38 replies to this topic

[275 GTB-4]

Stuart Saunders has a lovely museum in the town of Binalong just west of Yass. Its a small town with few places to stay (the Black Swan?) but is not far from "civilsation". Stuart restores Bugatti and has constructed or restored a variety of other vehicles..his V12 Jag powered, supercharged (at one time?), polished, silver bodied monoposto is a site to behold. The museum changes its displays on a regular basis and has cars on consignment. Call first to see what is currently on display (its in the telephone book under museums).

From several years ago....one of Ettore's 1/2(?) scale bugs which started off as an idea as a present for his son



Delage...outstanding engineering everywhere you look





A portion of Stuarts Workshop - he is happy to chat so long as you don't get in the way!





JPS Norton F1



Selection of cars on display



even a London Cab!!

[Ray Bell]

So what's the yellow buckboard with the quarter elliptic springs?

The Binalong Special you mention sits on a Lea Francis chassis as I recall...

[275 GTB-4]

Lancia Aurelia



[insert name] Bugatti



Vulcan Truck



Stuarts Jag Spl

[Ray Bell]

What a nice jigger in which to drive to Phillip Island, as he has done...

600+kms of solace and pure driving enjoyment.

Cosworth bits rotating and reciprocating in there, 6.2 litres, I believe?

[dbw]

i think the yellow item is an amilcar chassis with bmc seats......

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by dbw
i think the yellow item is an amilcar chassis with bmc seats......

I think you are correct....interestingly, I believe that Stuart scoured the land looking for basket-weavers for the wicker body

[Robert Bailey]

thankyou for sharing the photos.

[275 GTB-4]

Robert and everyone else, you are all most welcome....little out of the way treasures like these are marvelous and need to be supported and encouraged!!

Here is a a little bit more about the town:

http://www.argylecou...s/binalong.html

and herewith the museum...

http://www.stuartsaunders.com.au/

[David McKinney]

I like his description of the Bugatti

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by David McKinney
I like his description of the Bugatti

and just about everything else ...the website designer has obviously said you will need to provide some history blah blah etc etc...and its been taken literally!! (only joking).

[Ray Bell]

The best photo I've ever seen taken of Stuart's Bugatti was from Greg Stanfield...

It was in RCN back about 1978... at Hume Weir.

[275 GTB-4]

Can you believe..they put a man on the moon...and this supercharger on a a Jag V12



My favourite engine image



Anyone know their Vulcan stuff?? I Vaguely recall Stuart saying this diff was a big breakthrough/first of kind?? (first live axle ever???)

[Bruce R Moxon]

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4

My favourite engine image

Lots Of Trouble; Usually Serious.

Friend of mine had a Lotus Cortina rally car. Someone wanted to protest him because he 'had a Toyota engine.' Ignoramus.



Next time I'm down that way...


Bruce Moxon

[Amaroo Park]

I have probably missed it but how many cars would be on display at any given time?

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by Amaroo Park
I have probably missed it but how many cars would be on display at any given time?

As you can see from the pictures, it isn't a massive venue, but the ambience and memorabilia make up for that...I would estimate 20-40 at any one time

[GreenMachine]

I would say closer to 20, from (poor ) memory

Our club has been down there a couple of times, which tends to speak for itself.

If you are going down in a large enough group, and give enough notice, Stuart and his wife may be able to organise a bbq lunch in the grounds. Makes for a very pleasant visit all round.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by GreenMachine
I would say closer to 20, from (poor ) memory

Our club has been down there a couple of times, which tends to speak for itself.

If you are going down in a large enough group, and give enough notice, Stuart and his wife may be able to organise a bbq lunch in the grounds. Makes for a very pleasant visit all round.

Did you count the ones around the grounds and in sheds?

Well...even more reason to make the journey

http://getaway.ninem....aspx?id=299883

Thursday, September 27, 2007
Irish-born chef, Tom Duffy, developed his love of cooking when he was seven, just by watching others. By the age of 10, he started cooking shortbread and assisting his mother with Sunday dinners. In his teenage years, Tom started working at Irish restaurants and eventually moved to Australia in 1968.

After a stint in Sydney, he moved to Canberra as resident chef at Parliament House. Many of the politicians who savoured his food there make the trip to Binalong to again enjoy Tom's creations.

Tom and his wife opened a restaurant in Binalong in 1975 and eventually opened the motel next door. He has won many titles over the years, and says the secret to his success is caring about all of his customers and having pride in his work.

