Morgan Plus 4 cars illustrated Ear December... · 2019. 8. 29. · Morgan Plus 4 cars illustrated...

Morgan Plus 4 cars illustrated

Similar, but not the same

All enquiries should be directed to: Chris van Wyk Morgan Cars Australia Pty Ltd Level 1 ZAGAME building, 362 Swan Street, Richmond, Victoria 3121 P: 039329 0344 E: [email protected] Please visit our website For more information www.morgancars.com.au

Every Morgan is hand built by cra smen and women in

rural England, exactly to customer requirements.

This means that no two Morgans are exactly the same.

Each car expresses its owner’s unique requirements

and taste, right down to the colour of the carpets.

This has been the Morgan tradi on for more than a

century. It is also worth no ng that Morgan is not

only the oldest, but also the largest Bri sh owned car

company where tradi on runs deep.

This means that the Morgan ownership experience

goes beyond the car itself.

Please visit our website to learn more about the unique

and bespoke range of Morgan products.

2 The Morgan Ear December2017

The Morgan Ear The magazine of the

MORGAN OWNERS' CLUB OF AUSTRALIA INC.

(Founded by Ken Ward in 1958) PO Box 372, Gordon NSW 2072 www.morganownersclub.com.au

Monthly meetings: 1st Thursday of the month at 8.00pm.

Venue: Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club, 117 Ryedale Rd, West Ryde.

Views expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent those of the Club or Editor.

Technical items are the views of the contributor and the Club can accept no responsibility for their accuracy.

Front Cover:

“Big Men in Tights”

Photo Gary Cox

Back Cover:

Not a good place to park?

Photo Jason Barker

The Morgan Ear December 2017 3

Editor Brian Tomalin 0427 693 626

[email protected]

Webmaster Geoff Williams 02 4567 7247

MOCA Committee members for 2017/2018

President Geoff Hollings 02 9449 8422

Vice President Stan Jodeikin 0408 608 002

Joint Club Captains

David Lyon

Jason Barker

0409 906 116

0407 553 741

Treasurer Louise Barker 02 9417 3780

Secretary Dennis Jones 0402 254 701

Membership Secretary Cully Gower 02 9416 3903

Competition Secretary Ross Simpson 0407 249 463

Registrar Stan Jodeikin 0408 608 002

Club Plates Officers

Club Plates Secretary Peter Canavan 02 4575 2085

Club Plates Inspector Brian Williams 02 9913 8095

VP-Qld (Nth) (South)

Lachlan Rankine Vacant

[email protected] 0417 621 234

VP-Tas Mac Russell [email protected] 03 6423 5177

VP-SA Tony Heard [email protected] 0412 091 610

VP-WA Len Taylor Kim Roberts

[email protected] [email protected]

0408 942 926 0417 928 579

State Vice Presidents

VP-Vic Colin Bartlett [email protected] 0409 965 321

4 The Morgan Ear December 2017

A significant milestone for the Morgan community occurred in November when VICMOG celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

The occasion was marked with an impressive luncheon at the salubrious West Brighton Club complete with pre-lunch canapes and a jazz band.

Victorian Morganeers were joined by a clutch of MOCA members from New South Wales and Queensland on a holiday tour osf Southern New South Wales and Victoria.

The event also saw the establishment of a record for the most Morgans assembled in the one place in Victoria. The record now stands at 47.

“The Morgan Ear” congratulates VICMOG on the achievement of 50 years and the magnificent celebration event to mark the occasion. We also appreciate the opportunity to make the event with the comprehensive coverage on pages 16 to 21 of this edition.

While on the subject of significant milestones MOCA will be celebrating its Diamond Muster at Bathurst in August 2018. Preparations for the event are well under way with expressions of interest now open. Gary Cox has been undertaking some preparatory investigation into the

delights of the Bathurst region and discovered the “Big men in Tights” from a local winery could make the trip worthwhile.

November saw the annual MOCA Trophies and presentation dinner at the Bonnie Doon Golf Club. Congratulations to the recipients

This month we continue with the third instalment Douglas Hallawell’s history of Morgan

derivations. Unfortunately for the technically minded space considerations mean that the continuation of Nev Leers’ history of the development of the Morgan front suspension has been held over until the February edition.

While the holiday crew were gallivanting around the South East those New South Wales members remaining at home also managed a couple of mid-week coffee runs which were well attended. The Mid-North Coast group were also active.

Finally a rap over the knuckles for the Editor. Last month’s report on the Rookwood Cemetery run was accredited to the wrong correspondent. The acknowledgement was due to Rebecca Lippold. My apologies for the incorrect acknowledgement.

EDITORIAL Brian Tomalin

Take note

Closing date for articles is

the 12th January

Presidential Ponderings 5 Diamond Muster 6 Breaking the Mould Part 3 7 Mosman Coffee Run 11 Valley Autofest 12 MOCA Trophies 2016-2017 14 MOCA Awards Dinner 2016-2017 15

VICMOG 50th Anniversary Lunch 16 Victorian Holiday Run 22 Club Plates Day 24 The Serra Mog 26 Bobbin Head Inn 27 Bobbin Head Survey 29 New Year’s Resolution 30 MOCA GM Minutes 31 Cyclismamilia 33

INDEX:


PRESIDENTIAL PONDERINGS Geoff Hollings

In October Stephanie and I participated in the MOCA holiday run to Victoria. We were blessed with great weather; cool in the mornings, sunny most days and some rain on a couple of days.

Driving from Omeo along the winding Great Alpine Road in the late morning, a wallaby jumped out from the shadows and hit the back wing of the Roadster. There is a small dent about 5cm diameter, and we are fortunate that it was not more serious. I’ve been speaking with one of the “dent” removal people, and he thinks he can do the repair without damaging the paint. I’ll report next time.

