Tamworth Vintage Car Club Inc.

Committee for

2014-2015 President

Peter Wright 6761 6510

0417 250 798

Vice President

Cliff Bird 0429 429 542

Secretary

Alan Early 6762 4744

Treasurer

Ken Brooks 0427 293 664

General Committee

Brian Orman 6760 5105

Karen Duprez 6760 9501

Michael Jeanes 6766 1787

Plate Registrar

Michael Crawley 6766 8282

Rally Director

Roly Morgan 6760 8280

Ian Duprez 0402 295 801

Ladies Committee

All Lady Members

Magazine Contact

Michael Jeanes 6766 1787

Inspections & Public Officer

Brian Orman 6760 5105

Property Officer

Ken & Emily Brooks 6761 3679

The Tamworth Spark

Official Newsletter of the Tamworth Vintage Car Club

November - December 2015

Jim McDougal’s 1927 Willys Whippet

Model 96 Roadster

The Club Magazine is printed Bi-monthly and members are invited and encouraged to submit articles to the Magazine Editors.

General Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, at 7.30pm in the Salvation Army Complex on Goonoo Goonoo Road Tamworth

Club Runs are held on the Sunday after the monthly meeting. Runs depart from the White Street car-park, unless otherwise advised. Members of clubs receiving this magazine are cordially invited to participate in the activities of T.V.C.C. To satisfy regulations, the receipt of the invitation must be recorded in your club minutes and acceptance forwarded. Address all correspondence to: The Secretary Tamworth Vintage Car Club PO Box 3275 TAMWORTH NSW 2340

or tamworthvintagecarclub@gmail.com

or visit our website:

www.TamworthVintageCarClub.com.au

The Tamworth Spark Page 2

TVCC EVENTS CALENDAR – OCTOBER 2015 ONWARDS [1/10/15] The following events have been categorised to assist those vehicles on Conditional Registration:

CLUB EVENTS: These are events which are organised by our club and details of participating vehicles will

be recorded in club documents. You must carry a current Club magazine or events calendar with you.

FOR WEDDINGS, SCHOOL OR OTHER FUNCTIONS, INTERSTATE TRIPS, ETC: For members not

participating in the Historic Vehicle Logbook Trial, you will need a Permit to Move. These must be obtained

prior to the event, and carried to the event.

For a Permit to Move please ring Michael Crawley on 02 6766 8282 and/or leave a message on the answering

machine. Times to ring (7 days) are 10am to 12 noon and 5pm to 6pm or email; michael.crawley@bigpond.com

The issue of Permits to Move at meetings is to be phased out.

DATE 2015 DETAILS

19 Dec Christmas Lights Run – Meet at the Truckers Memorial at 7.00pm

24 Jan 2016 Presidents Breakfast – 8am at Peter Wright’s house - see information below

4 Feb 2016 Pie Run to Kootingal – the Koo-tin-gal Cafe

21 Feb ‘16 Monthly Run–Quirindi - Lunch at the “Impact Café”

3 Mar ‘16 Pie Run to Manilla Bowling Club - $8 lunch

20 Mar ‘16 Monthly Run – Nundle – lunch at the “Goldminers’ Cafe”

7 Apr ‘16 Pie Run to Woolimin – local pies in the park

8-10 Apr

2016

Bob Hession Memorial Camp-out, Attunga. Details to be provided closer to the

date

24 Apr ‘16 Monthly Run to Lynchwood Scout Camp – details to be provided closer to the date

5 May ‘16 Pie Run to Werris Creek Pharmacy

22 May ‘16 Monthly Run - To be decided

2 June ‘16 Pie Run to Kootingal – Gate St (Yellow) Cafe

19 June ‘16 Monthly Run - To be decided

Unless otherwise notified, our Sunday monthly runs leave from Bicentennial car park at 9.30, and our

Thursday Pie runs leave from Viaduct car park at 11.00

INVITATION EVENTS: It is essential to advise the Club before participating in these events. This can

be done at a meeting, or ring the Registrar. Carry Club magazine or events calendar with you.

If you are in 2 Clubs you must notify your Primary Club:

DATE 2015 CLUB DETAILS

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE: For members not participating in the Historic Vehicle Logbook Trial, ring the Registrar and advise the details

before proceeding.

