the early 1960’s English enthusiast Eric Wilson emigrated to Melbourne and included in his luggage was his Speedex bodied special, seen here parked under the trees at the Annual Kalorama Vintage Rally.
Unpainted alloy body with bright red offset wheels, 15” on the front and 16” on the rear. These ended up on my first racing car back in 1965 minus the fake knock ons.
First two photographs, supplied by Ashley Tracey.
The front-on photograph shows the down draft carburettor and the wide track IFS. Note to get it registered in Melbourne Eric took the easy way out and swapped the plates from the Holden bodied fabric saloon he purchased soon after arriving in Australia.
Stephen
Tony has had a correction come through from Austin Seven special experts, relating to the reference of Speedex post 233...
"Chis Garner, Chairman of the UK based Austin Seven Clubs association in a recent email wrote.
I hadn’t looked at the A7 Racing in Australia Forum for some time but in looking at posting #233 it states that the car in two of the pictures is a Speedex. No, I don’t think it is, it’s a Super Sportsman.
The Jaguar behind is a magnificent example.
Firstly I have a Speedex so know a little of them and secondly I ran the photo past the Speedex Registrar, Dave Armstrong, who said the same.
Regardless of this it’s a terrific site and you’re doing some good work.
Tony replied, more than happy to be corrected. It was so long ago and at the time we all referred to Eric Wilson's special wrongly as a 'Speedex'. The ‘Super Sportsman’ alloy body was designed by Jim Shaw but marketed by Les Montgomery from his Super Accessories Company based in Bromley Kent. Another famous 750 Motor Club member, Eric Broadley, who was also based in Bromley went on to manufacture his very successful ‘Lola' racing cars.
This is the original photo included in post #233 with then owner Eric Wilson complete with chequered motoring cap looking down. Note 750 Motor Club badge. To the close observer it looks like the fake wheel nuts are another Super Accessories option."
Member
Posted 18 February 2021 - 22:53
Austin 7 racing cars are still lurking in barns and sheds.
Tony Johns wrote...
Since writing the 'John Whitehouse Story' in Post 157, July 2020. Ian Waller and Graeme Burnham have been in touch sharing information and photographs to add more to the story as well as more period photographs taken by David Lowe.
Ian starts the story, "Bob Robbins is an old family friend, now 85. He bought the Austin from John Whitehouse while the Carrot was being built, 1960/61? He drove it 200 miles home to country Victoria. The only thing he altered was the carbies from Solex to Amal, however there was no improvement! "
Ian recently caught up with Bob and now 60 years later his photos confirm it is now a true barn find.
Fortunately located in a dry climate area, and I thank him for going to the trouble to photograph the Austin.
Original John Whitehouse Racing Team logo.
John Whitehouse, wet Darley Road Racers, 16 June 1958. Fastest lap 1-47sec. David Lowe photograph.
Carrot under construction at David Lowe’s shed. note swing axle front end with leaf spring. David Lowe photograph.
Trying to lower the record at Templestowe, John removed the radiator. David Lowe photograph.
Now Graeme continues with the the story of the Carrot
"After purchasing the Carrot from Bob Duigid, It was a bit of a sad case by then and cobbled together. I completely rebuilt it with steel crank and all Bob Booth's good bits and inlet exhaust by Jack Mays. It became quite quick for an unblown car. After I sold the Carrot to Paul Schilling, he put a 3 bearing motor in it and a starter , reverse gear etc. My best time at Winton was 1.19.6."
Winton Historic May 1989. Graeme Burnham collection photo.
Winton Historic May 1991. Carrot with Ron Reid’s Sulman Singer #51.
Graeme won the Colonial Arthur Waite Trophy at the 1992 Historic Winton meeting for 1st placed Austin Seven.
Tony Johns
Member
Posted 15 March 2021 - 01:37
Tony Johns has been busy compling part 2 of Nigel Tait's Austin 7 adventures and where things would lead...
.
It was back in September 2020, Post #204 https://forums.autos...928/?p=9230494 that I recorded the early days of Nigel racing his home built road registered 2 seater special both in Hillclimbs and Circuit races. Now part two of the story starts with a photograph of him building his own wedge special in 1967.
Quoting Nigel.
'It was the only A7 Formula car built without the two Austin chassis side members that at the time were formula requirements. I obtained permission from the club to use 2” square section steel tubing in lieu. This was on the basis of no performance advantage and preserving frames for A7 restoration projects’.
'Built in “secret” in 1967 while John Whitehouse and Bill Morling had the Whitmor on the Raid in England. I didn’t want John to find out I’d built it until he returned’.
‘John got a shock when he returned, we had some great battles; John was quicker at hill climbs, but at circuits such as Oran Park it was more even’
Nigel went on to say ‘But our cars (Tait, Whitehouse, Dale Shaw) were a country mile ahead of the traditional specials, and this plus the fact of having to compete in Formula Libre events led to the demise of the 750 formula as we knew it. I then fitted an 800cc Hillman Imp engine assisted by Dr Harry Watson of Melbourne University and using second hand slick tyres lapped Winton in 1m 8.8sec’.
A bit more on the lap times at Oran Park from TJ archives.
National Open Race Meeting 19 May 1968.
Event 8 Vintage & P.V.T. Invitation Scratch Race including Austin 7 Race Outright. 6 laps.
1 #95 J.Whitehouse fastest lap 57.7 time 5.54.0
2 #92 N.Tait “ 58.1 “ 5.59.0
3 #97 L.Sharpe (Carrot) “ 1.0.8 “ 6.20.2
1 Vintage Class #98 T. Johns 1.1.5 “ 6.20.8
1 P.V.T. Class #51 R. Reid 1.0.8 “ 6.12.6
Winton dummy grid, John Whitehouse (with helmet) perhaps having his first look at Nigel’s Austin after his successful season in the UK. The alloy bodywork on both cars was constructed by Barry Hudson, who was also responsible for the John Klein ‘Wedge’ now owned by Martin Stubbs.
Clubhouse corner at Mallala, If you look closely you can see the adjustable pick up mounting points for the trailing arm on the front suspension. It would be fair to say that these two cars were the most advanced racing Austin 7 Formula cars developed in Australia.
Seen here leaving the start at Collingrove hillclimb in South Australia, Nigel took advantage of the regulations to save weight by removing the bodywork.
In this photo of the Whitehouse ‘Whitmor' you can clearly see the original A7 chassis side rail in order to comply with the 750 Formula, however it has been boxed in on the underneath and the top hat sections have been ground away.
Experimenting with a new line at Hume Weir, Nigel allowed Maggie Lowe in her Austin to get ahead.
In May 1969 Nigel held the Winton ‘Austin' lap record at 1.16.8 seconds. Only three years earlier May 1966, John Whitehouse was the record holder at 1.21.5
seconds
However it is worth noting that nearly 20 years later at Historic Winton, 31 May 1998 the fastest lap time in an Austin 7 was 1.16.89 by the writer.
When the racing Austin 7 Formula faded away, with most of the older Austin specials now eligible to compete in Vintage/Historic Race meetings the current state of the art cars continued racing in Divison 3 races. Nigel took the opportunity to replace the side valve Austin 7 engine with a Hillman Imp, alloy OHC engine with two twin choke carburettors. If you look closely at Nigel’s Austin you can see the scrutineers were starting to show an interest in roll bar heights.
The other more popular engine swap was to fit a Renault 750 motor seen here in the Whitmor now owned by Russell Grabert leading Nigel in this undated Winton photo (perhaps mid 70s by cars in background).
Just a reminder Nigel was a regular entrant at the annual Park Orchards Observed Section Trials, seen here in 1962. Different Austins each year but always the same number plates.
Nigel is one of the fortunate few that have been able to maintain an active interest in motor racing, although there are no longer any Austin 7’s in his shed any more he does have enough Repco Brabham powered cars to keep him busy.
Responsible for maintaining the 1966 World Champion winning Repco Brabham BT19 saw Nigel suitably dressed at Goodwood in 2004. Laurie Bennett on the right.
Nigel was fortunate to be the next owner of the Repco Brabham powered Matich SR4 when it was sold by the manufacturing arm of Repco, 'Automotive Components Ltd'. seen here during the Historic Display at the Albert Park AGP
Nigel’s latest acquisition is the BT17 Brabham sports car, once again fitted with a Repco Brabham engine.
Lolita is the racing car most used by Nigel at race meetings around Australia. The connection is that it was built by Henry Nehrybecki who was responsible for the construction of the Frank Matich SR4.
Having worked for the Repco Group all his working life, it is not hard to appreciate the connection he would have to all these cars.
All photos supplied by Nigel Tait.
Tony Johns
Member
Posted 08 April 2021 - 01:01
It has been nearly six months since the previous John Bowring post when he competed at the Albert Park races in November 1958.
John states in his notes for 1959 with the comment "Could not finish in time for PIARC Dec .26th (1958)." He was referring to the replacement engine block he was preparing and there is no record of the engine he used that day in the races at Phillip Island.
AMS reports the Scratch Race “Austin 7 Formula
This was a special event staged solely for Austin Seven’s, and no less than 13 of these aged vehicles came to the starting line. Naturally John Pryce took over the P.A. for this event and just as naturally (the fastest Austin always coming from South Australia), H. Short had a very easy win. These drivers always seen to really enjoy themselves and their cars are invariably rather distinctive. This particular field ranged from meticulously prepared cars down to what could only be described as a stripped sports car. one of the cars driven by Doug Veel, appeared to my uninitiated eye to be completely standard, and even carrying learners’ plates.
Bellair proved that it’s quite possible to spin even one of these machines and put on a nice act at Repco Corner.
Other highlights included the supreme finishing effort of Fiddes as he urged his vehicle over the line with a dead motor. All in all a happy race and very effortless win to Short from South Australia.
Results
1. H. Short
2. J.K. Bowring
3. A. Grosvenor
The second race was an unusual combination, Scratch Race for Sedans - Division 2 & Handicap Race for Racing and Sports Cars - Division 3.
These two events were run as a combination race, and strange to relate nobody seemed to get in anyone else’s way. The handicap cars, consisting mainly of Austin 7’s, were held on the grid whilst the sedan cars made their start.
The handicap event resulted in a clear win for John Bowring (Austin 7) with Short and Grosvenor, both Austin mounted, filling second and third respectively.
The final race was listed as a handicap race but the AMS report called it The Butcher's Picnic and resulted in another win for Bowring who drove the little Austin 7 on the limit every inch of the way and thoroughly deserved his victory. Johannesen led the field for the first two laps with Bowring in close attendance then Mason, Wilson, Grosvenor all in Austins.
Results
1. J.K. Bowring
2. A. Grosvenor
3. J.W. Orr
Phillip Island #37 Short, #86 Bowring, #83 Grosvenor, #84 Orr and #32 Lewis. Heading up the hill from Lanes MG Corner. The note on the rear of the David Lowe photograph states. This is how the cars were all through the race.
John Bowring on the run up to Lanes MG Corner.
First ever A7 Formula Race - 2nd lap. Short, Bowring and Grosvenor. Exiting Lanes MG Corner. Also noted this was the finishing order.
A photo taken from AMS January 1959, ‘Spotlight’ shows Derek Jolly recovering from his accident at Albert Park in November, talking to fellow South Australian Henry Short. Derek stared his racing career with a very fast Austin 7, the story has been recorded in previous posts.
Program cover and entry pages from the cooper997 collection.
Phillip Island 26 January 1959.
The February AMS report of the meeting does not mention John in the results of the two races the Austins competed in, perhaps his own notes may offer the answer?
John recorded that he arrived early on Sunday morning in order to run-in his new engine. He then talks about swapping the telescopic shock absorbers front to back, SU needle swaps and finally retarding the ignition prior to the last race where he recorded his best lap time of 3.09 and completing 63 miles for the day.
The opening race, a Division 3 Racing and Sports Car Scratch Race bought together a field of seven A7’s, a Morris Minor special and two 250cc cars. The result was the two 250cc first and second with Mel Mason taking third place in his Austin. The AMS report went on to say Of the Austin 7’s Mason was by far the best in his nicely turned out little machine, and he filled third position, a long way in front of his nearest rival. Orr was in trouble with his car and after trailing the field for three laps, he abandoned the race as the cars went into the final circuit.
