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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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December 10th 2011
Street Scenes August-September 1961
This Rambler dealership, Westgrove Rambler Hillman was located on the north-west corner of Islington Avenue and Bloor Street West.
It was demolished in 1965 to make way for the Islington subway station. Here in August of 1961 it was a thriving business.
A friend of Roger's was searching White Rose information on the web and came across these pictures from the City of Toronto Archives, and thought we'd be interested.
As a side to this, in the same collection of pictures was a White Rose station at the north-eastern corner of Islington Avenue and Dundas Street West. According to the Toronto Archives the station continues to operate under the Shell banner to this day.
In September of 1961, hiding behind the Buick (I think) is an Austin Healey 100.
If anyone else has more information on this dealership, I'd love to have it.
Our Little British Cars were once our workhorses. They did our bidding, taking us to and from work, the plaza, and anywhere we wanted to go. They did this pretty much all year round.
Now, in the present, our remaining cars are put away when the threat of winter salt comes out.
What if you want an LBC for the winter.
Convert it!
You can turn it, or some poor back 40 shell, into a snow mobile!
Elva sent me the Mini snowmobile just today and the Metropolitan quite some time ago. The Met has been floating around the internet for years now. The Mini, I have not seen before.
This Landrover was converted in the late 50s or early 60s by Cuthbertson & Son of Biggar Scotland. It sports a separate track assembly for each of the road wheels and tires. It drives and steers with very little pressure on the ground/snow/tundra it is running on.
Frank French and his friends and fellow club members, both BSCCoC and ECSCC, out in Edmonton rescued an Austin J4 Van from certain death in BC. It was mostly there but needed panel work and some parts and pieces. It was a perfect teaching tool for everyone to get together on. Everyone is learning about metal work, welding, braking systems, glass, engines, just about everything needed to restore it.
The work on the J4 has been featured in the Oily Rag as metal work has been done and welded into place.
In addition to being featured in the Oily Rag and the Edmonton Club's Open Road it is now featured in the Kelsey magazine Classic Van and pick-up, December 2011 issue. The feature tells the story of the acquisition to the panel beating and installation.
The restoration is still in progress. Everybody is waiting for a container to arrive with many more parts and pieces.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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November 17th 2011
Garage Find
If you have the thought in your head that there are no more good 'Barn Finds', bash it out right now!
This 1925 Stutz Speedway Six was recently removed from 60 odd years of garage slumber by members of the Vintage Car Club of Canada, a BC wide car club.
It was parked in 1951. The garage was dry, helping preserve all parts of the car down to the spare tire cover. You have to check out the pictures at the VCCC site.
Now I know it isn't British, but what the hey, it's still a great find.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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November 7th 2011
GTs At Rest
November 6, 2011
Last Run of the Year
Here's a shot of the three GTs in the Edmonton Club.
Ugly Betty, mine, is the oldest, then I think it's a tie with two 74s, the Blue B of John Crawley, and the Orange B of Steve Chambers.
Rounding out the tour around the outskirts of Edmonton were 3 more MGBs, a TR3A, a TR8 and a '47 Dodge
After the tour were 4 kinds of pie and beverages.
Francis G. French
November 5th 2011
Remembrance Day, Remembrance Week
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the shooting stopped. It is this time we honour the Men and Women who died in that Great War and all the Great and Not So Great Wars since.
Give a thought to them every once in a while. And, especially this coming Friday. Give them a moment of silence. Even while the rest of the world mills about in their daily way.
They gave their all so we could have and enjoy our Prewar, Postwar, Edwardian, Veteran Cars and all of the rest of the freedoms and chances we have in our lives. Some gave their lives so that others in far away lands could have these same chances.
Then there are those who are not recognized as giving their all, but did. Those who came back with the visible and invisible scars of war. They need our remembrance and, maybe, a hand.
David E. Wood
October 9th 2011
Summer Is Not Over Yet!
In Southern Ontario, Summer has come back for a good week and a half.
I took a little jaunt up the Beaver Valley Road in Grey County from Flesherton to Thornbury. Above is a picture from that trip.
Any one else get out on this Thanksgiving weekend?
The weather could not have been better for the Toronto Triumph Club's British Car Day. I remember hearing that there were more than 1200 cars registered. There were many cars we are all familiar with and many new ones we have never seen before. The cutest Austin 7 and a Ford Corsair come to my mind.
Then there were all the friends we have not seen in many months or years, and some we have never seen.
I've posted a few pictures I took, There is room for more. If you have them, I will post them!
