Backfire is the monthly newsletter of the Western District Historic Vehicle Club (Reg No A00011857H). Member of the Federation of Victorian Veteran, Vintage & Classic Vehicle Clubs.

Club meetings: 7.30pm 2

nd Tuesday each month.

www.wdhvcgeelong.com.au

Club rooms: Geelong Showgrounds 79 Breakwater Rd East Geelong.

BACKFIRE Volume 50 No 2 June 2016

2 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

3 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

CONTENTS

HONORARY OFFICE BEARERS AND COMMITTEE - 2016/2017……………..…..

CONTENTS ……………………………………………………………………………..……………………...…..….

PRESIDENT ’S REPORT……………… ……………………………………………...……………..….. . . . .

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES ……………….……………………………………………………...…..

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES (CONTINUED) …………………………………………..….. .

ROVING MEMBERS, CLIPS ON THE NET, BUY ON LINE …………………..……….. .

THE BRADFORD STORY CONTINUES …………………………………..……………………...…..

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & NOTICES .………………………………………………………………….…

ERIC BAKER AWARD & THANKS YOU GRAEME TOMKINS …………..………….….

THE LEYLAND COMET……………………………………………………………………………………...….. .

WORLD ’S WORST CARS? .……………………………………………………………...…….….…….. . .

RALLY REPORTS …………………………………………………….………………………………………..…….

SWAP MEET WRAP UP………………………………………………………………………………………..….

VALE NEVILLE SMITH & BRUCE RICHES …………………………………………………..….. .

WDHVC MEMBER PROFILE and SALES, WANTED & CLUES . . .…………..….…..

CALENDAR …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………...…

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Hi to all,

Sincere thanks to the great team of workers who made such a magnificent

outcome possible at our annual Swap Meet. Once again, it was a huge

financial success, perhaps our best yet!

I will be away on the RFDS Outback Trek for our

next meeting, so once again Dallas will stand in for

me: thanks Dallas. I'm sure you will all enjoy the

pie night planned for that meeting.

I leave on Thursday, 2nd June in readiness for the

start of the Trek at Narrabri. From there to

Cunnamulla, Windorah, Winton, Cloncurry, Karumba Point, Musgrave Roadhouse

finally to Port Douglas. We have a 2 day stop over, then continue to the top of

Cape York.

'Joyce', our Trek car, appears to be ready and up for the task, only time and a

few rough roads will tell. If anyone still feels inclined to make a donation to the

RFDS, this can be done through -

outbackcartrek2016.everydayhero.com/au/joyce-39 (tax deductible).

Wishing you another month of fun car activities.

Cheers,

John

'People who are resting on their laurels are wearing them on the wrong end.'

Eyeing off the sausages

at the Anzac Day Run!

4 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

PRESIDING:

Vice President Dallas Jones opened the meeting

and welcomed approx 112 members and guests to

the 556th meeting.

APOLOGIES: Laurie Mills, Eva Barw isse &

Lindsay Rogers, Debbie Christie, Murray Coster,

Alex McLaws, Craig Abbey, Linda Parker, Robin &

Pat Evans,David Koch, Ron Jackson, June Millard,

Lorraine Collinson, Brian & Val Latimer, Kevin &

Julie wilby, Brian & Coral Nicholson, Mike & Maree

Hanneysee, John Taylor, John Bailey, Murray

Coster, Lorraine Lee.

Moved by B Collinson

Seconded by Jim Coates Carried

Dallas informed members of the passing of Neville

Smith.

MINUTES:

Moved by R Sykes Seconded by G Baldock that

the minutes of the previous General Meeting as

published in the Backfire be confirmed as a correct

record. Carried.

CORRESPONDENCE INWARD:

City of Greater Geelong - certificate of

registration of food premises for the Devonshire

Teas at the Swap.

Bank statement – Bendigo Bank.

Receipt from the Gordon – printing of Backfire.

Thankyou letter from Kevin Baker on our

thoughts during his illness.

Emails:

Castlemaine Historical Vehicle Club – their

national motoring heritage day Sunday 15th

May.

Resignations from – Graeme Tomkins,

Bruce Nelson, Darren Barclay.

JLT Insurance – confirmation of use of vehicle

for the swap.

Consumer Affairs Vic – will contact us when

financial statement has to be sent. approx

Sept.

Corio Waste Management – service agreement

for bins for Swap.

CORRESPONDENCE OUTWARD:

Letters sent to new members approved at last

committee meeting – James & Kathy Maffett,

Michael Vale, Stephen & Kim Turner, Tim

Booley, Darren Pitman, Michael Stephens.