The handicap race was described as Another Austin 7 benefit, with the exception of Dent’s Minor Special, which really had a busy day. Johannesen and Fleming were the limit men with two minutes and they managed to retain this lead for the first lap. Dent went shopping at Lanes Corner which just goes to prove he should never have been cheeky enough to get in with all those aged Austins, as they are notoriously short tempered with non fellow fanatics.
K.Fleming’s car was sounding all fluffy and Johannesen ambled past into first position. He maintained this elevated post until the last lap when scratch man Grosvenor swept past to take the winning flag.
Results
1. A. Grosvenor (Austin 7) 13.39
2. N.Johannesen (Austin 7)
3. Merri Bridge Motors (Austin 7) Drv., J. Fleming
Fisherman’s Bend 21 February 1959
John’s notes below list several major issues with his engine, so he borrowed Jeff Fiddes engine for this meeting, only to find that it required work before he could race. He cobbled up a combination of his own parts and Jeff’s to make it to the start. As always experimenting with tyre pressures, ignition timing and shockers, he lasted two laps in the first race before the throttle cable fell off. In the second race he finished ahead of Doc Grosvenor recording a quickest lap of 2m.03secs. compared to Doc’s fastest lap in the first race of 2m.06.
AMS March 1959 records Scratch race for Austin 7 and Racing cars up to 350cc.
Proceedings opened with a combined event for Austin 7s and racing cars up to 350cc. The Austins were represented by seven cars and the 350cc class by six, including the hill record holding vehicle of John Wynne’s and rapid newcomer Don Cameron. The latter car hit the lead right from flag fall and the further the race progressed, the further it went ahead. Jim Orr spun out on Matchless Corner during the first lap and retired to the pits shortly afterwards.
Grosvenor’s Austin performed in its usual reliable manner and although dropping back from Cameron, was quite unchallenged to finish second. Stringer’s “Buttercup” Austin was a newcomer to this class and even though finishing in last position, ran reliably throughout the race.
Results
1. A. Grosvenor
2. Ray Cann
3. T. Bellair
John was enjoying the racing in the early months of 1959.
A month after the February Fisherman’s Bend races saw him establish the Austin 7 Class record at the 33rd Templestowe Hill Climb held on Sunday 22nd March 1959. 10 Austins were entered and John’s best time of 63.81 sec. was a lot quicker than the rest, with only one other Austin under 70 seconds. This was the first time the Austins were able to run in a class of their own.
There is no diary record of any improvements made by John for the Easter Phillip Island races held a week later, on the 30th March, and organised by PIARC. So will have to rely on the AMS report published in the April 1959 issue.
The second race on the program was the Austin 7 Formula Race and the J.M.W.’s were invited as guests. Bowring set the pace in his Austin and was never headed to win quite comfortably from Mason also Austin mounted. Third place went to John Wynne, J.M.W., some 27 seconds behind the winner.
Once again all David Lowe photographs, but John’s notes on the rear of the photos make interesting reading.
"Full Bore in the Fog, 6500 in top and more coming."
"2nd lap, Austin 7 Formula Race, Taking Southern Loop at Full Bore - note slight angle of Drift"
"Don Cameron Misses Gear at Lane’s - Almost Rammed Him."
All photographs were taken by David Lowe and now form part of the Bowring Family Collection.
Tony Johns
Member
Posted 08 April 2021 - 03:46
It has been nearly six months since the previous John Bowring post when he competed at the Albert Park races in November 1958.
John states in his notes for 1959 with the comment "Could not finish in time for PIARC Dec .26th (1958)." He was referring to the replacement engine block he was preparing and there is no record of the engine he used that day in the races at Phillip Island.
AMS reports the Scratch Race “Austin 7 Formula
This was a special event staged solely for Austin Seven’s, and no less than 13 of these aged vehicles came to the starting line. Naturally John Pryce took over the P.A. for this event and just as naturally (the fastest Austin always coming from South Australia), H. Short had a very easy win. These drivers always seen to really enjoy themselves and their cars are invariably rather distinctive. This particular field ranged from meticulously prepared cars down to what could only be described as a stripped sports car. one of the cars driven by Doug Veel, appeared to my uninitiated eye to be completely standard, and even carrying learners’ plates.
Bellair proved that it’s quite possible to spin even one of these machines and put on a nice act at Repco Corner.
Other highlights included the supreme finishing effort of Fiddes as he urged his vehicle over the line with a dead motor. All in all a happy race and very effortless win to Short from South Australia.
Results
1. H. Short
2. J.K. Bowring
3. A. Grosvenor
The second race was an unusual combination, Scratch Race for Sedans - Division 2 & Handicap Race for Racing and Sports Cars - Division 3.
These two events were run as a combination race, and strange to relate nobody seemed to get in anyone else’s way. The handicap cars, consisting mainly of Austin 7’s, were held on the grid whilst the sedan cars made their start.
The handicap event resulted in a clear win for John Bowring (Austin 7) with Short and Grosvenor, both Austin mounted, filling second and third respectively.
The final race was listed as a handicap race but the AMS report called it The Butcher's Picnic and resulted in another win for Bowring who drove the little Austin 7 on the limit every inch of the way and thoroughly deserved his victory. Johannesen led the field for the first two laps with Bowring in close attendance then Mason, Wilson, Grosvenor all in Austins.
Results
1. J.K. Bowring
2. A. Grosvenor
3. J.W. Orr
Phillip Island #37 Short, #86 Bowring, #83 Grosvenor, #84 Orr and #32 Lewis. Heading up the hill from Lanes MG Corner. The note on the rear of the David Lowe photograph states. This is how the cars were all through the race.
John Bowring on the run up to Lanes MG Corner.
First ever A7 Formula Race - 2nd lap. Short, Bowring and Grosvenor. Exiting Lanes MG Corner. Also noted this was the finishing order.
A photo taken from AMS January 1959, ‘Spotlight’ shows Derek Jolly recovering from his accident at Albert Park in November, talking to fellow South Australian Henry Short. Derek stared his racing career with a very fast Austin 7, the story has been recorded in previous posts.
Program cover and entry pages from the cooper997 collection.
Phillip Island 26 January 1959.
The February AMS report of the meeting does not mention John in the results of the two races the Austins competed in, perhaps his own notes may offer the answer?
John recorded that he arrived early on Sunday morning in order to run-in his new engine. He then talks about swapping the telescopic shock absorbers front to back, SU needle swaps and finally retarding the ignition prior to the last race where he recorded his best lap time of 3.09 and completing 63 miles for the day.
The opening race, a Division 3 Racing and Sports Car Scratch Race bought together a field of seven A7’s, a Morris Minor special and two 250cc cars. The result was the two 250cc first and second with Mel Mason taking third place in his Austin. The AMS report went on to say Of the Austin 7’s Mason was by far the best in his nicely turned out little machine, and he filled third position, a long way in front of his nearest rival. Orr was in trouble with his car and after trailing the field for three laps, he abandoned the race as the cars went into the final circuit.
The handicap race was described as Another Austin 7 benefit, with the exception of Dent’s Minor Special, which really had a busy day. Johannesen and Fleming were the limit men with two minutes and they managed to retain this lead for the first lap. Dent went shopping at Lanes Corner which just goes to prove he should never have been cheeky enough to get in with all those aged Austins, as they are notoriously short tempered with non fellow fanatics.
K.Fleming’s car was sounding all fluffy and Johannesen ambled past into first position. He maintained this elevated post until the last lap when scratch man Grosvenor swept past to take the winning flag.
Results
1. A. Grosvenor (Austin 7) 13.39
2. N.Johannesen (Austin 7)
3. Merri Bridge Motors (Austin 7) Drv., J. Fleming
Fisherman’s Bend 21 February 1959
John’s notes below list several major issues with his engine, so he borrowed Jeff Fiddes engine for this meeting, only to find that it required work before he could race. He cobbled up a combination of his own parts and Jeff’s to make it to the start. As always experimenting with tyre pressures, ignition timing and shockers, he lasted two laps in the first race before the throttle cable fell off. In the second race he finished ahead of Doc Grosvenor recording a quickest lap of 2m.03secs. compared to Doc’s fastest lap in the first race of 2m.06.
AMS March 1959 records Scratch race for Austin 7 and Racing cars up to 350cc.
Proceedings opened with a combined event for Austin 7s and racing cars up to 350cc. The Austins were represented by seven cars and the 350cc class by six, including the hill record holding vehicle of John Wynne’s and rapid newcomer Don Cameron. The latter car hit the lead right from flag fall and the further the race progressed, the further it went ahead. Jim Orr spun out on Matchless Corner during the first lap and retired to the pits shortly afterwards.
Grosvenor’s Austin performed in its usual reliable manner and although dropping back from Cameron, was quite unchallenged to finish second. Stringer’s “Buttercup” Austin was a newcomer to this class and even though finishing in last position, ran reliably throughout the race.
Results
1. A. Grosvenor
2. Ray Cann
3. T. Bellair
John was enjoying the racing in the early months of 1959.
A month after the February Fisherman’s Bend races saw him establish the Austin 7 Class record at the 33rd Templestowe Hill Climb held on Sunday 22nd March 1959. 10 Austins were entered and John’s best time of 63.81 sec. was a lot quicker than the rest, with only one other Austin under 70 seconds. This was the first time the Austins were able to run in a class of their own.
There is no diary record of any improvements made by John for the Easter Phillip Island races held a week later, on the 30th March, and organised by PIARC. So will have to rely on the AMS report published in the April 1959 issue.
The second race on the program was the Austin 7 Formula Race and the J.M.W.’s were invited as guests. Bowring set the pace in his Austin and was never headed to win quite comfortably from Mason also Austin mounted. Third place went to John Wynne, J.M.W., some 27 seconds behind the winner.
Once again all David Lowe photographs, but John’s notes on the rear of the photos make interesting reading.
"Full Bore in the Fog, 6500 in top and more coming."
"2nd lap, Austin 7 Formula Race, Taking Southern Loop at Full Bore - note slight angle of Drift"
"Don Cameron Misses Gear at Lane’s - Almost Rammed Him."
All photographs were taken by David Lowe and now form part of the Bowring Family Collection.
Tony Johns
Some interesting background in those pics. The program cover with an E series Vauxhall in the background.
The Olympic Tyres add,, who remembers them. They were a major player in the not so distant past.
And the PBR Sign at the hillclimb, how many young people would even know what the arch represents.
Member
Posted 05 May 2021 - 05:16
Just stumbled upon this page tucked inside a 1985 Australian GP programme.
More Ron Uffindell can be found earlier in this thread, beginning post 15
Stephen
Member
Posted 05 May 2021 - 09:54
I love this thread. Please keep going.
Wonder what the hell his wife said about the candelabra? Much less use than a tankard.
My only John Bowring story: He came over to the Austin Centenary with Grant Cowie and the 'Dutch Clog' single seater. We had a chat about the car and he the effectiveness of the supercharger. Apparently the engine produced plenty of power from quite low-down the rev range and in John's words, "It pulls like a public schoolboy." 
Member
Posted 06 May 2021 - 09:31
Here in Victoria we have had our share of lockdowns, but touch wood we've had a decent period of 'new' freedom, that also includes Tony Johns enjoying being back researching at the State Library of Victoria. Last time it was all Bentley related for Vintage Bentleys in Australia that he co-authored. This time it has been for digging out more Austin 7 related information. Here's his latest effort...
My good friend Stephen Dalton suggested setting up a thread on the Nostalgia Forum for me so that my recording of Australian Austin 7 Racing history would be available in one location for everybody to share. It is now 12 months since that first post and as that featured a photo of Captain Arthur Waite prior to winning the first AGP at Phillip Island in 1928, I thought it would be appropriate to add a bit more to the Waite story in the year leading up to the first 100 Mile Race in March 1928.
This is the photo from the original post, showing Waite standing behind the Austin in the garage area of the Isle of White Hotel, Cowes, Phillip Island. Photo credit Charlie Watt.
The first mention of Waite appeared in the Register (Adelaide SA) dated 12 February 1927.
Two days later, The Melbourne Herald 14 February 1927 announced the arrival of Captain Waite and Mrs Waite.