We were honoured to be able to be part of the 120 Morganeers at the VicMog 50th celebration lunch at Brighton.

Thanks to Graham and Gwen Balfe for organising the run, which is reported in more detail elsewhere.

At the lunch Chris van Wyk said there were going to be some changes in the engines on Morgans next September. If you want a naturally aspirated Mog, then you might need to get in early. He expects the factory to make an announcement about the changes sometime next year.

I was also reading in Miscellany about changes to the US M3W – there it is considered a motor bike, so they have to relocate the headlights towards the centre like the 2 wheeled motor bikes. As we know, in Australia they are classified as a car. It’s a pity that the cyclecar classification has lapsed in most places. There are also changes in Europe, and

next year they will require the “moustache” air inlet developed for use in Australia.

A couple of months ago I mentioned that John Coneybeare has passed on some old magazines, mostly full sets from 1980 to 1997. Please let me know if you would like any of the back copies. As I already have copies of these myself, I will be putting what’s not needed in the recycling at the end of the month.

As usual, the club will provide supper at the December meeting. Stephanie and I wish everyone and their families a happy and restful festive season.

COMPETITION REPORT Ross Simpson

2018 Supersprint dates CSCA have announced the calendar for the competition events for next year. Unfortunately the last one clashes with the Diamond Muster. CLA: 11 March Wakefield JDCA: 26 May SMSP Druitt/North MOCA: 11 August SMSP Gardner SCCA: 8 September SMSP Amaroo/South TSOA: 21 October Wakefield


MORGAN

DIAMOND MUSTER

60th anniversary of MOCA Bathurst, 18-21 October 2018

Preparations are now well advanced to celebrate the diamond anniversary of the Morgan Owners Club of Australia. It will be held in Bathurst in October 2018.

A special email has been set up at diamondmuster@morganownersclub. com.au

Geoff Hollings, will act as Registration Secretary and will coordinate the initial expressions of interest through to final registrations.

Please send Geoff an email giving him your name, contact details and an indication of how many people may attend.

All Morganeers are welcome.

Please pass this information onto other

people who may have been members in the past.

The early information will assist us in organising final details for of the event, so it would be great if you could respond as soon as you can.

We expect to send out release registration details and accommodation options in early 2018 and look forward to receiving your expressions of interest asap.

Below is a preliminary programme of the Diamond Muster.

Stan Jodeikin, Vice President and Diamond Muster Committee Chairman E: [email protected] M: 0408 60 80 02

Preliminary programme

Week to ten days before the Diamond Muster Tours for Morganeers from all states to travel to the event.

Thursday 18 October 2018 HQ at Rydges on Mount Panorama for attendees to receive muster arrival pack. Welcome Event at the National Motor Racing MuseumFriday 19 October 2018 Morning country runs from Bathurst, ending in Oberon at the Railway Museum for Heritage Day display and access to other museums and cultural activities. Rotary

BBQ for lunch. Evening function at the Two Heads craft brewery with Henry 8th style banquet in old mill.

Saturday 20 October 2018 Public display of all Morgan cars in Russell Street, Bathurst. Gala Dinner event at Panorama Room, Rydges Hotel

Sunday 21 October 2018 Abercrombie House guided tours and lazy brunch with Morgan display in gardens. Farewell to the Diamond Muster

Week to ten days after Diamond Muster Various holiday runs with returning groups


The third of the one-off Morgans is even older than the Serra Morgan (in Part 2)

and dates as far back as November 1952.

The automobile industry in Europe was still recovering from the devastating effects of WWII when Paul Conrardy, from Luxembourg, decided to have a sportscar designed to his very own requirements. Previously, Conrardy had owned two MGTCs but fancied a more exotic body on an MG rolling chassis. As the son of a coachbuilder, Conrardy’s dream wasn’t, therefore, as far fetched as one might imagine. In 1949, after the Salon de Paris car show, Conrardy contacted Philippe Charbonneaux, the talented French stylist well known for his work on Delahayes and Delages. The plan was for Charbonneaux

BREAKING THE MOULD PART 3 Douglas Hallawell

One-off Morgans designed/built in Europe

This is the third of a three-part series by Douglas Hallawell looking at variations on the Morgan

theme in the 1960’s.

Our thanks to Douglas Hallawell and Mog Mag for the use of this article which appeared in

March 2017.

Douglas Hallawell thanks Jake Alderson for supplying the history and two photos of the Conrardy ‘Morgan Grand Sport’ and to John

Sheally for those of his concours-winning Plus 4 Plus in Part 1.

(continued on page 8)

The Paul Conrardy commissioned Vanguard-engine Morgan +4 designed by Philippe Charbonneaux under construction


to design a 2-seater coupé (to fit an MG chassis) that would be built at Conrardy’s family coachbuilding premises. Unable to obtain an MG chassis, Conrardy turned to Morgan where he discovered (better still!) that a Plus 4 chassis had a lower centre of gravity than in an MG. Without a Morgan agent in Luxembourg, Conrardy had to place his order through the Belgian agent Lucien Riga, in Brussels, for a Vanguard-engined Plus 4 rolling chassis. Strangely, Conrardy ordered it with right-hand controls. The body, of an aluminium alloy (Aluman), was supported by a tubular steel framework, and custom built parts, like

the panoramic rear window in perspex and the glass windscreen, were handcrafted in Belgium. Subsequently painted in a two-tone ivory and navy blue livery, the Morgan Grand Sport, as named by Conrardy, was finished early in 1953 and weighed in at approximately 850 kilos.

