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JULY 2015 Vintage Sports Car Club

Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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Page 1: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

JULY 2015

Vintage Sports Car Club

Page 2: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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Vintage Sports Car ClubP O Box 11709, Dorpspruit, Pietermaritzburg 3206

“Forward into the Past”

This is the newsletter of the Vintage Sports Car Club. Opinions expressed herein donot necessarily represent those of the Committee, the Editor, or of the Club.

Regular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and asper the schedule of events published in this newsletter.

Visitors are welcome in the care of a Member and should be signed on by thatMember.

On Bonnets-Up and Club Open Days, parking in front of the Clubhouse is reservedfor Club Qualifying Vehicles Only, and you are requested to park modern vehiclesbehind the Clubhouse.

Office Bearers: 2014/2015

Trustees Peter Houston, Junior Fouche and Grenville Manton

Club President Clyde Wyatt

Committee and Portfolio Holders

Chairman Junior Fouche 076 095 0449Vice Chairman Ron Richmond 082 859 6376Treasurer John Wilsworth 081 840 9619Secretary Janice McKenzie 084 557 7259SAVVA Delegate Ron Richmond 082 859 6376Clubhouse Norma and Norman Crouch 033 386 2751Spares Johan Viljoen 072 750 1255Spares Assistant Donne Townsend 033 346 0169Klink Tony Fourie 082 823 8833Newsletter Gillian Richmond 083 253 9762Cars in the Park Carl Habermann 082 447 3355Motorcycles Wayne Westwood 082 575 3027Events Charmaine Grayson 083 674 5540Library Chris Diedericks

VSCC eMail:Newsletter eMail: [email protected]: www.VSCC.co.za.

Affiliated to SAVVA SAVVA Website: www.savva.org.za

Page 3: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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EDITORIAL

This issue I have covered Cars in the Park in detail and have provided a photogallery, so thank for your patience if you were downloading the newsletter. Picturesmake the file large. Another casualty of the report was the Bike Chatter. It will beback next month.

I am on the search for a new newsletter editor. Please find the details within.

This month we are having hobbies day and a boot sale. Please bring along yourhobby and goods for sale. They do not have to be car related. The key word isdiverse.

See you at the club.

Gillian

Short items of interest are always wanted for inclusion in our newsletter (maxbetween one half and two pages) Contact Gillian at [email protected]

AMBLE INN

On a chilly winter morning eleven club members went on a run to the Amble Inn, atAlbert Falls. The breakfast was generous and delicious and the service was fast andefficient. The sun soon came up and warmed us up for a relaxing morning on thedeck overlooking the river. I would recommend the Amble Inn if you are looking for arelaxing gastronomic experience out away from everything.Gillian

ON THE COVER

Two Citroens that were on display at Cars in the Park 2015.

INDEMNIFICATION

Members, guests, visitors and any other persons’ attention is drawn toIndemnity requirements in the VSCC Constitution and posted in the VSCC

Clubhouse bar and main hall.

SAVVA collector’s vehicle insurance scheme (please note name change, It isno longer Madeleine Wiese.)For Full comprehensive coverContact person - Glenn Broadhurst orYolande Erasmus at FNB Insurance Brokers

Phone - 087 736 2222Fax - 011 699 0783E-mail- [email protected]

Page 4: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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MEMBERSHIP

Subscriptions 2015/2016 Club Year (based on Membership type & due 1 July).

Full Member R240 including SAVVA feeFull member plus spouse/partner R300 including SAVVA feesCountry Member R210 including SAVVA feeCountry Member plus spouse/partner R260 including SAVVA feesAssociate Member* R125 excluding SAVVA feeAssociate Member plus spouse/partner R170 excluding SAVVA fees

* Applicable to members of another club and awarded at the committee’s discretion.

New applications for Membership include an indemnity that is valid for Life.

Life Member (Principal) Newsletter postage * R65 + R20 SAVVA feesLife Member (Principal) Newsletter e-mail * R20 SAVVA feesLife Member (Principal and Associate – Spouse/Partner) * R90 + R20 SAVVA feesHonorary and Honorary Life Membership * Free.

* Awarded at Committee discretion.

There is a once off entrance fee of R100 on application for membership.A charge of R120 will be levied for posted newsletters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~Banking Details: Account name – Vintage Sports Car Club:Bank – Nedbank:Branch - Hayfields:Branch Number – 13 40 25: Account number – 13 40 505 339:Always include member’s name on the deposit slip.