Not long after arriving in Melbourne this story was published in The Car magazine, which was also the newsletter for the RACV and the Victorian Light Car Club. It notes the South Australian connection between Waite and S A Cheney, the new agents for Austin Cars.
Trophies won by Captain Arthur Waite prior to leaving England in 1927.
It has been well recorded that Captain Arthur Waite was the winner of the March 1928 race at Phillip Island but less well known is that his wife Irene daughter of Sir Herbert Austin competed in the the first hillclimb held at Wheeler’s Hill on 21 May 1927.
Reported in the Sydney Daily Telegraph 28 May 1927.
The full results were published in The Car magazine June 1927.
Mrs Irene Waite behind the wheel of her Chummy.
This advertisement in the Melbourne Herald was shared throughout Australia with only the dealer details at the bottom of the advertisement changed.
Captain Waite was there as a spectator and saw fit to write this letter to the secretary of the Victorian Light Car Club published in The Car magazine.
The Argus newspaper,11 October 1928 reported on the visit by Lady Austin.
Built in 1850 by James Webb, 'Park House’ facing the Esplanade was the second house to be built on the largest land holding in Brighton. However in the 1920’s the original mansion was extended and converted into 10 individual flats. It was one of these Brighton flats that was home to the Waite's during their time in Melbourne.
Photo and history supplied by the Brighton Historical Society - with thanks to Robyn Vincin
The Car magazine February 1928 notes both Cyril Dickason and Captain Arthur Waite have now joined the Victorian Light car Club.
Waite, whose fame in the Old Country is widespread in connection with the great popularity of the “Austin Seven,” which he proved to the world was no toy, but in fact, a car which could put up good performances.
Captain Arthur Waite soon after winning the 100 Mile Road Race at Phillip Island, now classified as the First Australian Grand Prix.
The Car, April 1928.
Tony Johns
Edited by cooper997, 06 May 2021 - 09:34.
Member
Posted 07 May 2021 - 12:30
Fantastic boys,
Great stuff, the story gets better and better such is its depth. I feel a book in the mix, c’mon Tony you can back up with Stephen as co-pilot!
m
Member
Posted 07 May 2021 - 13:59
A friend of mine has fairly recently acquired an old Austin 7 Special...
This car raced in its latter days with a Hillman Imp engine and he's in need of an Imp block (preferably the 998cc version) to put it all together so he can have a bit of fun.
Any help appreciated.
Member
Posted 29 May 2021 - 01:32
Fortunately Tony's been back in at the State Library of Victoria before our latest lockdown kicked in on Friday. With the following very early Australian Austin 7 history found.
William Harry Scott, always listed in programs and event reports as W.H. Scott. (Scotty), was a very active competitor in the mid 1920’s, both in hillclimbs and reliability trials driving his three Austin 7 sports specials. The first was constructed on a 1924 chassis with 6” brakes. Already a member of the RACV, the earliest record I have is of him acting as a Weighbridge Official at the Hill Driving Contest held at Greensborough on 6 October 1923. Although not a founding member, he joined the Victorian Light Car Club (VLCC) within six weeks of its formation. By 1923 the committee of the RACV were becoming concerned with organising competitive events, and by November 1924 a group of sporting members formed the VLCC. Later changing its name to the LCCA. (Full details can be found in Bob Watson’s excellent book Phillip Island to Fangio, published in 2010.}
An article in the May 1929 Car Magazine lists some of his early achievements driving Austin 7s.
Australian by birth, Scott competed in his first Hillclimb in 1906 riding his Minerva motorcycle. He went to England with his parents before returning to Melbourne in 1912. The article goes on to list some of his best performances, April 4, 1925, VLCC Wildwood Hillclimb, 1st A Class recording a time of 1 min. 23 3-5th sec.
A search on Trove, reported in the Argus 2 January 1925, that on the previous day he won a 5 lap under 1100cc race, with his friend Tom Davey finishing in second place. The venue was the Aspendale Speedway.
The Australasian newspaper of 22 August 1925 in its report on the RACV Heidelberg Hillclimb, held on 15 August, reported Scott winning the Owner Driver Event for Sports Model Cars, Class A, and the Class A Open Event with a winning time of 67 &4/5 seconds. After the results had been calculated using the Algebraic Formula, Miss Asche, driving Milton Syme's Austin 7, won her class in the Ladies Event Class. Syme was first in the Trade Events Class A in the same car.
The report in the January 1925 Car magazine of the hillclimb held on December 13, gives all the details and results with the exception of the location. Fortunately in the previous issue on page 29, included in the Victorian Light Car Club notes, there is mention of a Week-end Run To Flinders to be held in January with sport in the offing.
Scott’s Austin, driven by Davey. 50 2/5 seconds, an improvement of 1 second on his first climb, much to the disgust of Mr Scott, who, by the way, runs some quiet little side wagers with his friend, Tom Davey, as to who can get the best results out of the little Austin.
The Car January 1926.
Organised by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, The 1000 Miles Alpine Trial, was first held in 1921, but by 1926 it included the southern mountains of NSW when the distance was increased to 1520 miles.
Program from the David Zeunert Collection.
Both Tom Davey and Major Harry Shaw were entered in the Open Class (trade entries) by Light Cars Proprietary Ltd. with W.H.Scott entered in the Owner Drivers Class. Worth noting the program lists car #9 Milton Syme as the driver, however by the time the official results were published Tom Davey is recorded as the driver.
This photo, taken by Edwin G Adamson, (the club’s official photographer), shows Tom Davey about to be checked out of a control. In the background you can just see the 3 litre Bentley of trial organiser Arthur Terdich with the official banner covering the bonnet. This photo was taken from an album presented to entrants. Bill Jamieson shared this photo.
Scott arriving at the Tumit checkpoint at the end of day 3. Trial organiser Arnold Terdich is standing next to Scott.
Overnight parking, Scott’s Austin #2 seen on the left. National Library of Australia photo.
Major Harry Shaw about to fill the tank. National Library of Australia photo.
'Squeezing the last drop in' is the caption for this photo of Tom Davey in the Car magazine April 1926. A rare opportunity to see the dashboard with its extra instruments.
The Alpine was well reported in the daily press, this extract from the Melbourne Herald Motoring Correspondent, M.Miller explains why Scott did not finish among the place-getters.
“With W.H. Scott’s re-appearance the team of Austins is again complete. His efforts are lauded on all sides. By working nearly all night on the car at Bega, which town he “limped” into after a precarious run from Braidwood, the damaged frame cross-member was repaired in a temporary but serviceable manner at Eden last night”.
The official results published in April 1926 Car magazine list Tom Davey #9 as the highest placed Austin 7 with a total points score of 1069. Second, was Major Harry Shaw #10 1055 points and Scott #2 third Austin 7 scoring 922.5 points.
In total Scott lost 171.5 'Dependability Points Lost En Route’ all but 4 were connected to the damaged cross-member repairs. Worth noting all three Austin 7’s that started the trial completed the course.
The June 1926 Car Magazine gives a report on a new form of competition, A Petrol Consumption Test from Melbourne to Ballarat (72 Miles) to be conducted on Saturday 29 May, staying overnight at Craig’s Hotel.
During the week prior to the run, entrants were searching for small jets, choke tubes and radiator blinds, in fact anything that would be conducive to the saving of petrol.
There was a good entry of six Austins, with all entrants checked on the weigh-bridge prior to the 12 o’clock start. The average consumption for the Baby Austins was 59.5 mpg. After dinner, Scott, acting as official calculator for the club, announced the Formula Results based on the vehicle weight including passengers and mpg.
Outright winner was a Citroen driven by B.Jones who achieved 73.8 mpg. Scott was the only Austin to record a figure over 70 with 72.00 mpg which was sufficient for him to win the trophy for first formula club members’ class.
The Car magazine June 1926 photo. Lifting Scott’s Austin.
The original program cover for the RACV Hill Climb at Malpas Hill, north of Melbourne, held on September 4, 1926 confirms the close connection between Scott and Tom Davey with Scott as the owner making the entries, and nominating himself to drive in the Owner Driver Sports Class and Davey in the Open Event Class A. The other Austin competing against Davey was Major Harry Shaw in his Gordon England ‘Brooklands’ model.
.
Program from the David Zeunert Collection.
Both Scott and Davey were listed in the results published in The Age newspaper on the 6 September, 1926.
However if you look closely at the published results, the trophy below was presented to W.H.Scott as the entrant but there is no acknowledgement that the driver was Tom Davey. The trophy now forms part of the Adrian Patterson collection with more to be shared in part 2 of the W.H.Scott story.
This story below in the motoring section of the Melbourne Herald, 7 March 1927 reports that Scott now has a new Austin 7 with 7” brakes, an improvement on his original with its 6” brake drums. He did not waste any time as the change was only implemented by the Longbridge Works in September 1926.
With thanks...
David Zeunert motor racing archive
Bill Jamieson
State Library of Victoria
A suitable point to conclude part 1 of the story of a very interesting amateur sporting driver.
Tony Johns
Member
Posted 29 May 2021 - 07:10
Originally posted by cooper997
Major Harry Shaw about to fill the tank. National Library of Australia photo.
Member
Posted 05 June 2021 - 05:58
An Aussie abroad.
Tony sent through these photos for a bit of a giggle from when he raced in the UK during 1974. I do believe no Austin enthusiasts had a Rolls Royce tow car (refer backgound of first photo).
Tony wrote... "Forget the lineup of Austins but take note of the competition in the background.
The Alfa Romeo Owners Club team included a TZ1, a team of six real GT 40’s, the AC Owners Club had one Cobra Mk 11 in with the Ace’s, even a RR tow car or could have been a driver? I have the result sheet and we finished in 13th place, with a start of 111 credit laps. The GT 40’s had 23 credit laps and finished 9th.
750 Motor Club Six Hour Relay Race, Silverstone, 20 July 1974. Held on the same day as the Brands Hatch British GP
Austin Seven drivers in the above photo...
Martin Eyre, owner of the Ulster I drove in 1974. Reg Nice. owned two Ulsters, this one to race and hillclimb and a second very original car with full mudguards. Standing front of Barry Clarke’s car is Team Manager Jack French, one of the original 750 Formula builders and racers. His own car was named ‘Simplicity’, his son has contributed to the Nostalgia Forum. Barry Clarke, past president of the VSCC also owned the ’Super Sport’ once raced by John Miles, Lotus F1 driver. Stuart Bond is standing next to me (on RHS)
This photo's from VSCC Thruxton 31 August 1974 proves I was trying to blend in with my twin Martin Eyre (RHS). Note I'm holding an Australian beer can. Other drivers are Mike Pilgrim, TBC drinking Castrol and Reg Nice.
What is not visible is the Eddie Thomas Speed Shop badge on my driving overalls, Martin was very keen to acquire a ‘Thomas’ cam to the same specification as the one used by John Whitehouse in the ‘Whitmor’ when he raced there in 1967.
Tony Johns
Member
Posted 06 June 2021 - 05:17
Someone told me that Holland Birkett of the 750MC turned up in his Rolls-Royce at one meeting and some scallywag carefully attached a sticker to the door "750MC leaders in low-cost motor sport". The door had to be re-painted.
Member
Posted 11 July 2021 - 04:48
Here's another piece of the W H Scott story from Tony Johns - continuing on from post #270 of this thread with another selection of rare material.
Part one concluded with the report on the Malpas Hillclimb, September 1926.
Now it was time for Bill Scott to prove his administrative skills when he organised the first 'Herald Dependability Test' late in 1926. The route planning was completed in Arthur Terdich’s 3 litre Bentley, however for the actual trial, Scott was loaned a 12hp Austin tourer by Austin Distributors to use as the Official Car.
Courtesy: David Zeunert motor sport archive
Scott with the Official Car, an Austin 12 on loan from Austin Distributors.
Tom Davey, driving the Austin Distributors, Chummy Roadster in the Open Event in Class A, was the only Austin 7 amongst the 43 entrants listed in the program.
The November 1926 copy of The Car magazine in its report of the trial noted that Scott displayed rare 'Organising Ability', also in the official program for the first time he is listed as Captain of the VLCC Sports Committee. More recent research confirms his club membership number as 17.
In the same issue of The Car magazine, Tom Davey wrote. “It may be a small car, but it is a tiger for work, and will go anywhere where cars will go.” He went on to report averaging 50 to 55 miles an hour and two punctures were the only mechanical issues. “Petrol consumption on the trip was 14 gallons.”