Conrardy became ambitious, with plans to

produce a small series of ‘Grand Sport Morgan’ cars for European customers. Ads in Switzerland and Portugal in 1953 stated that there was a choice between a coupé and either a 2 or 4-seater roadster. Unfortunately, Conrardy fell sick with pleurisy so he sold his coupé to someone in Liège in November 1953. The whereabouts of the car today are unknown. The 1953 coupé may likely

BREAKING THE MOULD — PART 3 (from age 7)

The Grand Sport Morgan” was advertised as a coupe or a 2 or 4 seat roadster

The completed Morgan Grand Sport


have been the inspiration behind Charbonneaux’s design of another exotic, the Salmson 2300S prototype a year later, in 1954. As regards its steering wheel, several other French marques such as Delahaye, Delage, Talbot-Lago, Hotchkiss and even Bugatti (in 1951/2) continued to build their cars exclusively as RHD into the fifties until as late as 1957. Depending on who was commissioned to design a one-off, the prospective customer could expect one or two surprises along the way as per Charbonneaux's headlamp treatment of the Salmson (concept) roadster.

Another stylist, French-born Raymond Loewy, was to prove to be much bolder, especially as regards the design of his personal car in 1957. Based on what was already a fabulous looking roadster at the time, a 507 BMW, Loewy set about creating an extravagant and futuristic interpretation of it as a 2-seater coupé, bodied in France by Pichon & Parat in a ‘duralinox’ alloy. Another memorable creation of his was the 1962 Studebaker Avanti that impacted the US automobile scene so much so that a revised Avanti II version was introduced, in 1965, well after Studebaker had folded. Aside from car designing, Charbonneaux and Loewy were both heavily involved as stylists for a broad range of products. As for Loewy’s 507 BMW one-off coupé, it was frequently seen on the French Riviera before he donated it to the Natural History Museum in New York in 1962.

Had Peter Morgan invited Loewy to the factory in 1962, like he did with the head of the Debonair GT car company (mentioned

in Part 1), it’s unlikely that Loewy would have accepted Peter’s proviso laid down for the Plus 4 Plus project, e.g. minimal front overhang, a high rounded roofline (for occupants with hats) and a Morgan grille for marque recognition. Loewy would undoubtedly have requested ‘carte blanche’ to design the Morgan coupé, and the resulting attention-grabbing concept would certainly have caused an uproar in Peter’s office at the factory.

The 1954 prototype Salmson 2300S



As soon as the prototype Plus 4 Plus was completed and registered (869 KAB), Peter and Jane Morgan set off for the continent in May 1963 for two weeks of test-driving. Halfway through their trip, in Italy, the coupé was hit (on a front wing) at a crossroads by none other than an Italia 2000! A policeman at the scene proceeded to write his report, questioning the car’s and driver’s identities, to which Peter twice replied ‘Morgan’. Refusing to

believe a word of what Peter declared – despite his insistance – the cop passed the (anonymous looking) prototype off as a Jaguar in his report. As for Peter, he mistook the Italia for a TR4 with a special body!

As for the three European Morgan one-offs, it’s interesting to note that each was constructed in a different bodyshell material: aluminium alloy/glassfibre/steel. In terms of cost, the glassfibre solution retained by Peter was obviously the best one for the Plus 4 Plus. Would the distinctive Z badging for Zagato have looked good on the side of the coupé’s body? Oh yes, definitely!

The 1957 2-seater coupe based on a BMW 507 chassis designed by Raymond Loewy

The Morgan Plus 4 Plus

BREAKING THE MOULD — PART 3 (from age 9)


George’s Heights, Mosman is another pleasant meeting place where cyclists and Mosman mums compete for tables at Frenchy’s cafe.

Rain was forecast for the day of our mid-week coffee run on October 15 which limited the number of Morgan owners prepared to take their cars for a drive with only two present, however the weather stayed clear until all had returned home.

Despite the forecast weather 13 members and five guests enjoyed each other’s company, the coffee and assorted cakes.

The conversation included stories of the

recent 3,000 kilometre holiday outing, and Rex Vincent’s expedition into the Centre and Northern Queensland in his Silver Ghost Rolls Royce.

There is always plenty of news regarding the Australian Morgan family and those in attendance made the most of the opportunity to catch up on recent happenings.

While parking was not ideal everyone agreed the venue location and service made up for any inconvenience.

MOSMAN COFFEE RUN David Lyon


Valley Industries Limited operates on the Mid North Coast of NSW providing a range of support and employment opportunities for people with a disability. It is an important part of the community and receives strong support for its fund raising events like their Autofest 2017 that attracted around 200 cars and bikes of all shapes and sizes to the Johnny Martin Oval in the heart of Taree.

Local car clubs turned out in force and of course we wanted a Morgan representation.

Without Laurie Curtin, our usual Ring Master, Morgan numbers were a bit lower than planned but we were allocated pole position near the entrance with a marquee close to facilities and food stalls.

John Coneybeare lead the charge being the first man on parade with his 76 Plus 8 closely followed by Allan & Heather Sambell in their newly acquired 87 Plus 8 (I’m trying to herd them into the MOCA fold) I stuck my little 2011 4/4 in the middle and

the Delorean on the end just to ink out the display.

Ian Cruickshank, a local 4/4, 4 seater owner dropped in for a chat even though he arrived without his car. Regrettably, Chris & Deb Page of VICMOG fame and now locals were non starters as Melbourne called Chris back for business and Deb to attend to her seriously ill dad.

We wish the Page family well and look forward to seeing more of them and their Morgan fleet around the North Coast.

I must say John Coneybeare seems to be settling into Taree life very well having plenty of extended family visit him at the display along with members of the Taree Historic Motor Club that were pleased to make his acquaintance – good to see. A great day of cars and conversation where our Morgans got plenty of attention.

