Singergram vol 28 no 1-2 jun 2015

From Jeff Vale

The Singer National Rally was a little different for me this year. The biggest difference being that I didn’t have my own car on the rally. Instead I accompanied Rob Martin in

his beaut little 1934 LeMans.The second departure from previous rallies was that Maureen didn’t accompany me. Also, Sue did not join Rob for the event, so it was a boys’ week away – and what an eventful week it was.Normally I am cocooned in my SM1500 sedan with little idea of the outside elements. So to be out in the weather with considerably less room to “lounge”, I found it most exhilarating.

You could tell how happy I was by the bugs on my teeth!!!honestly, it was one of the most fun events I have ever participated in.

Continued on page 5

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SINGERGRAMJan-June 2015 Vol. 28 No. 1-2

SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Caloundra Capers

Our first stop was Cobar. Quite a distance to cover in one day.

Plans are already underway for the 2017 National Rally. Fill in the enclosed

form and join us in the Barossa Valley SA.

SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA Inc(To preserve the marque and unite the owners)

Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at the Caledonian hotel 219 O’Connell St, North Adelaide (cnr. Barton Tce).

Meet at 6.30 pm for a great meal or just attend the meeting which commences at 7.30 pm.

OFFICERS FOR 2015President............................................ Jeff Vale (08) 7509 0930 (h) PO Box 572 0427 152 029 (M) Greenock SA 5360 [email protected]

Vice President................................... Ivan Margitich (08) 8294 5253 (W) 17 Old Drive (08) 8294 5022 (W) Novar Gardens SA 5040 0419 800 799 (M)

Secretary........................................... Peter Wright (08) 8598 7066 (h) PO Box 254 0419 800 917 (M) Tailem Bend SA 5260 [email protected]

Assistant Secretary........................... Pat Oxley (08) 8365 2820 (h)

Minutes Secretary............................ Max Lane (08) 8552 3387 (h)

Treasurer........................................... Rob Martin (08) 8284 7947 (h) 1 Thornton Street 0419 188 944 (M) Angle Vale SA 5117 [email protected]

Parts Officer .....................................Stephen Bitmead (08) 8254 2716 (h)

Events Coordinator ..........................Stephen Bitmead (08) 8254 2716 (h)

Conditional Registration Officers... Rob Martin (08) 8284 7947 (h) Ivan Margitich (08) 8295 5692 (h)

Committee......................................... Stephen Schild, Vida Schild, Diane Wright, Peter Oxley, Deidre Solly, Phil Keany, Sue Margitich, Sue Matthews, Arthur Ackland, Darhyl Walters.

Librarian/Official Photographer ....Sue Matthews (08) 8284 7947 (h)

Auditor.............................................. To be advised

Web Master....................................... Rob Martin www.singercars.com.au

Singergram Editor............................ Jeff Vale (08) 7509 0930 (h) PO Box 572 0427 152 029 (M) Greenock SA 5360 [email protected]

SCCA Secretary................................ Andrew Bull (03) 9499 6746 & Magazine Editor 9 Burton Crescent [email protected] east Ivanhoe VIC 3079

SINGERGRAM Page 2 JUNE 2015


UNfORTUNATeLY due to family commitments I could not see the full term out, members please accept my apologies for

resigning before my full term, but my family always comes first. During my time as president several things were instigated, the first was having a bi-monthly meetings to take some of the pressure of some members driving long distances to attend.We also set up a facebook page to try and reach the younger generation, and therefore increase more interest in the Singer car scene, especially our Club, thank you Sue Matthews for your help.We also recognised the hard work our editor has to do to get our magazine out and in recognition we included an editors Report in our agenda.Our events Coordinator set up a calendar for the year with many interesting runs which were organised by our members, and we hope this continues into 2015.The Rootes Group, humber Club etc put out feelers to amalgamate under one roof, which is still ongoing.It was good to welcome our new member Derek to the Club and know that he is undergoing a Singer 4AD restoration project, and our Club will help him in any way we can.In general, I found the that for the period that I was president, that there is still a lot of optimism within the Club, and members are looking forward to finishing off restoration projects and getting them on the road for future events.But looking around at the meetings, it is obvious that none of us are getting any younger and I think it is imperative that younger people must be recruited to keep the club active. I feel that one of the 2015 priorities for the club should be aimed at more exposure in major car events and social media coverage to make younger people aware that we exist. — Stephen Schild

OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S REPORT – from Stephen Schild

As newly elected President of the Club for 2015, I hope I can continue the good work of my predecessors.