Despite having to stop and change wheels twice, Davey completed the trial without loss of points and received a Herald Gold Award.
Tom Davey in his Austin. The Car magazine photo.
With the 'Herald Dependability Test' just completed the following Saturday, December 4, the RACV were organising a hillclimb at Terry's Hill, Belgrave in Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges.
The Age newspaper on Monday went on to describe the event as ‘Probably the most exacting hill-climbing contests for motor cars yet held in Victoria'. The site for the contest was Terry’s Hill, a steep four-tenths of a mile with a grade of one in five at the beginning and one in four at the finish. A narrow road and in parts fairly rough. The start line was level in the main street, 30 yards before the sharp corner at the beginning of the steep rise up the hillside, so sharp and steep that both Jackson and Barnett in their Bugattis and Holloway in his Darracq stalled after rounding the corner.
Tom Davey complete with passenger was the first car to leave the start and successfully completed his two runs without any trouble.
The Car magazine then goes on to report. 'W.H.Scott also in a Baby Austin piled up good times, but unfortunately, he had no chance of fastest time against the bigger cars. There were not sufficient entries in his class and as a consequence “A” and “B” classes were combined'.
This photo from the SLV, is not an Austin 7 but shows A.Gardini rounding the corner in his 12HP Darracq. With a large crowd standing in front of the shops opposite the start line it gives you some idea how sharp and steep the first corner is. The regulations for the event also stated that anybody caught practising prior to the event would be disqualified.
A rare surviving 95 yo programme - edited in this post 1/8/21
The Terdich collection of programs and photographs was donated by the family to the Vintage Sports Car Club of Victoria. Librarian Ashley Tracey kindly shared these images.
Arthur Terdich’s original program, with his signature on the cover and competitors times recorded.
The final VLCC event for 1926 was 'The Smoke Night' held on Thursday December 16th at the RACV clubrooms, where the trophies for the recent 'Dependability Test' were presented.
After handing out the trophies to the successful contestants the president, A.W. Bernadou, presented to a very surprised Scott (The Sports Captain) of the club, and organiser of the trial, a facsimile of the gold award with the following inscription. ‘Herald Dependability Test. October 30 to November 2, 1926. Presented to Mr W.H. Scott, in recognition of his excellent services in organising and conducting this most successful test’.
The Herald newspaper had a regular column titled 'Fifty Years Ago', Scott in his reply went on to soliloquise his thoughts: 'Fifty years hence I am sitting by the fireside, old and decrepit with my grand children all around me, I can hear one of them remark: ‘I see by The Herald of fifty years ago that Dud Barnett won your Flying Half Mile in your four days trial at 72 miles an hour. Don’t you think he should have been arrested for loitering?’
The first competitive event for 1927 was the VLCC 'Petrol Consumption Test' to the bayside town of Sorrento on Saturday 12 February.
At this point it is worth noting that the club used a formula, which amongst other criteria, included the weight of the car and the occupants in order to give all entrants an equal chance when the results were calculated.
There is an excellent montage in The Car magazine showing the cars being weighed at the Windsor Railway weighbridge. Photo 3 shows Ken Wallace-Crabb, motoring editor of The Herald newspaper with his Austin. This is the same car he entered in the 1929 Phillip Island Australian Grand Prix. In the background of photo 6, Major Harry Shaw is waiting in Austin #11.
The results list Shaw 49.3 m.p.g and Wallace-Crabbe 36.4 m.p.g. as winners in Class A, with Davey achieving 69.0 m.p.g. driving the Austin Distributors entry into second place in the Open Event. The winning Citroen achieved 78.4 m.p.g. No mention of Scott being listed in the results, however the report noted three competitors lost points for being late at a control due to tyre punctures so I can only assume Scott was one of them.
Original photo #4, Bill Scott preparing his Austin prior to the run. The article commented on the ‘Work Bench' style mudguards he fitted for this event.
The RACV organised another 'Dependability Contest' from the 19th - 26th March. Major Harry Shaw, Tom Davey and Bill Scott entered Austins, with The Herald newspaper reporting Shaw was first competitor to leave the start in his red ‘Baby’ Austin. The two other Austins left shortly afterwards. Scott’s Austin described as a ‘beetle-back’ machine, bore the name ‘IT’. With its hood raised it was barely four feet from the ground. The article confirmed this was the first trial Scott entered his new Austin. Davey was driving the Austin Distributors entry. Every effort was made to conserve petrol and the report stated that after each car had received its quota drivers used the self-starters to get from the Spencer Street weighbridge to the start line.
None of the Austins featured in the results, however there are several original photographs of the Austins, possibly taken by Edwin G Adamson, of this trial from the Terdich and Barber collections shared with me by the Miller family, Ashley Tracey, the VSCC librarian and Tim Barber, whose forebears were very successful in these events. These photos are referred to as the Terdich, Light Car Club collection.
Scott, stationery beside the official car at the checkpoint outside the Toolondo General Store. A small town on the route between Mount Gambier and Horsham in Western Victoria.
Major Harry Shaw cleaning his windscreen prior to the start of the days section. Note open hub wheels confirming 6” brakes.
Tom Davey, hood down, windscreen open enjoying the sunshine in the Austin Distributors Chummy.
Scott in ‘IT’, hood erected but still looking over the short windscreen.
Shaw, cold and wet following overnight rain navigating the flooded & muddy road near Colac.
Shaw, happier once the roads were dry.
Scott making good time on what looks like a smooth section of road.
Tony Johns
With thanks to...
David Zeunert
Bob Watson/ Bernadou collection
Ashley Tracey / VSCC Victoria archive
Tim Barber
Edited by cooper997, 20 August 2021 - 03:12.
Member
Posted 11 July 2021 - 09:06
Great stuff, Stephen and Tony
thoroughly enjoyed that!
m
Member
Posted 18 July 2021 - 09:46
Slightly off topic, given W O Bentley's dwarf an Austin 7 and had a somewhat different purchase price. These rare photos do actually relate to post 270. Recently (re)found by Tony within his Vintage Bentley's in Australia book research material...
After the official inspection of the Dependability Contest Route. From left to right.
Messrs. A.J. Terdich, A.W. Bernadou, O. Trough and W. H. Scott.
Bill Scott enjoying a well earned beer, seated in the rear of the Terdich 3 litre Bentley chassis #602 (this car has been back in the UK for many years). Missing from the photo is Arthur Terdich but his camera case can be seen resting on the luggage, confirming he was the photographer.
.
Tony Johns
Edited by cooper997, 20 August 2021 - 03:08.
Member
Posted 31 July 2021 - 23:54
Post 274 has just been edited to include a very rare treasure from 95 years ago. Victorian motor sports identity of the era, Arthur Terdich's own 1926 Belgrave programme with entry list.
The Hillclimb's photo scene (shown after the programme) is still recognisable to this day. The area behind top left of photo is where the famous Puffing Billy scenic steam train begins its journey.
This item was made available to Tony Johns yesterday via Ashley Tracey of the Vintage Sports Car Club (Victoria, Australia). Hence its inclusion now, rather than when the post was originally added.
Stephen
Member
Posted 02 August 2021 - 06:12
Jumping a few decades here's Tony Johns in his first Austin 7 racing car at December 1968 LCCA Lakeland first turn. The now long disused venue near Lilydale, Victoria.
wonderfully sharp photo taken by Ashley Tracey
Stephen
Member
Posted 02 August 2021 - 08:49
The last digit in the original chassis number doesn't look like the '9' preceding it...
More like the '3', but it could be a '5' or even an '8'.
I get C10349? . There is another number under the weld.
Advertisement
Member
Posted 02 August 2021 - 13:26
That's right, Tony (or Stephen?) says that...
I'm suggesting that digit might be a three or a five with eight as an outside chance.
Member
Posted 11 August 2021 - 06:08
We're up part 3 of Tony's W.H. Scott Austin 7 exploits, yet there's still more to tell in future posts...
The Victorian Light Car Club were responsible for organising a successful hill climb at Wheelers Hill on Saturday 21 May 1927. After gaining approval from the Mulgrave Shire Council, at the time an outer suburb of Melbourne to close the road, the event attracted 106 entries.
As reported in the Arthur Waite post #267, Waite's wife, Irene – also Sir Herbert Austin’s daughter – competed in the Ladies class in her Chummy Austin 7.
Now it is time to report that Bill Scott was the most successful Austin driver that day when he was first in two classes, ‘Hill Championship' class A, 56.9 seconds and 'Club Members’ class A, 56.6 seconds. His friends Tom Davey (65.2) and Ken Wallace-Crabb (71.5). Worth noting most of the officials, including Scott and Wallace-Crabb listed on the program cover were also competing in the event.
Program cover and Result Sheets are from the Bob Watson/ Bernadou collection.
The official results list 10 Austin 7’s competing with several entered in more than one class, and the ladies having
their own class.
The report printed in The Car magazine shows a photo of Scott’s Austin and has had the number 8 smudged out. The publishers used a photo of Scott that had been taken back in March on the Herald Dependability Trial when he was climbing ‘Spiller’s Hill’, north of Geelong.
Both the program for the March 'Herald Dependability Trial' and this photo of Scott taken at Spiller’s Hill in country Victoria show the #8.
Harry James, approaching the new electronic timing spoon in his Th. Schneider at the start of the hill.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
The Melbourne Herald reported on the most novel and arduous car trial yet held in Victoria. Starting at 8pm on Friday 12 August 1927, organised by the Victorian Light Car Club, the 24 hour non stop Reliability-Petrol Consumption Test would cover some 504 miles including the night section from Melbourne, due to arrive at Camperdown for supper at 12.45am. Breakfast 7.30 at Ballarat, (today it still has the reputation as the coldest city in country Victoria). The loop around Victoria continued via Alexandra and would finish at the Motordrome in Richmond at 8.57pm.
The rules stated that all competing cars will run on C.O.R. fuel (now BP) and each will be allowed one gallon per 100 c.c. of engine capacity, plus 3½ gallons. This meant the Austins in Class ‘A’ would have to achieve 45.5 mpg and not take a wrong direction. Another way of equalising all the cars was that each car would weigh 1½ cwt per 100 c.c. Failing this weight test would incur an increase in their schedule speeds between controls.
57 cars were entered. Unfortunately there were a few scratchings, the most important for our story was Irene Waite, wife of Captain Arthur Waite and daughter of Sir Herbert Austin so that left only one lady competitor, Miss Louise Good driving her 6” braked Chummy. The newspaper reports of the day recorded 51 light cars assembled at the Victoria Market for the 8pm start, and about 30 reached Ballarat on or about schedule the following morning.
Unfortunately it was not a good event for Wallace-Crabbe when he struck a pot hole during the night and his battery fell through the floor boards on to the road. He then had to walk back and search for it in the gloom. Fortunately in 1927 the Austins had not converted to coil ignition and still used a magneto. Bill Scott was just as unlucky when he was delayed with a broken petrol pipe and ran out of fuel. Both Scott and Wallace-Crabbe did not feature in the results.
The above program courtesy: David Zeunert motor sport archive.
The results published in The Argus, Monday 15 August list R.C. Bird and E.H. Bradshaw both completing the trial in their Austin 7s without loss of points.
Tom Davey won the petrol consumption test for Class A, 56.91 m.p.g. and Bradshaw, second with 53.9 m.p.g.
And Miss Good completed the course in her Chummy. Note the spare wheel is attached to a trunk at the rear.
It is interesting to observe that many of Melbourne's sporting motorists were members of both the Victorian Light Car Club and the R.A.C.V. who were the organisers of a combined Acceleration and Speed Test, (a first for Victoria) held on Saturday 30 October 1927 using a sealed road at Laverton. Due to heavy rain and bleak powerful cross-winds, only two classes completed a run before the event was postponed to the following Saturday.
However the article in the Melbourne Herald by the Motoring Correspondent (Ken Wallace-Crabb) makes interesting reading.
