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Best Wishes to all AC enthusiasts for a
Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2009
Brilliant Christmas present arrived unexpectedly, After 9 years of trying in vain via ACtion, email and Snail mail to authenticate the Racing History of BEX333 in
Seattle Area
( NW U S A, Vancouver and British Columbia) during the Period 1957 -1964.
I receive via Lee Kolb (the previous Owner of BEX333 from Dec 64 to Oct 2000) a potential lead / thread of James ( Jim) H Parsons racing at the very last race meeting held at Abbotsford Airfield in ..... The Swan Song Meeting on 30th March 1958. ( BEX333 was just 6 months old)
Follow up the lead, Yes.!! Jim Parsons raced BEX333 in three races at The Swan Song, comming 2nd in race number 2 (car number 251), 3rd in race number 4 and retired in race number 5.
August 31st 1958 Deer Park, Spokeane..... 3rd ??
July 26th 1959 Westwood- Coquitlam.... 1st race 5
Aug 16th and Aug 9th Westwood race track... led to believe that Jim H Parsons was one of the main instigators to forming the Westwood race track ? Club ??
Even better .... I was Referred to Canada Track & Traffic of January 1960, A picture of Jim Parsons Spinning infront of Al Doyan at Westwood. ( unfortunately incorrectly captioned )
Al Doyans name was already known to me as someone who raced regularly against Jim Parsons and actually rebuilt the engine of BEX333 for Lee Kolb in 1965. (He died many years ago, another lead that terminated without result)
I would like to thank Marion & Vince Howlett, Evan Williams and Tom Johnston of ICSCC ( International Conference of Sports Car Clubs ) for rekindling the search for the Racing History of BEX333.
Finally, I have now made contact with Mrs Jo-anne Parsons the widow of the late Jim Parsons who died in 1990. Jo-anne confirmed some details and offered to search out some photos.
Hopefully, Some period racing Pictures and literature will be forthcomming , In the meantime should any AC enthusiast or Historic racing officanado have any other information to help fill in the racing period 1957 to 1964.I would be eternally grateful.
email address :-
Keith dot Lessiter at gmail dot com
mob 07809 251333
Other names racing Aces at the initial Westwood meetings were Al Doyan, Dr V D Clausing, Ken Miller.
( did Jonathon Parker race AEX1194 at these meetings... ??)
Happy New Year to you all .....
Keith
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For and on behalf of Keith:
Due to the Forum functionality, it is not possible to replace the photobucketed pics, but they appear in order as attachments below. ::)
[EDIT] thanks to Peter (dkp_cobra) finding Postimage (https://postimages.org/), Images now being re-instated! ;D
BEX333, August 16th, 1959. Westwood - Coquitlam. Jim Parsons spins in front of Al Doyan.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/boidbtts7/BEX333_Aug_16th_1959_Westwood_Jim_Parsons_p2073.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
BEX333 in Seattle 1965,looking a little the worse for wear!
(https://s5.postimg.cc/am86ta393/BEX333_ARZ913_1965.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
...And again. (Not quite so bad from behind, it must be said!)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/rzih84j4n/BEX333_1965_Seattle_street_scene.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
More recently, going for a spin at the Ace 50th Anniversary meeting at Donington, 2003.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/fxn3dyugn/BEX333_Donington_50th_Anniversary_Race.jpg)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
At Mallory Park in 2003.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/eilipb693/BEX333_Mallory_Pk_2003.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
A nice tight line through the Goodwood chicane, 2006.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/qx8aplv6f/BEX333_Goodwood_2006.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
Deja vu? Goodwood, 2007.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/4zgf9008n/BEX333_Goodwood_2007.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
And finally, on the Manx Classic, 2007(my favourite [8D]).
(https://s5.postimg.cc/p5fbuq6on/BEX333_Manx_Classic_2007.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
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Racing History - Jim H Parsons in BEX333
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford Airfield. 2nd Race#2 No 251
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford. 3rd Race#4 No 251
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford. Retired Race#5 No 251
August 31st 1958 Deer Park, Spokane. 3rd ?
April 19th 1959 Shelton. 7th O/A, 1st in Class D
July 26th 1959 Westwood. 2nd O/A 1st in Class Race#5
August 9th 1959 Westwood ????