In some ways I feel unqualified to be President of our club as I do not have a mechanical background and probably don’t know as much about Singers as others, but I do have a love of cars in general and will certainly endeavour to promote our club and the Singer marque in as many ways as possible.

I look forward to the continued support and contribution of all members to keep our club vibrant and interesting, not only for ourselves, but for the general public who always love to see our cars out and about. With your help, we should have another great year. — Jeff Vale

INCOMING PRESIDENT’S REPORT – from Jeff Vale

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Once again I’ve found there are not enough hours in the day!

This Singergram covers the period from January to June 2015.

There should have been an issue published at the end of March but it just didn’t happen and I apologise for that.

I will not bore you with excuses, but there are legitimate reasons and I trust you will not condemn but still support our publication.

I still need more articles for the next issue. Doesn’t have to be about Singers – maybe you collect something or have had a holiday somewhere interesting....

Jeff Vale, Editor

SINGeRGRAM is happy to place your for Sale or Wanted ads in this space.

Please email any items suitable for this column to [email protected] but remember to NOTIfY The eDITOR WheN The CONTeNT Of The AD IS ChANGeD OR NO LONGeR ReqUIReD.

FOR SALE & WANTED

FOR SALE – Framed Hunter promotional colour poster about A3 size. I am also clearing all my Singer parts, mainly for 9/4AD roadsters, SM1500 and Hunters. Ask – I may have it. Sedan parts include radiators and a Zenith Carburettor taken off an SM1500. VW Solex carby – may suit 9 motor. Roadster parts include front axle, side curtain glass, back shockers, electrical and body bits.

Drew Marshman, 08 8356 6010, e-mail [email protected].

WANTED TO BUY –

Rear axle for 1952 4AD Singer Roadster. Phone 08 85528646 / 0419848512. email: [email protected]

WANTED – Hood bows for Singer Nine 4AB.

Please phone (08) 8331 8695.

WANTED – Set of hubcaps to suit SM1500.

Please phone Mostyn Upton (08) 8331 8695.

WANTED – Pin for side curtain to fit front screen of 4A. Please phone Darhyl on 08 8386 2394 or 0401465030.


Remember this email address for YOUR next article . . .

to be received no later than 31st September 2015

[email protected]

AND THEN THE FIGHT STARTED . . .My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.My wife asked, ‘Do you know her?’‘Yes,’ I sighed, ‘She’s my old girlfriend...I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn’t been sober since.’‘My God!’ says my wife, ‘who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?’And then the fight started...


CALOUNDRA CAPERS – continued

Continued on page 7

The trip was not without its dramas.We hadn’t travelled more than a hundred kilometres when the front strap holding the LeMans on the trailer gave way and the car rolled back on the trailer into the upright ramps.

Indicator lights were smashed and dents resulted at the back end of the car.Needless to say, we were not happy, but could do little about it except secure the front end with plenty of rope so it wouldn’t happen again.Our first stop was Cobar in New South Wales, close to 950km from our starting point. Goats, kangaroos and emus lined the route, with appropriate smells from the road-kill at regular intervals.

from Cobar we travelled another 900 or so km to Milmerran in queensland. We stopped at Coonabarabran for lunch and also to buy a pair of shoes for Rob. he’d forgotten to bring anything but sandals! Unfortunately, with this little delay, we missed our turn-off and travelled about 100 km out of our way. Some of the roads were quite rough around the edged which resulted in our next little disaster.After a well earned meal and a good sleep in Milmerran, we discovered the front shackle holding the spring to the trailer had let go and the wheel was pushed back toward the mudguard. No wonder there was a lot of noise coming from our trailer. We thought it was just the roughness of the road.There was a hot rod convention at the caravan park we were staying in and fortunately for us, one of the organisers was willing to help us out by repairing the trailer at his workshop not far away.

