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WWW.VOLUSIABRITISHCARS.COM ………………………………November 2012……Volume #21 Issue 11

The British Connection

Vic’s Jaguar at DeLand Cruise-In on 9-15-2012

Message from the president

November brings us another month of great driving weather. We are planning a few activities this month. I am trying to arrange another trip to the Boyd Moody Museum on November 10th. I will have more information on that very soon. I just want to get the date out to everyone since it is only a week away. The Club will also participate in the Ormond Beach Gas Light Parade. This is on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving. Last year we had over 16 British Cars in this parade. Afterwards we met at the Black Sheep Pub, and enjoyed some good food and drinks.

The Club recently went on Vic’s Fall Drive of the countryside of western Flagler County.. We had 16 members join us Bob and Betty Storke, Steve and Debi Bradley, Bert and Celcia Martin, Allan and Lois Wright Gordon and Connie Hart, Ken and Deanna DeLeeuw, Travis Herring, and host Vic Hall. Afterwards we continued on to Vic’s home where we feasted on Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. It was a beautiful day and the food was great. We held a Club Meeting after the Picnic. I want to remind everyone that we are going to need some help this year. There are a few openings on the Board of Directors that we will need to fill. 1. Secretary 2. Treasurer and 3.an Editor for the Newsletter.. Steve Bradley will stay on as Vice President unless someone wants to claim that position. Thanks again Steve. Bob Storke has also agreed to stay on as Regalia Chairman, and Lunch Bunch coor-dinator. The Lunch Bunch meetings are the most popular of all Club Events. Great job Bob! What would we do without you? I would also like to thank Connie Hart, Mary Ellen Watz, and Gene Schoonmaker for making the first year for me a very easy transition. Without your help, I would have been lost. So if anyone can help the CLUB OFFICERS FOR 2012 President – Ken DeLeeuw - mrkenmgb@bellsouth.net Vice President – Steve Bradley – sbradley5@cfl.rr.com Secretary - Connie Hart – conlhart@gmail.com Treasurer – Mary Ellen Watz – wat2z@earthlink.net Editor – Gene Schoonmaker – geneschoon@cfl.rr.com

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Volume#20 Issue 11 November 2012

Club out,please contact me as soon as possible at mrkenmgb@bellsouth.net. The Schoonmaker’s have once again opened there home to us for the annual Christmas Party. The date and time will be announced in the December newsletter. A few members have talked to me about the Chinese gift exchange at the Christmas party. I would like to leave that up for a vote. Please contact Mary Ellen Watz at wat2z@earthlink.net.with your vote. We will once again have a pot luck dinner, and the Club will purchase the main dish. If anyone knows of something happening this month, email me and I’ll get it out to our members. Ken Pictures of the Countryside Drive and Picnic –

Once again The LUNCH BUNCH had a great turnout at Osteens Restaurant. Attending were Peggy Cobb, Jim Lubinski Doug & Linda Rothwell. Frank Herbert. Gene & Jan Myszkowski, Burt & Celia Martin, Steve & Debi Bradley, Mike & Gene Schoonmaker, Vic Hall, Luke Coderre, Jan Radigan, Gary & Sylvia Thomas, Jere & Bonita Dotten, Bob & Betty Storke

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Volume#20 Issue 11 November 2012

LUNCH BUNCH NOVEMBER Lunch will be at 1:00pm on Wednesday

November 7th at D.B. Pickles 400 S. Nova Rd. Ormond Beach, FL 32714. The

restaurant is located on the corner of S. Nova Rd. and Moreland Blvd./Fernery Trl

Please reply by November 5th. TO rstorke@cfl.rr.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Any Birthdays in November??