REGALIA:The club has caps, of the “one size fits all” type, embroidered with the VSCC logo,available for sale at R45 each. See the ‘Klink’ attendant, for your Requirements.

VISITORS: Visitors are welcome, but as we are licensed, please ensure that your guestsare ‘signed on’ in the visitors register. This gives them temporary membership status, andentitles them to make purchases from the bar.

CLUB TIMETABLE

Every Friday night: ‘Klink’July 3rd. 17th. 24th. 31st. August 14th. 21st. 28th.The AIR-CONDITIONED ‘Klink’ will be open from 17h30 until 21h00. Braai fires willbe provided, and you are invited to bring your own braai meat and/or salads to enjoyat the Club..Second Saturday of every month: ‘Bonnets Up’ /Club Open Day:From around 12 noon until then ‘The Klink’ will be open, plus the availability of either

boerewors rolls, hamburgers or an alternative being made available for purchase.Don’tforget, tea/coffee, pancakes and/or other goodies are a regular option.The Library and Spares Department will also be open.Third Sunday of every Month; Regular Club Outing. Motorcycles are most welcomeat this run.(Happens the weekend following after bonnets Up which becomes 4th weekend if 1st

falls on a Sunday)

Page 5: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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PAST EVENTS

June 2015

Saturday 13th June: VSCC Bonnets up / Open Day. No themeTuesday 16th June: Golden Oldies & Classics – see page 8Sunday 21st June: Breakfast Run to Amble Inn at Albert Falls.Sunday 21st June: Balitto Classic and Sports Car Club ShowSunday 28th June: Karkloof Car Morning – see page 10Sunday 28th June: Baynesfield Country Fair

COMING VSCC AND OTHER CLUB EVENTSRED BOLD - Depicts VSCC Club EventsITALIC - Depicts other Events

July 2015Saturday 11th July: VSCC Bonnets up / Open Day. Hobbies Day and BootSale8 - 12th July: Savva Edwardian-Veteran Rally 2015Sunday 12th July: The Sunday Tribune 1000 Paws Walk for SPCASunday12th July:The Jock Leyden Memorial RunSunday 19th July: Breakfast Run: Hebron Haven Hotel R50 per person for aplated breakfast and tea and coffee. . The convoy will leave the clubhouse at 8:30.

August 2015Saturday 8th August: VSCC Bonnets up / Open Day. AGMSunday 16th August: Breakfast Run; Destination to be announced

Bonnets up Events 2014

JANUARY EUROPEAN CARSFEBRUARY AMERICAN CARSMARCH SPORTS CARSAPRIL NO THEMEMAY NO THEMEJUNE NO THEMEJULY HOBBIES DAY AND BOOT SALEAUGUST AGM / NO THEMESEPTEMBER MOTORCYCLESOCTOBER ITALIAN CARSNOVEMBER FORD DAYDECEMBER NO THEME

Please note that all cars/bikes are welcome regardless of the theme

Page 6: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Members

We would like to introduce several new members to the club. David Muller andBruce Findlay from Merrivale, Welcome.

Spares Department

Note to non-local enthusiasts. Please be advised, we work on a select-yourselfsystem and are unable to take orders or arrange delivery.It is advisable to bring a sample, as not all parts are identified.

Hire of Club Hall

If members wish to hire the club hall please could the form on the adjacent page becompleted and handed in. Copies of the form are also available at the Klink.

Club Members Name Badges

We will be placing an order soon for name badges. If you do not have a badge,please contact Ron Richmond on one of the following channels or leave your namewith the barman at the Klink.Members are requested to wear their name badges at club events.Landline: 033 330 2563Cell: 082 859 6376Email: [email protected] specify whether you would prefer a magnetic or pin attachment.

Vehicles for hire

The following members are willing to hire out their cars for weddings and other suchoccasions.

Mike Westray 072 244 4272 [email protected] Phipson 033-345 0061 [email protected] Murray.Tony Psaila (1937 Cadillac) [email protected]

Portfolios Going Vacant

The following portfolios are coming up for re-election and are going be vacant.Please would the members consider taking on the portfolios and let us know if youare interested.