Emails:

JLT Insurance – inquiring as to the use of a

vehicle at the Swap.

Corio Waste Management – confirming

agreement.

Moved by G Cameron

Seconded by T Christie Carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Maurice presented the report on receipts and

payments since the previous meeting, and

presented accounts to be passed for payment

Moved K Batson

Seconded M McKenzie Carried.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR :

John away so next month a pie night.

LIBRARY & DINE OUT:

Gary read a letter from Hugh McMullan about a

Bradford, highlighted a book on Mercedes and

manuals bought in by Dallas from the Gordon,

then took numbers for the dine out at Leopold

sportsman club. He commented the meal at

Torquay last month was very good but could have

had more members attend.

FEDERATION REPORT:

No report

COMMITTEE REPORT SUMMARY:

Presented by Cheryl. Some items discussed were:

Cheryl Elliot – Minutes Secretary.

Rod Booley – Rally Co-ordinator, to take over

when he returns, Shaun to assist.

David Mitchell – Merchandiser Officer.

Max Tucker & Cheryl Elliot - Federation Reps.

John Bailey - Guest Speakers.

Ken Parry – Keys.

Peter Telfer—Backfire printing / models / tech

nights.

Members to please give ideas on runs they would

like to do, to the committee.

Gus reported we had been audited by Vic Roads –

all OK.

Editor updated honorary list – front of magazine.

Gary McCreddin - Library & Dine outs.

VEHICLE PERMITS / REGISTRAR:

Gus said that Vic Roads had taken the RPS off

about a 100 clubs, they are happy with our club

records.

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES MINUTES OF GENERAL MEEETING No 555 OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT HISTORIC VEHICLE CLUB INC.

HELD AT THE CLUBROOMS ON TUESDAY 10TH MAY 2016 at 7.30PM

5 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

EDITOR:

Jon is looking forward to photos and stories

coming in from the Swap.

CRAFT NIGHT:

Cheryl – this month is a surprise but bring your

needles and wool and Shirley is going to show

some fancy stitches.

TECH NIGHT:

Peter – Exhausts - so bring along all bits and pieces

connected to exhausts.

RALLY DIRECTOR :

Sean said as per Backfire.

LONG DISTANCE RALLY:

Sharyn - 14th Sept to NSW at least 10 days, see

Sharyn for details.

SWAP:

Fred thanked Jack Thomas for fixing the golf buggy

ready for the Swap; said everything in place and

ready; asked for more members to volunteer to

help; thanked those who have volunteered

especially the early starters; told members about

the meal on Thursday night, saying it is for the

Saturday volunteers only, to find out final details

for their jobs on Sat.

RALLY REPORTS:

Tinker day - Ray – spoke about upcoming day,

where to meet etc.

Hot dog day – Sharyn commented the park at

Moriac was lovely

Bus/ Train trip - Max enjoyed the day, comment-

ing on the number of international tourists at the

stop.

Anzac Breakfast – Murray said about 40 turned

up and stayed until about 2pm

Smell the Roses – Merv told how they set off in

the drizzle 6 bikes & 3 cars ending up at Dallas's

place.

Ray - attended the Ballarat Motor Bike Club event

at Newstead: all British rally about 1000 – 1100

entrants and saw a Nimbus with a side car which is

very rare.

GENERAL BUSINESS:

Dallas presented the Eric Baker Award to Max Tuck-

er, and read out the positions Max has held over

the years and still holds, then presented Gus with

his clubman of the year trophy.

Question asked as to what was happening with the

Car Museum, being told they are waiting for a

permit to trade and are now at the old Corio

Distillery.

Ken Batson asked if the site at the Bendigo Swap

had been sorted out. Dallas asked if anyone was

prepared to set the tent up, got no response, so

this year could be last year for site. Talked about

perhaps a bus being hired instead after a show of

hands and interest shown, to go to committee to

decide.

No for sales or confessions, but some wanteds were

discussed.

Mars Bar Competition – Ray has ran out of

photos of members, needs more if competition to

continue, or perhaps photos of unusual objects.

Meeting closed at 8.40pm.

Next meeting to be held at 7.30pm on 14th

June in the clubrooms.

Quotes About Cars

“The problem with the designated driver program, it's not a desirable job, but if

you ever get sucked into doing it, have fun with it. At the end of the night, drop

them off at the wrong house.”

