Topics

46

ACOC News and Events / Photobucket Photo Hosting

« on: July 04, 2017, 10:57:56 »

There are numerous press reports that Photobucket is stopping the hosting and sharing of photos to 3rd party sites (like ours) unless users pay a $400/year subscription.
   
   I investigated the options last year and a possible way forward is that:
   
   - this Forum will be locked as an archive
   - a new Forum will be started using software that allows direct hosting
   
   All Forum users would have to re-register for the new Forum.
   
   Another option is to use a different hosting service (Flickr?) - does anyone have experience of these?  It would probably be an interim solution.
   
   Don't expect any changes until the autumn as I am away for most of the summer.

47

Cobra (Thames Ditton) Forum / The Rat Catchers

« on: May 18, 2017, 11:22:14 »

Forgive me if this well known, but a fleeting memory crossed the aged brain cell this morning about a sixties TV series called The Rat Catchers which I enjoyed when I was about 10.  An internet search revealed very little has survived, although the opening moments of one episode do, and I was surprised to see COB6018:
   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpLOX5LRBfU

48

ACOC News and Events / AutoSolo - Inexpensive Motor Sport

« on: May 11, 2017, 10:46:23 »

Posted on behalf of John Davison, ACOC Secretary and MSA Timekeeper:
   
   If you are a regular competitor the cost of the equipment needed, amortised over several seasons of events, is reasonable value. But if you only want to give motor sport a try to see if you like it, the investment in helmet, overalls, safety equipment, licence etc is off putting. Add to that the risk of damaging the car and many who might enjoy the hobby never get to the start line.
   
   AutoSolo allows drivers to compete, using normal road cars and without the associated costs. It can be fairly leisurely if you wish or and it can be fiercely contested in some classes. The main criteria are that the car is road legal, insured and MOTd if applicable, that it is driven (not trailered) to the event, and that it meets basic scrutineering standards for safety. To dispense with the need for helmets, roll cages, multi-point safety harnesses etc., risks are minimised by setting up the course on open areas of tarmac such as an empty car park or a parade ground, marked out with cones so there is nothing hard to hit, and distances between turning points are set to limits prescribed by the MSA to control top speeds. Unlike a driving test event all driving is in forward gear, so there should be little risk to transmissions. AutoSolo is run individually against the clock, like a small scale sprint, with time penalties for hitting cones or missing sections, and the course is intended to be simple to follow in a defined sequence to test driving ability rather than ability to memorise the course.
   
   I have arranged with Farnborough District Motor Club, which is one of the main clubs running AutoSolos, that ACOC receive an invitation for a class of ACs at two of their events later this year. Events are planned for 9 July and 17 September. All ACOC members in compliant ACs are welcome but if there is an excessive demand preference will be given to those who have not previously competed.
   
   The day is quite sociable, normally with the competitors divided into 3 groups, one observing and scoring penalties, one preparing to compete next, and one driving. The rota ensures everyone has a go at everything and minimises costs of marshalling etc.
   
   For more details refer to the Farnborough District Motor Club Web Site, click on Types of Event, then on Autosolo where you will find a description and videos. The general regulations are in the MSA Blue Book Page 213 and the following Appendix (available on-line), and will be supplemented by specific rules issued by the event organisers.
   
   If you want any more information, or if you want to register your interest, please email me john.davison517@btinternet.com .
   
   The venue has been confirmed as Buller Barracks, Aldershot, which is conveniently reached from M3, A31 and A331. Keep an eye on the Farnborough District Motor Club web site for entry details, and there should be an AC Class.
   
   http://www.farnboroughdmc.org.uk/

49

General Forum / Bristol Engine Oil Filler Cap

« on: March 13, 2017, 09:01:20 »

The Bristol Owners Heritage Trust are preparing a 403 to be a permanent exhibit at the soon-to-be-opened Bristol Aerospace museum at Filton.
   
   They are missing the engine oil filler cap for the Bristol engine, which is apparently common to all the Bristol engine varieties.  If anyone has a spare, please contact Andrew Stevens at tas.15@hotmail.co.uk with details.

50

ACOC News and Events / 2017 National Day

« on: January 31, 2017, 09:32:32 »

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM SUMMER CAR FESTIVAL, SUNDAY AUGUST 27TH
   
   National Day this year will be at this Summer Car Festival at Duxford, situated at Junction 10 on the M11 just outside Cambridge so access is easy from most parts of the country.  This a very popular event and the Museum itself, of course, is immensely interesting.  You are likely to see some wonderful flying - if you are feeling rich you could have a flight in a Spitfire, or maybe just a simulator.
   