‘The competing cars were weighed at Spencer street weigh-bridge throughout the morning, with the first cars due to start at 10 a.m., but only five cars had run up to 11.40. The reason for this was a couple of overzealous officials had instructed the police to close the road to traffic a mile on the Melbourne side of the finishing line. Two club officials, Arthur Terdich and Harry James were among the contestants held up by the police.’ Under the heading Small Car’s Burst the article went on to report 'It was a surprise in the first event when the small Austin driven by Tom Davey beat McCarey’s Bugatti for fast acceleration'.
The event was stop-watch timed for the flying mile, and electrically timed for the acceleration test using the VLCC's new timing equipment.
The meeting was abandoned shortly after 1.30 pm and postponed to the following Saturday.
The Car October 1927. Hood up and very slippery road. Tom Davey’s class winning Chummy, also driven by Miss D. Roach to first on formula, in the ladies fastest time speed event.
Fortunately the weather on the following Saturday was a striking contrast, with the road perfectly dry, and practically no wind. The 'Blue Ribbon' event, was split into five classes. Entered in “A.A.” class were Clarrie May, Austin Distributors Arthur Waite and Bill Scott all in Austin 7s. I have no photos of the May and Waite cars.
The Argus, 10 October explained that entrants in the Blue Ribbon event did not compete in the Acceleration Test just the Flying Mile with no prize money, just a blue ribbon and a certificate for their fastest time.
The RACV Journal October 1927 mentioned the outstanding performance of Waite, winning the class at 68 MPH. However the Melbourne Herald dated 24 October 1927 reported ‘Considerable dissatisfaction among the contestants at the recent speed event at Laverton by several mis-reports. It continued, Waite’s performance, the Alvis and Swift are incorrect. In the 'Blue Ribbon' event Waite was considerably beaten by W.H. Scott.’
In the Owner-Driver Sports Event, Scott was also first on Formula in the under 1500cc Class.
Under the heading, 'Austin Economy’ the Melbourne Herald newspaper reported Bill Scott’s outstanding performance driving his special 7 hp Austin at the Motor-drome track on Thursday November 24, when he covered 55.702 miles in an hour on one gallon of “juice” and broke the Victorian record for petrol-consumption and speed. The drive was observed officially by the Victorian Light Car Club, the personnel supervising the test being Messrs A.W. Bernadou, E.H. Kinnear, O.F. Tough and A.J. Terdich.
Previously the record was held by Major Harry Shaw who at Aspendale some time ago, using the same type of car, covered 49.5 miles under similar conditions. Mr Kinnear, describing Mr Scott’s successful effort, said that prior to the test the carburetter of the Austin was disconnected from the supply tank and emptied of petrol. Using rubber tubing, the carburetter was linked up to a special tank into which one gallon of C.O.R. motor spirit was measured.
Under the rules governing such a trial, when the supply of petrol was consumed the test would end automatically. As it was the gallon did not “peter out” until 45 seconds before the expiry of the hour’s run. The car then coasted to a standstill and the distance was officially checked. Scott completed 115 circuits of the ‘Drome’.
The article concluded 'Mr Scott is a well-known figure in motoring competition circles, and he has an almost uncanny knowledge of the type of car he owns. Motoring to him is a hobby. He has no trade interests and in his business capacity is manager of the Silvertown Company’.
The above story was shared by many publications around Australia, however in one report it states 'a Solex carburetter is fitted to the Austin’.
The following day The Age newspaper quoted Mr. Kinnear ‘Mr Scott knew his car “like a book”. He regarded him as an expert competition driver’.
In recognition of his wonderful performance, Austin Distributors presented Scott with a special silver cup, and his run was announced as a Victorian record. By December it had been established as a record for Australia and Austin Distributors were taking steps to ascertain whether the feat was world record.
This advertisement was published in The Argus 2 September 1927.
With thanks to...
Bob Watson/ Bernadou collection
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
David Zeunert motor sport archive.
Tony Johns
Edited by cooper997, 20 August 2021 - 03:07.
Member
Posted 11 August 2021 - 21:05
Peter Brock used to tell me that Harry James was a (late) relative of his...
Member
Posted 18 August 2021 - 05:44
Here's part 4 of the late 20s adventures of W H Scott, from Tony Johns...
A week after establishing a new record at the Richmond Motodrome, Bill Scott and Ken Wallace-Crabbe entered their Austin 7 specials in the second ‘Herald’ Dependability Test. Organised by the Victorian Light Car Club, not to be confused with the Alpine Trials that were promoted by the RACV, the first Alpine Trial was held in 1921. (Former Australian Rally champion Bob Watson, has just published a book to celebrate the 100th anniversary of these trials.)
In a previous post I mentioned Wallace-Crabbe was the Herald Newspapers motoring correspondent, however the paper mentions he was competing in the test as a private entrant using the name K.Wallace, and he telegraphed reports to be published each day. Other newspapers including those in towns the trial passed through, also provided good coverage, often naming the garages where the cars were locked up overnight.
The above program including the Austin Distributors advertisement courtesy: David Zeunert motor sport archive.
North-Eastern Victorian newspaper, The Benalla Standard carried this report the following Tuesday.
Mrs Tough wife, of VLCC committee member O.F.Tough in charge of the control.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic - Adamson photo.
The December copy of The Car magazine led with the heading The Great Four Days’ Test Run, with a sub heading, Motors, Maids, Men, Modish Millinery and Mechanical Experts. In ”The Herald” Dependability Trial.
However as a result of bad weather, the first days' route had to be shortened and the organisers worked past midnight on Friday to adjust the time-sheets and official cards. Not all the competitors were aware of the change in the starting time to 8am and arrived early. Leaving the start in Bouverie Street Carlton they made their way past all the market carts heading to the Victoria Market. Once out of the city and its medley of market traffic, there was no great incident on the first day’s run. The weather had turned from the rainy presage of the Friday to a very nice day for travelling.
The alteration late on Friday night, lightened the work of the drivers in this first sector of country. The roads were fair going all the way- Healesville, Black’s Spur, Marysville, Buxton, Alexandria and Mansfield to Benalla.
The 179 miles run left some competitors feeling so fit that they patronised the local picture theatre whilst the others were happy to rest at the hotel.
The report continued, when it mentioned that Wagner driving his Wanderer, received an award for having the loudest ‘blow-out’ when the tyre came off the rim and J. Dondey gained form by quickly adapting himself to the Bugatti that he saw for the first time the night before.
Sunday, the second day included two sub-events, the short acceleration test and the observed hill climb, from Porpunkah to the Mt Buffalo Chalet. Bill Scott recorded the fastest time in the under 1100cc Class with a time of 21.5 seconds. Wallace Crabbe 25.7 seconds was further back in eighth spot.
The run up to the chalet was divided into three sections, each of five miles reaching the altitude of 4400 ft.
Monday’s run to Omeo proved to be the Waterloo for those who did not finish with a first class award.
Once past Harrietville and heading towards the Hospice at St Bernard and Mt Hotham, the road was smeared with snowy slush, and the liability was to travel in any direction but that in which one wished to.
The foggy conditions at times during the day made it impossible to use windscreen wipers. It was almost a matter of ‘honk’ one’s way through.
It was so bad that one competitor wrote.
Things was tough-in fact, was rough-
Climbing up the Hotham Hill:
Still, one blighter found them tighter:
Downward bound his luck was ill:
When his brakes afell to burning-
Oh, he felt much inner churning.As it put it out with beer.
The climb was tough, but downhill rougher,
When a fellow has to suffer
Such a tragedy as this here.
How Scott Took the Hill.
Scott and the ‘Tin Hare’ (a new name for his Austin) took the hill in wonderful fettle. He and his little Austin Special can speed to some order in a perfectly smooth and well regulated manner. Hills like Mt. Hotham can be taken quite comfortably at somewhere about 40 m.p.h.
Next to Scott in the Omeo and Scarfield hill climb came Wallace Crabbe in his Austin Special. Scott as well secured wins on formula.
They 'were here for a good time, not a long time.' At the end of the very detailed report of the Test, The Car magazine featured the following gossip column.
UNOFFICIAL AND UNAUTENTIC JOURNAL OF THE VICTORIAN LIGHT CAR CLUB.
Official Dinner, Mount Buffalo.
“Herald” Four Days’ Trial, 1927.
What We Want To Know-
How much did Scottie spend at Porepunkah on liquid replenishments?
How they can be termed light cars if they come up “well loaded” ?
What Scottie said when he missed his gear on the Acceleration Test?
What did Special Correspondent K.Wallace-Crabbe do with the contents of his pill box hat?
Melbourne Report (Stop Press)
Adamson carried a combined tow rope and trout line. Why didn’t he pull Mutimer along?
Another record broken-Scottie came up Buffalo without boiling.
A smiling Ken Wallace-Crabbe and his navigator about to set off with the Conn’s Motors entered Amilcar drivers, G.Aldridge holding his #9 and S.Dunkerley standing on the running board. In total six Amilcars were entered in Class A.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
Edwin G. Adamson’s car, thought to be a Talbot with the ‘Official Photographer” banner tied to the hood. Also lots of advise being shared in the engine room of the Chalet. Note the cylinder head on the floor.
An Adamson photo, taken on an earlier Alpine Trial on a clear day is included so you have some idea of the road conditions in the Alpine region of Victoria. Also it is an example of the quality of original photographs when compared with copies from newspapers and period magazines.
'Snow at the top of Mount Hotham’ this, and several of the following photographs were published in a 'Presentation Album' by the James Flood Charity Trust. It is my belief they were all taken by Edwin G Adamson the official photographer for the trial.
The montage of photos published in The Car, December 1927 included this photo with the caption ‘ The “Tin Hare” makes pace with W.H.Scott at the wheel’.
‘Scottie’ making good time, en route 3rd day between St. Bernard and the township of Omeo.
The date, together with Scott’s autograph confirms they are on their way to the finish in Melbourne.
The mud on Ken Wallace-Crabbe’s Austin is proof of the bad weather on sections of the trial.
The note on the back of this photo identifies three of the VLCC organising committee, from left complete with pith helmet, shorts and long socks, Ed. Kinnear, A.W. Bernadou and A.J.Terdich gathered around the Wallace-Crabbe Austin.
Bill Scott, centre of the front table with some of the trophies that were presented to him on the night. Scott and Wallace-Crabbe both received First Class Awards, and Scott in the sub events Scott recorded fastest times in Class A, both outright and Formula.
Saved TJ A7 16 8 21 awards night photo
The Gold Award trophy now forms part of the Adrian Patterson Collection.
Tony Johns
With thanks...
David Zeunert
Adrian Patterson
Edwin G Adamson
Edited by cooper997, 20 August 2021 - 03:05.
Member
Posted 03 September 2021 - 04:57
W.H.Scott #5 - The Untold Story of the first 100 Mile Race at Phillip Island.
It's time to revisit the very first photo on this thread back in May 2020 in order to properly acknowledge Bill Scott’s contribution to the first 100 mile race held at Phillip Island in March 1928.
Charlie Watt (an employee C.O.R.) attended the early races and photographed Captain Arthur Waite standing behind his Austin in the garage area of the Isle of White Hotel, Cowes Phillip Island while it was being prepared prior to the race. The Austin is a prototype, supercharged, Super Sport model and was sent to Melbourne by Sir Herbert Austin for him to compete in the race.
Until now it has never been reported that Scott loaned his Austin to his friend Tom Davey to compete in the race. The sloping tail, and the number plate 118894 of Scott’s Austin can be seen in the background. This is the same Austin that Scott has been using in competition since March 1927.
Charlie Watt photograph, Tony Johns Collection.
Already a member of the committee of the VLCC, as Sports Captain, Scott took on the additional role of Treasurer due to the illness of the previous incumbent.
Once the club had received approval from the Phillip Island Council to organise a race, Arthur Terdich, Jack Day and Bill Scott mapped out the 6.5 mile circuit using public, non sealed dirt roads for the race at Phillip Island in 1928. Scott, driving his Austin 7 with Day as his passenger, measured the length of the rectangular circuit and named the four corners — Young & Jackson’s, Gentle Annie, Heaven and Hell. The narrow cutting was named the Needle’s Eye. As the other committee members doubted the accuracy of the Austin's speedometer, Scott borrowed a local farmer’s horse-drawn cart and attached a spring clip to the cart wheel. Walking beside the cart and counting the clicks he was then able to count the number of revolutions of the wheel to calculate the lap distance and confirm it was the same as the speedometer reading shown on the Austin.