The Tamworth Spark Page 3

President’s Column

I can’t believe that I am writing my final column for 2015. I have absolutely no idea where this year has gone

but I do know that club activities have kept me busy. Whilst reluctant to name a highlight, for me Bob

Hession’s Camp-Out; the extended excursion to Temora; and hosting of the Jowett Club for morning tea stood

out in a busy year. I know that our events for 2016, commencing with the President’s Breakfast at my home,

will try and cater for the range of interests within our club. Roly Morgan and his events team have a good

overview to kick the year off.

That said, we must not lose sight of the fact that we are an historic vehicle club and it is our vehicles that have

brought us together. Next year we hope to hold a few “blokes” afternoons where we come together just to talk

and view cars.

Last Saturday we conducted our annual vehicle inspection day. It was our Plates Registrar Michael Crawley’s

first inspection day and he handled it with ease. It was a great occasion to see the full range of vehicles, which

our members own. Especially pleasing was the fact that almost all vehicles were well prepared and in good

road worthy condition for the inspection. All vehicles were a credit to their owners.

At our last meeting Phylis Bird responded to the challenge thrown at her along with Karen Duprez and Beryl

Casson, to investigate introducing a button up shirt into our club uniform. This was not their request, so I

appreciate the effort they went to in investigating suppliers and bringing samples to our meeting. The one thing

that became obvious in through the investigation was that obtaining a small run of yellow shirts was impossible.

At our meeting there was wide acceptance of two shirt colours and a simple club name embroidered on. Alan

has prepared a couple of photographs for your consideration. Next year we will decide on a way forward with

this issue.

In the last couple of months one of our members, Beryl Casson has ticked off the milestone of turning 80. I

have no idea how her various celebrations were kept a secret from her but somehow she enjoyed over a week of

surprises. We all enjoy Beryl’s great sense of humour and the sense of fun she engenders in every event and all

joined in sharing with her.

Each year we recognise the owners of a range of vehicles, new to the club or improved to stand out. Following

my efforts last year I also intend to make some honourable mentions. A few members have provided me with

ample fodder and would have been sitting on the edge of their seats on at the Truck Drivers Memorial.

All that remains for me is to wish each of you a happy, restful Christmas with your family and a terrific start to

2016.

Peter Wright

Regarding the President’s Picnic:

No.9 Windmill Drive, Windmill Downs (Turn off Browns Lane between Moore Creek and Manilla

Roads) Windmill Drive is the main access road into Windmill Downs. My house is the fifth on the left.

You can park on the kerb. If you are feeling slightly energetic there are parking areas in Snow Gum

Close (turn left at first intersection past my house and at the end of the street) which is gentle one

block walk.

I aim to have food served from 8.00am and to finish by around 10.00am. Juice, tea, coffee, toast,

bacon, sausages and eggs.

There will be reasonable shade at this time at the back of my house, so aside from yourself, please

bring your own chair, crockery and cutlery.

As in previous years, donations can be made on the day towards Ronald McDonald House, Tamworth

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The Tamworth Spark Page 4

TAMWORTH VINTAGE CAR CLUB Inc.

MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETINGS

The minutes of Ordinary General Meetings will no longer be printed in this journal.

These minutes are available on the Tamworth Vintage Car Club website;

www.TamworthVintageCarClub.com.au

Should you wish to have a printed copy of the minutes and do not have access to the internet,

please contact one of your Committee members.

Sponsorship

We are pleased to report that the postage for distribution of “The Tamworth Spark” is now being sponsored by

“Bearfast / Bearquip”.

We would like to thank the management and staff for their support and recommend that you in turn support this

local company when next you are considering a home, business, agricultural or car related purchase.

EXAMPLES OF

PROPOSED CLUB SHIRTS

At the November meeting it was decided to

investigate a review of Club shirts and some sample

were displayed. The following are the most

favoured shirts with possible monograms

superimposed on them. Please come along to the

February meeting where the matter can be further

discussed and advanced, and samples will once

again be available.

