In a change to our normal exhibition programme we attended the Spring Autojumble at Beaulieu this year; a different event to the September show but just as enjoyable as we had a chance to meet up with more of our member clubs and the time to talk to them about their concerns. We will also be exhibiting at the NEC again this year and we hope to meet up with many more car and motorcycle clubs there, please do come along to see us, it is so nice to be able to put a face to the names on the database.
It is certainly a busy part of the year for us; the subscriptions were due on 1 June and have been coming in at a good rate – but has your club paid yet… We have also just started a test programme for stability additives to protect against the corrosive effects of ethanol in petrol and we expect to have the results in time for the AGM on 15 October. The theme of the conference which follows the AGM will be ethanol, and again we do look forward to meeting members there and will take the opportunity to deliver the facts about ethanol – there is still a lot of misinformation out there.
Download Newsletter HERE (pdf format)
Download Newsletter HERE (text only format)
WELCOME
Roger Wrapson
By the time you read this there may just be time to submit your return to the Federation’s ‘State of the Nation’ survey – all members, clubs and individuals are invited to take part in order to build up a picture of our activities which is as accurate as possible and which will emphasise the Federation’s role in representing the best interests of its members.
In these enlightened times we seem to have surveys on all sorts of obscure subjects providing the most obvious results with smug authority, frequently evoking the response: “I could have told you that!” and hoping the customer didn’t pay too much for the blindingly obvious.
The Federation survey of course rises above this and while we mustn’t second guess the results, it’s quite possible that we might well show that a buoyant (and enjoyable) industry exists when all around seem to be talking themselves into doom and gloom and decline.
In the meantime enjoy your motoring and make a note in your diary of 15 October – the Federation AGM.
LEGISLATION
David Hurley
Exempting early vehicles from MoT
After the extensive article in the last newsletter about the possibility of exempting early vehicles from the MoT test there is little to report on the subject in this issue. The DfT are still engaged in an information gathering exercise in order to prepare both a risk assessment and impact assessment. A formal consultation is some way ahead (we believe this will not be before the end of the year at the earliest) and will require approval from the Minister and internal government procedural bodies before issue.
Changes to MoT testers’ manual
EU Directive 2010/48/EU of 5 July 2010 updated directive 2009/40/EC that deals with the roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles. The purpose of the update, broadly, was to take account of technical advances in modern vehicle design and to improve consistency in testing standards across the EU. Its requirements are mandatory for member states which have to put in place all regulations necessary to comply with the directive by the end of this year.
This revision exercise does not set new standards for vehicle construction and use, but does increase the number of items that have to be tested. To meet the new requirements, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), is having to revise the wording of the MoT testers’ manual and it published its proposed amendments earlier this year in the form of a consultation that was described as a ‘review of mandatory changes’.
All the concessions for older vehicles have been carried forward. In all there are 215 rewordings, changes and amendments to the existing manual. Unfortunately these amendments are scattered through the 218 pages of the draft document which has not helped to compile this précis.
Briefly the additional items are:
Inappropriate repairs/modification to brake systems, steering, suspension, tow bars;
Power steering fluid level;
Functionality of steering locks;
Coloured headlamp lenses which reduce performance of beam;
Operation of tell-tale headlamp warning light when fitted (for vehicles without this equipment a note accepts a date exemption);
Speedometer (Class 5 only);
Security of rear doors, locks and hinges;
Oil leaks from steering box etc;
Ball joint dust cover missing or damaged/insecure allowing ingress of dirt (ball joints which did not have protective covers are not required to be retrofitted);
Integrity of electrical wiring and battery;
Operation of electrical systems relating to anti-lock braking, stability control, supplementary restraint systems, together with associated warning lights;
Security and condition of towing structure – includes balls and pins;
Integrity of tow bar electrical connections – both 7 and 13 pin sockets (tested even if tow bar is missing);
Condition of engine mountings;
Front and rear drive shaft and gaiters – includes support bearings;
Driver’s seat adjustment (if there is any!).
In essence, if items are fitted they must be in good order, which should not raise concerns for responsible owners who maintain vehicles of any age.
One item we have picked up on, and have asked for clarification, concerns vehicles fitted new (or retrofitted) with high intensity discharge and LED headlamps. They will be required to be fitted with a headlamp washing system (wiper not required) and be self levelling. However the new text goes on to accept that some high performance vehicles fitted with HID that have limited luggage space and stiff suspension do not require a self levelling system.
It is envisaged that the final version will be available in January 2012.