August 16th 1959 Westwood. 3rd O/A, 1st in Class
1959 through 1964: History details required, photos, copy of programs and result sheets.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Please contact by clicking here: Keith Lessiter ('AC Ace Bristol') (http://"http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=21")
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Here`s a picture of the Swan Song meeting at the Abbotsford Airfield:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/it4ry3ik7/Swan_Song.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/4mp12v7oz/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
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<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by nikbj68</i>
<font size="4">Racing History - Jim H Parsons in BEX333 </font id="size4">
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford Airfield. 2nd Race#2 No 251
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford. 3rd Race#4 No 251
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford. Retired Race#5 No 251
August 31st 1958 Deer Park, Spokane. 3rd ?
April 19th 1959 Shelton. 7th O/A, 1st in Class D
July 26th 1959 Westwood. 2nd O/A 1st in Class Race#5
August 9th 1959 Westwood ????
August 16th 1959 Westwood. 3rd O/A, 1st in Class
1959 through 1964: History details required, photos, copy of programs and result sheets.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Please contact by clicking here: <u><font color="green">Keith Lessiter ('AC Ace Bristol')</u></font id="green"> (http://"http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=21")
keith.lessiter@gmail.com
mobile tel: 07809 251333
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Nik
Many thanks for posting the pictures of BEX333 and brief details of It's early racing history.( One day I will master downloading photos onthe Forum)
I have now spoken to Ms Joann Parsons in Seattle three times, Sent various emails and 2 letters including photo copies of BEX333.
She promises to send photos of BEX at various race meetings when her late husband James (Jim) Parsons competed at different race fields/ tracks during 1958 /1964 and also furnish me with the Race plaques she removed from the trophies he won, but has since disposed of many years ago.
Its taken nearly 9 years to locate the origonal owner ( Well widow of) How many times can you ask for detailed history of your Ace before it is misconstrude as harassment.
So Close, Yet so Far......... Frustration or what ??
Never say Die!! I await in anticipation that the postie drops a envelope from Seatac / Seattle through my door... ZZZZzzz zzzz
If any one in USA NW, Vancouver- British Columbia has any photos of Aces racing in 58 to 64, please email a copy, it / they might just be the missing links to complete the Racing History Jigsaw of BEX333.
Keith
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Help required by desperate ACE Enthusiast / Custodian of "BEX333"
Since making contact in December 2008 with Mrs Joann Parsons the Widow of the late "James H Parsons" the 1st owner of BEX333, (James died approx 1990). I have written 4 times, phoned 3 times and sent various emails.
In early June 2009, I sent a large envelope containing copy of all known racing history of BEX333 from 1957 through 1964 plus a reinforced addressed photographic envelope and a $20 bill to hopefully tactfully get Mrs Parsons to fill the envelope with the promised photos, I then left it for another month then followed tup by a phonecall early in July.
Yes! Mrs Parsons has received my Post, She assures me she has photographs of BEX333 at various race meets and various race Plaques off the numerous disposed Trophies won by James Parsons in the late 50s early 60s piloting ACE BEX333.
BUT STILL NOTHING wings its way back across the pond.
As Mss Parsons is now 75 years young, Before I give up, Or worse still Mrs Parsons gives up and passes away, One last line of pursuit to try and secure these photos.
Does any club member or AC Enthusiast live in or close to SEATAC, WA 98198.. USA ????
If they do, Could he / she Please contact me via email and hopefully they could arrange to collect the pictures and plaques on my behalf and post them on in the envelope already provided. ( Hopefully the $20.00 already sent to Mrs Parsons more than covers the post of a few photos and racing plaques.
Alternatively can the photos be scanned ? ( I will reimbusre costs incourred in copying and posting or copying and emailing)
When GOD called out PATIENCE I was queing up for a hearing aid!!
Seriously having spent the best part of 10 years trying invainto authenticate the racing history of my Ace "BEX333" I am now so close, yet so far.
Can someone out there please help in securing this data befor it is lost forever.
A desperate AC Enthusiast / Custodian of "BEX333".
Please contact me via email: Amended 31st May 2018.
Keith dot lessiter at gmail dot com
or on mobile 0044 7809 251333
Thanking you in anticipation.
Keith
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Jumping on the first plane ? Seriously....