Being helped like this at short notice on Good friday was really a stroke of luck.The trip from Milmerran was a relatively easy run, even though the bearing of the air conditioner pulley on our tow vehicle decided to disintegrate while coasting down one of the steep hills.

Rob inspects the repair work on the spring shackle.


RECIPE OF THE WEEKMaureen Vale recommends this

recipe for

Cheese and Chive Muffins

Ingredients• 2 cups self-raising flour• 1 cup grated tasty cheese• ¼ cup shredded or grated parmesan

cheese• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives• 125g butter, melted and cooled• 2 eggs• 1 cup buttermilk

Method1. Preheat oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan

forced).2. Line a 6-hole (¾ cup capacity) muffin pan

with paper cases or grease with canola spray.

3. Place flour, tasty cheese, parmesan cheese and chives into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.

4. Place butter, eggs and buttermilk into a jug and whisk well to combine.

5. Add to the dry ingredients and gently fold through until just combined. Do not over-mix.

6. Spoon the batter evenly between paper cases and then bake in the oven for 25-30 min or until cooked when tested with a skewer.

7. Serve while still warm with polyunsaturated spread.

QUICK WIT . . .My girlfriend thinks that I’m a stalker. Well, she’s not exactly my girlfriend yet. Woke up last night to find the ghost of Gloria Gaynor standing at the foot of my bed. At first I was afraid then I was petrified. I went to the cemetery yesterday to lay some flowers on a grave. As I was standing there I noticed 4 grave diggers walking about with a coffin, 3 hours later and they’re still walking about with it. I thought to myself, “These guys have lost the plot!” Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarves are not happy. I was at an ATM yesterday when a little old lady asked if I could check her balance, so I pushed her over. I start a new job in Seoul next week. I thought it was a good Korea move. I was driving this morning when I saw an RAA van parked on the side of the road. The driver was sobbing uncontrollably and looked very miserable. I thought to myself, “That guy’s heading for a breakdown.” I just met a fat, alcoholic, transvestite. he wants to eat, drink, and be Mary.

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We figured we could live without air conditioning so just cut the belt away to keep it from doing any further damage. (I should mention here that Rob had only bought the ’95 Land Rover tow vehicle the night before we left on our trip!!)Caloundra is a lovely place on the Sunshine Coast and the accommodation was superb, though the resort was so big the rally participants found themselves at all points of the compass and not grouped together.The usual rocker cover races were well supported and a good time was had by all participants and spectators. Some of the other hotel guests seemed quite bewildered by the event.On Saturday was the first of the runs. Rob and I were a little late leaving the hotel after replacing the broken indicator lights and adjusting a persistent carburettor ailment.Getting two reasonably burly blokes into an LM is quite a feat! I sat almost sideways to give Rob enough room to change gears. I kept my hand on the opposite side of the car so I could hang on in case the little door gave way!After we set off I realised I couldn’t hang on to the rally instructions properly and they blew all over the place. I refolded the pages and trapped the booklet between my knees and started giving instructions.Rob diligently followed my every direction and before long we were climbing through some very picturesque country. But it was bucketing down with rain!We were soaked through by the time we arrived at Tranquil Park, the morning tea stop, but we couldn’t see any other Singers.I went into the venue to find out where to park and was devastated to find out that we were not supposed to be there until the next day.



Continued on page 9

The view to the front. High, narrow roads and sweeping bends.

The view to the rear. Ivan and Sue Margitich in their LeMans followed by

the backup vehicle.