Red Tape Challenge
The Road Transport section of the challenge closed on 17 June and was divided into eight sections: Licensing, Registration and Insurance; Freight; Highways; Parking; Road Safety and Cycling; Transport Workers and Organisations; and Vehicle Safety and Standards – totalling several hundred items. David Hurley, James Fairchild and the secretary checked through these (transport workers and freight were not relevant) and the secretary made a specific response to the Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) Regulations 1999 which allowed the issuing of licences to garages in order to sell leaded fuel, still a lifeline for many of our members. A response was also sent about the Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) Regulations 2003 and 2005 commenting on the need for accurate labelling of the ethanol content of petrol. General comments have been sent on vehicle lighting, number plates, tyres and seat belts.
The cheque lives on
It has been announced that the plans to scrap cheques in 2018 have been abandoned. The Payments Council website made the following announcement:
The Payments Council is today (12 July 2011) announcing that cheques will continue for as long as customers need them and the target for possible closure of the cheque clearing in 2018 has been cancelled. The Payments Council Board will continue to focus on security, efficiency and encouraging innovation in all types of payments to ensure customers have options best suited to the 21st century.
Richard North, the Chairman of the Payments Council said:
“It’s in the DNA of the Payments Council to consult and listen to all those people who actually make payments and use cheques. Listening to over 600 stakeholder groups, working with the banks and following our appearance before the Treasury Select Committee, we have concluded we should reassure customers that the cheque is staying.
“Over the last two years we have learnt a great deal about what is important to our many stakeholders and we are really grateful to all of those groups and individuals who took the time to talk to us and help us reach this decision. We will use what we’ve learnt to keep improving existing systems, as well as introducing innovation, so that customers benefit from 21st century ways to pay. Innovation must be at the heart of what we do.”
The Federation did campaign on behalf of members to keep cheques via the Federation of Small Businesses and the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group.
Closed road consultation
The Motor Sports Association’s campaign to bring closed road motor sport to mainland Britain received a major boost when it was confirmed that there would be a three month public consultation to establish how existing legislation can be amended to allow motor sport to take place on public roads.
The announcement was made during a debate at Westminster Hall, secured by Ben Wallace MP (Wyre and Preston North) and involving Mike Penning, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport. Both Members of Parliament were unanimous in their belief that the MSA’s proposal could significantly boost not just UK motor sport and the related motor sport industry, but also bring benefits, both economic and social, to the communities that wish to host this type of event.
The MSA has been pushing successive governments to empower local authorities with the right to suspend the Road Traffic Act without having to resort to an Act of Parliament. Such an amendment would open up the way for competitive motor sport events such as stage rallies, sprints and hillclimbs to take place on a limited number of British roads, as happens across most of mainland Europe.
Motorsport in the countryside
The Federation will be responding to an Issues Paper which states that motor sport events (sporting trials, moto-cross, etc.) give rise to ‘significant concerns’, and invites comments and views on changing the ‘14/28 Day Rule’ under which most off-road sport is organised. It is not a formal consultation paper, but a paper designed to elicit general views as part of the review the Department for Communities and Local Government are undertaking. Any changes that emerge from the review will be subject to normal public consultation procedures.
Under the 14/28 Day Rule an event organiser does not have to apply for planning permission for the ‘change of use’ of the land, on the day of the event, from agricultural to motor sport. To have to so apply would be an enormous burden on clubs, farmers and planning authorities for no real benefit. Our response will recognise the need to protect the ability of a club to use a farmer’s field for a traction engine rally or camping weekend or classic car/bike show or ploughing match.
The Government’s paper has been issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government and is titled: How change of use is handled in the planning system – tell us what you think. Issues paper. June 2011.
This is available as a PDF download at: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/changeuseissues. You can read the Minister’s announcement at: www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1930564
FUEL NEWS
Ethanol: Corrosion, Compatibility, and Combustion
There is still a great deal of misinformation being printed about ethanol in spite of some very detailed facts being freely available on our website. In response to members’ concerns we have distilled this information into three more easily digested paragraphs: Corrosion, Compatibility and Combustion.
Corrosion in fuel tanks and failure of traditional materials used in fuel systems due to incompatibility with ethanol may cause fuel leaks. Because fuel leaks create a high risk of fire or explosion, these matters have been given priority in extensive articles in the newsletter since October 2008. The articles show how the problems associated with corrosion and compatibility have been identified. As a consequence the FBHVC commissioned a test programme for commercial additives designed to overcome corrosion problems. Testing began in the second week of July 2011 and will take 13 weeks to complete in order to assess how well each additive responded to ethanol which will be progressively aged over the test period. Those products that pass the test will be entitled to carry the Federation’s endorsement. Some of the products are sold as corrosion inhibitors but contain other additives as well. This endorsement will be purely for the properties limiting corrosion, there will be no endorsement for valve seat recession or octane boosting properties which will not have formed part of the test.