Events, Spares, Klink, Newsletter and Secretary.

Page 7: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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Page 8: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN VETERAN & VINTAGEASSOCIATION

SAVVA Technical Tip 98 - Motorcycle side stand

This one is for the vintage motorcycle enthusiasts:

Perhaps you have had the same problems as I have had with vintage bikes over theyears. If so, this could be a solution.

The problem I have had is with the cycle stands that clip up behind the rearmudguard - which invariably fell down on a rough road causing one to stop to hookthe thing back up into the clip. I often wished the bike had a side stand like manymodern bikes i.e. BMWs, Harleys etc. It was always my intention to try and makeone but never got around to it.

Recently, my grandson, who was visiting for a few days, went to the local bicycleshop and came back with a perfect side stand which he had just bought for R85.00.It looks ideal for a vintage bike. It is a “fit all” design and manufactured from whatlooks like cast aluminium and the length is adjustable. It even has a rubber thingie onthe end to stop it slipping. The return spring is very strong and cannot fall down whenriding. I’m currently rebuilding a 1923 AJS and will try one out.

Page 9: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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The Jock Leyden Memorial RunThe VCC will again organise this popular event to be held on 12 July 2015.Vehicleseligible to compete for the Jock Leyden Trophy are motorcycles and motor cars of avintage with a cut-off date of 31/12/1945. The participation of other SAVVA affiliatedclubs is encouraged and all vehicles must be SAVVA dated to compete for thetrophy. Other vehicles, up to 1990, may enter and will be classified separately butneed not be datedThe intention is to encourage those club members who own a golden-oldie to havesome fun with like-minded enthusiasts however due to small entry numbers in recentyears a category for vehicles up to 1990 has been included. Feedback from pastevents indicate a preference for a laidback, not too serious fun run. So this will bethe theme.As in the past, the Pietermaritzburg VSCC will open its doors to participants wherethe run will start.There will be two parts to the route schedule. The first bringing all entrants to themorning tea venue. The cost of this interlude will be sponsored by the VCC. Thesecondpart of the route will end at the VCC in Kloof where results will be announced.Braaifires will be lit so please bring your braai meat and picnic baskets.We really believe this will be a great event, so if you own a vehicle that qualifies,please support this year’s Jock Leyden run. For more information as well as entryandindemnity forms please contact Graham Hossackon 0836775122 or [email protected].

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

I haven't ever noticed any Letters to the Editor in The Hornblower, but I have aquestion for all active and recent restorers among your readership, if I may?What is a reasonable value one could place on current and complete paperwork inrespect of a restoration project? That would be current registration certificate (logbook) and licence receipt with disc for the current year.In other words, no hassle with re-registering a vehicle " built up from scrap", and allthat entails - trailering it around to get police clearance, weighbridge certificate andpossibly a new government-approved VIN number crudely stamped somewherequite unsuitable, then there's the SABS certificate as well.I have not mentioned the real possibility that some clerk could make the ultimateirreversible mistake of transposing two vital digits in engine number or VIN, therebyturning your valued classic into a worthless paperweight? Don't laugh; I know of twoinstances in which that happened.I would like to throw out a ballpark figure, for discussion, of R10 000 for the peace ofmind alone. If readers think that is reasonable, ridiculously high or criminally cheap, Iwould like to hear from them. Via these columns or per sms to083 660 8177 would both work for me.

Regards,Gordon Hallgordon@sai.co.zawww.scarletpumpkin.comwww.meanderchronicle.co.za/category/guest-writers/Tel: +27 (0)33 3441241Fax: +27 (0)33 3441245Mobile: +27 (0)83 6608177

Page 10: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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VRYHEID OLD WHEELS CLUBSAVVA EDWARDIAN-VETERAN RALLY 2015

A RESTRICTED EVENTKNOWN AS "JOZINI RHINO EVENT"

8 - 12 JULY 2015.THE VENUE IS MVUBU GAME LODGE

NEAR JOZINI IN KZN

This is an invitation to participate in the above Rally which is open to members ofany club affiliated to SAVVA, with vehicles manufactured during the period 1stJanuary 1905 - 31 December 1918. This is a once in a lifetime rally to break awayfrom city life to enjoy a wildlife experience where it would be a great opportunity toshare our passion for these remarkable old vehicles.