Man’s mid blue shirt

Close up

Woman’s silver grey shirt

Close up

The Tamworth Spark Page 6

Pie Run to Kootingal – 5th

November

The initial venue was to be the Koo-tin-gal café

however due to the unexpectedly poor weather it

was decided to go to another venue with more

indoor accommodation; the Café on Gate St (the

yellow house)

The friendly staff did a marvelous job of catering at

short notice and we all enjoyed the venue and

company very much.

It’s times like this that you realize how much some

people do without any fuss on their part or due

recognition by others – Alan and Maree Early were

not able to attend and therefore nobody took any

photos, something which Alan normally does.

In attendance were Cliff & Phyllis Bird (modern);

Carl & Beryl Casson and family (modern); Brian

Chesterfield and Heather F. (FB Holden); Michael

Crawley & Mary S. (Jaguar XJS); Roly & Trish

Morgan (1951 Ford); Peter Wright & John Stacy

(1977 Mercedes); Michael Jeanes (Pontiac

Tempest); John & Marilyn Smith (1929 Ford).:

Armidale Open Garden Day – 7th

November

This annual event is a highlight for garden lovers.

Three cars, two classic and a modern, made the trip

up to Armidale, stopping off at Bendemeer along

the way for morning tea. We were joined there by

Brian and Lyn Orman with Philip in his new

Mustang (the Ormans also travelled to Armidale but

attended a different event).

A floral display in St Peter’s Church

Upon arrival at Armidale we had lunch in the St

Peters Church hall followed by a visit to the church

itself, which was decorated throughout with large

and beautiful floral displays.

Having our daily bread

After a false start we eventually viewed a very

interesting native garden in a normal hose block.

The owners were very happy to give advice about

types natives and where best to plant them.

A themed garden full of surprises

The second stop, on acreage outside town was a

wonderful example of a garden that has different

themes and hidden surprises. We were all most

impressed.

In attendance were: Michael Jeanes, Tod and Helen

Foster (Rover) Peter Wright with his Mum and

Aunty (Humber) Brian Chesterfield with Heather

and friend (Modern)

Monthly Run to Manilla Wier – 22 November

Our monthly run was to Manilla Weir with a stop

over at Hallsville Markets. This year we all

remembered the Aeroguard and Roly didn't have to

make a mercy dash to IGA. A pleasant lunch under

the trees beside the river was enjoyed by all.

The Tamworth Spark Page 7

Chesty’s Datsun 1000 ute – a little gem

In attendance were Ken Brooks & Clair. (76 LTD

Hearse); John Stacy (1966 Rover); Michael Crawly

& Mary S. (Modern); Roly & Trish Morgan

(Modern); Michael Jeanes (Pontiac Tempest); Alan

Early (1933 Dodge); Kevin Turner (Modern); Peter

Wright (1965 Humber).

Pie Run to Werris Creek pharmacy 3rd

Dec

Regarded by many as the "jewel in the crown" of

pie runs, this was well attended. On offer was

quiche and salad or pie and salad plus their well

sought after gelato. With such a big group and

another Christmas Party in attendance the staff did a

fine job in quickly catering for our needs. I can

personally vouch for the white chocolate

macadamia gelato!

Al Fresco dining – Yum!

In attendance were Carl & Beryl Casson (modern);

Michael Jeanes (Pontiac); Roly & Trish Morgan

(1951 Ford); Paul Boyd (1957 Chevrolet); Brian

Chesterfield, Heather F. & Margaret Ryan (FB

Holden); Kevin Hession & Kerry-Anne G.

(Modern); Michael Crawley & Marry S. (Jaguar);

Greg & Margaret Campbell (1952 Vanguard);

KenBrooks, Emily Brooks & P. (modern); Cliff &

Phyllis Bird (1986 Mercedes); Peter Wright; Marie

Wright & Joan Green (1965 Humber); Arthur &

Kay Ramsey (1966 Hillman Gazelle); Lyn Hession

(modern); Peter Morgan (1962 Studebaker).

Rarely seen and much admired – Peter Morgan

drove his grandfather’s restored 1962

Studebaker Gran Tourismo

WINNERS OF THE CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

The draw for our Club’s Christmas hampers took

place on Registration Day, and the lucky winners of

the hampers were:

Large – Heather Frankel / Brian Chesterfield.