There was a special presentation at the BSCCoC tent this year. Elva Allen has put aside her postion of Oily Rag editor. After 16 1/2 years and 100 Issues it was time to move on. Here she is with a small token of the club's appreciation for all of her hard work.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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September 17th 2011
MG T Register GOOF LXXXII
(Gathering Of Ontario Faithful 82)
The MG T Register came to Elora for their fall get together. From here they had the choices of Harness Racing, a Culinary Walking Tour, tour roads, and a tourist area with all kinds of shops, with many other tourist areas just a short drive away.
I got to their hotel centre of operations late on Saturday afternoon, talked a bit and snapped a few pictures. Bronte Tomorrow!
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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September 9th 2011
All-tarmac rally/tour
Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011
Starting from the Little Britain Motor Company Works
Frog Lane Farm
11 Cross Creek Road, Little Britain
We will traverse approximately 90 Miles of scenic country roads, towns and villages of Victoria and Northumberland Counties, resplendent in autumn colours. Lunch & awards in Brighton.
Arrival & Sign-in From 10:00am. First Motor off at 11:00AM.
Entry is Free but Limited to 30 cars.
Don’t miss out on a Memorable Motoring Experience.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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August 30th 2011
Wellington County Museum Car Show
Sunday August 28th was a great day for a car show. It was all weekend.
The Wellington County Museum is midway between Fergus and Elora. Once a year it holds a car show open to everyone.
Registration is free and a Hamburger or Hotdog and drink went to all occupants of show cars. Not a bad deal.
I made it, this year, with Bugsy. Other Club members made it too. Check out the pictures below.
1993 Rover Mini Cooper Sport Owned by John Wright
Stickers Supporting All Things Mini, and BSCCoC
It is Fuel Injected 1275 cc
2007 Lotus Elise Owned by Mike Woodman
A Sports Car With An Immaculate Interior
1988 Austin Mini Owned by Andrew Anderson and Family
An Article Showcasing His Mini in Mini Magazine
And My Sprite, Bugsy.
If The Suburban were any taller I would never have to worry about a door ding
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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August 24th 2011
12th Annual Georgetown Rock n' Roll Classics
Friday August 19th Main Street South in Georgetown was closed off for the 12th Annual Georgetown Rock n' Roll classics cruise night. Jim Colburne was there with his Morris Minor and posted these pictures on to our Facebook site.
Georgetown's Independent Free Press was there and covered some of the heated happenings.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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August 20th 2011
No Trailer Queen
What can I say... really, I rescued a B got it on the road after a fender bender took it off the road for years. The drivers fender was gone, I made one out of two and a lot of 3M body adhesive and tremclad paint.
She has a name.. Ugly Betty B.. so I don't have to polish or shine her when I go to shows. Runs well (fingers crossed)
Back at the A next week.
Frank French
Seen at MOPARfest, New Dundee
I attended MOPARfest in New Dundee today. Lots of Dodge Darts, Valiants, Fargo Trucks, and new cars, Magnums, Challengers, and Chargers.
I was looking for Crickets. If any were to be found, they should be here.
Alas, no Crickets. I even checked with the registration desk, who were happy to help me between the time registration closed and the prize awarding commenced.
But there was this 1960 Nash Metropolitain, owned by Vera Holst of Gowanstown, Ontario
Pre-registering saves you time when you arrive. You avoid the line-up for registration and can use our FAST LANE access to the park, which gets you to your parking spot faster.
Clubs that pre-register 10 vehicles or more, will also receive a 10ft x 10 ft display area, free of charge, to use as a club meeting point or to erect an awning or tent to sell memberships. The location will also be highlighted on the map in the official souvenir program (you MUST send a list of your pre-registered members to qualify).
The price for on-site registration is $20 per car, payable at the gate.
Please note there will be new road signs this year, to reflect the new road layout approaching Bronte Creek Park. If you are exhibiting your British car, please use the NORTH entrance (corner of Upper Middle Rd. and Burloak Drive. The SOUTH entrance is for spectators only and Parks Ontario will charge you to park there and won't refund their parking fee if you make a mistake!
Thank you for your cooperation, we look forward to seeing you all at British Car Day on Sunday, September 18th, 2011!
Lilly, Nigel and Ace at Hanover Sights and Sounds Festival, July 23rd.
Rob Ockenden, his wife Ellie, along with Dave and Elva Allen were off to Hanover's Sights and Sounds Festival Car Show. They were the entire British contingent.
Just a quick note, that if you're planning on submitting content for the September issue of the Oily Rag, I would like to have the content by Aug 24, so that we can get the 'Rag in members hands at the beginning of September!