The entry forms and costs will be available towards the end of January 2015. Pleasenote that one of the excursions would be a daytrip into Swaziland, where we willenjoy the hospitality of one of the sugar cane farmers of the area, and therefore youand anybody that accompanies you would require a valid passport. A limited numberof entries are available due to accommodation restraints. If you would like to receiveentry forms for this event please could you advise us by email [email protected] by 19th January 2015. This will help in estimating ournumbers and will be much appreciated.

Kind regardsGordon Lemmon-Warde (Vice-Chairman)Cell: 083 253 0176Vryheid Old Wheels ClubVryheid.............................................................................................................................. ...................................

The Sunday Tribune 1000 Paws Walk for SPCA – 12th July 2015:

With five years of ever-increasing popularity, attendance and support, the SPCA’s annual

1000 Paws Walk is firmly entrenched as a highlight of the KZN Midlands’ events calendar.

It’s a relaxed day enjoyed by animal-lovers, outdoor activity fans, and families looking for a

good time in beautiful, safe country surroundings. The fact that by attending, their good time

supports the three SPCA branches of the area is a heightened appeal!

The 1000 Paws Walk is the major annual fundraising event for the three branches of the

SPCA that cover the central Midlands region: the Pietermaritzburg, uMngeni (Howick) and

Mooi River & District SPCAs. Between them, these societies work towards preventing cruelty

to animals, including domestic pets, livestock, wildlife, birds, reptiles, fish – any living

creature. Please note that the SPCA receives no funding from national government and all

SPCA branches are required to source funding from their own communities to survive.

The event takes place on 12th July 2015 at Hilton College, bring all your friends and family

and don’t forget your favourite pooches! It promises to be a bumper one this year! Watch the

press and other social media platforms for all the details!

Page 11: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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For more information, please contact:

Hennie van der Walt 083 305 [email protected]

Philip Heyns082 [email protected]

Theo Potgieter 084 551 [email protected]

THE 2015 C & F Motor SparesClaudi van Rooyen Memorial

RENDEZVOUS TOUR(FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE JANUARY 1984)

Hosted by the Free State Veteran Car Club from 10 – 13 September 2015, in thepicturesque Eastern Free State area, with accommodation at the FouriesburgCountry Inn in Fouriesburg.

As with previous Rendezvous Tours hosted by our Club, the three daycompetitive event, at an extremely reasonable cost, will emphasize usage ofthe old cars and kindle new and existing relationships. We would like torequest owners with older cars, to make a concerted effort to participate.

Those not interested in the formal reliability run, may enter as non-competitors,allowing them to enjoy their old cars on the open road. Entry forms availableon our website from 1 July 2015 (www.fsvcc.co.za).

OVS VETERAAN MOTORKLUBOFS VETERAN CAR CLUB

POSBUS/P O BOX 11733UNIVERSITAS, 9321

Page 12: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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SERVICES

The VSCC is not responsible for the quality of the services provided by the aboveservice providers.

Silicon Brake Fluid available at Motorcycle Centre, 265 Berg St. 033-3946941 and Race Spares Africa 084 396 0285 Roger Veitch

Waterflow Plumbingcc For general plumbing services, clearing blockeddrains etc. Contact Clinton Hart on 076 194 4185 or 033 - 396 6953

New Parts. Ford ignition coils1937-41, 1952 ford stop/tail light lenses,Zephyr 1936- 39 rear light lenses, 1951-54 Ford V8 tail light lenses,1959 Ford parking light lenses, Chrome tail light housing1951/52 Zephyr &

Consul.Flywheels – A30, Morris Minor, Taunus, Prefect, Anglia, Zephyr.Period wheel trims – Simca, Taunus and others. Rings, Fanbelts 1950’s

Chrysler.Jansen’s Motor Spares (Klerksdorp) 018 462 9121.

Good weld – Specialised welding; TIG & MIG, Aluminium, Magnesium,Titanium, Stainless, Cast Iron, Pewter, Etc. Turning, Spline cutting, Generalengineering. Run by enthusiasts. 4 Roger de Klerk Place, Mkondeni. Phone,033 346 1207

Bearings & Seals – 424 Greyling St. (Also ‘O’ rings, belts, roller chain etc,)Contact Dennis on 033-345 7739 or 082 656 4864, who will do his best tolocate items needed, if not in stock.