VALLEY AUTOFEST 2017 — TAREE Gary Cox

Lined up ready for the gates to open

John Coneybeare goes “Back to the Future”...


MOCA TROPHIES 2016/2017

Long Distance award Vern Dale-Johnson Geoff Hollings

Annual Social Points Score Trophy 1st Stan Jodeikin 2nd Bob Little

3rd Peter Canavan and Dennis Jones

Annual Competition Points Score Trophy 1st Ross Simpson

2nd Tim Hurst

3rd Graham Dell

John Thompson Trophy, Annual Competition Points Score, Best Morgan

Ross Simpson & Tim Hurst (shared)

Founder's Shield, Social and Competition Point Score Position

Ross Simpson

Phil Spencer Trophy, Officials Point Score (CSCA & HSRCA)

John Coneybeare

Carolyn Scott Memorial Trophy, For Novice Drivers

Stan Jodeikin

Mid week social points award Dennis & Rosemary Jones

Mickey Mouse Trophy John Robison

Lead Foot Trophy Stan Jodeikin

Hardys Hero Trophy Ian Southwell

Peter Morgan Trophy Peter Canavan

Ross Simpson

FTD & First Handicap Lotus Supersprint Wakefield Park, 11 Mar 2017

FTD & First Handicap Jaguar Supersprint SMS Park North 13 May 2017

Tim Hurst

FTD & First Handicap Triumph Supersprint

Marulan 18 Sep 2016

FTD MG CC Supersprint

SMS Park North 2 Apr 2017

FTD MOCA Supersprint SMS Park Brabham 12 Aug 2017

Graham Dell

First Handicap MG CC Supersprint

SMS Park North 2 Apr 2017


Clockwise from top left: Alan Bancourt, Rebecca Lippold, Gill Scott, Andrew

Lippold; Geoff Hollings, Dennis and Rosemary Jones, Stan

Jodeikin, Bob Little; Brian and Pam Williams;

Sharyn Yeshouroun and Ross Simpson Sue Gower, Chris Wilcock, Ann Clark, Peter Clark;

Karen Hamilton, Sharyn Yeshouroun Ian Southwell, Stan Jodeikin, Vern Dale-Johnson ,

Geoff Hollings: Geoff Hollings, Stan Jodeikin, Ross Simpson, Todd

Hamilton, John Coneybeare


MOCA AWARDS DINNER 2016/2017


Bill Emerson and Frank Malerba putting up the tent

VICMOG 50TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH VICMOG 50TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH

Our VICMOG 50th Anniversary lunch is now fading into pleasant memories of masses of shiny Morgans on lush green lawns, beautiful blue skies, happy people catching up and sharing memories and a jazz band playing somewhere in the background.

Before the memories all go, I thought it was worth getting down a record of this marvelous day and how we got there. Who knows, it may be of some use for those doing the VICMOG 100th celebrations!

Putting this event on did involve a fair amount of work. Our 50th Committee comprising our President Bill Emerson, along with Frank Malerba, Ramsay Mackay, Ted Houston, Brian Hardy, Michael Aisenberg and Phil Macwhirter had been meeting fairly regularly (very regularly by VICMOG standards) since its formation last year.

“The Morgan Ear” congratulates VICMOG on the occasion of their 50th

Anniversary. This article appeared in the November

2017 VICMOG Newsletter. Our thanks for their permission to

publish the article and pictures which appear on Pages 18 to 23.


Rob Kenney’s rarely seen Drophead Coupe came out for the occasion

MOCA visitor Vern Dale-Johnson with Frank Malerba photographing the

photographer

MOCA visitors Geoff and Stephanie Hollings and Karen Hamilton

Over the months, concepts were thought up, debated and rejected, proposed running sheets were drawn up, amended and then torn up, but we were starting to get together the core concept for the event. Frank designed our magnificent 50th badge and we got that into production. Frank also designed the 50th Cap we planned as a gift for attendees at the lunch and we ordered that as well.

Our big breakthrough came thanks to one of our newer members, Jim Pfeiffer. He thought his Club “The West Brighton Club” might work as a venue for our 50th Lunch. He took Bill and me to visit it and as soon as we saw it we were sold. This place and Morgans were just made to go together.

The manager there, Derren Sullivan, was a real pleasure to work with and he and his staff worked so hard to make our special day a success and nothing was too much trouble for them.

We also owe thanks to Jim for thinking of, then arranging for, a Jazz band to play while we were enjoying drinks and canapés on the lawns with the Morgans. He really helped add that magical sparkle to our special day.

More committee meetings. A running sheet for the day was finally agreed. Tasks were split up and each committee member was sent off with a list of things to do. Ted tracked down Victor Kaye. Ramsay signed the cheques and kept us on track within our budget. Frank designed and put into production our VICMOG tent and tear drop flags. A hundred 50th caps were delivered. Bill sorted the cake and a hundred other details.

We then put out the invite. We had done a survey of members which suggested we would get around 40 to this lunch. We planned on 60 to 80 (a good AGM sized crowd). In a couple of weeks after the invite had gone out, we had over 110 paid up attendees which was pushing the maximum



Page 18 clockwise from top left:

VICMOG President Bill Emerson handing out caps; Geoff Fields parking the cars; assembling more cars; still assembling

cars; the Jazz Band played and the Morgans gathered;

clockwise from top left :

The crowd and Morgans filled the lawns while wait staff circulated; Victor Kay addresses the gathering; VICMOG

President Bill Emerson; V-P MOCA Victoria Colin Bartlett (left), Robyn Hanshall

(centre), past VICMOG President John Beezley (right); Past VICMOG President

Chris Page and his wife Debra


Past VICMOG Presidents Peter ffrench and Dot Devine

size the Club could accommodate so we had to close the bookings.

