Classics out and about

At the weekend driving down the M4 I saw three Anglia 105E vans and a collection of the old Classic/Capri models. Several Mk.1 and Mk.2 Consul/Zephyrs too. Also what looked like a Ford V8 pilot "woodie" estate-car towing a caravan, and three Reliant Scimitars, two of which were towing.

Finally, a 'sixties Bristol towing a trailered Lotus-7-style kit-car, and a Standard Vanguard pick-up-truck.

This area (South Downs) is classic car heaven. Lots of wealthy people around so they tend to be top of the range motors. My neighbour has a showroom condition 1920's Packard (and a steam roller). Across the road is the tenant of the manor house with a rather nice gunmetal grey E-type. Daimler V8s are actually fairly common around here and seem to be preferred to Mark II Jaguars.

On a regular basis we see an influx of cars from between the wars and sadly I recognise only a few of them. Bullnose Morris, couple of Bentleys and the rest mostly register as "oh look at that" followed by "damn haven't committed it to memory".

A great day out in Alresford not long ago when the Armstrong Siddley owners club arranged a day out. Almost every parking space on Broad Street occupied by my favourite marque.

My TR7V8 :-)

Also Reliant Sabre Six. The other day on the way to work in Selborne (Hampshire). First time I've ever seen one.

Best Regards John McCabe

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Damn, I'll have to get the electric fan fixed and remove those flipping Waxstats.

Chris

I've just had a nice weekend watching similar races at the Anglesey Circuit. Most entertaining.

Incidentally, I was pleasantly surprised when someone asked if my Vitesse was a two litre or 1600. I get so used to people thinking it's a Herald. It turned out the chap was into Triumphs and was in the throws of finishing restoration of his 26,000 mile (!) Stag.

Then this morning, while getting a couple of new tyres fitted, I was gobsmacked when an elderly Frenchman asked exactly the same question! It transpired that a relative of his used to be chief transmission mechanic at Triumph and often appeared with prototype cars, one of which this gentleman later bought. A most enjoyable chat ensued, covering the Renault Dauphine (similar spec, but 20% lighter than the Herald) and the

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Known to some of my generation at least as the 'roll-over Renault' due to propensity for inversion. I thought it was rear engined.

They were. Swing-axles! Oooer!

I think the reason why they were so light was that they rusted at a truly-astounding rate, which accounts for them becoming all-but extinct within a few years.

It's a shame I didn't know those little details this morning when I was being told how Renault were engineers, but Triumph were blacksmiths! Still, I was quite pleased with myself for knowing that the Dauphine was the rear engined, curvy one.

being told how Renault were engineers, but Triumph were blacksmiths!

By who? Tell me where he lives and I'll go round and give him a good kicking...:-) The only thing Renault have ever engineered was how to remain nationalised and survive year on year while making no money. Jonners