There are no additives which can protect against other compatibility issues with seals and gaskets etc – there is a compatibility chart on our website where the details of suitable ethanol-resistant products can be found. Previously applied tank sealants, unless specifically designed for use with ethanol, are also likely to cause problems. Motorcycles with fibreglass tanks must check that the type of GRP used is compatible with ethanol.
Combustion, on the other hand, affects only the driveability of a vehicle and poses no significant risk to life or limb. Ethanol has long been recognised as a fuel supplement that improves performance and the FBHVC considers it unlikely that the modest proportions of ethanol in modern fuel will have anything other than a positive effect on the combustion process. Others, who take a different view, have criticised the FBHVC for not doing more to investigate the assertion that the presence of ethanol leads to slow combustion in low-compression engines resulting in poor performance, overheating and damage to exhaust valves. The Federation continues to investigate aspects of combustion with the aid of an independent consultant and the findings will be reported as soon as available.
EU LEGISLATION
Extract from FIVA’s regular update provided by its lobbying service, EPPA.
European Parliament Historic Vehicle Group
On 7 July, the MEP Historic Vehicle Group held another very constructive meeting in Strasbourg. FIVA led discussions on:
• Low Emission Zones and explained their impact on the use of historic vehicles. The Members agreed to help ensure that the European Commission is aware of the exemptions already in existence for historic vehicles for LEZs in Germany and Italy (all vehicles) and Denmark, Sweden, Hungary and the UK (HGVs) and to encourage the Commission to ensure that these positive precedents are included in the information they offer about LEZs to member states
• The cultural value of motoring heritage and the need for EU decision makers to recognise the importance and value of the work of the historic vehicle movement to the preservation of European motoring and cultural heritage. The Group recognised the benefits of developing a broad understanding of the cultural value of motoring heritage and agreed to help FIVA promote the message within the EU institutions.
Further details were discussed for the planned MEP visit to a historic vehicle museum in Brussels when it is also planned to hold an exhibition of historic vehicles and FIVA outside the European Parliament.
EU consultation on vehicle registration
In May, FIVA made a submission to a European Commission consultation on the registration of motor vehicles in which FIVA explained problems encountered when attempting to register a vehicle in another member state when an owner has no original, or incomplete, documentation of the vehicle. FIVA explained that this is not uncommon because of the passage of time and history of the vehicle since its manufacture; because it may have been restored from a barn find; or because the vehicle had never been registered because it was originally a military or similar vehicle. FIVA noted that in some cases, if a vehicle has no documentation, on importation it is treated as ‘new’ for registration purposes and stated that such action is not only inappropriate, but also results in practical problems and means that the vehicle does not benefit from being treated as a historic vehicle. FIVA went on to suggest that the situation can be avoided in future by:
• National registration authorities being willing and able to answer queries from registration authorities of other EU-countries within a reasonable timeframe to allow a swift resolution for the owner to questions concerning the registration documentation of a vehicle; and/or:
• authorities referring to available documented evidence of date of manufacture or documented evidence of first purchase in order to determine the age and details of the vehicle – FIVA made clear that such action would be consistent with a recent amendment to the Annex of Commission Regulation No 183/2011 defining a new vehicle which includes a footnote stating that: ‘In the absence of a registration document, the competent authority may refer to available documented evidence of date of manufacture or documented evidence of first purchase’.
European Commission consults of review of the Air Quality Directives
The European Commission has launched a review of the Air Quality Directives which are the stimulus for Low Emission Zones. The review is because the Commission feels that some measures are poorly implemented and limit values are regularly breeched and others, such as the national emission ceilings (NEC) directive, have expired or are due to shortly. Additionally, new scientific evidence has also emerged on the health and environmental effects of known pollutants and has raised new concerns arisen about others, including fine particulate matter and black carbon. The output of the review may lead to specific measures to address emissions from vehicles. FIVA will contribute to the consultation.
VOC Directive will not be broadened
The European Commission has decided against extending the 2004 paints directive to new products on the grounds that it would only deliver modest reductions in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions and could pose significant implementation problems. The conclusion followed a review of the existing Directive and an examination into its extension. It also concluded that there is no need to introduce stricter VOC limits for vehicle refinishing products.
RESEARCH
Jim Whyman
As explained in recent Newsletters, our 2011 survey of the historic vehicle movement has two broad elements – what individual enthusiasts do and spend and what organisations do, how many people they employ, what they turn over and how they see the future.
The first element is the subject of our on-line questionnaire. This was originally going to close at the end of July but it will be left open at least until mid-August because one or two clubs were a little tardy in telling their members about the survey. Despite that, ‘traffic’ was so heavy at times that the host website stalled more than once, and we apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced by these temporary failures. It is clearly too late for clubs to mention anything about the extension in future paper publications, but we mention it here so club websites don’t close any links to the survey prematurely.