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John ( R Lucke)
Many thanks for your propmt and positive offer, will communicate via email, as I Don't think it's right to publicise a 75 year old single females address on the internet.
If nothing materialises within the next 6 weeks or so from Mrs P, then I will take up your kind offer to collect my long awaited package.
Keith
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John
Still I wait. Just to keep you updated......... ZZZZzzzzz
No, Seriously, I phoned Mrs P last night, She was on good form, assured me she has dug out the photos of Jim Racing BEX333 during their ownership 1957 through 1964. Along with the racing plaques salvaged from Jim's Old trophies prior to disposing of unwanted items.
She has also found a 1962 numberplate from BEX333, all the items along with my reinforced self addressed envelope and $20 bill have been sitting on the Windowcill for the past two months.
Reason for not posting .... two fold.
One ..... The number plate is too big to fit in envelope.
Two ..... more important, She simply keeps forgetting to take the items to the post office when taken shopping once aweek by her Carer, being wheel chair bound somewhat restricts trips outdoors.
She has promised to post the photos and plaques next week, In the Meantime I'm going to post to USA a large empty self addressed Jiffy Bag and another $20 bill to accomodate and hopefully secure the number plate.
Interesting Story during last nights telephone conversation, Jim competed in 20 or so races, During one LeMans style Start, Jim ran across the track, Jumped over the Door and the Gear Shift went up his right trouser leg, By the time he had got out and back into the car everyone was half a lap in front, not the best start to that particular race.
As I said earlier, Mrs P is fit and well and on good form, although a little forgetful but hopefully the long awaited period racing photos and racing plaques wing there way across the pond.
Lets hope, my next message is positive and I can publish some photos, We never know, might even include photos of other Aces racing in the NW, British Columbia and Vancouver during the late 1950s /early 1960s.
Keith
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Hi to all who have followed this Trail or is it Trial.......
Posty arrived this morning with a large triangular United States Postal Services tube from Mrs Parsons. [:)]
Opened in eager anticipation of the Photographs and Racing Plaques promised last December....... Negative, No photos , no Plaques just a 1957 (Ace) black English number plate " TXF913 "
If any one in London area or Seattle / Tacoma area of USA has any photos of a Ace Bristol in 1957 wearing this number plate, I would love a copy. In the meantime I must write a polite letter of thanks to Mrs Parsons ..... and tactfully ask whatever happened to the photos and racing plaques.
From a high .... back to reality ... Do these photos and Race plaques really exist [?] I dont think so.
This thread is now closed !!
Keith [:(] [xx(]
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Ah, the thrill of the chase, eh Keith?! Good luck, hopefully persistence will pay off!
Peter
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quote:
Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol
Hi to all who have followed this Trail or is it Trial...This thread is now closed !!
Keith [:(] [xx(]
I think it`s time you called the experts in 'Cold cases'!
(http://sharetv.org/images/waking_the_dead_uk-show.jpg)
Courage, Mon Ami!
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Nik
In case I get Cold, I'll have the 2 on the right, you can choose from the other 3.
Quick thank you to those who have either posted or emailed encouragement, not to give up........ Ever hopeful !
I have surprised myself [:)] with my patience, I have told many friends ... ... "When God called out Patience, I was queing for a Hearing Aid"
Letter of thanks has been sent, promising to forward on another $20 dollar bill to reimburse the additional postage for the number plate ($29.90). I know from research that James H Parsons owned and raced other English sports /racers in the 1960s, I'm positive that the number plate TXF913 (late 1957?) was off one of these.
In 10 days time, [I)] I will post the additional $20 this time in a fancy card, Hopefully this might ignite some positive action, if negative,I Will have to send in the Ace & Cobra boys from Washington " The Evergreen State" [:(!]
If any of our ACOC Members live in or close to Seatac / Seattle then I will rally them for help otherwise John (R Lucke) will be called upon to phone and arrange collection of the long awaited BEX333 racing memorabilia.
Keith [;)] [:)] [I)]
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Keith, sorry you didn't get everything promised. I'm in the San Juan Islands about 120 miles north of Seatac. Let me know if I can pick the materials up for you.
John
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John
Thank you for your kind offer, much appreciated.