   As yet we do not have a plan for Saturday, but if you want to make a weekend of it we would arrange a drive into Suffolk (nice restaurant for lunch) or you could visit Cambridge (punt on the Cam) or Ely (wonderful stained glass and misericords).
   
   There could be a Barbecue at Burntwood End on the Saturday evening.
   
   There is plenty of accommodation close by for anyone wishing to stay over.
   
   Entrance to the Museum on Sunday will be by payment at the gate (special reduced rate) but please let me know if you are interested in a Saturday programme as soon as possible.
   
   John Goose
   
   johngoose at btinternet dot com

51

ACOC News and Events / AGM Notice

« on: January 10, 2017, 09:40:28 »

AC Owners’ Club Annual General Meeting 2017
   
   Notice is hereby given that the next Annual General Meeting of the AC Owners’ Club Ltd. is to be held at the King’s Head, 13 Westmoreland Street, London W1G 8PJ on Thursday 27th April 2017 commencing at 7.30pm.
   
   Order of business for the meeting will be:
   
   
   1.   Minutes of the AGM held on 28th April 2016 and matters arising there from.
   
   2.   To receive and approve the accounts for the Club for the year ending 31st December 2016. (See Note 1)
   
   3.   To receive a report from the Chairman.
   
   4.   To elect the Council of the Club. (See Note 2)
   
   5.   To elect the Honorary Reporting Accountants.
   
   6.   To nominate Honorary Members for consideration by the ACOC Council.
   
   By order of the Honorary Secretary – John Davison
   
   Note 1. The accounts will be published on the ACOC website prior to the AGM.
   
   Note 2. Any members intending to stand newly for election to the Council must submit notice in writing, signed by themselves and their proposers, to be received by the Hon. Secretary no later than Monday 24th April 2017 in accordance with paragraph 46 of the Articles of Association.
   
   Note 3. Any member entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting may appoint a proxy to vote on his or her behalf. Any member wishing to appoint a proxy should contact the Hon. Secretary by telephone or Email to obtain a copy of the relevant form, or submit their own form strictly in the format specified in paragraph 33 of the Articles of Association.

52

ACOC News and Events / Le Mans 1959 Print

« on: November 14, 2016, 18:47:06 »

Posted on behalf of John Deveson, following an article in ACtion earlier this year:
   
   
   
   The artist Dion Pears was at Le Mans in 1959 and produced this dramatic painting of the historic 2-litre class winning Ace-Bristol BE214.  Now a limited run of 650 x 500 mm prints has been produced.  Printed on acid-free art paper each one is signed by John Turner who, with Ted Whiteaway, drove the car that weekend.  They are available at a price of £75 by contacting Robert Sarrailh at  johnturnerlemans1959@gmail.com

53

ACOC News and Events / 2017 International

« on: November 08, 2016, 08:38:46 »

Posted on behalf of Matt Feltham:
   
   Dates:  Arriving Tuesday 27th June and Departing Saturday 1st July 2017
   
   The event will be based at The Deer Park Country Hotel near Honiton which is set in its own 80 acre parkland. The hotel is privately owned and is of a high standard with plenty of secure parking for our beloved cars. The hotel has 30 Doubles / Twins and 3 Singles – all rooms will be held until the end of this year for sole use by the AC Owners' Club. If we can take full allocation we will create our own AC ‘Club House’.  The package will include Breakfast, Dinner with wine and excursions (lunches to be finalised).  We are working on a programme of events and details will be made available nearer the time.
   
   Rooms available:-
   SUPERIOR DOUBLE - £1000.00 PER ROOM BASED ON 2 PEOPLE SHARING
   CLASSIC DOUBLE - £935.00 PER COUPLE BASED ON 2 PEOPLE SHARING
   SINGLE HOUSE ROOM - £635.00
   
   There are several rooms that have easier access and several that can be twin bedded. Please enquire when booking.  As we are limited on the number of rooms it is therefore essential to make a quick decision; rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
   
   An initial deposit of £250.00 is needed to secure your room and we will inform you of the final balance payment date early next year.
   
   To book and pay the initial deposit please contact the Deer Park Direct on 01404 41266. It is imperative to quote the reference ACOC 17 when making your booking.  If you have any dietary requirements please make it known to the hotel staff when making your booking. To help me with administration once you have made your initial booking and deposit payment, please contact me by email and I will send you a booking form to complete: mfeltham@originalstyle.com
   
   We hope that this international will provide you with a relaxed opportunity to see what Devon has to offer.