Jeff Foxworthy

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES ctd

6 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

Roving Members

This little group of Geelong-ites were snapped

moonlighting in Ballarat's Heritage Festival on

Saturday 7th May. They had kindly supported the

Vintage & Classic Car Club - Ballarat by bringing

three cars up. Much appreciated - we hope they

enjoyed their day out.

Damian O'Doherty

Historic Fi lm Cl ips

on the Net

For those of you who use the Internet, club

member Craig Abbey has sent in a link to the

Antique Automobile Club of America website, which

features some 168 video clips of different cars, how

they work and associated historical material.

The film clips are of varying lengths and most date

from the 1930s to 1960s. Looks like a great way to

spend some time on cold, wintry days.

Depending on the speed of our internet connection,

they could even be shown at a club might?

Thanks Craig. (Ed)

Hi all you car buffs,

Here is something that will keep you going for a

couple of months! 168 OLD CAR MOVIES all on one

site. Save the site and go back to check it out again

and again. Click on the movie camera symbol at the

extreme right of each listing and away you go.

Have fun!

Save this website to your Favourites: http://

www.tvraaca.org/oldmovies.htm#movie

Buy on- l ine or Local? As previously reported last month, my BMW

motorcycle had an electrical failure on the

Smell the Roses Run.

The following day I stripped the bike down to

access the failed component (no easy task as it

turned out). The failure was due to a design fault

and is common on R series BMW’s.

There is a diode board (alternator rectifier)

mounted in the engine, vibrations eventually

fatigue the mounts and destroy the circuit board

causing the failure.

I spoke to my friend who runs a motorcycle

workshop and asked where to get this part locally

as I like to buy local or at least Australian where

possible.

He recommended a place in Melbourne that

specialises in BMW motorcycles. I rang the

company and asked about the part.

They could supply me a reconditioned change-over

unit for about $275 + GST + shipping and I would

have to pay to ship my old one to them. In all I

was looking at about $320.

Rather than commit myself immediately, I decided

to get on-line. On eBay, I found a new,

aftermarket, improved design unit in the USA for

US$73 + shipping.

With exchange rate etc, I had a new unit landed at

my door 2 weeks later for AU$123.00.

It is so hard to buy local when you are faced with

this sort of economics.

If the cost difference was small I would have gone

local, as I believe most would, but when the

disparity is so great, how can you afford to?

I did however source the new mountings in QLD as

the difference in price to overseas was minimal.

The good news is that the Beemer is back running

and the warning light is now off.

Funnily, I found a few other little repairs that

would soon need attention so they are done and all

should be good now. Fingers crossed.

Alle loben deutscher Ingenieurskunst

Dallas

7 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

The Bradford story continues At our April meeting our librarian Gary (himself a man with a strong Bradford association) spoke about

a letter received from a former club member, Hugh McMullan, who now lives on the Gold Coast in

Queensland. Gary read out in part a letter received from Mr McMullen about his recollections of the

Bradford van. Excerpts from this letter and the accompanying photos are reproduced below.

CLUB MERCHANDISE Show You Belong

The WDHVC has items on display in the

cabinet at the rear of the Clubrooms for

members to purchase.

Those wishing to proudly show their

membership of our club can select

items including:

Coffee Mugs $15

Lapel Badges $10

Metal Car Badges $25

Black Geelong Plates $33

If you are interested please contact

David Mitchell (Ph 0409 099 716)

or Rod Roach (Ph 0438 783 902).

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am a former member of the Western District

Historic Vehicles Club in the era of Eric Baker

“Mr Swap” and then Fred Harris as presidents.

In reference to the article in the recent club

magazine Backfire about Bradford vans and utilities,

I was once the owner of such a vehicle. It was my

first affordable set of four wheels and I learned to

drive in it circa 1959. I was riding a Triumph Tiger

Cub 1957 200cc OHV and it was a straight swap –

bike for the van. Good, I still had transport, but I

was out of the wild Scottish weather.

I enclose some photos of these vehicles for the

curious minds. The photos were taken in 1959 in

Harthill, Lanarkshire, Scotland, outside the family

council house. In one of the photos I am in the

driver’s seat with the very big steering wheel in my

hand ready to go. Note the L plate in another.

Bradford van

Two cylinder 600 cc horizontally opposed engine.

One windscreen wiper, one door mirror, one driver

seat only.

Fabric

roof,

timber

frame,

beautiful

coach

lines. Up/

down

sliding

windows. 40 mpg and oval

windows in rear doors.

Triumph motorcycle

Silver in colour, 200 cc

overhead valve engine.