Professional bead blasting with proper glass beads, professional chassisclean, professional repairs and vacuum pulling/pumping of BMC hydrolasticsuspension units. Contact Robin on 033-3450061, or visit 23 West Street.

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MUSEUM

We are looking for items for the club museum. If you have anything to donate to themuseum please could you contact Junior Fouche on 076 095 0449.

New Editor

From a personal perspective, I have enjoyed producing the newsletter. Howeverafter six years my enthusiasm and ideas are getting a little tired. We are on thelookout for a new editor for the newsletter. Training and guidance will be provided ifrequired. If there are any volunteers out there who would be willing to take on thejob of editor, please can you let me or the committee know.

Gillian

Page 13: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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FOR SALE

* I am re-building my engine again and will be selling a couple of performanceengine components for an MGB? There are also a few MGA items too...I have the following parts for sale:

Distributor converted to electronic conversion.High Voltage performance ignition Coil.Piper HR270 cam – 1500km on it.Piper HR285 cam – Freshly reground, unused. I have also Plasma Nitrided thiscam making it harder than the original billet cam.8.8:1 CR Pistons, balanced – Standard Bore9.5:1 CR Flat Top Pistons, balanced – Standard Bore2 x 1.5 SU’s – Fully refurbished and modified for performance - with needle set.K & N Filters for SU’s with MG Plate.Polished Chrome Tappet Cover.

Lightened fly wheel – 8kgMGA – cylinder headMGA – rocker AssyMGB – Rocker AssyMGA – std cam

Please contact Craig direct should you be interested in any of these parts [email protected]

* 1979 450SLC Mercedes. Contact Maxine Smith at [email protected] or033 3433408 or 0725536788.

* 1972 MGBGT. R65 000. Contact Paul on 0824877369.

In a dog park in a very chic Manhattan neighborhood, three dogs get together tochat, and the subject of what breed they are comes up.

The first dog says, "well, my mother was a cocker spaniel and my father was apoodle, so I'm a Cockapoo. We're very trendy."

The second dog puts his nose in the air and says, "Well, that's nice. Personally, myfather was a purebred pug and my mother was an award-winning beagle, making mea Puggle. We're the latest thing in L.A."

The third dog looks very uncomfortable and starts trying to change the subject."Come on, just tell us," the other dogs keep saying. Finally, he gives in.

"Well, my father was a Bull Terrier and my mother was a Shi Tzu..."

Page 14: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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CARS IN THE PARK

2015 was a watershed year for the 40th staging of Pietermaritzburg Cars in the Park.All the logistical factors we had gotten so familiar with in the past, at the previousvenue, were suddenly a new experience. It made for an extreme learning curve.

The changes extended to more than just a new location. The change in venuebrought with it access challenges, new parking arrangements, new entrance gatesand the laying out of the entire area from scratch.

A new change was the introduction of the registration online. This really reduced theadmin work on the morning and facilitated a smooth flow of the incoming vehicles ondisplay. They were in place in record time.

The big challenge we took on this year was to entertain the whole family and not justthe car enthusiasts. This entailed the introduction of the flea market and kids rides.The flea market was well received and an attempt will be made to improve thediversity on offer next year. What can we say about the kids rides? They were sopopular, they just didn’t stop (except for load shedding). The ponies couldn’t carryanother passenger and the other rides were so popular the kids had mom and dadon the run getting more tickets.

The food stands were grouped together to form a food court with a central eatingarea with tables. This seemed to function quite well and provided an excellentaudience platform for the live music performed by the Bi Focals.

The grounds were packed during the day with a huge turnout of cars on display. Themotorcycle turnout was amazing with every inch taken up and some more.

The visitors had a good workout on the day with plenty of walking required to coverthe very large area. One kid got it right and got around all day on his electric car.

Marketing this year was a double challenge with the goal of not only attractingvisitors to the day but to educate the veterans on the new venue. It was atremendous success though evidenced by the volume of people we attracted.

A review cannot be complete without a mention of the unforeseen traffic problemsexperienced. The large turnout coupled with a malfunctioning access bridge and asudden surge in visitors about mid morning when the weather cleared caused atraffic problem that tied up marshalls late into the day. Consultation has been madewith the venue hosts as well as the traffic department who were so helpful. Camerafootage taken via an aerial drone was also analysed to identify the causes of theproblem. Several issue were noted. Even more parking has been identified and thebridge has been repaired. The parking procedure will also be changed to reducebacklogs. The process has also revealed additional pedestrian entrances that canbe used to facilitate entry.