In my haste to straighten the rally book at the beginning of the run, I had inadvertently turned to Sunday’s run instead of Saturday’s! We were high up in the mountains, about 60km from the Ginger factory where everyone else was having lunch.When I got outside, Rob was trying his best to keep dry in the pouring rain and I said to him:

“Do you want me to start walking, or do you want to shoot me and leave me here in the hills?Although he didn’t show it, I’m sure Rob was not amused and I felt quite sick, but when I produced the GPS I had in my bag, we set off for the Ginger factory.

We arrived in time to get some lunch and by then we were both quite dry, such is the queensland weather.Rob took the whole sequence of events very well and I’m grateful that he didn’t get cranky. Needless to say, everyone else was highly amused by the misadventure.

By Saturday night, we were really in the mood to relax and the “Denim and Lace” themed dinner was just the ticket.

Stephen and Wendy Bitmead listen intently during the Yandina Ginger Factory tour.

The delicious tasting plate was enjoyed during the tour.



Rob and I dressed as “Denny and Lacey” for the evening and were awarded with the prize for the best dressed. Thanks to Rob’s “better half” Sue for spending so much time embroidering our shirts for the event.

Saturday’s “wrong run” did put us in good stead for the Sunday drive as we had already had a practice! And what’s more, the weather was perfect on Sunday.After our morning tea stop at Tranquil Park, we motored on the Montville where we were able to display our vehicles at the Primary School oval. A lot of public interest ensued.The drive down to Palmwoods was a little easier as most of the run was a descent rather than a climb. After a delicious lunch we travelled back to Rally headquarters at the Oaks Oasis via some lovely beaches along the esplanade.During Sunday night’s formal dinner the winners of the various categories were announced. Overall rally champions were Neil and Michelle Walter from queensland in their lovely 1936 Singer 9 Sports. Congratulations to all winners.Rob and I had to leave on Monday for the long trek home, as we had to be back by Wednesday, but we did get to the Caloundra Air Museum before setting off. A great way to wind up a most interesting and eventful rally.

Left: “Denny” and “Lacey” stole the show, though a lot of others put in a great deal of effort into their outfits.

Above: Everyone was in the mood to have fun on Saturday night.

Proud rally winners Michelle and Neil Walterfrom Queensland.

Continued on page 10


Our first stop on the way home was Goondiwindi where we had an excellent meal and a well earned sleep. Then there was the long haul to Narrandera in NSW.We were still dressed in short sleeve shirts, shorts and sandals as the queensland weather dictates, but this became a little cool as we headed south. We couldn’t believe we had snow and heavy hail in Narrandera!It was a great time to find out the heaters didn’t work, so we used towels to wrap round our legs to keep warm. We did have some warmer clothes in our cases, but they were buried in the back of the car and the weather was so bad we didn’t want to stop and get wet looking for things.After another well earned rest, we drove on, stopping briefly in Renmark to visit Jeff’s daughter. We arrived home fairly late and quite tired, but both agreed it was a fantastic week away.




As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Rob and I did not have the company of Sue and Maureen for this trip, but they did insist on writing a piece on how they perceived our week away. Their article was read out at our monthly meeting and it was voted that it should be published in our Singergram. This is their combined script with minimal editing. enjoy!

The Adventures of Denny & Lacey OR

lastminute.com & Julius Sumner Miller (from the eyes of the wives)

This all started way back in 2009 during a Singer National Car Rally at Berri SA. The friendship began!!!

Every two years the Singer National Rally is held in a different state. In 2013, six of us travelled in convoy to Raymond Terrace NSW. Well !!! The trip to Raymond Terrace is something none of us will ever forget, and wouldn’t want to have to repeat. The ladies voted NEVER AGAIN!!! [Note: They are referring only to the journey over and back, not the actual rally - Ed.]

At this rally, club members were advised that in 2015 the rally was to be held in Caloundra Qld. Only two of the six from this friendship group decided to go.

Remember, they had two years to prepare..............

Three months before the departure date Rob took his motor out of his Singer LeMans to have this fixed. Three weeks to go, he got his motor and put back together. Now with only one week away – car not running right, Mechanic called, spent a full day working on it, finally fixed. (Damn spark plugs was the problem).