People travel far and wide to eat at the 3½ star Royal Tara Motel. They don't need to advertise — their reputation is spread purely by word of mouth. It's open seven days a week and seats up to 50 people.

The little historic village of Binalong is surrounded by wooded hills and is home to just 250 people.

In its early days, Binalong was a major stopping place for Cobb and Co coaches. The railway arrived in 1876 and it then became a departure point for gold shipments from Lambing Flat.

In 1821 explorer Hamilton Hume and his party became the first known group of Europeans to visit the area. He returned with William Hovell in 1824 and subsequent settlers arrived with flocks of sheep, marking the beginning of the local wool industry. Prior to that there was a large Aboriginal population and it is believed the town's name is derived from either Bennelong, a noted Aborigine, or their word for "towards a high place".

Ben Hall and his gang of bushrangers harried the area throughout 1863 and 1864 where they robbed travellers, stores and mail coaches. The grave of Johnny Gilbert who was killed in a gunfight on the Boorowa Road can be seen on the town's outskirts.

One of Australia's most loved poets, AB ''Banjo'' Paterson, moved there with his family in 1869. He attended school at Binalong but eventually went to boarding school in Sydney. He spent summer holidays in Binalong, and those times influenced and featured in his works.

The town has some interesting buildings including the Cobb and Co Inn, police station and courthouse, local bluestone Mechanics Institute and Old Railway station, and St Thomas and St Patrick's churches.

Location
320 kilometres south-west of Sydney.

Cost
Royal Tara Motel Restaurant opens every day at 6.30pm. Entrees start at around $12, main meals $18 and desserts from $7.50.

[Amaroo Park]

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4


Did you count the ones around the grounds and in sheds?

Well...even more reason to make the journey

http://getaway.ninem....aspx?id=299883

Thursday, September 27, 2007
Irish-born chef, Tom Duffy, developed his love of cooking when he was seven, just by watching others. By the age of 10, he started cooking shortbread and assisting his mother with Sunday dinners. In his teenage years, Tom started working at Irish restaurants and eventually moved to Australia in 1968.

After a stint in Sydney, he moved to Canberra as resident chef at Parliament House. Many of the politicians who savoured his food there make the trip to Binalong to again enjoy Tom's creations.

Tom and his wife opened a restaurant in Binalong in 1975 and eventually opened the motel next door. He has won many titles over the years, and says the secret to his success is caring about all of his customers and having pride in his work.

People travel far and wide to eat at the 3½ star Royal Tara Motel. They don't need to advertise — their reputation is spread purely by word of mouth. It's open seven days a week and seats up to 50 people.

The little historic village of Binalong is surrounded by wooded hills and is home to just 250 people.

In its early days, Binalong was a major stopping place for Cobb and Co coaches. The railway arrived in 1876 and it then became a departure point for gold shipments from Lambing Flat.

In 1821 explorer Hamilton Hume and his party became the first known group of Europeans to visit the area. He returned with William Hovell in 1824 and subsequent settlers arrived with flocks of sheep, marking the beginning of the local wool industry. Prior to that there was a large Aboriginal population and it is believed the town's name is derived from either Bennelong, a noted Aborigine, or their word for "towards a high place".

Ben Hall and his gang of bushrangers harried the area throughout 1863 and 1864 where they robbed travellers, stores and mail coaches. The grave of Johnny Gilbert who was killed in a gunfight on the Boorowa Road can be seen on the town's outskirts.

One of Australia's most loved poets, AB ''Banjo'' Paterson, moved there with his family in 1869. He attended school at Binalong but eventually went to boarding school in Sydney. He spent summer holidays in Binalong, and those times influenced and featured in his works.

The town has some interesting buildings including the Cobb and Co Inn, police station and courthouse, local bluestone Mechanics Institute and Old Railway station, and St Thomas and St Patrick's churches.

Location
320 kilometres south-west of Sydney.

Cost
Royal Tara Motel Restaurant opens every day at 6.30pm. Entrees start at around $12, main meals $18 and desserts from $7.50.

You working for the Binalong Tourist Authority

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by Amaroo Park
You working for the Binalong Tourist Authority

Never!! me a Civil Servant in Canberra....Just feeling like a dope because I have driven past that Motel several times and thought "hmmm average country Motel...probably cheap and cheerful!!" - but you can't judge a book by the cover!