One casualty of our success was the photo display. Michael Aisenberg had been working on collecting photos of VICMOG activities over the years which we were going to display while we were having lunch. He had put together a substantial collection of many hundreds of photos.

Unfortunately we needed the planned display area for additional tables and so the photo display wound up in a back room. We have them now anyway for future events...

So enough of the back scenes, on to the day in question.

With a week of anxiously watching the weather forecasts behind us, Sunday dawned with perfect spring weather: Blue sky and a warm sun. The Committee arrived around 10:30am and started putting up the VICMOG tent and flags and putting out the place cards.

Geoff Fields had drawn the short straw and he was managing a team doing the parking on the beautiful back lawn at the Brighton Club.

And the Morgans started coming.

And they kept coming. Bill, having finally got the tent to stay up, took to distributing caps to arriving Morgan crews.

And still they came. The lawns filled and we were getting increasingly creative over where we would fit them in.

The Jazz band played as crowds and Morgans filled the lawn, the wait staff circulated with canapés and the drinks table did a steady business. It was a magical place.

Around 1pm we had a try at a group photo then into lunch where Jim Pfeiffer welcomed the group to West Brighton Club and proposed a toast to VICMOG

VICMOG’s first female President Dot Devine cutting the 50th Anniversary cake


Bruce Callahan came from Queensland

After the main course had finished, speeches started.

Neville Crawford, the last of the original founding members still in the Club spoke first.

He was followed by Victor Kaye with fascinating tales of his experiences of Morgan importing in the last century.

Chris van Wyk then brought us up to date with the latest happenings at the Morgan factory. Pete ffrench regaled us with tales of the early days. As did Mike Devine who then proposed the toast to the VICMOG founders

Bill then called on Dot Devine, VICMOG's first and only female President, to cut the 50th cake.

Bill then presented a special black winged Anniversary Badge to all the past Presidents present.

In the photo at the top of the previous page, Dot and Pete show off their Presidential Badges

Frank then presented Bill with his Presidential badge.

Two further Presidential Badges were awarded to Morgan

importers, Victor Kaye and Chris van Wyk, in recognition of their services to the Morgan Marque in Victoria.

Bill thanked the members of MOCA who had travelled to join us on the day and presented their President, Geoff Hollings, with a 50th badge.

As the final official act of the Lunch, Bill presented the 2017 Morganeer of the Year Award to our Vice President, Frank Malerba.

After lunch we finished off the Silent Auction for the prime numbered anniversary badges. We were pleased to see the No. 1 Badge go to Mac Russell to add to his set which includes the No. 1 Blue VICMOG badge.

Geoff Fields carried out the auction of the magnificent Morgan art work that Frank Malerba had created for this event and we were pleased to see that go to past President Chris Page and his wife Debra.

And so ended a very special and memorable day.

PS. The new Victorian record for the most Morgans assembled in the one place now stands at 47.



VICTORIA HOLIDAY RUN — OCTOBER 2017 Stephanie Hollings


Hoods up or down? Setting off on the first day, full of anticipation and hoping for a speedy coffee after all the shoehorn packing.

It was good to see everyone for our lunch stop at Eling Winery, even better that all Morgans had arrived without any major mechanical problems. Onto Yass, where the happy hour started early as the sun shone and mozzies bit.

The countryside around Gundagai was greener than green, and the run to the very full Lake Hume meant a relaxing days drive. The cabins there were very good, and so was our first communal BBQ.

The next day we inspected the collection of Stoewer cars, typewriters and sewing machines, moved from Armidale to Tawonga by John Stanley. Welcome coffee and several of us enjoyed looking around the spring garden.

Bright brewery for lunch, then an exhilarating run over Mt Hotham, scary hairpin bends and a bit of old, dirty snow at

the top. Graham Balfe organised the schedule so that it was the first day we could go over the mountain pass without carrying snow chains, not that we could fit them in anywhere. Conversely, as the snow season was closed there was nowhere open for coffee! Swings and roundabouts.

At the wonderful pub overnight in Omeo (huge upstairs bedrooms all opening onto a large balcony, pity about the stairs) we were joined by a bikie convoy who were staying downstairs. After de-helmeting, they parked their bikes on the downstairs veranda, and introduced themselves. No Hell’s Angels but contingent of wonderful Navy personnel who were raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer. They had a captive/experienced audience with us in the pub that night. Lots of money raised.

Next day on a very cold morning as we drove down the valley, by chance a young wallaby now ex wallaby ran into the side of the Mog. Geoff will give you updates on the success of a dent removal procedure. Then on to Maffra, two nights in a lovely town with so much good food and even better coffee, and a car museum for those who needed to see another. A fascinating Moroccan shop kept some of us busy for a while

Via the Dandenongs. Calling at Noojee by chance to see an old timber train.

Brutal to hit city traffic as we drove to Lilydale, but a blissfully comfortable motel, 4 nights in one place and a free washer and dryer, well used by all. Almost needed a roster system.

All dressed up for our VICMOG lunch . . .