This picture was taken in 2003. My 1949 Austin K-8, COE-Deisel, is loaded with a Mini Clubman and trailering a Mini Van
The K8 has since went for a vacation in the Catskill Mountains. The Clubman may still be local; it went to Kitchener. And, the blue van went to Pittsburgh.
Big Al
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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Here is a pic of me and my mini cabriolet retro MK 1 at Chattanooga TN. It was taken at the famous Chattanooga TN, Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel. In the back ground is the hotel's replica steam engine.
We held our Mini Meet EAST show in Chattanooga on July 05 to July 9th. My mini won the Brian Owen trophy as "Best of Show", Brian passed away last September in Delaware. He was a top concours judge that really knew British cars. He will be missed.
Cheers,
BIG AL
Check out:
Mini Meet 2011
I looked for a Picasa or Flickr album of this year's Mini Meet East but could not find a single picture. - DW
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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BMW Did their new interpretation of the Mini. This while the classic Mini was still rolling off the assembly lines. The Fins and the Chinese got together to build something akin to a Frogeye Sprite (see below). In North America we are seeing the return of the Fiat 500. I don't know if it was ever out of production or not, but is here now.
Now the Morgan 3 is out and very close to taking orders. This is not made by some other car maker with only legal ownership of the name. This is made by the Morgan Motor Company.
This car is thoroughly modern sporting an S&S Cycle X-Wedge engine driving the rear wheel through a Mazda 5 speed transmission.
The Mount Forest Fireworks Festival came along on a perfect, if not steamy, summer weekend.
Cars of all types were lined up on either side of Main St. north of Hwy 89 early in the morning, leaving only the side streets for those who arrived late (still early morning).
Among them were several British Cars. Some of them just getting in on the 15 year importation rule.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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July 11th 2011
Keeping the Peace in Georgetown
John Tatham and I were at the Georgetown Classics Against Cancer car show, held on June 19th, Father's day, this year.
The weather was better than perfect. John had his 1962 black Consul and that is my 1964 Ford Corsair next to it. The Police stuff on my car is all magnetic and we dressed up for fun, to amuse the crowd.
The photographs were taken very early before the public were admitted and before many of the other exhibitors arrived. We succeded beyond even our own expectations. The show was a resounding success with so many cars attending, the organizers had to park cars on the soccer pitch.
The show is not limited to any type of vintage or classic car, but all are welcome. There were some other members from our club there but I will let them speak for themselves.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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Post Script - August 14th 2011
Grant Leonard sent me a clipping from a local newspaper, Halton Hill's the Independent, showing him and two of his cars at the BSCCoC picnic. I snooped into the newspaper's website and found more pictures of BSCCoC members at Georgetown's Classics Against Cancer. These pictures are copywrite The Independent Free Press.
Allan Stoller from Oakville and John Tatham (shades) from Geo with their 1960 Ford Consul (Black) and their 1964 Ford Corsair (green).
Joy Holmes and husband Wally from Brampton in their '66 Austin Healey.
British car judge, Ray Shier of Limehouse.
July 1st 2011
California. People have rushed here for Gold, Silicone and Ocean Front property.
Soon enough the retailers came. One of those retailers was Johnny Lail, of Glendale, who sold a 1956 MGA attached to the plate shown left.
This MGA has been family owned since then, now in the custody of Bill Wilkman
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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June 27th 2011
The MG T Register had its GOOF81 event in Cobourg early June. The Saturday car show and judging event was attended by Paul Wilson with his
MGA Twin Cam, which won Best MGA, see above picture. Alan Weller with his MG TF made the arduous journey. If there was an award for least distance driven Alan should have won, It was across the road from home. Nova, the dog, could have had the best time annoiting car tyres to no end.
Alan also sent in some pictures from his Parade Lap experience at the VARAC International Vintage Racing Festival, and the Eastenders trip to the Trenton Air Museum.
Today I, the club, got an invitation to the festival above. I know it is a little distant, 14 hours or 1200Km, for most of us around the GTA, but I'll post it and any invite we get. Besides there may be some members from Ontario's North West and Nickel Belt who may think about it or maybe even go, now that they know. As always, if you go take some pictures and send them to me so I can post them for others to see.
It is only one of many festivals across Ontario and the Country happening in the summer months. There is the Newton Community Festival in Surrey BC, which has a Car Show as part of it. Other Community, Village, Town and City festivals string eastwards. There are festivals, with car shows as a part, within easy drive of just about every one.
Finding what is near you may be an easy thing with listings in local newspapers and such. Get a little ways away and you may not know they are happening. Tourism websites abound for many towns, counties and regions. Just look where you are going and you should be able to find something.