Two weeks before the event, the boys finalised what they were to wear for the Denim & Lace Theme night on the Saturday night. While embroidering motifs on the shirts, the first shirt was sewn together front to back [by Rob]. Two new shirts were purchased and continued to embroider. Once first panel complete Rob tried the shirt on, however the shirt didn’t fit! (didn’t think to try them on as they purchased them 1 size bigger) so with a change of plan decided to get white T-shirts and leave the shirts open.

After the third night of embroidering Rob decided to cut off the backing, however with the lateness of the night and a couple of red wines, he cut through to the shirt leaving a V-shaped hole. Thankfully Super Sue to the rescue and glued the fabric and continued with this massive job.

Marvellous Maureen cut the hems off their jeans to create shorts and Jeff hand stitched the lace to the shorts and onto the hats.

Two days before they were due to leave Jeff came to Rob’s house to assist with putting the car on the trailer. Oops – a small mishap! While pulling the trailer out of the shed the wiring got caught on some grass, another repair job required.

Jeff had made leather headlight covers and a screen to protect the front of the LeMans, and had been fitted to the trailer. The night before leaving Rob collected his new (second hand)




car that he purchased earlier in the week to tow the LeMans.

Everything all connected up and Damn – No Tail Lights! Finally found & fixed the problem. Jeff arrives home, well past midnight only to be up again the next day at 6am to commence their boys’ road trip.

Rob arrived at 7.30am – late again !!! The boys should have been on their way, however Jeff had noticed they had no tail lights on the trailer. Upon checking, they weren’t even plugged into the car......

Problem Solved !!!!!

Marvellous Maureen waved the boys off with a smile and a prayer.

Around 8.30pm Wednesday night Maureen received a phone call from Jeff saying they had arrived at their first night’s destination. When asked how things are going “Fine only a few mishaps!!!” Was the reply. The straps that tied the LeMans to the trailer had come lose, the car rolled backwards smashing the tail lights and denting both mudguards,. They protected the front but forgot about the back!!!!

New straps and lights bought, they headed off again only to be held up by kangaroos and wild goats. The following day the Shackle/Axle broke. Someone must have been watching over them as in the caravan park, a kind member from the Hot Rod Club, fixed the trailer for them.

Friday morning they head off to Woodford, to visit Jeff & Maureen’s niece. After being told not to go through the mountain ranges, (Yes you guessed it THEY DID !!! ) So consequently, riding the brakes and using low gear, the air conditioning motor overheated and they did in a bearing.

Maureen received a phone call late Friday night to say they had finally arrived and they were very very tired.

On Saturday all State Club Members were given a map for their run on where to meet later that day, however due to car problems, they were late in departing, once all fixed & and with great excitement they set off, Well you guessed it THEY GOT LOST!!!

The story Maureen had been told: “The wind had blown over the 2 pages so they followed the page that was opened”. Unfortunately for Jeff & Rob the weather changed and it poured with rain. Jeff on arrival at the proposed venue went into reception to ask where everyone was? And he had been advised Oh NO! That’s for TOMORROW’s RUN! So sheepishly Jeff had to confront Rob who was huddling under the cover of the car & trying to protect himself from the rain, with the news that “ Boy oh Boy they did the Sunday Run instead of the Saturday Run”.

So far the only thing that has come out of the week, is they won the first prize for the fancy dress and thank God no one has been hurt.

There was a lot of mechanical problems which arose on the way of which we hadn’t been informed, until now, but confused as to which day & when, but there was plenty.

They still have the journey home to go!!!!! As we wait with anticipation!!!!

As mentioned – this is how our girls perceived our exploits — Rob and I still reckon the whole week was a real blast!



SINGER IN NEW ZEALAND – from Max Lane

Stephen recorded the show on a hard drive recorder, paused the show and took photos with his phone ... very innovative!

MAx’S brother-in-law spotted this car in a museum in Dunedin, NZ. It’s nice to see another nicely restored Singer being preserved.