Scott’s Austin, below, was used to measure the length of the proposed circuit, seen here competing in a trial in March 1927. Note the unusual one piece flat mudguards that were removed by Davey prior to the race.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
The 1928 Race program: Bob King Collection.
The report in 'The Car' magazine, April 1928, notes that all five cars in Class A were Austin 7s. The race winner, Captain Arthur Waite’s Austin was the prototype supercharged sports Austin 7 sent out by his father-in-law, Sir Herbert Austin. The other Austins were standard models fitted with lightweight sporting bodywork. The article went on to mention that Waite’s brand new car had travelled little more than 100 miles before the race commenced. Davey’s car, on the other hand, had run somewhere nearer the 30,000 miles mark.
Tom Davey prepares the Scott Austin 7, now stripped of windscreen, lights and mudguards. (The black triangles are another confirmation of its identity). Cut off in the background is Arthur Terdich's Type 40 Bugatti and his brother, Abe Terdich's DFP Car #6.
Charlie Watt photograph, Tony Johns Collection.
Taken on the same day looking back towards the hotel garages. The front wheel of the Tom Davey entered Scott Austin, can be seen hidden in front of the Terdich Bugatti.
Charlie Watt photograph, Tony Johns Collection.
Tom Davey making adjustments to the engine. Note the binding of the spring to the front axle to improve the handling.
Table Talk magazine 29 March 1928, published this pre race montage with a rare photo showing the raised bonnet on Waite’s Austin. Albert Edwards, Austin #4 did not make the start of the race, but details of the bodywork follow below.
This photo and caption appeared in the Melbourne Herald in August 1927.
Interior of the Workshop of Holstock & Jamieson Pty.Ltd. Victoria Street, North Melbourne. Their main activity is the manufacture of new bodywork, particularly in aluminium, however they have all the latest equipment to roll mudguards. In the foreground are roadster bodies being built on imported Austin 7 chassis. To the left in front of the office a nearly completed sports body.
Photo from the The Australian Automobile Trade Journal, (VACC) February 1928.
Rear view of Stan King's Austin avoiding the spinning Bugatti.
We have all seen the occasional photo from the 1950’s and 1960’s of a driver receiving a lift back to the pits hanging on to the rear of another competitor's car, but after, not during the race.
Arthur Terdich held a comfortable lead in his Type 40 Bugatti when Waite made a stop to add fuel,oil and water before rejoining the race some 9 minutes behind Terdich. Two laps from the finish the pressure fuel system on the Bugatti failed and Terdich stopped out on the circuit, at the time thinking he had run out of petrol. King then offered Terdich a lift back to the pits to collect three cans of fuel. If you look closely at the photo you will see the only place for Terdich to stand would be the exposed rear axle. By the time they returned to the breakdown site Tredich’s mechanic, Jenkin had fixed the problem and driven back to the pits, so in all Terdich completed a lap and a half hanging on to the rear of the Austin.
The following was part of the race report in The Car magazine April 1928.
Things went well until a couple of laps from home-the pump pressure failed. Here, indeed, incident came to the driver, and conveying petrol to a stranded car on the slender back of another competitor’s car was found exhilarating to the most blase. S.V. King, the conveyor, placed implicit faith on Arthur Terdich’s ability to stay on as he did the circuit at his best. Many bumps became noticed which before were unknown. A painful means of transport, but good to help ladies acquire the “new” figure. Yet, says the Bugatti’s crew, pillon riding is not what it is cracked up to be.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
Arthur Waite making good time, rounding the ‘Gentle Annie’ corner.
Dunlop Collection, ANU, Edwin G.Adamson photo.
This Edwin G. Adamson photo from the Dickason Collection, shows Clarrie May in his car with its aluminium bodywork by James Flood and Company. This shape was the prototype of the next Austin Standard Sports model, known today as a ‘Latrobe'. They continued with the polished aluminium body and red wings.
Cyril Dickason Collection- Austin 7 Club.
Clarrie stirring up the dust.
Peter Taylor Collection
Waite crossing the finishing line to win the 100 Mile Road Race in 1 hour 46 minutes and fastest average speed of 56.25mph.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
Captain Arthur Waite with his mechanic Guy Barringer being chaired to collect the C.B. Kellow Cup.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
The Shell scoreboard shows Waite one lap ahead of the rest of the field. It also notes Terdich # ‘Out of Fuel Temporally' and the four Austin 7s that started the race all finished. King was two laps down, perhaps due to stopping to help Terdich. The other comments make interesting reading. #17 Alvis ‘Out Big End Gone'. and #18 Aston Martin ‘Retired 1st & 2nd Gear Gone’.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
I am including this photo from the 1929 Phillip Island race because it shows Bill Scott in a light hearted moment lighting a cigarette while holding the chequered finishing flag standing next to Jack Raybold while Arthur Terdich is being congratulated after his win.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic. Adamson photo.
The Shell Company of Australia hosted a dinner at Menzies Hotel on the 26th of April and the guests included Captain Waite, the winner of the V.L.C.C. Road Race was presented with the C.B. Kellow Cup.
Trophy presented to W.H. Scott following the successful running of the 100 Mile Road Race at Phillip Island, not for being a competitor, but his work as an organiser and key official. The race is now accepted as the first Australian Grand Prix.
The Trophy is displayed in the Victorian Historic Racing Register Clubrooms.
The only photograph I have of Charlie Watt, second from left. Bill Scott, centre dark jacket by now with the title of Race Director. Not 1928 but 1929.
Table Talk Magazine April 1929.
With thanks...
Bob King
Peter Taylor
Austin 7 Club, Victoria
Vintage Sports Car Club, Victoria
Tony Johns.
Edited by cooper997, 03 September 2021 - 05:47.
Member
Posted 03 September 2021 - 22:49
Originally posted by cooper997
.....Until now it has never been reported that Scott loaned his Austin to his friend Tom Davey to compete in the race.....
Member
Posted 04 September 2021 - 05:54
Ray, there's a small group ferreting down all the rabbit holes as validated by the attributions on the posts. Both helped and hindered by Victoria's recordbreaking Lockdown (as in number of days).
And indeed Tony's keen eye over photos sourced from long forgotten or utilised collections
All aided by modern comms, tech and sites such as Trove.
Stephen
Member
Posted 04 September 2021 - 07:28
I guess this means other revelations will be forthcoming, Stephen...
And I'm sure many are grateful for the energies being expended.
Member
Posted 07 September 2021 - 10:12
Fantastic stuff Stephen, Tony.
The amount of work involved in all of this is amazing, I feel, I hope a book is coming, it’s where the whole thread belongs.
Look forward to the next instalment! Mr Scott is an unsung hero indeed.
mark
New Member
Posted 23 September 2021 - 09:17
An Aussie abroad.
Tony sent through these photos for a bit of a giggle from when he raced in the UK during 1974. I do believe no Austin enthusiasts had a Rolls Royce tow car (refer backgound of first photo).
Tony wrote... "Forget the lineup of Austins but take note of the competition in the background.
The Alfa Romeo Owners Club team included a TZ1, a team of six real GT 40’s, the AC Owners Club had one Cobra Mk 11 in with the Ace’s, even a RR tow car or could have been a driver? I have the result sheet and we finished in 13th place, with a start of 111 credit laps. The GT 40’s had 23 credit laps and finished 9th.
750 Motor Club Six Hour Relay Race, Silverstone, 20 July 1974. Held on the same day as the Brands Hatch British GP
Austin Seven drivers in the above photo...
Martin Eyre, owner of the Ulster I drove in 1974. Reg Nice. owned two Ulsters, this one to race and hillclimb and a second very original car with full mudguards. Standing front of Barry Clarke’s car is Team Manager Jack French, one of the original 750 Formula builders and racers. His own car was named ‘Simplicity’, his son has contributed to the Nostalgia Forum. Barry Clarke, past president of the VSCC also owned the ’Super Sport’ once raced by John Miles, Lotus F1 driver. Stuart Bond is standing next to me (on RHS)
This photo's from VSCC Thruxton 31 August 1974 proves I was trying to blend in with my twin Martin Eyre (RHS). Note I'm holding an Australian beer can. Other drivers are Mike Pilgrim, TBC drinking Castrol and Reg Nice.
What is not visible is the Eddie Thomas Speed Shop badge on my driving overalls, Martin was very keen to acquire a ‘Thomas’ cam to the same specification as the one used by John Whitehouse in the ‘Whitmor’ when he raced there in 1967.
Tony Johns
I've owned Reg Nice's racing Ulster KJ 5043 some years now - how much registration plate swapping took place with those Ulsters is guesswork about which Reg is a bit vague .
I keep in touch with him, he recently celebrated his 90th birthday and I sent him copies of the two pics which were new to him - not the events and personalities who he
remembered well .
Geoff.,
Member
Posted 24 September 2021 - 04:00
Geoff, (a message from Tony Johns)
Very pleased to learn from you that Reg Nice is still with us and that you now own Reg's competition Ulster that I enjoyed competing against back in 1974. Through the internet I have also recently caught up with Charles Leith, owner of the Martin Eyre Ulster seen in the photos in that post.
Geoff perhaps you would like to share this memory with Reg. The photo was taken in August 1981 (same day as the Royal Wedding) at the car hire depot after our arrival at Heathrow shows the rear of Reg Nice’s road Ulster and my “Hand Luggage”.
750MC member Ken Cooke, and UK organiser of the 1981 Austin 7 Raid was able to organise our hire cars, all fitted with towing hitches as well as exiting Heathrow via the Flight Crew door.
The contents of the small box was a new supercharged motor, as the one in my Austin when shipped from Australia was a couple of years old. Not sure if today you could talk Qantas into flying it from Melbourne to London free of charge?
Kind Regards
Tony
Member
Posted 25 September 2021 - 07:08
Tony's been busy with W H Scott part 6...
With the 100 Mile Road Race at Phillip Island a success, Bill Scott entered the R.A.C.V. Twenty-Four Hour Trial held overnight on 4th and 5th May 1928, in Western Victoria. Once again The Car magazine gives a vivid account of the conditions the entrants faced.
"Leaving the starting point at Bouverie Street, the run via Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat to Skipton was good. But Dunkeld onwards to Hamilton was disillusioning to the optimist, both as regards weather and general conditions. Heavy rail and hail was met with, and those in open cars fared badly indeed from wet and cold. Few were enamoured with the route picked for the Flying Half-Mile Test with the strong head wind blowing. This gale and the cold slowed speeds considerably".
Arthur Terdich won the event in his Bugatti and when interviewed after the event was quoted as saying in his opinion, the hardest run which had ever been made in Victoria. “It took me all my time to do the trip successfully: but as far as I know I lost no points throughout the run”. He went on to say initially they fitted chains to all four wheels. Ten miles before Apollo Bay, Terdich passed Scott in the Austin who was intent on repairing the ropes which replaced chains upon his wheels. Terdich noted “I hesitated, but recalled to mind the clause forbidding outside assistance, and passed regretfully on”.
Bill Scott and his little Austin led the way to the finish, while other cars followed at intervals. Scott may not have been assisted and made a good run; but, while he protected against cold himself, he would have been equally wise to have taken chains in place of ropes. (I believe this comment confirms he had the hood up during the trial.)
The distance covered was 500 miles with an average speed of 21 MPH.
Arthur Terdich in the Bugatti was awarded a special trophy for gaining full points at all controls.
In Class A. 'Owner Drivers'. Bill Scott won two trophies 'First in Formula’ and fastest time. (combined events) As well as a Gold Award.
Wheel chains can be clearly seen, Terdich’s Bugatti was fitted with twin spare wheels. This is the same car with mudguards and lights removed that led the AGP a few weeks prior until suffering fuel issues.
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic. Adamson photo.
The Victorian Light Car Club organised a second Hill Climb at Wheelers Hill, with several of the entrants having competed in the Phillip Island 100 Mile Race back in March. If you check the race program you will see the same numbers being used at the hillclmb.
Writing in the Melbourne Herald prior to the event, “Dawning” confirmed the club had received 145 entries and will be the most important yet held in this state. To save time there will be no official weighing of cars competing for formula. Owners must produce weighbridge tickets to officials on arrival at the hill, and compete exactly with the same number of passengers when on the weighbridge. Another rule stipulated competing cars must display 9” numbers on both sides.