Page 14 clockwise from top:

The joys of Mt Hotham

John Stanley’s collection of Stoewer vehciles

On the puffing billy

John Stanley’s “cross the Nullarbor” Brush

Graham Balfe doing the chef thing

The Mog in Maffra museum

The Mog with the old Noojee timber train



CLUB PLATES DAY DECEMBER 9 Peter Canarvan

Plates day is again being held at the home of Rex and Norah Vincent, 13a Campbell Road Kenthurst (phone 9654 8348). We are meeting at McDonalds, Pacific Highway, Mt Colah for coffee at 10.00am leaving on our run at 10.30. We expect to be at their home from 11.30 to 12.00. Please bring your own meat for the BBQ and drinks. The club will provide salads, bread rolls, dessert, tea and coffee. As there may not be enough chairs for everyone, please bring one in case. Please write your name on the sheet at the meeting; otherwise advise Club Captains Jason Barker or David Lyon if you are coming by 6th December, so we can ensure we can cater for everyone. Registration renewals and proof of Insurance will be required to enable completion of paperwork for cars on the historic vehicle scheme. If you have not received your RMS renewal please bring your last certificate. As compliance checks were performed for most cars in September only roadworthy checks will be required on this occasion. For those who were unable to attend in September a full inspection will be completed.

more city traffic . . . no one got lost (too much). Nice to see Marissa Dale-Johnson join us for a couple of days.

Puffing Billy train ride brought out the nostalgia, and we were fortunate to have Dennis and Helen Clayton. (Ian Smiths friends) for our hosts for the day.

Daylesford was our next base, and there seemed to be endless possibilities for decadent meals, wine tastings, spas and art gallery visits. There were enjoyable drives to villages all around and a tour of the home of cricket bats in Oz, Cricket Willow.

Farmers markets at Trentham were authentic where Stan wondered about buying a rooster, so cheap at $20 - stick to

Morgan badges I say. Less upkeep and somewhat permanent. (And less noisy: Ed)

Daylesford has a population of 2,000 that increases to 10,000 each weekend when the Melbourne crowd comes . . . so we left early Saturday and had yet another brilliant green and sunny drive to Mansfield. Some intrepid drivers did yet another mountain run to Mt Buller or coffee at Jamieson, but by then we were winding down and slowing up.

Our run to Yass was quick, and surprisingly quiet for a Monday, as before, our last happy hour was sunny and we had a nostalgic dinner, two weeks over so fast and as Gill said, “Let’s do it all over again!”

Thanks again to Graham and Gwen for the planning, and to all of our fellow travellers for their company and enthusiasm

VICTORIA HOLIDAY RUN — OCTOBER 2017 (from page 15)


MORGAN INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE II L A

With Britain recovering from Wold War II, Morgan introduced the new Morgan +4 sports car. In order to promote the new car, a Morgan was entered into the Le Mans 24 hour race. This was 1952 and the attempt didn’t go well.

Morgan’s next entry to the greatest sports car race in the world had to wait another nine years, when the baton was picked up by Messrs Lawrence and Shepherd-Barron. That didn’t go well either! Then in the very next year, the pair in Morgan ‘TOK 258’ attained the most famous of all victories.

This book tells the story of Morgan’s adventures at Le Mans in 1952, Monza and Le Mans in 1961 and again at Le Mans in 1962. It includes extensive biographies of some of the lesser known Morgan characters – but what they achieved outside of motor racing was scarcely believable. Numerous rare photographs have been used which haven’t appeared in print before.

The adventures are told in a hard back book in colour over 270 pages. I have managed to bring the last 40 copies to Western Australia from a limited run of 250 copies. The book is priced at $50.00 + P&P. To order a copy in time for Christmas please email [email protected]


After reading the “Breaking the Mould” article in the November “Ear” John Merton is able to add an interesting anecdote to the Spanish Serra Morgan story.

“In the European winter of 2014, I walked the Camino de Santiago from France to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Soon after entering the Spanish city of Santo Domingo de la Calzada (Saint Domingo of the Causeway) I passed the establishment of Chapisteria Riojana, a specialist restoration company. Out the front was a lovely Plus 4 4-seater, along with an Austin Healey, Alfa and a Lambretta motor scooter.

While I was admiring, the Morgan’s owner came along, a man I subsequently found

out was Fernando Aydillo, the President of the Spanish Morgan club. His English being about as good as my Spanish we had a good conversation. At that time he owned six Morgans, including the Serra Morgan. The work on the car had been carried out at this particular establishment and it had completed just in time (the week before) the 2013 retro in Barcelona.

A Catalan pilgrim took the photo.”

WHILE HIKING IN SPAIN John Merton

Appropriate discovery

While travelling through Victoria Vern Dale-Johnson stopped by the Morgan Vineyards, just outside Lilydale in the Yarra Valley for a tasting and a bite of lunch. The wines are very nice wines although a tad on the expensive side. They will discount 20% if you buy a case and shipping is free. VICMOG have now scheduled a visit.


Bobbin Head is said to be named after: either a large rock that looks like a head bobbing up and down as Cowan Creek runs in and out; or a local aboriginal word for “a place of smoke” as fog often settles in the area; or after a nearby farm in the early days of the settlement – take your pick.

The Bobbin Inn was opened in 1937 and was a very popular dance hall apparently. The attached newspaper clipping is from the Sydney Mail on March 10, 1937. In December 1938, the Sydney Mail described Bobbin Head:

“Few cities in the world are so encircled by beauty-spots as Sydney. Within less than an hour's run of the heart of the metropolis are so many delightful retreats that it would not be difficult to find a new one on every day of the year. The various arms and backwaters of the Hawkesbury River alone are a source of endless delight, with their sylvan glades, rocky gorges, and

placid waters, their boating, their fishing, and their glorious picnicking spots. A splendid motoring road has recently been built through Ku-ring-gai Chase to this pleasure seekers' rendezvous from the upper North Shore line, and with it has come a new era of popularity for the Chase.”