The second element has been done entirely on paper, and was divided into three sub-elements – traders; clubs; museums. Responses were requested by the end of June, and at the time of writing (11 July) queries are being followed up with a view to starting detailed analysis shortly. The aim is to publish the findings in the autumn.
We thank everyone who has taken the trouble to submit a response.
DVLA LIAISON
Nigel Harrison
Continuous Insurance (CI)
The introduction of CI was explained in Newsletter 6-2010 and has now become a reality. If, as the registered keeper, your vehicle insurance expires (or is cancelled) whilst the vehicle is taxed, you will fall foul of the continuous insurance requirements. DVLA have now produced a fact sheet, ‘Seasonal Vehicle Users’. This is either downloadable from www.fbhvc.co.uk under the Continuous Insurance tab, or if you don’t have access to the internet, available from the Secretary and the DVLA.
The Motor Insurance Bureau is now sending out ‘Insurance Advisory Letters’ to the registered keepers of uninsured vehicles advising them to either:
• Insure the vehicle immediately.
• Contact their insurance provider if they believe that their vehicle is already insured.
• SORN the vehicle.
• Notify DVLA that they are no longer the keeper of the vehicle.
The fact sheet explains the penalties if the letter is not responded to. Essentially if the vehicle is taxed, it now also needs to be insured.
How Many Left?
In the last Newsletter I explained how it was possible to obtain vehicle data from DVLA. There is now a website called www.howmanyleft.co.uk, which uses publicly available DVLA data. This site reveals how many vehicles of each model (e.g. Minor) are licensed in each year between 1994 and 2011. Also is revealed, amongst other things is, how many of each model (e.g. Minor), for each year of registration, are still licensed or SORNed. What needs to be borne in mind is that the data relates to the make and model as recorded by DVLA, via their ‘drop down’ lists. That description might not always be the same as the physical vehicle.
Where a particular maker is missing from the DVLA dropdown list (e.g. Standard) then the maker of those vehicles is recorded as ‘free text’ and is displayed on the website with a maker of ‘Other’, followed by a country or a region e.g. ‘Other British’. However the actual maker should appear on the V5C. If a model type, e.g. 8 as in 8 HP (Horse Power), is not on the DVLA ‘drop down’ list then the model name is coded as ‘missing’.
If a specialist club is trying to establish how many vehicles exist that come into that club’s area of interest, then the vehicles with model names coded as missing could be a problem. That problem could possibly be partly resolved by purchasing data which includes other information like engine capacity and body type, a subject covered in the last newsletter.
This website is a useful resource in revealing how many historic vehicles of each model have survived over the years, based on year of registration.
Unregistered Vehicle Inspections
The vehicle inspection is an essential part of the registration process. Typically the owner-supplied photographs would have been scrutinised, supporting documentation examined, and any discrepancies that come to light resolved, prior to the club inspection taking place. Occasionally a showstopper comes to light, so it is not possible to register the vehicle.
With one case, a claim for an original number, there was impeccable documentation, but the photographs indicated that the vehicle was not substantially complete. I explained that the examination would need to be deferred until the vehicle was actually substantially complete, although not necessarily roadworthy. The owner then revealed that he had scrapped the vehicle some time ago, but he just wanted a V5C in his name, so that the registration number could be transferred to another vehicle. That application was sent into DVLA, with a recommendation for a refusal.
With another case, this time an age-related application, I explained to the owner of this 1920s light commercial that the vehicle needed to consist of genuine period components. Suddenly the case went all quiet. A few months later the vehicle had changed hands, and the new owner wanted to register it. It was then revealed that instead of having a sidevalve petrol engine there was a relatively modern diesel engine installed. Even if a 1920s differential could cope with the increased power from a modern diesel engine, there was no way in which this engine could be called a genuine period component. The owner was informed that I could not produce a dating letter for a vehicle in that condition.
Had the vehicle already been registered with DVLA, from a registration standpoint, there should been no difficulty in registering a change from a petrol to a diesel engine. However when registering a ‘Reconstructed Classic’, (i.e. an application for an age-related number) the club needs to be able to declare that the vehicle consists of genuine period components.
Commercial Use of Historic Vehicles
At the end of the DVLA information sheet called ‘Notes about Taxation Classes’ (V355/1) is the definition for Historic Vehicles, which reads as follows. ‘All vehicles, except buses and good vehicles used commercially are exempt from vehicle tax if they were constructed before 1.1.73.’ See INF34, ‘Taxing Historic Vehicles’ for more information.
The key point is that if a pre-1973 bus or goods vehicle is being used commercially it should not have a taxation class of Historic Vehicle. A DVLA Local Office would be able to advise on the appropriate taxation class.