All that can be said is that Cars in the Park was an overall success withpredominantly good feedback and an overwhelming acceptance of the new venue. Italso made for a serious day of learning for all concerned. We look forward to aneven better Cars in the Park next year. A video filmed from the drone can be viewedon the VSCC Face book site.

Page 15: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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A final word to all that helped with the planning, setting up, running and clearing up.Without you Cars in the Park would not have happened at all. A heartycongratulations to Carl and his committee.The endless meetings and hard workculminated in resounding success.

I have included some pictures of the day.

Gillian

Page 16: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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Page 17: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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Page 18: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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MARQUES THROUGH THE AGES

ALPINE

Jean Rédélé was a French garage proprietor who enjoyed racing Renault 4CV’s andwas doing well. He decided to follow his passion an established SociétéAnonymedes Automobiles Alpine in 1954. The name came from his success in the Coupedes Alpes.

The company produced racing and sports cars. The first car produced was theAlpine A106 in 1955 which was made using glass fibre for its body work and theRenault 4CV chassis. The A108 was then developed in 1958 based on theDauphine Gordini 845cc engine.

By 1962 the engines used were becoming less competitive so the Renault R8 wasadapted for use in the A110 Berlinette Tour de France. This model was developedover time and by 1974 was still competitive.

In 1973 there was an international petrol crises. This led to a sales crisis andRenault decided to bail out the company by buying it out. The company could simplynot afford to develop a new model at a critical time in the petrol crisis.

Leading up to the 1970’s Alpine had been doing very well in the racing arena. In1973 they won the World Rally Championship. In the 1970’s the competitors weredeveloping beyond Alpine’s cars. The takeover in 1974 allowed the company tobuild new models that allowed them to win the World Rally Championship in 1974.They also won the European Formula 2 Championship in 1976 and 1977. Theracing team then moved on towards concentrating on Le Mans and Formula 1racing.

The 1980’s bought the development of the A310 which became the new Alpine GTArange. They were characterized by the use of plastic and polyester components cutby robots using a high pressure water jet.

The GTA Mille Miles was released in 1989 as a limited edition model in celebrationof the company’s 35th birthday. There were only 100 cars made. In 1990 anotherlimited edition model, the GTA Le Mans, was made available with only 325 beingmade.

1991 saw the release of the Alpine 610. Production continued until 1995.

The name clash between Alpine and the Sunbeam Alpine which had come out in1953 had created a trademark issue that meant that the Alpine could not be soldunder its own name in the UK. The factories continue to produce Renault sportmodels and the Alpine brand was retired.

The Alpine brand is currently undergoing a revival with a new prototype whichcompeted in the European Le Mans series.

This article was written with reference to Wikipedia.Gillian

Page 19: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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TAILPIECE

A Brand New Small Car for Women

Renault and Ford are working on a new small car for women.

Combining the Renault 'Clio' and the Ford 'Taurus' they have designed the'Clitaurus'. It comes in pink, and the average male car thief won't be able to find it -let alone turn it on - even if someone tells him where it is and how to do it.

Rumor has it though, that it leaks transmission fluid once a month, and can be a realbitch to start in the morning! Some have reported that on cold winter mornings, whenyou really need it, you can't get it to turn over.

New models are initially fun to own, but very costly to maintain, and horriblyexpensive to get rid of. Used models may initially appear to have curb appeal and alow price, but eventually have an increased appetite for fuel, and the curb weighttypically increases with age.

Manufacturers are baffled as to how the size of the trunk increases, but say that thepaint may just make it LOOK bigger.

This model is not expected to reach collector status. Most owners find it is best tolease one, and replace it each year.

___ ___ ________

Drive Carefully! See You at the Club.________________________________

Page 20: Vintage Sports Car ClubRegular gatherings are held at the Clubhouse, Oribi Road, Pietermaritzburg, and as per the schedule of events published in this newsletter. Visitors are welcome

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P O Box 11709, Dorpspruit, Pietermaritzburg 3206VSCC Website: www.VSCC.co.za

VSCC eMail:

Newsletter eMail: [email protected]