Four gears. Ignition

key in nacelle, Avon

faring (extra), luggage

rack (extra - home-

made), hand-painted

whitewall tyres, stoplight added.

The Motor Trader of 28th July 1948 provides

the following further data (Ed.)

“Successor to the pre-war line of light vans which

were unchanged in principle from 1930, the

postwar vehicle was renamed Bradford, with

changed appearance and Briggs-built composite

body. The general design remained much the

same, simplicity being the keynote of the chassis

with its horizontally opposed twin cylinder engine.

Although simple in design and easy to service, the

vehicle is, at least as far as the engine is

concerned, quite different from the usual run.

Satisfactory results will be obtained with ordinary

methods, but a little know-how will produce very

much better performance as regards power,

economy and long life.”

Engine data

Number of cylinders – 2

Bore and stroke - 79.4 mm x 101.6 mm

(3.125” x 4”)

Capacity - 1005 cc (61 cubic inches)

RAC rated horsepower – 8

Maximum BHP at rpm - 19 at 3500

Maximum torque (lb/ft) at rpm. -43 at 1400

Compression ratio - 5.4 to 1

Tappet clearance, both, cold - 0.006”

8 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WDHVC EVENTS

15 JUNE - WEDNESDAY DINE OUT

Dine Out Oppies Bistro, Norlane Hotel 6pm.

28th JUNE - TUESDAY CRAFT/TECH NIGHT “BRAKES”

All WDHVC people are cordially invited to attend the monthly craft/tech night, held on the 4th Tuesday

every month. Turn up at 7pm, and we should have your goodies displayed for a 7.30pm start.

Bring along anything to do with brakes: on push bikes (here's your opportunity to wear your Lycra ),

motor bikes, cars, trucks, tractors, washing machines, sewing machines, winches, aircraft, anything you

have which might be of interest. Jacobs brakes, Tesla retarders, external drums, internal drums, discs,

discs with internal drums, parachutes, reverse thrusters, master cylinders, wheel cylinders, calipers, etc.

etc.

If you wish to speak, remember that you are among friends. If not, someone else can do the talking.

We are learning lots of good stuff at these nights.

Ladies, of course, are very welcome to attend tech nights, as they are welcome to attend craft nights.

Or they can just come along for a cuppa and a yarn. Peter Telfer

30th JUNE - THURSDAY TINKER DAY

Leaving clubrooms 10.30am, to go only a very short distance to Annette Marshall’s place to enjoy each

other’s company and to have a look at what Annette has to show us. A pleasant day is assured. Bring

your own mug, chair, and lunch as usual and there will be hot water as well.

Ray van Galen. Ph 5278 9368.

JUNE Marylyn Monroe exhibition - Bendigo.

Bus trip, cancelled due to lack of interest. Sean 5298 1476.

JULY PRESIDENTS RUN

SEPTEMBER - LONG DISTANCE RALLY.

We will be leaving for the long distance rally on 14th September to go to the NSW tablelands. We will be

away approx 10 days. More details Sharyn. 5259 2053.

OTHER CLUB EVENTS

28th AUGUST SUNDAY - FEDERATION MARONG PICNIC DISPLAY DAY

FRI 28th OCT TO TUES 1st NOV WARRAGUL RALLY

The Warragul Rally will be held on the Melbourne Cup weekend in November. I have been in touch with the Warragul Gardens Holiday Park and they have a number of cabins at the park for us to rent for the weekend.

For further details please ring Sharyn Harris 5259 2053 or 0417 546 089.

SAT 12TH & SUN 13TH NOVEMBER - BENDIGO NATIONAL SWAP MEET Holmes Rd Bendigo Site enquiries 0427 446 660. General enquiries 0434 730 822. Details www.bendigoswap.com.au. Email info@bendigoswap.com.au

FEDERATION MARONG PICNIC DISPLAY DAY Sunday 28 th August

Federation President Neil Athorn has advised that the Federation Marong Picnic Day is free for members of affiliated clubs. (Members of non-affiliated clubs to pay $20 entry. Private event - no public entry.) All vehicles to be on site by 10.30am and remain on site until 2.30pm. No hot rods.

Bring this not ice to gain entry.

Bendigo/Castlemaine Run - 9.30am Saturday 27th August. There w ill also be a run from the

Bendigo Club rooms, Ingliss St Bendigo to Western Reserve Castlemaine, starting at 9.30am on Sat

27 Aug. Breakfast beforehand $5 ea. Register by 20th August.

Registrations and enquiries to Neil Athorn on 0408 033 839.