DVLA list of Vehicle Owner Clubs (V765/1 List)
The new V765/1 list has just been issued. It is suggested that a club’s DVLA contact checks that their details are correct, and where possible displaying both a phone number and an email address. If details are missing or incorrect please ring the DVLA’s direct line for V765/1 Tel: 01792 788009.
This latest edition has a date code of 6/11. It is available for download from www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/forms in the leaflet section and the printed version runs to 28 pages. If you don’t have access to the internet, it should be available by contacting any DVLA local office.
EVENT NEWS
Colin Francis
I have often been asked: What is the best event and what are you doing this year?
The second one is easy to answer and may give some clues to the first question – but of course everyone enjoys different type of events. So far this year I have been on the Winter Trial where I navigated the car checking the route a day in advance. It is a Dutch organised event with about ten expert British crews. The event runs from Holland to the Czech Republic for most of the intense competition. The event is about map reading and is mainly for experienced crews although there is a club category which is becoming more popular.
My next event was the Poppy Rally based in Ypres and organised by our member club the CRA. This is a specialised event and also requires accurate map reading.
I followed it by going on the Costa Brava Rally in Catalonia, north east Spain. This is a great event and particularly good value for HRCR (another member club) members. I think you can have nearly a full week in that part of the world with your car for about £1000. It has local organisers and you should not expect to do well against the Spaniards, who are very good and use all sorts of modern equipment in their Porsche 911s. The atmosphere and organisation is superb and the road book is easy to follow and one even drives around the F1 track near Barcelona.
I then did a one day event organized by Cirencester Car Club called the Corinium Run. It is not competitive and attracted a lot of older cars for the day and it had a tremendous atmosphere. As I live near Cirencester I try to do their 12 car events on darker Friday evenings in winter if I am around. We use a historic car and this is a good type of event to try to gain experience. They use complicated map reading and interpretation, so do not expect to do well but if you can cope with one of these you can do the bigger events which are usually a lot easier.
I then did the Three Castles, which is based in North Wales, in a Cortina GT. It is a good event to gain experience and you are in the same hotel for four nights.
My next event, in a Healey 3000, was the Classic Marathon, run by the CRA. This year it ran in north west Spain (Galicia) and the route was superb with very little traffic. It was all tulip diagrams but the regularities were quite tricky and called for concentration. The organisation was very professional and we stayed in some very nice hotels. Next year this event, which was one of the first historic rallies, will go to Ireland.
My forthcoming events in 2011 include a return of the Winter Challenge which runs from Chester (or Nordvijk in Holland) to Monte Carlo in November. It will be winter but sunshine will greet you as you descend to the Med. This event also started the popularity of historic events when it was called the Monte Carlo Challenge and I hope it tries to follow that format as much as possible. The event 20 years ago had controls in cafes, no changes of speed and little navigation on the regularities.
Between these two events I will try a one day introductory historic event from Hungerford run by the HRCR in August and the Champagne Rally over a weekend in mid-October. Both are good small events to gain experience. The first one is called the Berks, Bucks and Oxon 100 Rally and the second is organised by a firm called Classic Rally Tours. You can get full details of any of these events off their websites.
Other events in the near future are a revamp of the famous Liege Rome Rally at the very end of August and the Adriatic in Slovenia and Croatia from 2-8 October. Both are organised from the low countries of Belgium and Holland and do not require maps. The latter is particularly good value and you can get details from www. SeaSunRally.com. Finally Mike Cornwell, who ran a one event for charity on Drive It Day, is organising another for charity on Sunday 4 September, details from 01525 290117. It is not a competition.
Finally, road events are not races so, if you do not prepare the vehicle yourself, do not get your car prepared by a firm who prepares cars for racing. People involved in racing, including firms, have no idea what is required for road events. Once you are certain that your car will not break down the most important thing is the trip meter. It is most important that it does not break down and is capable of adjustment to that of the organiser. You need to fit an additional trip meter such as a Halda, or Brantz, to name just two. At one time they had to be mechanical but most organisers now allow electronic ones which only measure distance.