I don't want to harras Mrs P,So will leave for another 3 or 4 weeks, If nothing materialises by mid November, I will call upon your Services and send in the Cavalry [;)]
I have your home address and email details on my laptop, hopefully the next time I contact you is with good news, arrival of photos and race plaques.
Cheers [:)]
Keith
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quote:
Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol
Nik
In case I get Cold, I'll have the 2 on the right, you can choose from the other 3.
Quick thank you to those who have either posted or emailed encouragement, not to give up........ Ever hopeful !
I have surprised myself [:)] with my patience, I have told many friends ... ... "When God called out Patience, I was queing for a Hearing Aid"
Letter of thanks has been sent, promising to forward on another $20 dollar bill to reimburse the additional postage for the number plate ($29.90). I know from research that James H Parsons owned and raced other English sports /racers in the 1960s, I'm positive that the number plate TXF913 (late 1957?) was off one of these.
In 10 days time, [I)] I will post the additional $20 this time in a fancy card, Hopefully this might ignite some positive action, if negative,I Will have to send in the Ace & Cobra boys from Washington " The Evergreen State" [:(!]
If any of our ACOC Members live in or close to Seatac / Seattle then I will rally them for help otherwise John (R Lucke) will be called upon to phone and arrange collection of the long awaited BEX333 racing memorabilia.
Keith [;)] [:)] [I)]
A Little research has revealed that Registration number "TXF913"
was issued in London during 1957 to a Car for export.
TXF / TXA were issued to vehicles for export, Did AC Thames Ditton register all ACs for export with Department of Transport and Export Authorities.
Or were some cars Collected from THames Ditton by their new owner or even Driven to the Docks by AC employees ??
Can some (AC) Historian or transport anorak throw light on the subject........ Mrs Parsons is somewhat adament that Jims Ace wore this Number Plate when it arrived in USA.
Keith
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quote:
Originally posted by nikbj68
Racing History - Jim H Parsons in BEX333
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford Airfield. 2nd Race#2 No 251
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford. 3rd Race#4 No 251
March 30th 1958 Abbotsford. Retired Race#5 No 251
August 31st 1958 Deer Park, Spokane. 3rd ?
April 19th 1959 Shelton. 7th O/A, 1st in Class D
July 26th 1959 Westwood. 2nd O/A 1st in Class Race#5
August 9th 1959 Westwood ????
August 16th 1959 Westwood. 3rd O/A, 1st in Class
1959 through 1964: History details required, photos, copy of programs and result sheets.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Please contact by clicking here: Keith Lessiter ('AC Ace Bristol') (http://"http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=21")
Perseverance has paid off, After 10 months, the long awaited package has landed in the UK, A few Poor quality photo copies of Period racing pictures of BEX333, a little dissapointing, However more than compensated by the 12 Brass racing Plaques and five plastic plaques which confirm / substatiate Jim Parsons Racing History with BEX333 during Period 1958, 1959 & 1960.
Basically they authenticate the listing already published, with the added bonus of the following:-
4 x Larger Brass Plaques ( approx 105mm x 68mm) as below:-
ICNSCC Racing Championship 1958 1st Jim Parsons Class B Prod
CNC Racing Championship 1959 1st Jim Parsons Class B Prod
CNC Racing Championship 1960 3rd Jim Parsons Class B Prod
PugetSoundssc " " 1960 1st Jim Parsons Class B Prod
A few more SSC of British Columbia:-
BMC Tourist Trophy 10-02-1960 2nd Class B Prod
VAN-MAN-VAN Rally Overall 3rd place
4th ELLENBURG PSSCC Race 9-28-1958 1st B Prod
SCCA Shelton 4-19-1959 2nd Class D over1600 Pro
If anyone has any printed data or pictures to complement any of the above can you please forward copies, much appreciated.
A couple of the pictures will be posted tomorrow,(Excuse the quality, but better than nothing) in the meantime, I will examine the photo copy pictures and hopefully glean some more information.
A very big thank you to all those who have encouraged me to keep in contact with Mrs Parsons, I now have more accurate history of BEX333 and some new lines of enquiry .... A new Challange which hopefully not only produces more data on BEX333 but also some period Facts and pictures of other Aces raced in NW USA during the 1950s & 60s.
Keith [:)] [:D] [:D]
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Congratulations Keith! Well done.