The drive down from the toll booth to Cowan Creek is quite short (only 4.5 km) but is winding the occasional cyclist struggling back up the hill. We had 16 people arrive in a variety of Morgans:

One Three wheeler; Two Plus 4 two seaters; One Plus 4 four seater; Two Plus 8’s; One 4/4 two seater; Two 4/4 four seaters. (see photos page 28)

BOBBIN HEAD INN Jason Barker

Max and Gill Scott

Ian Southwell


Clockwise from the top left: Rosemary Jones, Sharon Yeshouroun, Gill Scott; Ken Jones; Rebecca Lippold, Allison

and Allan Bancourt, Bev and Bob Little; Allan Bancourt, Jason Barker, Bob Little; Bobbin

Head Café today; The Mogs


THE BOBBIN HEAD SURVEY Jason Barker

The Bobbin Inn Café where we had morning tea was lovely and everyone agreed to a highly scientific survey of

Morgan owner attitudes and practices over a cup of coffee and cake. Selected survey highlights are published below:

What three words best describe your Morgan?

Lots of fun; Incredible; Frustrating; Amazing; Entertaining; Comforting; Not fast enough; Unique; Boring; Noisy; Old; Green; Sometimes fast; Work in Progress; Sexy, Sexy, Sexy; Temperamental; Charming; Popular; Beauty

If you had a pet name for your Morgan what would it be?

Rattler; Tweety; Mog; The 4 seater; Moggie; Moggy; Red dog

Have you ever had a dream about your car?

36% had dreams 18% had nightmares

Average days since last wash

38 days

Average days till next wash (assuming it will rain in the next week)

25 days

If you could change its colour would you?

36%

What is the strangest thing you have done in a Morgan?

Proposed marriage; Fitting in a 6’4” hubbie with the roof up; Gone to my wedding; Several not printable.

How many Morgans have you had?

Average 1.8

How often does your partner drive your Morgan?

73% Never 18% Rarely 9% When I’m drinking

Do you wash / clean the inside of your bonnet?

36% Yes

Do you wave back at MG Owners that wave when they drive by?

46% Yes 36% No or Never! 18% Yes but they don’t wave at us

Do you grease your own nipples?

How can such an innocent car maintenance question get taken so out of context? 82% said Yes Some seemed to want to help others maintain their car as well.

What three words best describe your feeling after a really good drive in your Morgan?

At last I’m home; Lets’ go again; Sunburnt; Stuffed; Happy; Great Morganeering; A Total Pleasure; Hot and Sweaty; Exhausted; Worn-out; Ready for sleep; Buzzed

Would you be interested in lunch runs as well as coffee runs?

100% Yes


NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION Gary Cox

Here’s the latest book offering to keep you on point with Morgan ownership.

BUYING AND MAINTAINING A MODERN TRADITIONAL MORGAN By Dave Wellings

Dave Wellings is the Concourse Secretary of the Morgan Sports Car Club and a highly respected member of the Morgan internet forum Talkmorgan under his stage name DaveW.

His “How to” posts are a comprehensive reference on all aspects of maintaining the classic Morgan. Dave is pictured with a draft but the final version will have a different car and colour layout for the cover. January 5, 2018 is the planned release date and available at :

http://www.crowood.com/forthcoming.asp for £25.00 UK plus P&h

Just the thing to get your 2018 Morgan year underway......


MINUTES OF MOCA INC GENERAL MEETING Held on November 2, 2017 at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, Ryedale Rd, West Ryde

Meeting opened at 8.10p.m.

Present: 7 members and 4 guests

APOLOGIES: 14 members

WELCOME: Club President, Geoff Hollings, welcomed members and guests to the November General Meeting.

Minutes:

Minutes of the General Meeting held on the 5th of October 2017, as published in the Morgan Ear, were accepted following the correction below:

Under General Business, Peter Canavan reported of 36 cars under the Historic Registration Scheme 30 have been inspected, 20 have passed with 6 more vehicles to be inspected.10 of the vehicles had modifications which means that they could join the Classic Vehicle Scheme.

Motion: that the minutes, once corrected in the records, be accepted.

Moved; Peter Canavan, seconded; Graham Dell - carried unanimously

Matters arising from the Minutes:

None

Applications for Membership:

Cully Gower reported that there were two applications for membership.

Rudd Rankine – application for associate membership – soon to be a Morgan owner.

John Rankine – application for full membership – Owner of a 1997 Black 4/4

Motion: that the applications be accepted.

Moved; Robin Sanders, seconded; Keith Wall - carried unanimously

Accounts to be paid:

The following accounts were submitted for approval: Arrow Printing November Morgan Ear $742.00 Australia Post Postage for November Morgan Ear $214.24 G Miller Badges for members $225.50 Bonnie Doon Golf Club Annual Awards Dinner TBC Arthur J Gallagher Club Insurance including stamp duty and GST $517.00 CAMS Affiliation Fee 2018 $1220.00 Moved; Andrew Lippold , seconded; Bryan Williams - carried unanimously

Committee Reports:

President (Geoff Hollings)

Geoff Hollings spoke about the Holiday Run during October; the run went very well except for his collision with a wallaby. During the holiday run Geoff and those on the holiday run attended the VicMog 50th Anniversary celebration, a most enjoyable time.

Vice President (Stan Jodeikin)

Stan expressed his thanks to Graham and Gwen Balfe for the well planned and excellent holiday run during October.

Awards Dinner: there are 41 members due to attend with welcome drinks from 6pm.

The Special Olympics Australian Dream Ride, on Sunday the 26th of November, has 19 Morgans confirmed to date. Details of the event will be sent to those involved.


Stan will be planning a route from Kirribilli to Eastern Creek.

Stan told the meeting that the plans for the Diamond Muster next year are now well established and the numbers of members planning to attend is needed, Stan asked those at the meeting to contact him if they were able to help out at the event.

Secretary (Dennis Jones)

Dennis spoke to the meeting briefly about their overseas holiday.