CLUB NEWS
David Davies
Those doughty souls who seek out and who cherish the Austin Champ, the Austin Champ Owners Club, remind us that 2012 sees the diamond jubilee of these individualistic vehicles (anything else out there with a two-speed dynamo?). For more information, see www.austinchamp.com
British cars get everywhere! The discovery of an A35 in the city of Trinidad de Cuba is recounted in the A30-A35 Owner’s Club magazine www.austina30a35ownersclub.co.uk
There is a reproduction of an advert from 1957 for the Ridley Mk II H20 Bomb which was claimed to economise on fuel, increase performance, disperse carbon, eliminate pinking , reduce engine wear and premature hair loss (I made that last one up) in the magazine of the Ford Sidevalve Owners’ Club. Has anyone out there got an example? www.fsoc.co.uk
Freewheel, the magazine of the Rover Sports Register has a photograph of a Rover IS/60 gas turbine attached to a dynamometer. It seems that these were sold to technical colleges. Do any more survive? www.thersr.co.uk
There is a fascinating article in the Jupiter Auto Club magazine on flat (i.e. horizontally opposed) power units. www.jowettjupiter.co.uk
A photograph of a fearsome-looking British Holder tractor graces the cover of the Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club Newsletter www.vhgmc.co.uk
The Austin Seven Owners’ Club (London) magazine informs us that a Model T Ford is not the only car to conquer Ben Nevis; a Baby Austin reached the summit on October 6 1928. www.austinsevenownersclub.com
There is to be an attempt to beat the world record for the largest number of microcars attending an event at the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum in Wiltshire over the weekend of 1-4 September www.national-microcar-rally.co.uk
There is a brief history and a useful bibliography on the history of Triumph Cars from 1923 to 1940 in the magazine of the Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club. www.pre-1940triumphmotorclub.org
There is a useful article in Wolseley World from the Wolseley Register which covers faults and problems with charging. www.wolseleyworld.com
Fishtail, the magazine of the Velocette Owners’ Club, has an interesting article on the Milan-Taranto Rally which covers 1300 miles and includes some night riding. www.velocetteowners.com
The magazine of the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club reminds us that April 14 was the 80th anniversary of the Highway Code.
There is a wonderful piece in the Bean Car Club magazine: ‘Isn’t it amazing that the government should inflict catalytic convertors on the car-buying public for the benefit of converting poisonous CO into ‘harmless CO2 yet, eight years later, is now proposing to tax us on the basis of that same CO2? In any case, vehicle emissions are less than one percent of all CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Curtailing vehicle emissions without curtailing CO2 emissions elsewhere or ending deforestation is like switching off your car engine because a volcano is about to erupt’.
The Biggar Albion Foundation’s magazine informs us that the days of the colourful Albion buses in Malta are numbered as ‘Arriva’ is about to take over www.albion-trust.org.uk
An atmospheric series of photographs of the Prescott hillclimb in 1951 are a feature of the spring 2011 magazine of the Bugatti Owners’ Club. www.bugatti.co.uk
The Jago Owners’ Club remind us that 2011 is the 40th anniversary of the launch of the original Jago Jeep.
For those motorcyclists out there with a spirit of adventure, Jampot, the magazine of the AJS and Matchless Owners’ Club has details of a motorcycling event in northern Poland over the weekend of 26-28 August – have a look at www.drogakaszubska.pl
The official journal of the Daimler and Lanchester Owners’ Club has an interesting feature on the 85 year association between Daimler and the Royal family. www.dloc.org.uk
Minor Matters, the magazine of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club, has an article on tourer to coupe conversions and the fibreglass hard-tops that were available in the 1950s – do any survive? Also, there is a complicated anniversary planned for 24-25 September, read this carefully: it is the 50th anniversary rally of the millionth Morris Minor – see www.minormillion.co.uk
Back to the cars of the Royal family in the Chester Vintage Enthusiasts’ Club newsletter. There is an account of the special treatment and attention given to Rover P5s when supplied to HM the Queen.
Probably not something that will enhance marital bliss and harmony, but the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club strongly recommends the domestic dishwasher for cleaning gearbox castings and cylinder barrels It seems that Finish detergent works well – but do not bother with the rinse aid tablets. www.mtwc.co.uk
Another eccentric gadget! The Petromag lock tap of 1935 was claimed to prevent your car from being stolen. This appears in the NECPWA magazine for May 2011. Has anybody got one in the bottom of their tool box? www.necpwa.org.uk
It would seem that there were nine derivatives from the basic Hillman Imp and there are illustrations of all of them in the Imp Club magazine for May 2011. www.theimpclub.co.uk
It is quite amazing what you can learn from the magazines of member clubs. When trimming or cutting rubber mouldings, such as front screen rubbers, make sure the knife is lubricated with water. Not soapy water, just plain old-fashioned water. A useful tip from the magazine of the 6/80 and MO Club magazine www.680mo.org.uk
VMCC Training Days
The Vintage Motorcycle Club masthead includes the words ‘to bring the pioneer machines to life on frequent occasions so that a new generation can marvel at the handiwork of the pioneers’. Training days are an opportunity for the new generation not only to marvel – but to sample the experience for themselves.
It is eight years since the first familiarisation day was organised by the VMCC. The objective was to raise awareness of the delights and the challenges offered by mature machinery by allowing enthusiasts to sample motorcycles of a bygone age under supervision and in appropriate surroundings.