ATTACheD are some photos from the TV show American Pickers. They were picking through a collector’s shed when

we spotted this Singer car.

No mention of the car was made during the show, and we do not know what model, possibly a Lemans or Singer 9 or a combination.

SINGER IN AMERICA – from Stephen Schild


ALL CHRYSLER DAY – from Jeff Vale

OUR club was invited to participate in the All Chrysler Day in March. Unfortunately I was the only one able to display a Singer for the whole day. Trevor Bailey brought his

Roadster to the event but was not able to park with the main body of the display because of other commitments.

Some may wonder why Singers should be included in a display of Chrysler vehicles. Briefly, Singer became part of the Rootes Group (hillman, humber, Singer, Sunbeam, Commer) in 1956 and the Rootes Group was subsequently taken over by Chrysler in 1967. Therefore, Singer does have an association with Chryslers!

I parked my SM1500 saloon between the hillmans and Sunbeams and felt quite at home with marques of the same era. There was also a good contingent of humbers on display.

It was interesting to see the vastly different designs in close proximity to each other. I thought my Singer was a bit unwieldy in traffic, but I’m not sure I’d like to be driving some of our American counterparts through the city at peak hour!


FISH ‘N CHIP RUN – from Stephen Schild

ON the day before the hillman Club fish ’n chip run, we loaded our 4AD Singer roadster onto our car trailer ready for the trip to Adelaide.

As the Merino fish Cafe was close to my brother’s house at Somerton Park, the plan was to unload our car at my brother’s house, drive to the rendezvous and after the run, trailer the car home.

After unloading the Singer Sunday afternoon, we drove to Thebarton school where we met the hillman Club members, in a variety of cars – some modern and a few very smart looking hillmans.

As well as ourselves, there were Stephen & Wendy Bitmead in their Saab, Ivan and Sue Margitich in their 4AD.

The run started by travelling down South road, then up Ayliffes Road through Blackwood, a windy drive through the hills, where it poured with rain, then down to Old Reynella, South Road, Sheriffs Road and we finished the run at the Merino Rocks fish Cafe.

The drive was sedate and uneventful until around mid trip in the hills it decided to bucket down with rain, and my newly installed windscreen wiper gave up the ghost, and we had to operate it by hand.

Once we had all gathered at the Cafe and were seated in a mix ’n match arrangement, Singerites mixed with hillmanites, orders were taken and amid loud conversation we all had a very nice meal.

It was a well organised run in good company and it would be nice to share more runs in the future with other Rootes Group Clubs.


BIRDWOOD MILL MUSEUM DISPLAY – from Jeff Vale

WheN we were invited to display a number of cars at the Birdwood Mill Motor Museum, it was decided to include vehicles which had not been displayed there on

previous occasions.

Subsequently, there are now three cars on display – Stephen and Wendy Bitmead’s Junior, Stephen and Vida Schild’s “as found” 10/26 Buckboard ute, and Jeff and Maureen Vale’s SM1500 saloon.

Maureen followed me in her “modern” from Greenock to Birdwood, the trip taking about an hour, travelling via Tanunda, Lyndoch and Williamstown.

We were requested by the curator not to drive the cars into the display area, as the exhaust fumes may set off the alarms. Go-Jacks were used to move the cars around and this made it so easy, we all decided we needed a set in our own garages!

After a bit of juggling, we decided on what we thought was the right “look” and left the museum after only an hour or so for the trip home.

Also on display is a number of books, photographs, posters, trophies and technical information which will give the viewing public an idea of what Singers are all about.

Who knows, we may get someone with a “barn find” or maybe a new member or two. Let’s hope.

The display will run for three months, until late September. Get over there and take a look if you can.

Right: The Vale’s SM1500 Saloon “Black Betty”.

Below: The Bitmead’s Junior.

Right: The Shild’s “as found” 10/26 buckboard ute named “Clem”.

Below: Stephen Schild, Stephen Bitmead and Diane Wright arrange some of the display items.