CAFÉ 101 If you missed the evening at Café 101, we want you to know it was great. We sat with Jere & Bonita who were there for the first time and it “knocked their socks off”. Here is the list of those attending: Bob & Betty Storke, James & Danielle Keeling Mike & Gene Schoonmaker, Ursula Suddard Allen & Lois Wright, Jere & Bonita Dotten Craig & Ruby Colby and guest, Joyce & Richard Heckathorn, Gordon & Connie Hart Gene & Jan Myszkowski, and Vic Hall We will do this again, so keep your eyes open as to when, and don’t miss it. Bob Storke

“GHOSTS OF GETTYSBURG-GENERALS OF THE CIVIL WAR!”

SATURDAY, Nov. 10th, at 2pm at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) - Time travel back to July, 1863 and meet two very different Generals who made major history on that hallowed battlefield, 150 years ago! Both graduated West Point in the same class (1861) and have ties to the Daytona area!! Come celebrate and keep alive the memory during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Advance tickets and Special pricing available at MOAS. Call Joe Vetter at 386-214-7232 or MOAS at 386-255-0285 for more info.

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Volume#20 Issue 11 November 2012 Continuation of the

Triumph Spitfire History

The very first Spitfire prototype - codename 'Bomb'

Of course, the name 'Spitfire' was first used by Supermarine for the famous WW2 fighter aircraft, designed in the 1930's. It is not known if Standard-Triumph obtained prior permission to use the name. According to Triumph historian Graham Robson "The 'Spitfire' name came along while prototypes were in development, but there does not seem to have been *any* connection with the famous fighter aircraft, though publicity shots were eventually taken with car posed in front of 'plane. It is not recorded if the makers of the 'plane ever objected to its name being 'stolen' for use on a car." I received E-mail from a visitor to this page saying that Standard-Triumph was allowed to use the name after producing Spitfire aircraft parts in WW2.

After a British purchase tax reduction, the price in 1962 for the Spitfire4 was 641 Pounds

Sterling, which made it more expensive than the 587 Pounds Austin-Healey Sprite. But then the Triumph offering was much more of a sports car than the Austin. The price difference remained throughout the life of the cars - but it didn't stop the Spitfire from always outselling the Sprite/Midget range (except for one year, due to workforce strikes). The first Spitfire model, called the 'Spitfire 4' (4 stood for the number of cylinders in the engine) was well-equipped for the time, even though it came with a tent-like roof, which you more or less had to build yourself, and the heater was an option. It took some time before overdrive and wire wheels were available Still the car took off in America, selling 6,224 in 1963, 8,761 in 1964 and 9,097 in 1965. Total production ran to more than 45,000. It was a welcome addition to the already popular but much more powerful and expensive TR4 model. Top speed was 92mph (147km/h) and 0-60mph (0-96km/h) took about 17.3 seconds. This may not be something to write home about today, but in 1962, this was quite something for a small, inexpensive sports car. Triumph left little time to come up with tuning kits for its new sibling. These came in the form of high-compression cylinder heads, new inlet and exhaust manifolds, two twin-choke Weber 40DCOE carbs and a high-lift camshaft. For the serious competition-minded motorists, stronger pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts clutch and Vitesse close-ratio gears were also available.

Mk2

The Spitfire4 was first presented to an enthusiastic audience at the

1962 London Earls Court motor show.

Outwardly, the Mk2 differed very little from the original Spitfire4. Only the grille was changed to a design with horizontal slats instead of a cross-

hatched pattern.

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In 1964, Standard-Triumph's competitor BMC (British Motor Corporation) came up with an improved Austin Healey Sprite and MG Midget. In an answer to the marketing success of the Spitfire, it now had a proper bootlid and wind-up windows. Standard-Triumph responded with the Spitfire Mk2 in March 1965. This had a slightly more powerful engine (67 bhp instead of 63), thanks to revised manifolds and valve gear. Inside there were proper carpets instead of rubber covering on the cabin floor and the previously exposed metal on the inner door tops was now covered with trim. Hardtop, wire wheels, overdrive and even the heater were still optional. More than 37,000 Mk2's were built.