This year, two sessions were organised, both of which were heavily over-subscribed, one in the Home Counties and one in the Midlands. Public-spirited club members volunteered their machines and their time to give the eager volunteers instructions and tuition on motorcycles from another age; machines with lever throttles, hand-change gearboxes, foot clutches and other oddly disposed controls.
The range of machines available included a veteran single-speed Triumph, through an Edwardian Phelon and Moore sidecar outfit and an extremely rare Vintage Dunelt two-stroke, to a Vincent Rapide, all of which offered completely new motorcycling experiences and sensations to the enthusiastic pupils who excitedly exchanged experiences and preferences with each other.
Everyone went home exhilarated and enthusiastic with several riders expressing their intention to go further into the age of the vintage motorcycle
Open invitation to Vincent owners
The Vincent HRD Owners Club wish to invite all Vincent owners to attend their forthcoming Annual Rally to be held in the West Country on 15-18 August 2011. This is an opportunity to come to show your bike and for the club to impress you with its hospitality. All facilities will be open to you and there will be a chance to look into the history of your bike with our archivist. Your machine(s) will be eligible to enter all the concours classes.
Most of the VOC will be camping but caravans or campers are also welcome so long as you’re brought the bike with you. There will be a £10 camping fee which gives you temporary membership to the VOC for the event. Interested parties please call Paul Adams on 01322 666455 for further details.
MEMBER ORGANISATIONS
All of our member organisations are listed by club name on our website, but it is down to the individual clubs to add or amend their own details – see www.fbhvc.co.uk
Welcome to the following clubs who have recently joined:
Acton Hot Rod Association
BSA Bantam Club
Society of Automotive Historians of Great Britain
South Eastern Agricultural Club
Wolseley Owners Club
Welcome to the following traders who have recently joined:
West Norfolk Motor Cycles
H T Howard and Co Ltd
AGM
This will take place on Saturday, 15 October at the Hunt House, Paulerspury near Towcester by kind invitation of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club and the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation. The secretary must receive items for inclusion on the agenda and nominations for election to the Board in writing at least 42 days in advance of the meeting – that is by 2 September 2011. The formal notice of the meeting appears elsewhere in the newsletter.
Please note that the report and accounts for the period to 31 May 2011, the final agenda and details of catering arrangements will be sent automatically to clubs’ nominated contacts in mid-September and to others on request. Tickets for lunch are available at cost price from the secretary.
Conference
The formal AGM takes place in the morning and, after a buffet lunch, will be followed by the conference session. The presentation this year will focus on Ethanol in Fuel: Corrosion, Compatibility and Combustion.
SUBSCRIPTIONS – ‘SUB DUE’
It is subscription time again for individual supporters and clubs and although it is a very busy time of year for everyone please can you check that your club has paid its dues for the year? At the time of writing we have collected about 85% of the clubs’ subs and around 70% of individuals’ subs. We rely on our subscription income to continue our work on behalf of the 250,000 individuals we currently represent. Our members have interests not just in cars and motorcycles but are lorry, bus and coach, agricultural, steam and military vehicle enthusiasts as well and our board can call upon specialists in all these fields as well as in UK and EU legislation and fuel matters. All of this is entirely funded by subscriptions and we really do need your support to enable us to continue.
Club officers and individuals finding a ‘sub due’ message on their address label should note that we had no record of receiving a renewal by 25 July. Clubs need to use the proper renewal/declaration form (a copy can be sent on request). Clubs (and individuals) may of course pay by electronic banking but please, please do also let us have a copy of the renewal form as well to confirm the membership numbers and the current contact details.
Individuals can renew by sending a cheque or card details to the secretary – the individual rates are £13.25 for one year or £24.50 for two.
If the above applies, then this will be the final newsletter sent to you.
THE LEYLAND CLOCK
Tim Holt
(with additional material provided by David Gambles of Focus Transport)
It was back in 2007 that the FBHVC newsletter carried an appeal from the Civic Society in Kendal requesting financial assistance with the cost of restoring the Leyland Clock. This clock, one of seven of these timepieces commissioned by the Leyland Motor Company, was erected at the side of the main A6 road just a few miles short of Shap Fell summit. In addition to assisting drivers with their timekeeping, it was also a marketing device, a pair of panels fixed above each of the two clock faces carried the motif, ‘Leyland Motors For All Time’ picked out in cat’s eyes ensuring 24 hour visibility.