Peter
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Keith,
Great news! I find the history that our cars have to tell one of the best aspects of owning a Vintage car. Thanks for sharing what you’ve discovered. I look forward to seeing some of the old photos. How about posting a few digital photos of the racing plaques...I’m curious to see what they look like.
Cheers,
John
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Photos to accompany Keith`s latest news:
BEX 333 at Westwood, August 16th, 1959:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/vzu7y2993/BEX333_Westwood_Aug_16th_1959.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
BEX 333 at the 'Swansong',Abbottsford, 1958:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/qcxv041g7/BEX333_Abbottsford_Swansong_1958.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
Pictures of the plaques to follow.
Softly softly, catchee monkey! [8D]
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Nik
Thank you for posting the Pictures, I have scanned the plaques and sent you a series of email, Hopefully with poetic license you can reproduce and post on the Forum. They are not the easiest to copy due to material and relective property... my excuse.
I O U a few Drinks !! [:)]
Cheers 4 Now
Keith [:)]
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Hi to those still following this thread.
Have had a little time to study a few of the poor quality photo copy pictures, looking closely at the front of the Ace a Letter T and a number 3 are clearly visible to either side of the American (Washington) number plate ..... AKF221 which is covering the rest of the English Black & White 1957 (London) Export number plate.
Thus confirming that BEX333 left the UK wearing TXF913 just as Mrs Parsons said. Therefore did Jim Parsons collect the Ace from Thames Ditton and tour the UK prior to exporting it back to USA ?? or as The Thames Ditton Bible clearly states BEX333 was Exported directly to "Imported Motor Cars" Tacoma on 19th August 1957
Can any one who worked at Thames Ditton in 1957 throw any light on the matter.
Last but not least are there any AC enthusiasts and /or Vintage-
Classic Sports enthusiasts in NW USA , Vancouver, or British Columbia who have any photos of a White, a Beige or a Red Ace Bristol ( Was repainted three times between 1957 and 1964) ripping up the tarmac wearing the US number plate AKF221?
If so can they please make a copy available either via email, post or on the Forum, any info on any of the Events list would also be gratefully received. ... Many thanks in advance. (Oh dear, getting over confident know )
Keith [:)] [:)]
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Jim Parsons Racing Plaques.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/panohninr/Scan10010a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/t710dn3n7/)
1958:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/pnf2nsycn/scan10004a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/yifwyacuf/Scan10016a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/y5ois4x5j/Scan10035a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/a1xr3v1tz/Scan10014a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
1959:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/tjsejrw6v/Scan10028a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/3o8o0lp87/Scan10004b.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/9p6cxn99j/Scan10029a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/iwyledyc7/Scan10008b.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
1960:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/entvc6shz/Scan10024a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
[EDIT]See attachment below.
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Keith,
Well done on tacking down the history. As for further info, would this book help any?
Westwood: Everyone's Favourite Racing Circuit
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/189469449X/ref=nosim/schildnet0c
I have not read it, but maybe buried in it are some more pics and info.
Jay
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Keith:
What nice rewards for your perseverance! I’ve heard about these plaques but I’m not too familiar with them…I take it these were meant to attach to the dash…but were more often thrown in a drawer or memento box. I bet it’s very rare that they are ever reunited with the car’s current owners.
Best,
John
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John
Jim Parsons died in 1990, Mrs Jo Ann Parsons removed the plaques off Jim's trophies before disposing of the trophies, saving space ? decluttering ?? who knows, However I'm sure pleased she at least kept them for another 19 years.
John as you rightfully say, very rare for such momentos to be
re-united with the car some 50 years later.
Mrs Jo-Ann Parsons knows she has a collection of B&W and Colour 35mm Slides of Jim competing in the Ace at various race tracks and air fields, Some where at home, just got to find the box.
If or when she finds them she promises to post them on. A bonus if they materialise. (I must send 2 or 3 cards over the coming years just to stir her grey cells into action.)
In the meantime a few new avenues of research, hopefully they produce some more period photos of BEX333 plus other Aces racing during the Period 1957 through 1964.
Any additional new material will be shared on this forum as and when ever possible and passed onto both Tony Bancroft and Tim Isles to complement the ever expanding Ace Registers.