Austin 7s dominated the entry list with 33, followed by 28 Bugattis. Regulars Scott, Davey, and Wallace-Crabbe were joined by Arthur Waite and several others including A. Russell in his Gordon England ‘Brooklands' model Austin.
Program and Result Sheets are kindly shared by Philip Bernadou. His grandfather Albert Bernadou was the inaugural President of the Victorian Light Car Club in 1924.
The report in The Car magazine starts with “the three star drivers whose luck was out on June 9 were Arthur Terdich in his new Bugatti, Arthur Waite in his supercharged Austin Seven, and W.H. Scott in his new Austin of weird design. Though their many supporters were disappointed , these good sportsman, while deploring their own bad luck, rejoiced in the success of new members and others who secured the honours of the day”.
Another story in the same issue, penned under the nom de plume “Gas O. Line” and heading A Day With The Light Car Club.
“My attention then turned to the most weird, whilst amazing, automotive construction I had ever gazed upon. The body was coffin-shaped, and painted red-blood red. Ugh! First guess one might have supposed it to be an outsize in kids’ trucks. Cautiously I approached, and a closer inspection convinced me that it packed a wallop, for I had recognised it as a Baby Austin, disguised as a juggernaut.
My temerity somewhat cooled by the former departure, I hastily retreated to safety behind a party of lady spectators”.
The Melbourne Herald reported Terdich in his new Bugatti met engine trouble and took 1min 51seconds, while the supercharger jammed on A. Waite’s fast Austin Seven. The weird coffin-like, radiatorless Austin driven by W.H. Scott, though abnormally fast, did not reach the hill-top.
Note the larger diameter rear wheels, and the very short body ending just behind the drivers seat. Scott always had a name for his Austins, and in another report this is called the "Ice Bucket".
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic.
A. Russell in his Gordon England Brooklands model Austin 7 ran out a clear winner in Class A, with the fastest time of 53.2 seconds, with Tom Davey, back in his Chummy next with a best time of 59.1 seconds.
The Car magazine June 1928. State Library of Victoria.
Result Sheet kindly shared by Philip Bernadou
Terdich Collection: VSCC Vic
Advertisement placed in The Car magazine by Austin Distributors Pty Ltd. following the success at the Wheelers Hill Hillclimb.
The Car magazine June 1928. State Library of Victoria.
Tony Johns.
Member
Posted 15 October 2021 - 08:28
Tony's been busy looking through the archives for 1932 Australian GP related information...
Cyril Dickason entered the 5th Australian Grand Prix, held on March 14, 1932. He was one of the few drivers who had competed and finished in all previous Grand Prix — the first two in 1928 and 1929 in a 12hp Austin, but from 1930 raced an Ulster Austin 7. After morally winning the 1931 race, (the first to be run as a handicap) when the trophy was presented to the driver recording the fastest race time without taking into account the handicaps listed in the official program.
Much information can be found in newspaper articles published in the days leading up to the 1932 race.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the 1932 event would be a straight out handicap race with the car first past the post being the winner. Last year Junker’s Bugatti made best time while the handicap section was won by Dickason (supercharged 7hp Austin), who was also placed second in the general classification. It went on to report two entries from NSW, both sponsored by the Light Car Club of NSW. They were the Austin 7 entered by Johnny Wall and to be driven by Bill Northam, and Thompson driving his supercharged Bugatti.
Kent Patrick in his book. Bill Thompson, Australian motor racing champion, explains that Bill Northam was keen to join Thompson in travelling from Sydney to Phillip Island in order to enter his first Grand Prix, but did not have sufficient funds. His friend, Johnny Wall had entered his Austin 7 nicknamed 'Red Ozner’ in the race but unfortunately soon after Wall was badly injured in a racing accident that would keep him away for some time. Northam, together with Keith Dalziel, worked around the clock to get the Austin rebuilt in time to ship it to Melbourne. So far so good, his next task was to find a sponsor to meet all the expenses. A smooth talker, and with his ear to the ground Northam became aware that Richmond Brewery here in Melbourne was about to launch a new beer called ‘Brew 22’. In no time he had arranged with the brewery a £200 sponsorship deal but also another £200 should his friend Bill Thompson win in his Bugatti averaging 75 mph or more.
Without bothering to inform Wall, the owner of the Austin, Northam promptly changed the name from ‘Red Ozner’ to ‘Brew 22’.
The report of the race will form part of a future post, however now it is important to continue with Kent’s story.
Limit man, Bill Northam, was first car away. The large number 22 had just been painted on the Austin and the whitewash was still dripping and amateurish, however they suited the rest of the car as the damage from Wall’s accident back in Sydney had only been partially repaired. Chief commissioner of Police, General Blamey when waving the starters flag at Northam, was heard to remark, ‘…that thing shouldn’t be allowed on the track...'
Bill Northam and mechanic Keith Dalziel with the Red Ozner, now renamed Brew 22 for the race made sure everybody was aware they were an interstate entry from Sydney. The Austin tourer is another member of their team.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Several Austins parked outside the Isle of Wight Hotel garages, Cowes, Phillip Island.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Bill Thompson’s advertisement in the program confirms his ownership of the Type 43 Bugatti in the above photo.
1932 Race program, Bob King Collection.
The program confirms Dickason and May, both employees of Austin Distributors, were driving cars owned and entered by the company. Originally May had entered two cars. The first was the supercharged, prototype Super Sport that Captain Arthur Waite used to win the first race back in 1928. The car remained with Austin Distributors when Waite returned to England. The other entry was the same car he used the previous year, this time with an un-supercharged engine.
The Referee, Sydney 24 February under the heading. 'Some Interesting Jobs in Big Field'. “Derwent” wrote Thompson and Terdich in their Bugattis are the scratch markers. He continues, The entry of Wall’s “Brooklands” Austin has also been received. Bill Northam will drive this job, which has yet to be handicapped.' The handicaps make interesting reading. For the 200 mile race Dickason was only given an 8 minute start to the two Bugattis. May in the ex Waite S/C Austin 16 minutes, he later withdrew this entry choosing to race the Unblown Ulster with a 26 minutes start. Ken McKinney was also on a 26 minute handicap. Derwent wrote, 'Dickason’s Austin has been belted about a great deal in hill climbs, etc in the last 12 months. Ken McKinney’s Austin figured in the 1930 event when it was driven by Harry Burkill’.
The article continued, ‘Though he has only an 8 minute handicap this year, C. Dickason is entitled to a lot of respect. He will be piloting the car with which he put up a rather wonderful performance last year and won the handicap section of the race’.
Melbourne Herald, 29 February provided a table listing the competitors, the lap times in minutes and the speed they would need to average in order to win the Grand Prix. The same article also suggested May (Supercharged Austin) with his good handicap, seems best placed of all the entrants to surprise the scratch men.
The Age, 7 March informs its readers that 'The New South Wales men, Messrs. J. Wall and W. Thompson, shipped their cars by The Canberra from Sydney on Saturday. It is expected that the visitors will travel to Melbourne by car. Arrangements are being made by the officials of the Light Car Club to have a running description of the race broadcast.'
The Melbourne Herald 7 March reported ‘May will drive an un-supercharged Austin 7 and has withdrawn his second entry a supercharged Austin.'
Now it is the Melbourne Truth’s turn, 12 March 'Bad Luck'. 'C. May has chosen to drive his un-supercharged Austin of the limit mark of 26 minutes. May has experienced bad luck during the last two years when in one race he overturned trying to avoid a spectator who had wandered on to the track, and last year he struck trouble early in the race. An excellent driver who is not afraid to step on the “gas” but will only have a chance of winning if the faster cars crack up.
K.McKinney is driving a special 1930 Austin. Knows everything there is is to know about tuning up cars, and has concentrated for months on this event.'
Ken McKinney and Jack Sidebottom inspecting the rear hub. Note with the bonnet open you can see a distributor, confirming un-supercharged coil ignition engine. Also the garage door next to the Williamson Riley #14 show the initials R.C.M. and C.R.D. painted on the inside of the door. R. Clarrie May (service manager, Austin Distributors) and Cyril Robert Dickason (sales manager, Austin Distributors). The third set of initials C.R.W. stand for Cec Warren who drove the unsupercharged Ulster in the 1931 race
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
This photo taken during practice gives some idea of the hump on the back straight. From an unnamed newspaper with Dickason writing the names of the drivers.
Cyril Dickason Collection. A7 Club Victoria
In the above photo the leading car is the supercharged Triumph, and below the photo shows the Cozette supercharger is mounted in the same location as the Austins. Also the oil feed tank, Pilgrim pump and flow valve connected to the throttle linkage are similar.
The Car Magazine, SLV.
Red Ozner / Brew 22 in front of the pit counter.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Smiling Bill Northam and Keith Dalziel with two of their team from NSW Light Car Club.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
I greatly appreciate the contributions from Tim Shellshear and Bob King to this post.
To the best of my research the Alan Muston photos have not been shared before. Part two will be the story of the race with more photos from the Muston and Dickason collections.
The 1931 AGP story started in this thread's post #237 and finished in #247.
With thanks...
Tim Shellshear, VSCC Australia Librarian and Archivist has shared the Alan Muston photographs.
Bob King supplied the 1932 AGP program from his collection.
The Cyril Robert Dickason Collection from the archives of the Austin 7 Club Victoria - scanned by Robert Humphries.
State Library Victoria
Tony Johns
Member
Posted 07 November 2021 - 01:43
Tony continues on from the previous post with more Austin 7 history (and a few ringins) relating to the 1932 Australian GP, Phillip Island.
Two more pages from the 1932 race program -- the first illustration is the Austin Distributors Pty. Ltd. advertisement that perhaps the claims in the fine print could be questioned. The next page tells us that Bill Scott (reported in several earlier posts driving his Austin) is now the Victorian manager for COR (later renamed as BP Australia) and will provide the course commentary that will also be broadcast on Melbourne radio.
Bob King Collection.
Bob King Collection.
As the 1932 race was Cyril Dickason's last AGP, it is appropriate to precis an article from the April 1932 Australian Motorist (AM). Under the heading This Racing Business, the editor recorded his interview with C.R. Dickason. Starting with [In this year’s race the popular opinion was that “Dicky” put up a magnificent race, and that his driving was superb. Ed.”AM.]
He starts the story with 'From a spectator’s point of view the race commences on the drop of the flag, but not so as preparations commence many months before the actual day of the race.
All too quickly the time arrives when the competing cars go down to the Island to put in their last few days on the actual course with a view of finding any new bumps or holes if any on the circuit. I say “all too quickly” advisedly, as it has always been my experience that, no matter how early one commences preparation, a racing car is never ready.
Dickason mentions the lack of sleep the night before the race where one's brain is recounting every detail. Waking up the first thing is to look outside and check the weather, then a light breakfast before sauntering out of the hotel to watch the enthusiastic crowds arrive from the mainland. Then a final checkover, filling with oil, petrol and water, a last check up on tyre pressures, seeing that your spares are all loaded up to take to the pits, a change into racing gear and you then proceed with your car to the starting point, which is at the pits.
After looking at your watch you realise you have half-hour to go. Then the starter tells you “five minutes to go!” It is time to change on to your racing plugs, your car having meanwhile been kept hot by constantly running on standard plugs. “Two minutes to go!” You switch on. Your mechanic is ready on the starting handle. “One minute to go!” You give him the word, fervently hoping that the motor will start and that you will not oil a plug before the starter’s flag drops. The motor starts at first pull; the counter flicks around to 4000 revs. You keep it there, not daring to get under. This is one of the longest minutes of your life. As the starter raises his flag you slip your gear in, put your foot down, the rev counter flicks around to 6000, and as the flag drops, you are away with a squeal of tyres, a cloud of dust, and smoke.
Up past the pits, running like a watch, motor doing 5500 revs.; a blackboard shoots out from your own particular pit with the magic letters, “OK” and you have a little smile to yourself.
At last a faint cheer from your mechanic dimly heard above the roar of the exhaust. You are in a place, this followed shortly by the sickening sound of your motor running on three. Hoping it is only a plug, you limp around to the pits, imagining you are doing 40, but, in reality over the 70 mark. A quick plug change, away again, fighting hard to regain your place. Corners again, the scream of your motor as you change down, a hasty look at the rev counter, when you find the needle away round past the limit mark, thinking, “Mustn’t do that again. Thats how motors blow up.”