Membership Secretary (Cully Gower)

Cully reported that the membership renewals were ahead of last year and about 40 down on the number at the end of last year.

Treasurer – (Louise Barker - Apology) Dennis Jones read out the following report by Louise Barker:

The operating surplus at the 31st of October 2017 is $5,733 with $40,403 cash at bank.

We have received around 80% of the budgeted membership income. As is typical at this stage of the financial year, we have an operating surplus which is due to the timing of the receipt of membership fees, relative to the timing of the payment of expenses.

Club Captain (Jason Barker)

Jason spoke about the recent Coffee Run to Frenchy’s Café in Mosman on Thursday October 26; there were two Morgans and 18 people.

Jason also talked about the need to find volunteers at each run to write a report for the Ear.

The cut-off date for Carnivale registration

is the 17th of November, details can be found in the November Ear.

Plates day is on the December 9 at Rex and Norah Vincent’s, meeting place and time details for a short run to the Vincent’s are in the November Ear.

Competition Secretary (Ross Simpson)

No report.

Editor (Brian Tomalin-Apology) Geoff Hollings reported on Brian’s behalf that his eyes were good now following his recent treatment. It was asked that reports be sent in, for inclusion in the Ear, of all the clubs events.

Registrar (Stan Jodeikin)

Stan mentioned the upcoming Shannon’s auction on of November 13 in Artarmon.

CSCA Delegate (Choy-Lin Williams - Apology)

Graham Dell reported in Choy-Lin’s absence that she would be the delegate with Graham as the alternate when required.

CMC Delegate (David Fletcher - Apology)

No report.

ABCC Delegate (Robin Sanders) No report.

General Business:

Geoff Hollings confirmed at the meeting that John Coneybeare had offered to continue as the CAMS Delegate. Choy-Lin Williams has agreed to be the CSCA Delegate with Graham Dell as the Alternate Delegate.


Motion: that the delegate nominations above be accepted.

Moved; Peter Canavan, seconded: Robin Sanders - carried unanimously

Todd Hamilton asked if the club was still affiliated with Motor Cycle Australia, Geoff Hollings replied that we will investigate.

Todd Hamilton told the meeting that he had heard that the committee had decided to cancel Christmas in July during 2018.

Geoff advised there had been some discussion at the committee meeting about whether the event would be held due to falling attendances over the past few years and because the Muster was being held in October.

Todd Hamilton proposed a motion “that a Christmas in July event be organised for 2018”. The motion was seconded.

Following discussion, Ross Simpson volunteered to organise mid-year weekend

event in June. After discussion, Todd Hamilton agreed to withdraw the motion.

Ross Simpson personally thanked Graham and Gwen Balfe, who were at the meeting, for their planning and organisation of the October holiday run.

Peter Gow informed the meeting that the Arcadia Artists event was to take place November 11-12. Although there is no club run for this event Peter wanted to inform members of the dates should they wish to go.

Technical Discussion:

Geoff Hollings spoke about installing LED brake/parking lights when he found that the brake ones worked and the parking ones did not. There were suggestions that he needs to introduce a resistor into the circuit.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:08pm.

Whilst not unique to the area, Bobbin Head on the weekend is home to an unusual species called cyclismamilia or middle-aged men in Lycra on bicycles.

This curious species, often has a very colourful outer-skin intended to give the impression to others of extreme cycling capability or simply as a girdling technique to hold in additional layers of insulation built up in the cooler months.

Frequently travelling in packs, cyclismamilia will travel at extraordinary speed downhill and at painfully slow speeds uphill blocking the road in both directions.

Morgan owners are advised to exercise extreme caution near this species as they are known to get extremely aggressive when a Morgan passes closer than 1.5 metres.

When excited, their language changes and they offer many suggestions to passing motorists many of which are physically impossible.

The species has also been seen in the Royal National Park and is spreading along the road to Wiseman’s Ferry.

CYCLISMAMILIA Jason Barker


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2017

DECEMBER

Thurs 7th NSW MOCA General Meeting. Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. 8.00 pm.

Sat 9th NSW Plates Day. Meet at Mt Colah McDonalds at 10.00am for 10.30am departure. Drive via Glenorie, Wiseman’s Ferry Road, South Maroota and Cattai to Rex and Norah Vincent’s home at 13a Campbell Road, Kenthurst. Contact David Lyon 0409 906 116.

Sun 10th VIC Christmas Club Meeting. At Phil and Lyndy’s Shoreham.

Thurs 14th NSW Coffee Run to “Kiss the Barista”. George’s River Sailing Club. Sanoni Avenue, Sandringham. Meet at 10.30am. Contact Jason Barker 0407 553 741.

JANUARY

Thurs 11th NSW Social January Meeting. At Terry Hills Tavern, 2 Aumuna Road, Terry Hills at 6.30pm. Contact Jason Barker 0407 553 741.

Fri 26th NSW CARnivale 2018. Parramatta Park. Contact David Lyon 0409 906 116.

Remember to check the website in case of last minute changes

FEBRUARY

Thurs 1 NSW MOCA General Meeting. Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. 8.00 pm.

Sun 11 NSW Dawn Dash Davidson Park, Area 2, Healey Way, Forestville Meet at the Park from 8.30am for a 9.00am BBQ breakfast. $8 Park entrance fee. National Parks Exemptions Cards for pensioners are available but need to obtained before-hand.

DIARY NOTES

October 18-21 NSW Diamond Muster, Bathurst. MOCA 60th Anniversary. For expressions of interest email Registration Secretary Geoff Hollings at: [email protected] with name, contact details and an indication of how many people may attend. All Morganeers welcome.

Morgan Plus 4 cars illustrated Ear December... · 2019. 8. 29. · Morgan Plus 4 cars illustrated...

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