Mk3

The much-improved Mk3 went into production early in 1967. It did not go on sale in the USA until March of that year. The most obvious outward change was the 'bone-in-the-teeth' raised front bumper, introduced to comply with American safety legislation. Most important change, though, was the new 1,296cc engine, which produced a healthy 75bhp. The increased capacity was achieved by enlarging the cylinder bore from 69.3 to 73.7mm. Minor changes were larger front brake calipers, a larger 15" steering wheel as used in the TR4, a wood-veneer dashboard, different seats and the fact that the electrics of the car were now negative earth.

Due to ever-increasing mutterings of both customers and the motoring press about the build-it-yourself convertible top, the Mk3

came with a new, much improved folding softtop. This no longer needed stowing in the boot, but was more or less permanently attached to the car. Equally increasing criticism of the somewhat 'exciting' handling, due to the swing axle rear suspension, wasn't dealt with until the advent of the MkIV. It did not prevent the Mk3 from being popular with the racing fraternity. Especially its free-revving and powerful engine made it eminently suitable for the track. Many American owners installed a 'camber compensator' to make the car less of a handful on corners.Total Mk3 production would reach 65,320.

The 100,000th Spitfire to roll off the production line

on 6 February 1968 was a Mk3.

(to be continued)

The Spitfire Mk3 was instantly recognisable by its raised, 'bone in

the teeth' front bumper.

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A GREAT TECH TIP

This should be in every MGB service manual. The engine on an non O/D MGB does NOT need to be removed to remove the trans (gearbox). To remove the trans, first remove the shift boot, then remove the shifter. Then from under the car, reach up(blind) and remove the 6 bolts for the shifter housing/extension and remove it. Then drain the trans, remove the mount bolts, drive shaft bolt's, Speedo cable, clutch hose, starter, and trans to engine bolts. Then rotate the trans so the starter nose/housing is on the bottom (to clear the firewall), slide the trans towards the rear as far as it will go, to disengage the imput shaft from the clutch, and lower the trans out of the car. Keep in mind that it is very tight and some minor prying is required. Installation is basic reverse, paying attention to use 2 fingers to install the shifter relay rod bushing (blind), as the shifter housing is installed on the trans(blind) then reinstall the 6 bolts(blind). I've done it this way several times. The trick is removing the shifter extension, so the tranny will rotate and the starter housing doesn't hit the firewall, and it will move far enough rearwards to disengage the input shaft. (I don’t know of anyone else that knows this procedure, except the guy that figured it out, a friend that worked at tranny shop who was doing the job for me, and determined not to pull the motor. He probably would have disassembled the tranny, in the car, in order not to pull the motor.)

(submitted by Eric Salvioli)

A LITTLE HUMOR FROM DOWN SOUTH

With hurricane season, and the beastly humidity Miami's had since

May, I decided enough was enough ... shoved my GT into the back part of the house till end of Oct. My feline assistant Rafael checked for fuel

leaks (cat-scan) Just trying to keep my baby 100% rust free like it is. No garage here, just a tarp carport, so you do what you gotta do; lucky I'm

single haha. Cheers! Siani Marco

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Volume#20 Issue 11 November 2012

ANNUAL FLANKEY MINI CAR SHOW AND CHILI

COOK- OFF When: Sunday, November 18th 2012

Where: Speer Park in beautiful downtown Oakland -331 North Tubb Street Oakland Fl 34760

Time: Noon till?

Hosts: Marcia and Tony Geraci and Voyce and Will Bowden

You can bring your favorite chili recipe, pot luck dish, dessert, side dish, OR just yourself. The Classic MG Car Club will provide nonalcoholic beverages, ice, and eating utensils. Electric will be available for crock pots. It is always good to bring a chair. You’re encouraged to call Tony Geraci @ 407-656-7472 to coordinate dishes. This is a city park but alcoholic beverages ARE permitted.