Dickason ends the story, ‘you finally regain your lost position just prior to that most welcome of all sights- the chequered flag. You pull into your pits happy, dirty and take a long drink, and hope to be first past the post next year.’
Sepia photo showing the cars lined up prior to the start.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Prior to starting, worth noting the bonnet side of Dickason’s Ulster (5) has been modified to allow for the upswept Ulster exhaust manifold.
Kent Patrick Collection.
The Referee (Sydney) with a heading BILL NORTHAM GETS THERE IN “RED ONZER” (Special wire from Phillip Island by Norman Ellison) highlights the achievements of the NSW drivers particularly as Bill Thompson had just won his second Grand Prix and in record time.
First away was the Baby Austin entered by Jimmy Wall of Sydney, and driven by Bill Northam, with Keith Dalziel as mechanic. An ancient dingy little bus that laboured under the private names of “Red Ozner” or “Brew 22”. It looked out of place among the real racing jobs. But appearances don’t count in a 200 miles race.
With a 26 minute start on the scratch markers, Ken McKinney and Clarrie May, in his Austin Distributors entry (both unsupercharged Ulsters) were flagged away. After his success in last year's race and driving the same Ulster this year Dickason was back on the eight minute mark.
Ken McKinney was out after two laps with a seized tail-shaft universal joint, and by lap 20 Bill Thompson had taken the lead and his crew held up a big figure “One”. Ellison continued his report by stating Dickason was now in fourth position, ‘driving like a master, but the best driver in the world cannot offset plug troubles’.
Northam used an unusual method to make contact with his pit crew by throwing a stone with a message in a very shaky hand, wrapped around the stone reading 'Ain’t it a ————? Choked jet in first round'. The Northam-Dalziel adventures were known only to the pits. But the record crowd had many a laugh at another humorous interlude. W. H. Scott, Victorian manager of the C.O.R. and ex-racing referee, and a one hundred per cent racing enthusiast, described the race over the air. But it was strange to hear him say, 'Thompson is having a hectic time in hell and Terdich is well on his way to heaven.' or 'So-and-so has just stopped near Young and Jackson’s.' But you must remember that those terms are actually the official names of the corners of the circuit.
Once Thompson was in the lead the race was virtually over, and on the twenty-seventh lap he received a pit signal "Go slower". Disher in the Salmson drove a sound hard race was second, and Dickason, who turned on everything in a gallant attempt to make up for plug troubles, was third.
Once again we can all learn from The Car magazine report of the Grand Prix.
‘Precisely at 1.30p.m. the starter sent Bill Northam off in his Tom Thumb Austin, with his numbers nearly blotting out the sides of the little car. By the way, the Sydney boys were inclined to think that the “handicappers had dealt harshly with the mouse”, but agreed afterwards that everything was O.K.’
The report continued, We are not going to give the whole details of the race, as this journal would not be big enough to mention the many interesting stories which occurred in practically every lap. Starting from the bottom of the list of handicaps, Wall’s car (22) was driven by Bill Northam, because Jimmy Wall was in a Sydney hospital with a broken arm, the result of an accident, in which the little car was somewhat twisted, only a fortnight previously.
McKinney (19), in his orange pup, started off well, but saw the last 29 laps from a grandstand seat, as some gadget seized when it should not have. He wasn’t looking for sympathy, as it is all in the game.
Clarrie May (18) settled down early in the piece and drove as he had never driven before, but his car was not as fast as the one he drove last year.
Dickason (5) drove a wonderful race in a little car which has had a fair amount of belting in the past. Had the higher placed car not had quite so much handicap Dicky must have come second. Anyhow the No.5 driver does not begrudge the youth his victory. Dicky is the only driver who has had a place in all the races yet held, so that should be sufficient evidence of his skill as a driver.
The supporters from Sydney, numbering about fifty, were confident of Thompson’s win right from the start. The Race Referee’s Report (O.F.Tough) listed eighteen cars faced the starter and ten completed the race. By the time the scratch men left there were some interesting fights in progress, with the two Ulster Austins, May and McKinney, the latter having the advantage. Wall’s little Austin, after a first lap with blocked jets, was going well, and got some real good laps at 6 min. 20 sec. and better.'
The Car magazine March 1932.
For the 1932 race, as well as programs spectators were given a blank lap chart in order to help keep track of the competing cars. This completed chart also lists some of the reasons why some cars failed to finish.
Bob King Collection.
The Red Ozner passing the Shell Scoreboard.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Bill Thompson with his mechanic Wal Warneford waving at the spectators after moving into first place.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Geoff Disher, finished in second place in his Salmson. An excellent achievement as it was his first race and he had just celebrated his twenty-first birthday without any booze or smokes. (As reported in The Car)
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Bill Lowe, Supercharged Lombard started with a two minute handicap over Dickason, but according to Bob King’s lap chart retired after catching fire on the second lap.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
From Dickinson’s own scrapbook. Note all his photos were suitably captioned.
Austin 7 Club Collection
Clarrie May, unsupercharged Ulster, the photo confirms the long straights and that spectators congregated at the pits and corners.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Dickinson leaving clouds of dust in his last Grand Prix.
Photo unattributed.
Bill Northam making steady progress proudly displaying their NSW heritage and race number 22, the name of their sponsor’s new beer.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
Albert Edwards was involved in a most unfortunate accident when after leaving the start he swerved hoping to avoid a spectator who was standing in the wrong place. Unfortunately his front wheel drive Alvis ended upside down in a ditch.
VSCC Australia, Alan Muston Collection.
A very detailed handwritten on the spot race report listing the race order after various laps. Note top right hand corner Dick 1st. Lap 75 MPH. I assume the 203.6 indicate race distance. Also noted Edwards the driver of the Alvis and his mechanic were not injured in the first lap accident however the spectator (R H Wilkinson) also a member of the Light Car Club was hurt.
Bob King Collection.
With thanks...
Tim Shellshear, VSCC Australia Librarian and Archivist who has shared the Alan Muston photographs.
Bob King supplied the 1932 AGP program, lap chart and notes from his collection.
The Cyril Robert Dickason Collection from the archives of the Austin 7 Club Victoria - scanned by Robert Humphries.
State Library Victoria
Tony Johns
.
Member
Posted 07 November 2021 - 03:15
Dick Wilkinson lost a leg in the Edwards/Alvis accident...
Some said, apparently, that it was torn right off. Others that it was amputated on the spot. The Alvis was said to have rolled after running into a pile of gravel.
Member
Posted 07 November 2021 - 09:15
What fantastic shots Tony, Stephen.
Have not seen these Alan Muston Collection shots before, thanks for sharing.
m
Member
Posted 20 December 2021 - 04:25
Tony's again been busy piecing together more Austin 7 and a selection of early Aussie racing material in what begins part 1 of ‘Two Austins and Four Drivers’.
Soon after WWII, Len Phillips built two Austin 7 Specials incorporating many Ulster parts in their construction. The first completed in time to enter the Mount Panorama, Bathurst meeting in October 1946. It was not an auspicious start, as the engine misfired during practice and in the 6 lap Under 1500cc Handicap race. Len did not start in the 100 mile New South Wales Grand Prix later that day.
Bathurst program pages from the Glenn Paine Collection.
Awaiting the start of the historic first race at Bathurst post war, the 'Under 1500cc Handicap' Len Phillips #32 with Bill Conoulty’s supercharged Austin Comet #30 behind Phillips. Wally Feltham MG P Type #31 was first away but crashed soon after. Lex Davison in the ‘Little Alfa’ #35 also on the second row of the grid.
VSCC Australia, Bob Pritchett Collection.
Side view showing the full length four pipe exhaust system complete with lots of Castrol R.
VSCC Australia, Bob Pritchett Collection.
The tuned four pipe exhaust system can be seen in this photo, however it was replaced for the Rob Roy hillclimb, November 1946.
VSCC Australia, Bob Pritchett Collection.
‘Spotlight’ column in AMS magazine October 1946 made the following comment re Bathurst.
Tony Johns Collection.
Back home in Victoria, and making amends for his poor showing at Bathurst, Phillips won his class at the 11th Rob Roy Hillclimb, November 24 1946. His winning time was 42.58 seconds. His good friend Doug Head recorded FTD 31.80 driving his Tempest speed-way midget. Note the four pipe exhaust system has been replaced with an Ulster exhaust manifold and a megaphone silencer.
George Thomas photograph, shared by David White (VHRR Collection). Also published in the AMS magazine December 1946.
Easter Saturday, 5 April 1947 saw the running of the first hillclimb at Mt Tarrengower since the beginning of WWII. The road up the hill to the lookout was still unsealed with plenty of loose gravel on the surface.
The program lists ‘Heads’ as the entrant of car #5 without nominating drivers. However more information can be gleaned from the report in AMS April 1947. Where it states ‘In the under 1,100 c.c. class, Len Phillips with a very stripped Ulster Austin made a very clean climb and recorded 2 min. 29 1/5 secs., an easy win for his class’. Second in the class driving the same car was Doug Head 2min. 32 4/5 secs. This would have been the first outing for his new monoposto Austin 7 prior to any bodywork being built.
Mt Tarrengower program from the Ashley Tracey Collection.
The Melbourne Weekly Times 23 April 1947 included this photograph of Len Phillips complete with helmet and Austin script on his overalls. Note he is also wearing a collar and neck tie.
This article appeared in the Castlemaine Mail, 8 April 1947 giving details of the competing cars. Interesting description given to Len Phillip’s Austin 7.
Ashley Tracey Collection.
Once again Len Phillips and Doug Head shared the Austin at Rob Roy 20 April 1947. Still without bodywork they competed in separate classes with Phillips recording 41.10 in Class 1A - Racing to 850 c.c. and Head entered in the next class - Racing to 1,100 c.c. with a faster time, 37.29 sec.
All a bit confusing when the program cover states 1949 and the meeting actually took place in 1947. Fortunately Stephen has the original program with the times pencilled in. Interestingly these recorded times do not agree with the official results published in the AMS May 1947 Rob Roy report. Perhaps having Doug Head and Len Phillips both driving car #3 added to the confusion?
Stephen Dalton Collection.
Unnamed young apprentice taking care of the Austin. In this photo you can see the later model sports crankcase designed for the larger 1.1/2” pressure fed crankshaft. Also the other photos confirm a longer 6’9” chassis with the D type back axle was used.
VSCC Australia, Bob Pritchett Collection.
Doug Head on his way to win his class, 1.5 sec. faster than Bill Prowse in his supercharged J4 MG.
George Thomas photograph, shared by David White (VHRR Collection).
Although barely visible, the Austin with #3 painted on the back of the seat and the apprentice still on hand waiting for its next run up the hill. Also in the lineup car #4 is the rebodied Salmson GSS owned by John Camm and Howie’s Riley #5.
VSCC Australia, Bob Pritchett Collection.
To conclude part one of this story, it is interesting that the earliest mention I can find for Doug appeared in The Car magazine March 1937 with the comment ‘The rapid gear changing by Doug Head’ in a driving test organised by the 750cc Car Club of Victoria. Doug was still involved with Austin 7s owning a Supercharged Ulster in the 1980’s. However Len would appear to have been actively involved for only a couple of years before selling the Austin to Jim Leech.
Tony Johns Collection
With thanks ……
Glenn Paine for the Bathurst program.
Tim Shellshear, VSCC Australia Librarian and Archivist who has shared the Bob Pritchett photographs.
Ashley Tracey for the Mt Tarrengower program and newspaper clipping.
David White
State Library of Victoria.
Stephen Dalton for the Rob Roy program.
Tony Johns.
Member
Posted 10 February 2022 - 06:58
This thread has been simply magnificent. Thank you all! 
DCN
Member
Posted 11 February 2022 - 06:13
This thread has been simply magnificent. Thank you all!
DCN
It certainly has been. More please. 
New Member
Posted 11 February 2022 - 12:12
It certainly has been. More please.
Agree 100%, Julian.
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Member
Posted 11 February 2022 - 13:04
Without such threads, a gentleman's education would be incomplete.
Edited by Sterzo, 11 February 2022 - 13:04.
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