9 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

Max wins Eric Baker Memoria l Award Long serving member Max Tucker was recently named as the Eric Baker Memorial Award winner for

2016/2017. Max has been a member of the Western District Historic Vehicle Club since 1967. He served

on the committee for several years and was president in 1978/78 and 1978/79. He also served as the

club’s incorporation officer and as its club captain. Max worked on the club’s constitution reviews and

was appointed as a life member on 12th April 1983.

Max has always been active on club working bees and played a major and vital role in the refurbishment

of the WD Hope Centre clubrooms and later the extensions to our present clubrooms at the

Showgrounds. The club relied heavily on Max’s expertise and skill in order to carry out these projects.

Max has served as the club’s representative on the Federation of Veteran Vintage and Classic Car Clubs

since the 1970s he has served as a Federation committee member and secretary for several years.

Vehicles owned: 1958 eight Triumph TR3, 1929 model A Ford roadster acquired in 1977, a Cortina,

a 1928 Pontiac sedan and a model A Ford tourer.

Extract from backfire August 1984:

“The WDHVC has received on 26th July 1984, notification that we are now an incorporated body. This is a

milestone in the club’s history and the appreciation of all members goes to Max and Gwen Tucker who

have shouldered the major portion of the work that was required in the preparation.”

Thank you Graeme Tomkins Graeme Tomkins has recently resigned his membership of the club.

The club wishes to acknowledge Graeme’s valued involvement and

assistance particularly during its formative years.

Graeme was a past president and former secretary who assisted in

establishing the organisation, helping to set the base that enabled it

to continue to grow successfully. In the early years Graeme made his

home and premises in Torquay Road available for committee

meetings, the printing of backfire and various other activities.

We hope that Graeme looks back with satisfaction on the club that he

helped to establish and we welcome his ongoing interest in the

Western District Historic Vehicles Club in the future.

Thank you Graeme.

10 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

Leyland Comet Diesel goods vehicles, 1948 – 49

First published in the Motor Trader 24th August, 1949

Manufacturers: Leyland Motors Ltd Leyland, Lancashire

When this model was introduced early in 1948 it was announced primarily as an export model, but it is

now coming onto the home market in some numbers. Although it is offered with a diesel or petrol

engine, production has concentrated chiefly on the diesel engine.

The Comet goods range comprises three wheelbases: (1) long, (2) medium, for tipper work, and (3)

short, for tractor work. The diesel models are designated CO (home) or ECO (export) followed by the

number indicating wheelbase and in the case of ECO models, by a suffix L or R indicating left or right

hand drive.

Further History

The Leyland Comet became available early

in 1948 and provided a medium weight

alternative to the heavier Tigers. It had a

gross weight of 8.75 tons, a 17ft 6in

wheelbase and was of a semi-forward

control design. The Comets used a cab that

was also shared with the Ford ET6 and

Dodge 100 series.

The original Comet was the 'Comet 75'

which became the 'Comet 90' in 1952

when the larger diesel engine became

available. A forward control cab was

available from 1952. Leyland had taken over Albion in 1951, and for 1958/59 was ready to rationalise its

models. Thus the second generation of Comet shared its 'Vista Vue' cab with the Albion Chieftain, Albion

Clydesdale, Albion Reiver and Dodge 200 (This is sometimes known as the 'L.A.D.' cab). Launched in

1958/59 this Comet was soon supplemented by the higher weight Super Comet. In 1964 the third

generation of Comet appeared with the new large-screen 'Ergomatic' cab, that inevitably was shared

across the Albion and Leyland models plus the newly-acquired AEC products.

NOTICE FROM THE CLUB REGISTRAR

Club members, please note that if you have not yet paid your membership dues, this will be the last

Backfire that you will receive.

Barb van Galen

CLUB PERMIT

To all owners of vehicles on the Club Permit System

To ensure that we fulfil our requirements under our contract with VicRoads, please contact a Club Vehicle Compliance Officer if you:

sell your vehicle; change details of your vehicle; register your vehicle with another club; or cancel your permit.

These are both Club and VicRoads requirements. As we have to notify VicRoads of changes from time to time, your cooperation is appreciated.

Gus Shea

VICTORIA

11 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

The World’s Worst Cars? This month Backfire continues the series, taken from the book The World's Worst Cars. Please don't

take offence if your car features in this segment in the coming months - the series is only a bit of fun

to add to our magazine. And after all, the views expressed are only one man’s opinion!