This particular clock was installed in 1931 and continued in use until 1970 when the Cumbria section of the M6 motorway was completed. The clock was taken down and stored at a Council Depot in Kendal. In 1973 it was moved to its present location in the grounds of the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, not immediately visible as in its working life, but at least protected from vandalism. A restoration had been carried out during the mid-1990s to commemorate the centenary of the British motor vehicle industry but it was felt that more work was needed, particularly on the clock movement; hence the request from the Civic Society. Having expressed an interest, members of the Cumbria Steam and Vintage Vehicle Society began to advertise the fact that they were prepared to provide funding and some man hours to assist with the project and were surprised to learn that the original works had been stolen from the clock at some point, it was thought after its removal from the side of the A6. A publicity campaign was launched and sure enough the workings were traced, having been given to a doctor in the north of the county by a patient. They were ceremonially handed back to the Society during the 2007 Cumbria Steam gathering.
Also at the Steam Gathering the Society was delighted to welcome the lady who always refers to the clock as ‘my clock’ as she had the job of winding it up every week while it was in operation. Lenore Knowles, whose home is a farm half a mile away from where the clock stood, had this duty passed down from her late father, Thomas Huck, and between them they were the only people to carry out this operation throughout the working life of the clock.
A specialist clock repair company had already been approached for a quotation for the rebuilding of the clock movement currently installed and after consideration it was decided that this work should be put in hand as considerable modification would be required to refit the recently discovered original movement. This was carried out but further inspection of the clock pylon and associated fittings revealed extensive corrosion and so it was decided to completely dismantle the support tower for sandblasting, making good and repainting. The clock faces were removed and a new central support was fabricated. The advertising panels were missing their cat’s eyes and a specialist sign writer spent the weekend of the 2008 Steam Gathering copying the Preston coat of arms, which take pride of place on top of the panels above each clock face. Rotten wooden decorative strips were copied by a local joiner and the case for the clock movement was largely reconstructed by a local engineering company. The two faces were repainted and the almost opaque original lenses were replaced by modern polycarbonate discs generously donated by a local glass supplier.
Finally during the late summer of 2010 all the component parts, which had been distributed almost to the four corners of the county during the restoration process, came back together and on 24 October 2010 the clock was lifted back onto its plinth at the brewery. The following week the formal handing over ceremony to the Brewery Arts Centre took place and a sizeable crowd gathered to see Mrs Knowles cut the ribbon to mark the completion of the official project.
Cumbria Classic Coaches played a part in the ceremony by picking up invited guests in Penrith with ex-Preston Corporation Leyland PS1 CRN 80 and ex-Bamber Bridge AEC Regent UTC 672 and then travelling in convoy with other classic vehicles via Shap to Kendal for the ceremony picking up Lenore Knowles on the way.
FEDERATION OF BRITISH HISTORIC VEHICLE CLUBS LIMITED
(a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
15 October 2011
NOTICE is hereby given that the twelfth Annual General Meeting of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Limited will take place in the C S Rolls Wing of the Hunt House, Paulerspury, near Towcester, on Saturday, 15 October 2011, starting at 1100 hours for the following purposes.
1. To receive and consider the report of the directors for the year ended 31 May 2011.
2. To receive and consider the accounts for the year ended 31 May 2011. [note 1]
3. Election of Directors. [note 2]
4. To consider any other business notified in accordance with the company’s Articles of Association. [note 3]
By order of the board
Rosy Pugh, Secretary
19 July 2011
Notes:
1. The board has elected to take advantage of the exemption from full audit available to small companies. FBHVC’s accounts are prepared by Paul Byrne FCA of Premier Accountancy.
2. FBHVC’s Articles of Association specify a maximum of ten Directors. In accordance with Article 14, Directors are normally elected for two year terms, with the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and two other Directors being elected in even years, and five other Directors being elected in odd years. The election at the 2011 AGM will be for up to five Directors to take responsibility for: Heritage Matters; Legislation; International Relations; Relations with Event Organisers and Participants; Relations with Traders. No Director may take more than two nominated responsibilities.
The retiring Directors may offer themselves for re-election and new candidates are encouraged to stand. All those standing must comply with Article 14.4 which states that unless nominated by the Board, no person may stand unless he has been nominated in writing by a subscriber organisation of which he is a member and has indicated in writing his willingness to serve on the Board. Both the nomination and the confirmation of willingness to serve must be received at the registered office of the Federation not less than 42 days before the date of the meeting – which means 2 September 2011.
3. Only items that have been included on the agenda for the AGM and notified to clubs in advance of the meeting may be discussed during the formal part of the AGM. The board has discretion over the detail agenda, but will consider including additional topics at the request of subscriber organisations provided that any such request is received by the secretary by 2 September 2011.
4. Every member has a statutory right to appoint another person as his proxy to exercise all his rights to attend and to speak and vote at a meeting of the company.
5. The report and accounts for the period to 31 May 2011, the final agenda and details of catering arrangements will be sent to club main contacts in mid-September and to others on request.
.jpg "springruin0409 001 (Large).jpg")