DIRECTIONS: From Orlando, take Highway 50 East through Winter Garden to SR 545. 1. Turn right going North on 545/ Tildenville School Road. 2. Turn left going west onto

438/Oakland Avenue. 4. Go approx. 1 mile to Tubb Street. 5. Turn right onto Tubb. 6. Go through the round-about. 7. Speer Park will be on your left, approximately .2 mile. Alternate Scenic route: Take 438 West all the way from Orlando.

2013 Hot Rodding for Heroes- Auto Tour and Show

One of the largest changes is that 2013 will now feature 2 days of events, starting on Friday February 15 with a golf tournament at the picturesque Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club. Then holes 12 and 13 of the golf course will be illuminated for an evening show that is open to all makes models and years of build, and will provide a different and unique experience. But don't forget about the events on Saturday February 16! The 16th will start with our signature 30 mile police-led tour of Alachua County (updated for 2013!) in the morning, followed by the tour arrival in the Haile Plantation Village Center and Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club. The cost is only $10 for our Friday night event, and $20 for the tour and show on Saturday. All net proceeds will be donated to the Santa Fe College Veterans Bridge Scholarship. Please visit our website for more information, see pictures from last year's event, and to register for this year. Please register now!!!! Although our show has an unlimited capacity, on Saturday our tour portion is limited to the first 250 cars registered. (continue)

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Volume#20 Issue 11 November 2012

Last year we had 300 cars and 10,000 people show up to support a good cause and see some awesome cars, we look forward to having our 2013 event be even larger and even better! Last years event was successful because of your involvement and support, we look forward to seeing you and all of your fellow car enthusiast friends in February - 2013! -----

Adam Brown - Hot Rodding for Heroes "Turning our passion for cars into local support for our nations veterans." www.hotroddingforheroes.org (352) 340-1040 http://www.facebook.com/hotroddingforheroes

November TR Tales. Events: NOVEMBER 3, 2012 Ancient City Auto Club - 28th annual car show. St Augustine, FL - http://local.aaca.org/ancientcity/ NOVEMBER 3, 2012 Brits at the Plantation. Wilmington, NC. – www.bmccf.org NOVEMBER 2-4, 2012 Chattanooga CHOO-CHOO. Chattanooga, TN. – http://southernbritishcarclub.org NOVEMBER 10, 2012 32nd Annual TCVCC Vintage Auto Show. Port St. Lucie, FL – (772) 287-1903 -or- www.tcvcc.com NOVEMBER 11, 2012 Winter Park Concours D'Elegance. Winter Park, FL - www.winterparkconcours.com NOVEMBER 8-11, 2012 Zephyrhills Fall Auto Fest. Zephyrhills, FL. – http://zephyrhillsauction.com/

NOVEMBER 8-11, 2012 Daytona Continental Historics (HSR). Daytona, FL. - www.hsrrace.com NOVEMBER 11, 2012 Vintage Motor Classic. St Petersburg, FL. www.spyc.org/classic NOVEMBER 22-25, 2012 Daytona Turkey Run. Daytona Beach, FL – (386) 767-9070 -or- www.turkeyrun.com NOVEMBER 23, 2012 Gas light parade and block party. Ormond Beach, FL. – (386) 441-7793 NOVEMBER 24, 2012 AACA Antique Car Show. . Ormond Beach, FL. – (386) 441-7793 NOV 30 - DEC 3, 2012 Orlando Festivals of Speed. Orlando, FL - http://festivalsofspeed.com/orlando/ NOV. 29 – DEC. 1, 2012 Performance Racing Industry Show. Orlando, FL – www.performanceracing.com

FOR SALE

Have 4 MGB rims with tires that someone can have if they pick them up. The top three are Cooper Sport 1000 Metric GT. The bottom one is a Pirelli ( I think) and is flat. Removed when I purchased Mags. Kept one of the good ones for a spare. Tires are located in Orange City. Contact Doug Rothwell at bigdug1313@cfl.rr.com