As taken from The World's Worst Cars

by Craig Cheetham

BADLY BUILT CARS

JENSEN HEALEY (1970 -76) Specifications

Top speed: 200KM/ H (125MPH)

0 -96KM/H (0-60MPH) 8.8SECS

Engine Type: IN LINE FOUR

Displacement: 1973CC (120CI)

Weight: 1053KG (2340lb)

Mileage: 11.7L/100KM (24MPG)

Born out of a marriage of convenience, the

Jensen Healey was supposed to be the car that

rescued Jensen and kept Healey in business, but

in reality it turned out to be an out-and-out

disaster on a scale peculiarly common to low

volume British manufacturers.

Launched in 1972, the two seater convertible

used a Lotus engine, Vauxhall Viva running gear,

a Chrysler gearbox and hand built bodywork, all

screwed together at Jensen's factory in the Brit-

ish West Midlands.

Of all the bits, it was only a proven Viva

suspension and steering that gave no trouble.

The Lotus engines were prone to over heating

and warping their cylinder heads, the Chrysler

gearboxes were to weak to cope with the power,

and the bodywork turned to powder after its first

grit salted winter. Most fatally, though the car

lacked charisma.

American safety legislation had ruined the

styling, forcing Jensen to raise the ride height

and attach hideous deformable

plastic bumpers to each end of

the car, meaning that what

could have been a fairly pretty

two - seater ended up looking

like a gurning frog. What's

more, the black bumpers

suffered in direct sunlight, which

caused them to warp and go

droopy, in the process giving the

Jensen Healey another well –

earned slap with the ugly stick.

The mongrel from the midlands: with the roof up

the Jensen Healey looked even less attractive. Its

upright windscreen did little to emphasize its

sporting pretensions.

Rust was always fairly quick to take hold – a

symptom of poor quality control and the use of

cheap materials to keep costs at a minimum.

The first bits to go were usually the doors, but

rot also found it way into the rear wheel arches,

floorpans and boot lid. Rather more worryingly, it

also found its way into the suspension mounts.

The Jensen Healey was the perfect solution for

Lotus, which was trying to swell its coffers by

selling its engines to external makers. But just

like the engines in the Elite and Eclat, the cars

2.0 litre (122ci) 16 valve power plant was fragile

and prone to over heating, leading to cylinder-

head problems.

With the impressive Jensen and Healey names,

you’d have expected their collaboration to be

both aggressively styled and beautiful – but it

was neither. The front end had to sit fairly high

to accommodate the Lotus engine and also

satisfy US safety legislation, so it was higher than

originally intended. There was also an estate-car

GT model, which was an even less attractive

proposition.

You might expect a sports car from two of the

finest names in the business to be brimming with

advanced chassis technology, but no. An

unfortunate mishmash of parts from other

manufacturers, the Jensen Healey looked and felt

like the hybrid it was. Only the Vauxhall Viva’s

suspension and steering worked as it should.

12 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

RALLY REPORTS

Anzac Day Breakfast Run

Anzac Day 2016 saw about 35 people gather at the

clubrooms to be welcomed by Mother Nature herself

giving us a wonderful, mild autumn day.

We then set off along the Surf Coast Highway to

Torquay, Anglesea and finally arriving at Airey's

Inlet for our annual Anzac Day breakfast.

Our reliable cooks and helpers were all set up in a

lovely little sheltered park area and the smell of

cooking food was in the air. Our club members were

soon set up with chairs and tables. Before long

everyone lined up for their Bacon and Egg toasted

sandwich.

After relishing our great sandwich and hot cuppa

everyone was content to sit back and enjoy each

other’s company and great weather.

It was nice to see people moving around, talking to

different groups and the men folk were happy

looking at the cars with heads under bonnets.

Most people brought lunch along so the BBQ was

fired up once again and so the party continued on

well into the afternoon.

A big thank you to our organisers and their helpers

for another wonderful Anzac Breakfast and get

together.

If you couldn't make it this year put it in your diary

for 2017 (not to be missed).

Gary & Noreen Mellington.

May Tinker Day Report

Even though it was not in the Backfire this month,

15 cars still turned up for a very short drive to Case

and Cory De Rooy's place for a sticky beak at their

collection of bit and bobs that Case has been

collecting for quite some time.

The wind was blowing hard, but it was well

sheltered in the back yard for us to natter and have

lunch, Thank you Case and Cory for opening up

your place for us all. I would like to give a big thank

you to all the other people who allow us to visit

their homes on all these Tinker Days as well.