54

ACOC News and Events / Talk by John Spencer - 2 November

« on: September 25, 2016, 15:42:45 »

55

ACOC News and Events / BDC Silverstone

« on: June 06, 2016, 09:22:38 »

Message from Mark Morgan......
   
   This year at the Bentley Drivers Club meeting on the 6th August there will be 3 races in which ACs can enter. BDC is a great event with a group of friendly like minded enthusiasts.
   
   The Fiscar Race - is open to all Aces/Acecas and Ace Bristols and Aceca Bristols. This will be an optional two driver 30 minute race.
   
   Bic Healey - This is a 30 minute team race principally Healeys against ACs. It is open to 2.6 Aces and Acecas. I am very keen that we get a good showing not least as we won it last year!
   
   Morgan AC Race - Open to all Aces and Acecas - 20 minutes I think.
   
   It would be great to see you out there - David Cottingham and I are getting lonely on the Fiscar grid!
   
   It's also a great event for spectators.

56

General Forum / FBHVC National Historic Vehicle Survey 2016

« on: April 12, 2016, 10:09:07 »

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, of which the ACOC is a member, has announced the launch of the National Historic Vehicle Survey 2016. This important national survey is designed to identify the importance of the historic vehicle movement to the UK economy and the trends in historic vehicle ownership. The results will be used by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs to support their work on our behalf in representing the movement’s views to Parliament and to ensure we are able to enjoy the use of our vehicles on the roads for many years to come.
   
   Members completing the survey can elect for complete anonymity or may choose to add their email address to the survey to become part of the Federation’s focus group to be consulted form time to time on issues important to the historic vehicle movement. The Federation have confirmed that no email addresses will be released to third parties.
   
   The survey is critical for the preservation of our historic vehicle interests and we are happy to give it our full support. We encourage you to participate by completing the survey.
   
   To complete the survey click here http://tinyurl.com/zy3qyq2
   or for the full web address: https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=145771757465

57

Ace, Aceca & Greyhound Forum / William F Woodbury

« on: March 06, 2016, 09:18:25 »

I've had an enquiry via the website from a gentleman trying to contact William F Woodbury, formerly AC dealer on Long Island, NY, or his family members, to share some memorabilia.
   
   If anyone can help, I can forward details.
   
   Bryan

58

ACOC News and Events / National Day and 'Tour de Yorkshire'

« on: February 11, 2016, 09:26:08 »

Members are invited to join all or part of the weekend on 12 - 14 August 2016. The last National Day in Yorkshire was in 2008 so don’t miss the opportunity to visit ‘God's own country’!
   
   Hotel accommodation has been reserved at the Fairfield Manor Mercure Hotel, YO30 1XW, www.mercureyork.co.uk on the outskirts of York for both Friday and Saturday night. The hotel is less than a mile from a Park & Ride into York for those wanting the visit this historic city. We have negotiated a special rate per night including Breakfast and Dinner with wine of £175 for a double room (£132 single room). As it is high season and we have a discount of approximately £80 off the usual room rate the hotel will require full payment on booking. The rooms can only be held until the middle of April so early booking is recommended. Bookings should be made directly with the hotel by telephoning 01904 521505 (Mon-Fri 9-5) quoting the AC Owners' Club event. Please could you email Jacqui to confirm your booking as well.
   
   There will be a scenic run on the Saturday visiting the Yorkshire Moors, where the heather should be at its finest, and the Coast. A lunch stop will be organised.
   
   We are sure Castle Howard needs no introduction as our venue for the National Day: www.castlehoward.co.uk For those staying at the hotel there will be an optional route there taking in more views of the county. A group rate is available for visiting the House and Grounds during the day – tickets are £13.50 (£8.00 Grounds only). These have to be booked in advance so please let me know if you want to make the visit so that tickets can be arranged for you. There is no admission charge to the parking area.
   
   For further information email jacquibryan at outlook dot com

59

ACOC News and Events / 2016 International

« on: November 29, 2015, 10:20:19 »

Courtesy Frank Ashley and Drive Espana, the 2016 International will be in northern Spain:
   
   The May 2016 International Meeting is scheduled for Northern Spain. We have put together a two part meet, starting with a Tour of the Atlantic Coast to Galicia, followed by attendance at the four day Superdeportivos Cantabria supercar meeting which is a huge Supercar meet and party. Participants will have the option of doing the Tour,
   which runs from 10—20 May, the Supercar Event, which runs from 18—24 May or both.
   