Thining down the collection

We are selling our very rare 1976 TR-7 Victory Edition, air conditioned coupe. Manufactured by Triumph to celebrate Bob Tullius' 5th SCCA win. We are the second owner in 36 years, always garaged and well maintained. We have all the original recipts, dealers window price sticker, sales

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brochure plus two national magazine articles featuring our car. 93,000 miles, one of the good ones produced by British Leyland, Very affordable fun to drove. We have invested over $8,000.00 in new interior, paint, tires, parts, and mechanical work. $5,200.00 firm 386 785-5380 Gary Thomas

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Joe Vetter has a variety of antique license plates and a variety of framed British car posters, perfect for your man cave...or as a unique gift. Call Joe V @ 214-7232 for appointment.

1951 TD-MG It is in good condition New paint 2 years ago..I put a MGA rear end in it for freeway driving. New tires.. Also a Arnold(?) heater. That is about all from original I think. Asking price is negotiable – should go between $15,000 and 35,000 – let’s talk . . . . . . . .

Please contact Dale Drake if you are interested in this TD. Contact at theducks@aol.com or call 386-734-7201 ````````````````````````````````````` WANTED

Looking for a MGA MkII/Austin Healey 3000 jack with no cracks or chips, rust no problem. Please contact Steve Bradley at 386-775-9558 or sbradley5@cfl.rr.com

ABCC RECOMMENDED WEB SITES Our club’s web site: http://www.volusiabritishcars.com/ For the MGA (our club’s godfather): http://www.namgar.com/ For the MGB and Midget: http://www.mgclub.org/index.htm also http://www.mgcars.org.uk/namgbr/ For the MGC: http://www.mgcars.org.uk/amgcr/ For the MG: http://www.mgexperience.net/ For the Triumph Spitfire, GT6, Herald, Sports 6, and other small Triumphs: http://www.triumphexperience.com/ and,

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http://www.triumphspitfire.com/ and also, http://www.gatriumph.com/ For Jaguar: http://www.jaguarexperience.com/ For Austin Healey: http://www.healeyexperience.com/ For the Austin and Morris Mini: http://www.minishrine.com/ For the Morris Minor: http://www.morrisminorforum.com/ For the Land Rover: http://www.serieslandrover.com/ For the ABCC of Central Florida: http://www.allbritishcarclub.com/ For the MG Car Club Florida (Brevard County): http://www.mgcarclubflorida.org/ For the MG Classics of Jacksonville: http://www.mgclassics.org/mgclassics/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx For a worldwide forum about MGs: http://www.mgcars.org.uk/ One of our members publishes the Grassroots MotorSports magazine: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/ and Classic MotorSports magazine: http://classicmotorsports.net/

39th ANNUAL DAYTONA TURKEY RUN

Our diverse transportation enthusiast member "Lyon" has reserved a parking area

for our British cars at the DAYTONA TURKEY RUN Nov. 22, 23, 24, 25,

2012 Web site www.Turkeyrun.com. Get your

registration form at -www.turkeyrun.com/registration_form.html

More information as we receive it.

SENIOR MOMENT Sitting on the side of the road waiting to

catch speeding drivers, a Massachusetts state trooper sees a car

puttering along at 24 mph. He thinks to himself, "This driver is as dangerous as a

speeder!" So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over.

Approaching the car, he notices that there are five elderly ladies two in the front seat, and three in the back, wide-eyed and white as ghosts. The driver, obviously confused,

says to him, "Officer, I don't understand. I was going the exact speed limit. What seems

to be the problem?" The trooper, trying to contain a chuckle, explains to her that "24" was the Route

number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and

thanked the officer for pointing out her error. "But before you go, Ma'am, I have to

ask, "is everyone in this car OK? These women seem awfully shaken."

"Oh, they'll be all right in a minute, officer.

We just got off Route 128."