Please let me know of other places that we can visit

on other Tinker Days.

Ray van Galen

Ph. 52789368

13 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

Swap Meet Wrap Up What a successful day our annual Bay City Swap

turned out to be.

Starting Thursday

night we had our

volunteers dinner

which was a

lovely meal,

provided by our

capable ladies

and our usual

chefs and we

informed the volunteers of their various duties.

On Friday we had set up day

with many members arriving to

help set up for the big event

and completed by lunchtime,

and enjoying another nice

meal. Thanks for your help.

Site holders started

arriving after lunch time until

about 11pm. When we shut the

gate the oval was approximately half full.

Our first shift of

volunteers started

arriving from about

5am full of

enthusiasm to start

the day. We opened

the gates at 6am and

they started rolling in. Our parking attendants did

a fantastic job in a very short time.

The weather was perfect, attracting a great

attendance and the Swap went like clockwork all

day.

A lot of members stayed to help clean up rubbish,

signs etc after the event which was greatly

appreciated, as we must leave the Showgrounds

as we found them. They were well rewarded with

nibbles and refreshments afterwards.

I would like to thank everyone who

helped with the meals; all the

ladies associated with the

Devonshire Teas; all parking

attendants and gate marshals;

tucker truck; and Jack Thomas for

reconditioning the engine of our

golf buggy and the pit crew who

got it up and running on the Friday

due to mechanical failure.

The most important were the bean counters who

told us what the end result was on the day.

Once again a huge thank you and without the help

of all volunteers it would not have been such a

fantastic day.

Fred Harris

Swap Director

Swap Meet Ref lect ions

The Showdown at Gate 4

It was 4am morning of the Swap, the alarm went

off, staggered out of bed into the shower, now

awake clothes on, quick coffee and off to the

showgrounds

5am in the clubrooms. Fred Harris had everything

under control - torches, radios, high vis vests all

ready. A few more guys rocked up, my team, so

we headed for Gate 4 the public car park. On the

way hundreds of ducks flew out of the cypress

trees, quite a spectacular. We started up the

mobile lights system, which was placed there the

night before by Mike Hanneysee.

Now the wait was on till 6am. Fred had given me a

key so we were ready, getting close. David Mitchell

looked at his Rolex and said 30 seconds to go,

ready to put the key in the lock, both Mel

Woodhouse and Frank Anderson were in place, Len

Miller was anticipating the crowd, sweat on his

brow. Next thing the key was plunged into the

lock, turned and to our amazement, wrong key!

Quick call to the commander

Fred and down he came in the

company car with the correct

key. Now the gate opened, we

stood back, outside the gate

was a mob of cars and people

called sellers, revved up and

ready to go, lights on they

rushed to the main

checkpoint.

14 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

Murray Foran was now also sweating, perspiration

running down his legs as he took the entrance fee

from the maddening onslaught of cars. Mel

Woodhouse was separating cars into two lines -

left, right, left, right - so they could get through

quicker, waving his wand frantically to get them

organised. David Mitchell was turning them into the

gate like a herd of buffalo occasionally stumbling to

get out of their way.

After an hour, things settled

down and there was a bit of a

lull, a hush actually. Then it

started again, cars and people

frantic to get into the public car

park. They call them the buyers,

bumper to bumper they scram-

bled to get in, Frank Anderson

and Len

Miller, waving their wands and

parking them in a

perfect line (with the odd one out

of control but pulled back into line, with Len slip-

ping on the wet grass in anticipation of another

outbreak).

After an hour or so everything was under control.

By now all the car parks were getting full. Luckily

our backup arrived - Col Jordan, Bryce Matthews

and Ian Palmer. They were very careful not to get

run over with approaching cars. At one stage Bryce

taking refuge behind a

cypress to avoid oncoming traffic. In the distance

we could see headlights coming through the haze

of dust. It was Bill Guthrie and Ray van Galen with

refreshment. Just what we were waiting for; the

coffee was great.

As the morning proceeded, it calmed down and

were able to get a break back at the kitchen. We

entered the clubroom and noticed people scram-

bling for the scones and coffee, We had to line up.

Barb, Rhonda, Pam, Janette, Annette, Margarette,

Helen, Lorraine, Glenis and Lorraine Roache were

pumping out the plates of scones and cream. Final-

ly we sat down and rested.

That afternoon about four after the clean up and

the maddening crowds had left, we were able to

reflect on a very successful

day. I drove home, had a

shower ,climbed into bed,

although I was worn out, I

said to myself, ”I think I

will do it again next year”.