BeCAUSe there is the usual shortage of articles for this issue of Singergram, I thought it may be of interest to list some of the cars I’ve owned in the past.

My first car (which I’ve always regretted selling) was a 1947 Triumph Roadster. It just didn’t seem a practical vehicle when I was 16-17 years old! Below is a list of cars I’ve owned (at least, those I can remember), with a few photos of the “loved” ones ....


CARS I’VE OWNED – from Jeff Vale

Triumph Roadster

Humber Hawk

Reliant Scimitar

Wolseley 6/110 MkII

Morris Minor 1000

Goggomobil Dart

MG Midget

Holden HT Monaro

VW Country Buggy

My cars have included:Austin 1800Austin A40Austin Healey SpriteChrysler Valiant VC RegalChrysler Valiant VG 2-doorDatsun 1200Datsun 180BFord Cortina Mk I 240Ford Cortina Mk II 440Ford Falcon XWFord Territory GhiaGoggomobil DartHillman Hunter RoyalHolden Astra ConvertibleHolden CamiraHolden EHHolden HQ V8Holden HT Monaro GTSHumber Hawk ‘56Mazda MX5MG MidgetMitsubishi ColtMitsubishi Magna TH

Mitsubishi Magna TPMorris Minor 1000Reliant ScimitarSinger SM1500 SaloonTriumph Roadster ‘47VW Country BuggyVW BeetleWolseley 15/60Wolseley 4/44Wolseley 6/110 Mk II

This is part of an article that appeared in the British “Motor” magazine, published on July 21st 1908

eLeCTRIC tramlines have monopolised the principal suburban thoroughfares of London to such an extent that motorists living in one district must perform much map

studying should they desire to drive across to some other neighbourhood without being inconvenienced by the obstructive tram.

This dodging process is fairly easy if routes leading south, south-west, west, and round to north are taken, but for due east on either side of the Thames it is better to follow the rails (much the lesser evil) than attempt to negotiate the miles of mean and devious streets.

A line drawn north-east and south-east from London Bridge about represents the limits, because of the reasons just given, beyond which metropolitan motorists never venture for the ordinary week-end pleasure drive or only go beyond the line when making for Dover harwich, and other seaports. Those who want a change from the roads they know so well might do worse than risk a trial of something new by following the route I took a few days ago into a corner of Kent on a 15 Singer car.

Dwellers north of the Thames will have to follow tramlines for several miles, whether Westminster or any of the bridges eastward are crossed. I know a route around the back of forest hill, Catford, etc., that will land one altogether clear of traffic in eltham, yet it is so intricate as to make its inclusion undesirable and since the advent of the conduit or slot rail

for conveying current to the tramcars, the surface of the hitherto vile Old Kent Road has been laid with such excellent wood paving between the rails and kerbing that nothing is to be gained by a detour. from the corner of Great Dover Street to New Cross Gate, the Old Kent Road (excepting only

the few yards across Canal Bridge by the gas works) is wide enough to easily accommodate two lines of vehicles at each side of the outer rails, and the passage of faster traffic would be vastly facilitated if the police possessed statutory powers to compel slow-moving vans to keep close the near-side kerb.

every few yards one is compelled to crawl at less than a man’s walking pace because selfish horse drivers will persist in taking a mid-way course between rail and kerb, any attempt of a car driver to pass on the off-side inviting risk of accident owing to the trams following each



ON THE ROAD IN 1908 –


ON THE ROAD IN 1908 – continued

other so frequently in the reverse direction.

The right-hand fork beyond New Cross Gate, down the Lewisham high Road, provided the first relief, but not until Lee was passed were the trams finally left behind, a distance of nearly seven miles from where the Thames was crossed at Southwark Bridge.

I was making for the strip of country that will always be associated with the name of Charles Dickens, where he spent the last years of his life at Gads hill house, facing the main road between Gravesend and Rochester, and made world-famous a humble inn in the tiny village of Cobham, a couple of miles away. Most people who make for Cobham (not to be confounded with its Surrey namesake, whose correct designation is Street Cobham) travel down the Dover road as far as Gravesend, about the most dreary and uninteresting outlet from London in any direction.