I have been working on a project which may help. Special Cars (dot) Canada is a project I have been working on in hopes of gaining some income. It is bascially a listing of Car Clubs and Events from across the country. It is by no means complete but I am adding to it daily.
Enjoy, get out to a festival. Have ice-cream, apple fritters, rhubarb pie or what ever a local festival has to offer.
We had Tamer Metwalli and two little Metwalies (pictured), Roger Tipple in white Mini 1000, Dustin Cox in white Mini Van, Rob and Ellie Ockendon with Lilly the Morris, myself, Don Dunlop, Paul and Pattie Plunkett, plus Ryan Adams, the new Oily guy.Myself and Nigel met people at the Durham Timmies then we proceeded up to Mr. Mini from there.
There was a BBQ courtesy of Patty which included some awsome preserves and garnishes made by Ellie Ockendon and 2 types of Bruce County Sausage.
David Creer sent in some pictures of his '58 Frogeye Sprite.
This is a very early built Sprite as can be seen by the snaps at the top of the windscreen, and the rare colour, Primrose Yellow.
There were a few hundred built with these snaps before going to the single long clip along the top of the windscreen used on the later Sprites and Midgets. Primrose Yellow was discontinued early in the Frogeye production.
Weekly Picture from Ford
Week 21's picture from Ford! Electricity from the Black to the Green
Kirk Blake-Dickson found this car on the Bring A Trailer article, which referenced a current E-Bay Auction.
It is a 1948 Healey Dobbs Estate, one of only 17 originally built, with only 2 known survivors,
The car, found in a very bad state in Scotland, has been owned by by the present owner for the past 5 years.
It took 3 years to complete the restoration due to the amount of research required to get the details correct. The owner also has the other surviving Healey Dobbs Estate, giving him a template and reference for many details.
Donald Healey designed his chassis in January 1946 and completed his first car, a Healey Elliott Saloon in September 46, In October 46 he took the car to Italy and set a speed record for the fastest production car at 104.65 MPH. The chassis was fitted with the Riley 2.4 engine, gearbox and rear axle, the front suspension was designed around coil springs. He was trying to get a total weight of less than 1 Ton, and only just missed his target.
Hector Dobbs raced Rileys pre-war and took delivery of an Elliott in 1947 to race. He was so impressed with the car he became an agent for Healey motor cars based in Southampton. He commissioned the Dobbs Estates. The front panel work was built by Westlands, the body builders that built the Healey Westland and Elliott saloons. The woodern body was made and fitted by Dibbens who at the time were caravan builders.
The car has been subject to a full nut and bolt rebuild with every component stripped and reassembled with many new parts fitted. painted in the original Brunswick green with grey leather trim.
Kirk Blake-Dickson's electrics don't quite reach his headlights.
No, I don't mean it that way!
Geez.
I mean his headlights don't work. So, he brought Morris the Minor to my place in hopes of diagnosing the problem. We came up with a couple of possibilities Kirk will work on and take to others for help.
While he was here I got a couple of pictures. Now there are 300 and some odd more to get! C'mon, send them in!
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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May 7th 2011
Ford UK archives
No Strings Attached?
In the world of testing 40 years ago there were no Ipads, laptops, or even PCs. The only things "wireless" were radio and television transmissions. Recording equipment was big, bulky, and heavy. So heavy that it affected the car being tested.
Ford engineers developed this tether system. Collecting data from a Mk2 Escort, the Cortina station wagon following behind contained all the bulky recording equipment. After testing the data was taken back to the office, where engineers would pour over it for hours or days to analyse.
Today the same can be accomplished with small lightweight equipment. On which, data can be recorded and analysed. For all I know there may be a smartphone App.
But, Strings Are Attached!
Kirk Blake-Dickson sent me this little ditty he found on Jaloopnik.com. I reguritated it above, then, noticing file names, I looked a bit further. Seems this is a picture from Ford of Britain's archives. Number 18 in a series of 52 picturing Ford's history in the UK.
On March 8th 1911, Ford Motor Company Limited opened its first office in London on Shaftesbury Avenue. Since then integrating itself into the British motoring culture. Becoming more than a "Branch Plant" company it delved into engineering, and motorsport.
I don't know what they are doing in the way of celebration, fireworks, or a garden party. Up on the web they have been releasing pictures once a week from their archives. Problem is, I can't find a central place to link to for these pictures.
So, in typical Wood fashion, I'll do it the hard way. I shall try my best to bring them down here, to our website, so you can have a chance to see them without going through the time I took looking for them. Check out the BSCCoC Ford of Britain 100 Years page.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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April 29th 2011
And the Bells Were Ringing!