Light out.

The Gate Keeper

Swap Meet Wrap (ctd )

VALE - NEVILLE SMITH

Neville Smith passed away on 3rd May 2016, aged

88 years.

Neville and his late wife Marjorie have been

members of our Club for many years. Their Ford

ex ambulance took them on several long distance

rallies and their vehicle often transported home

“goodies” such as crates of wine, collectables etc.

purchased along the way by other rallyists.

Neville’s interests were mainly in motorbikes at

well as vintage cars and in recent years he

acquired a Model A Ford tourer.

For some 20 years Neville and Ray Trigg faithfully

printed “Backfire” each month, with both men

using their technical skills in operating complex

printing machines.

Neville’s funeral saw a large crowd gather to

farewell him. We extend the sympathy of the

W.D.H.V.C. to his daughter Gaylene, son Wesley

and the extended family.

Trevor Schneider

VALE - BRUCE “Frog” RICHES

Bruce was a relatively new member of our club

and many club members may not have known him

that well.

He was a big man in his sporting days, playing

412 games of football. He worked as a tree

lopper, ran an excavation business, was champion

target shooter, an axeman and tug of war

anchorman, and also a very keen fisherman.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family.

Fred Harris

15 BACKFIRE - Volume 50, No 2 – June 2016

SALES,

WANTED & CLUES

For Sale

Peugot Panel Van 1956 203C. Second owner

over50 years. Good going condition. As is. On full

rego GMC-238 original B&W plates. Lots of

spares. Selling because no longer driving.

$15,000. Kevin Ph. 5248 3032. 6/16

1995 VS Commodore. White. Dual fuel.

Good condition inside & out. No rust. Straight.

274,000 kms. Sold as is – no RWC $1,000 ono.

Walter Humphrey Ph 5250 1440 (evenings best).

1948 Dodge engine and gearbox. Engine

fully reconditioned, bored out new pistons ,rings

crankshaft grind and bearings. $500 ONO.

Graeme Ph 5368 9268.

Wanted

MGB MK11, Australian Delivered in top or

showroom red in colour. I am wanting to buy the

MGB for weekend/club use and willing to pay the

right price for the right vehicle.

Please contact Tony Caruana on 0417 489 247 or

email tony.caruana@bigpond.com 5/16

WDHVC MEMBER PROFILE

Name?

Lindsay

Where were you born?

Geelong

Family?

Wife Marg, 3 sons and 4 grand children.

Number of years in the WDHVC?

Four years.

Other interests?

Clearing sales and travel

What was your first vehicle?

1952 Morris Minor Highlight (rego GHN-950)

What vehicle would you love to own?

Brand new XR6 Falcon.

What vehicles do you have now?

1969 ZC Fairlane .

Profession?

Butcher.

Skills?

Tinkering

What bugs you the most?

Wasting time in a queue. I can't stand queues.

What makes you happy? My wife and her cooking and that she's a hard worker.

The views/comments expressed in the publication of this newsletter are those of the

individual contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the current Committee of the

Club. Whilst every care is taken to determine the safety of any technical information

provided and the accuracy of the information supplied for inclusion in this newsletter, it is

printed in good faith and neither the Committee nor the Club accept any responsibility for

any loss or injury incurred by any application of such information.

For sale/wanted ads are free to Members and appear for two (2) issues of Backfire. To remove the advertisement from the second issue, please email the Editor ‘editor@wdhvcgeelong.com.au’

Reminder: All vehicles in the “For Sales” must have VIN number and Price or Registration Number and Price otherwise they will be listed under “Clues”. Ads for the ‘Clues’ section must not refer to any payment that may take place by mentioning an amount or ‘best offer’, etc.

All ads that have been removed due to age will remain on the website. Please advise if you have sold the item or want it removed.

All ads for cars also appear on the club web site where greater detail and photos (where sup-plied) can be viewed. Go to http://www.wdhvcgeelong.com.au/wdsale.html

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Newcomb VIC 3219

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16

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

22 MAY 23

24 May Tech/Craft night 7.30pm

25 26 27 28

29 30 31 1 JUNE 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9

10

11

12

13 14 General Meeting 7.30pm

15 Dine Out Norlane 6pm

16

17

18

19

20

21 Committee Meeting 7.30pm

22 23

24 Last day for Backfire items

25

26 27 28 Tech/Craft night 7.30pm - Brakes

29 30 Tinker Day 10.30am

1 JULY 2

June/July 2016