To drive the 15 Singer along straight and nearly flat main roads would not have conveyed anything to me of its possibilities, and I therefore selected by-ways with any number of corners, sharp but steep little hills that appear to be mostly ascending, together with one long hill where the car could really be properly tried for pace.

The machine was the actual star performer in Class D of the recently concluded 2,200 Miles Trial, when it scored fastest time in its class for five of the hill-climbs, and was able to start for the 150 miles speed test on Brooklands track with something like eleven hours start from its nearest competitor in the class, and, never being pressed, the driver was content to win rather than show its pace. [Unfortunately the rest of this article is missing - Ed] .

The 15 Singer car described in the accompanying article.

Engine Position: Rear Wheel. 1 cylinder. Capacity 258 cc. Automatic inlet valve. Low tension magneto ignition. Surface carburettor. Drive: Gear on crankshaft meshes with an internal toothed gear on wheel. Road speed: 25 m.p.h.


CALENDAR OF EVENTSStephen Bitmead has been appointed Events Coordinator and will be relying on ALL

members to advise of any changes or additions to our Calendar of Events.Please contact Stephen on (08) 8254 2716 (h).

Monthly meetings are held at the Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide – 6.30 pm for meals and 7.30 pm for meeting –

2015AUGUST

9 Hillman Car Club Invite - Northern Bakery Run – organised by Robert & Rosslyn Brown. Touring through districts to the north of Adelaide. Assemble at 9:30 am for 9:45 departure, in the car park of Civic Park, North East Road, Modbury – opposite Tea Tree Plaza. Morning tea & lunch will be in bakeries, so you don’t need to bring food.

10 Monthly Meeting.30 Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens picnic and quiz organised by Trevor Bailey. While late

August will not have Autumn colours, if the weather has been warmish during winter the magnolias and rhododendrons will be in full bloom. You will need to bring a pen/pencil and something hard to write on if you want to do the quiz, plus your usual picnic items. There will be a prize for the quiz participant with the first list of correct answers (or as nearly correct as possible.) Meet up directions: Enter the lower carpark area off the Crafers-Piccadilly Rd by travelling along Sprigg Rd then Lampert Rd, UBD map 145 F5. Drive clockwise right around the main carpark and, just after the bus parking area, but before the exit gates is a road to the left going downhill to further car parking. This road will flatten out with the picnic area on your left. When you park, your car can easily be seen from this picnic area (perhaps someone can bring the club banner?) The gardens open at 10am on a Sunday and (so far) parking on Sundays is free.

SEPTEMBER8 Paech’s Farm, Mt Barker. Stephen Schild has let them know we would probably arrive

between 11 and 12 am and we will bring our own picnic lunch. They have a large shed with an urn that we can use for tea or coffee, so if it’s wet we will be out of the rain. They operate on a donation system for the upkeep of the museum and to use their facilities. Meet at Crafers Cafe, 7 Main Street, Crafers between 9.30 and 10.30 am for coffee etc, then we will wander slowly, enjoying the scenery to Mt Barker using the old highway or any other scenic route that is suggested. The Farm is at 52 Blights Reserve Road, Off Potts Road on the Mount Barker to Wistow Road.

14 Monthly Meeting.27 Bay to Birdwood “Classic” – For vehicles manufactured between 1 January 1956 and 31

December 1977.OCTOBER

12 Monthly Meeting.18 Strathalbyn Swap Meet.24 Run to the Goolwa Motor Museum – Max and Rosemary Lane. We will visit the Motor

Museum and then lunch at a café – probably Bombora at Goolwa Beach. Stand by for details, but it will be a Saturday

NOVEMBER8 Combined Rootes Day – Location and date TBA. Organised by the Hillman Car Club.9 Monthly Meeting.

DECEMBER?? Christmas Get Together and Vehicle Rego Day - Location and Date TBA.

Documents

Singergram vol 28 no 1-2 jun 2015