   The Tour will start at Portsmouth with a 24 hour crossing to Spain on the Brittany Ferries flagship Pont Aven. After a night in Santillana del Mar, a lovely medieval village just outside Santander, the group will move to Leon for two nights in this lovely city with its Cathedral, shops and riverside rambla. The next stop is a night at the hilltop Parador of Verin with its stunning views before reaching Baiona on the Rias Baixes. Just 50 miles from Santiago de Compostella
   and a similar distance from Porto, Baiona is a magical spot, the hotel standing on a walled promontory which overlooks the harbour at which the first of Columbus’ caravelles made landfall with news of the New World. The tour then continues to the riverside Parador at Ribadeo which is an ideal spot for exploring the picturesque Northern
   Atlantic Coast. For those returning home the ferry leaves from Bilbao on the Thursday afternoon, for those staying on for Superdeportivos Cantabria it is a shorter hop to Santander for four nights at the seafront Hotel Chiqui which is our base for the event.
   
   Superdeportivos Cantabria ( supported by the City of Santander and the Government of Cantabria) starts with a gourmet evening meal on Thursday evening, Friday will start with a drive out into the mountains with perhaps 100 cars and careful shepherding by the traffic police who escort us, close junctions, and encourage the group to press on. After a lunch stop there is a return to Santander and a formal dinner at the Palacio de Magdalena overlooking the sea. Saturday starts with a car show some 2 miles from the hotel followed by another drive out and a formal lunch at the Chiqui, in 2015 this was attended by over 300 people; after a brief rest there is a coach to take us for dinner and dancing. Sunday will be a more relaxed day, in 2015 we spent a few hours sailing around Santander Harbour with champagne and canapés before the farewell lunch. The Ferry home then departs at lunchtime on Monday from Santander for a 24 hour crossing to Portsmouth. The organisers of Superdeportivos will lay on bilingual
   hosts, but in 2015 we didn’t really need them as most Spanish participants spoke some English.
   
   Tues 10 May Morning departure from Portsmouth on Brittany Ferries
   Wed 11 May Arrive in Santander then drive 22 miles to Santillana del Mar for a night at the Parador in this historic village
   Thurs 12 May Drive 145 miles over the Picos de Europa to Leon for two nights at the five star Parador
   Sat 14 May Drive 140 miles to Verin for a night at the hilltop Parador, laze by the pool, visit the town or go to the fortress of Pedro the Cruel
   Sun 15 May Drive 112 miles to Baiona for two nights in the stunning Parador. Use the spare day to explore, go to Vigo for shops and seafood, Santiago de Compostella for culture and history or Porto for a step into Portugal and Port!
   Tues 17 May Drive 190 miles to Ribadeo via the charming walled city of Lugo. There are two nights at the Parador allowing a drive out to properly explore the Atlantic Coast
   Wed 18 May Morning Departure from Portsmouth for those doing Superdeportivos only
   Thurs 19—Sun 22 May
   Full range of Superdeportivos activities including dinners, lunches, two drive outs formal dinner and dinner dance
   Mon 23 May Late morning departure on the Pont Aven to Portsmouth with early afternoon arrival 24 May
   Thurs 19 May Superdeportivos Group arrive at Bilbao and drive 63 miles to Santander for 4 nights at the Hotel Chiqui. Tour members joining Superdeportivos Group drive 187 Miles to Santander for 4 nights at the Hotel Chiqui. Non Superdeportivos participants drive 250 miles to Bilbao for the late afternoon ferry to Portsmouth with arrival late afternoon 20 May Baiona Leon Fuente de
   
   What is included.
   - Return ferry with outside twin cabin
   - Dinner bed and breakfast at all hotels on the Tour
   - Superdeportivos Activities as described with experienced Tour Leader
   - Tour leader to support Superdeportivos Activities
   - Map and roadbook.
   Price per car with two occupants.
   Tour only £2300
   Superdeportivos only £1850
   Tour and Superdeportivos £3100
   
   It will be an "unaccompanied" tour as Jasper will be doing another one at the same time.
   
   To book contact Drive Espana 01442 842542/07831 327727 or email
   info@driveespana.com

60

3000ME Forum / Windscreen Rubbers

« on: November 20, 2015, 15:44:11 »

Ian is investigating the remanufacture of the front windscreen rubber seal, which has been unavailable for some time.  Likely cost is £50 + P&P to ACOC members.
   
   If you are interested please contact Ian before the end of November.