I'm starting to feel like I need another trip out past Yass

[Ray Bell]

Actually, the Black Swan Restaurant is where a well known Canberra racing driver used to take his various lady friends for dinner.

I guess he also frequented the motel when the need arose...

[275 GTB-4]

November 2008, another enjoyable visit.

Arthur Grogan Jag C or D converted to road? ex-Le Mans?





Bugatti Crank Assembly

[Dutchy]

C Type

[275 GTB-4]

The Amilcar now has a body...



memorabillia from BC



Veedol..

[Ray Bell]

I've no doubt Vince would be delighted to see that poster with Fangio on it...

[275 GTB-4]

What a pity the poster has no year...

[Vitesse2]

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4
What a pity the poster has no year...

1927.

[Brian Lear]

No - much later than 1927.
The pictured poster was for that date in 1932.

Brian Lear
Oz

[Vitesse2]

Serves me right for not checking! I had it in my mind that Maroubra closed in 1931 ..... but it was 1934!

[275 GTB-4]

Australian Bolwells's...two nice examples







Doo-catti!! most uncomfortable bike I ever rode



Honeycomb Rad..

[pnegyesi]

Home page is down, is he still around?

Thanks,
Pal

[Ray Bell]

Was last month when I went by... I'll be past there again in a few days...

I'll keep an eye out for signs of life.

[john medley]

In 1979 Stuart Saunders and John Medley were proud to be the organizers of the very first rally(in Wagga) to unite the NSW and Victorian branches of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia since its/their foundation in 1944. We had a lovely time, and it was a historic moment. I recall Stuart educated me in how to set up a slalom course for Our Sort of Cars. I believe this gives me the right to tell one of my favourite Stuart Saunders Stories:

At a sprint meeting outside the National Art Gallery in Canberra, Stuart's parked competition vehicle was his Jensen chassised Jaguar V12 singleseater special, with compartments either side for lunch and briefcase. Its problem was it had a fibreglass body of enormous proportions most of all its long flat nose that went on flatly for ever. I overheard the conversation of two elderly gentlemen thoughtfully studying the car:
" What IS it?"
"A Jensen with a V12 Jaguar engine and a fibreglass body"
" A fibreglass body??"
" Built by a young man who only ever built surfboards. This is his first car"
"(very small voice)"It shows"

[275 GTB-4]

In 1979 Stuart Saunders and John Medley were proud to be the organizers of the very first rally(in Wagga) to unite the NSW and Victorian branches of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia since its/their foundation in 1944. We had a lovely time, and it was a historic moment. I recall Stuart educated me in how to set up a slalom course for Our Sort of Cars. I believe this gives me the right to tell one of my favourite Stuart Saunders Stories:

At a sprint meeting outside the National Art Gallery in Canberra, Stuart's parked competition vehicle was his Jensen chassised Jaguar V12 singleseater special, with compartments either side for lunch and briefcase. Its problem was it had a fibreglass body of enormous proportions most of all its long flat nose that went on flatly for ever. I overheard the conversation of two elderly gentlemen thoughtfully studying the car:
" What IS it?"
"A Jensen with a V12 Jaguar engine and a fibreglass body"
" A fibreglass body??"
" Built by a young man who only ever built surfboards. This is his first car"
"(very small voice)"It shows"

Gee Mr Medley...dunno who the young fella is but, the Saunders Special looked the "goods"....I would certainly give my left testicle to drive it

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 09 December 2013 - 09:01.

[275 GTB-4]

Called in to Binalong coming back from Coota and Temora....great to see Stuart and the Museum still going strong...







http://www.yassvalle...tor-museum.aspx

[Lee Nicolle]

Australian Bolwells's...two nice examples







Doo-catti!! most uncomfortable bike I ever rode



Honeycomb Rad..

I want a pair of those 4 valve Cleveland heads from the Nagari!

[275 GTB-4]

Spend some of that fortune you amassed Lee on one of these :-)

http://www.motoring....ell-nagari-6567

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 10 September 2015 - 23:57.

[Ray Bell]

I'd be wondering about the Borg-Warner rear end handling that, Lee...

Even if it has got 28-spline axles.

[275 GTB-4]

Gorgeous and recently rebuilt...



nice Amilcar...

[cooper997]

With the Binnalong thread re- emerging, does anyone happen to know if the Arthur Grogan connected to the C Type shown, is the same involved with BMC and Brian Foley in the early 60 s?

Stephen