Medium – Barry & Margaret Markwick

Small – Kerry / Kevin Hession

Heather actually won both the large and medium

hampers and re-donated the medium one back for a

re-draw which was a splendid gesture. These were

good quality hampers with all ingredients

handpicked by Peter and Maree.

Congratulations to the winners, and a very big

thank you to all who purchased tickets which

resulted in a modest profit.

The Tamworth Spark Page 8

Feature Article – The Willys Whippet

The idea that Americans haven’t made small cars

does not always have a basis in reality. Willys

(pronounced Willis), which was later to produce the

Jeep, brought out a successful small car in 1926.

Introduced in three countries (Canada, the United

States, and Australia), the Willys Whippet replaced

the storied Overland (though early Whippets had

Overland hubcaps and radiator tags, and some

brochures called it an Overland-Whippet, the

Overland traces were soon dropped.)

Whippet had an advanced, refined engine with

pump-based cooling and full pressure lubrication; it

gained four wheel hydraulic brakes in 1929, using

the Chrysler design. The 1927 four-cylinder

Whippet had about 35 horsepower, and 90 ft lbs of

torque. In the light body of the Whippet, the little

engine made the Whippet feel lively and quick.

The cars were light, sturdy, fast, dependable, and

inexpensive. They ranged from a fairly well

equipped lead model at $525 all the way up to

$850.

People mobbed the showrooms. One estimate had

over 14 million people visiting Overland

showrooms in the United States in the first three

weeks. The Willys Whippet was neat, well made,

stylish, and well promoted, and sales took off.

John N. Willys intended the Whippet to be a new

brand for light, fast, economical, stylish, and

inexpensive cars. Unlike cheap Fords, the Whippet

had four wheel brakes, a water pump, and forced

lubrication. The body was compact but roomy; the

low centre of gravity provided good cornering; and

the light weight provided both gas mileage and

speed.

The wheelbase was just over 100 inches, making it

slightly larger than the Model T, but the 2.2 litre

engine easily beat Ford’s performance, and it was

more durable and reliable.

Whippet production jumped to an astonishing

100,000. With the instant success of the four-

cylinder Whippet, Willys quickly rebadged the

Overland 93 to Whippet 93 for 1927; but the four

cylinder continued to be the sales leader. Indeed, by

1928, the Whippet was the third best selling car in

the United States (the Plymouth was #15, in its first

year).

Jim Mc Dougal’s Car:

The “Mother-in-Law” seat

Cosy seating for two

Built in 1927 and purchased in 1928 by Peggy

Loxton of Warwick, Qld for £625 it was frequently

driven on weekends to Brisbane, a round trip of

some 300 miles. After many years of faithful

service it was stored on blocks under Peggy’s aged

mother’s home in north Brisbane.

The history of the car goes cold for a number of

years however, in the late 1960s a Rochedale

newsagent, Alan Dallas took an interest in the car

after seeing it languishing in a field. Fortunately the

car was almost complete and Alan took ownership

of the car in February 1967. The engine was seized

and it was therefore towed to his home in

Sunnybank for a complete restoration. Due to a lack

The Tamworth Spark Page 9

of spare time it took a number of years before Alan

began the task. The restoration was formally

commenced in August 1999 with an engine

overhaul, which finally ran in August 2001. Alan

made a number of body parts in his shed behind

their Sunnybank home.

The car was completed and re-registered in January

2007, in time for the QVVA Australia Day Rally.

In 2013 the car was bought by Ian McLucas, who

carried out a few minor changes and all required

regular maintenance. The car was consequently

taken to a number of QVVA Australia day rallies,

amongst other events.

Jim Mc Dougal of Wallabadah, a new member of

the TVCC, has recently bought the car from Mr

McLucas and it is now sharing shed space with his

1934 Nash Ambassador 8 and 1986 Rolls-Royce

Silver Spirit. We look forward to seeing Jim and

Jen at future TVCC events

Jim’s 1934 Nash Ambassador 8

Jim’s 1986 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

Tyres for sale

Don Keaton (a former member) at Bendemeer on

0412371230 has a number of Olympic AirRide

600x16 tyres in good condition (as they have been

in storage for a long period) for sale at $40 each

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We wish you and your loved

ones a safe and happy

Christmas and we look forward

to your company in 2016