The wedding of the decade happened. Kate was stunning in her stunning but simple ivory dress created by Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton. William was dashing in his Irish Guards Dress Uniform.
Enough of the fashion. Now it is time for car stuff!
Driven to St. Pauls in Bentleys and Rolls.
Got married.
Rode to Buckingham Palace in a 1902 Landau carriage.
Waved to the crowds. Kissed twice!
Drove for Clarence House in William's father Prince Charles's car, a 42-year-old Aston Martin DB6 Volante MkII.
This Seychelles Blue car is one of 38 DB6 Volante MkIIs built from July 1969 to November 1970. The convertible is powered by a 325-horsepower, 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder has been converted to run on bioethanol made from "English wine wastage."
There was snow predicted. But no one mentioned blizzard condidtions. No one.
I believe it is all the work of Wiarton Willie. Somebody must have ditzed the albino rodent. This was his vengence on us all.
It did scare some away, the Britcar parking lot showed that up. Not that it was empty, and there was a Lotus Seven in attendance amongst the Jaguars, Minis, MGBs, and others.
There were a dozen or so vendors outside taking on the elements along with a full hall on the inside. I don't know how the sales were but the people were there.
I have pictures I took on the outside, but somehow missed any inside pictures. If anyone has some they would like to contribute, I'll take them
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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April 1st 2011
The Finland China Connection
Or
Frogeye Sprite Now, Morris Minor Next?
I got wind of this a couple of months ago. But I could not figure out where I could put it. Until today!
A car designed and marketed in Finland, developed and engineered in China has comes to us as the Norster 600R.
It is a 10'9" long, 6'4" wide two seat roadster (No Top, No Windows) weighing 1146 lb running on a 86 1/2" Wheelbase
Powering this is a mid mounted Chery Acteco QR512 2 cylinder motor with 4 valves per cylinder and double overhead cams. It develops 20 HP and 37 lbft of torque with a compression ratio 9.8:1.
Driving the 175/60R14H/5.5Jx14 tyres and wheels is a manual gearbox with five gears + reverse.
All of this gets about 56.5 MPG (Imperial)
In the European Union the Norster fits into the L7e heavy quadricycle category, meaning it is legal for the road. Whether it or its kind make it onto the roads of Canada, I do not know.
Don't be surprised if you see, or hear of, a Morris Minor knockoff on the European roads. It may be as simple as this.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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March 4th 2011
A New Minor in the Family
Kirk got a new car. He made his MGB-GT sized hole a bit empty by selling the MGB-GT. Since then he has kept his eyes open for something new. He found it, nearly lost it then found it again.
I tried some arm twisting on him to get a picture of him with his new Morris.
So, I'll try a bit of arm twisting with the rest of you.
I want you to go to your shoeboxes full of pictures. Find the ones showing you with your new car. Past or present, it does not matter. If you only have pictures of the car, when new(ish), find them too.
Then, send them to me. I'll have a page up and ready for them!
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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February 28th 2011
Austin near Bancroft
I saw this fine Austin (Somerset?) on a hike near Bancroft this weekend.
It is somewhat inaccessible.
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Dave Creer
Richmond Hill, ON
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February 27th 2011
Will Winter Never End!!
Alan Weller sent in this picture of his 1933 Morris Oxford.
Although the glass says "Normal", it is half covered in soft fluffy snow.
It is almost 4 weeks since the weather prognosticating rodents more or less agreed winter was going to last 6 weeks.
As I look out my front window the snow is falling. Gently sometimes swaying to the left and to the right. It does hit the ground, or the couple of foot of snow that preceded it.
Out west the arctic is outflowing again. Cold, cold, cold, but with it being too cold
for salt some people
don't put away their cars
for the winter.
It is an odd numbered day, so this means out east there must be another foot of snow with gale force winds. Had it been an even numbered day this would have been many inches of rain.
Spring is coming. It is in the temperatures not being quite as cold for as long, it is in the sun rising just a bit higher in the sky for a bit longer. Both of these work together to melt the snow and ice first at the garage door.
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David E. Wood
bsccocwebguy@hotmail.com
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February 14th 2011
MG TD, Tow Vehicle?
This Berkeley T60 and MGTD belong to Dr. Marty Klein. Included in his fleet of LBCs is an Austin Healey Sprite modified with a high performance 289. He is a member of the Flatwater Austin Healey Club, a club that welcomes many people with different cars in all of Nebraska and western Iowa.
To the left is my my granddaughter ready to go for her first solo ride in my Jensen Healey.
Found in the UK, a Reliant Robin van with the name Trotter Independent Traders on the side, from the TV series "Only Fools and Horses" with David Jason.
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