What a rewarding roller coaster journey. If any one else is researching the History / Racing History of their Ace, I hope you have the same success as I have had, If so please share them on the Forum.
Keith [;)] [:)]
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.
. Phoned Mrs Jo ann Parsons again, Jim collected BEX333 direct from Peter Lovely of Imported Motor Cars - Tacoma in September 1957.
The Ace was already wearing the British Number plate TXF913, therefor it must have been driven on British Roads prior to export.
Could Peter Lovely or a representative of Imported Motor Cars, Tacoma, Washington. Have visited Thames Ditton in August 1957 and driven BEX333.?
According to the Official Thames Ditton Bible and Factory Build sheets 3 Ace Bristol's BEX331 / BEX332 & BEX333 were all despatched Washington on
the 19th August 1957.
Or was BEX333 used as a demonstrator prior to export ?
Keith [:)]
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Has any reader following this thread a contact number, email or contact address for either "Peter Lovely" or "Tom Carstens Jnr" of Imported Motor Cars, 7030 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, Washington.
They must now both be in there late 70s possibly early 80s and were major - key figures in the Sale and promotion of Austin Healeys, Jaguar XK 120/140 & 150s, Porsche356s and three AC Ace Bristol's "BEX331, BEX332 & my BEX333" in Seattle & NW USA.
Both Guys also had major interest in Sport Car Racing. ( Theres a Surprise )
Has any one any Mid to Late 1957 photos of their show rooms and or Parking lot or press material, just on the off chance any of the three Aces are in view. South Sound Photo Album have some great Period Promo shots when the Esther Williams Girls ( Bathing Beauties ) Showcased on the 25th of July 1959. Unfortunetely, Not one AC in sight. Aluminium bodies and Bathing Beauties both have curves & good form but Ali bodies dont take kindly to being stood upon or drapped over. photos from the Richards Studio Collection.
Cheers 4 Now [:)]
Keith
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South Sound Photo Album have some great Period Promo shots when the Esther Williams Girls ( Bathing Beauties ) Showcased on the 25th of July 1959...Keith...
(https://s5.postimg.cc/he379cew7/Esther_Williams_9122.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/wa1qgy5qf/Esther_Williams_9123.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/nrsaclrhz/Esther_Williams_9129.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
IMAGES WITH THE PERMISSION OF, AND © 1999-2009 Tacoma Public Library (http://"www.tacomapubliclibrary.org")(Click attachment pics to link to their album pages)
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Nik
As if by magic! I only had copy of the first picture not the second.
Thank you for giving other followers of this thread something more intersting to look at [8D] than Brass Plaques.
Keith
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Email received from :-
Art (Cleveland) From the East Coast confirmed that Peter Lovely is now 79 years young and still lives in Tacoma, Has interest in Lotus Club. Also has ads in lotus Bulletin and possible connection with a Lotus restoration company in the Seattle / Tacoma area. ( believe he Still races a Ferrari Testa Rosa ?)
Many thanks ART for telephone numbers and addresses ..... will follow up this weekend. appreciated!
Keith
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Received a e-mail from John R Lucke, confirming telephone numbers and addresses ( Inc Business) for both "Peter Lovely" and "Tom Carstens". many thanks John. [;)]
Also confirmed some fasinating connections with 1950s & 1960s Sports Car racing in NW USA. Obviously moving in the right circles, Racing Maserati 4CLT-8, Knobbly Listers, Allards, Ferrari Testa Rosa and the odd Lotus 11.
Hopefully between these two they have additional information on the various AC Aces raced in this region of USA, Canada, British Columbia and Vancouver, Any information however small appreciated, Could be the vital link to associate driver with specific Ace and assist another member/s in confirming vital history of their Ace.
Please keep the info coming in and eventually I should complete the Historic Racing Picture of BEX333 and hopefully furnish other Ace owners with pictures of their Aces in ACtion.
Thank you to all those who have emailed. phoned and contributed to this thread to date ........ Appreciated.
Keith [:)]
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Wow... Floods of leads!!! Great stuff, considering only 3 weeks ago "...This thread is now closed..." !!!
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John R Lucke & Art Cleveland etc
Thank you for tel numbers, unfortunetely having a little problem as some of the numbers are out of date (no longer used) and the 7 hour time difference causing difficulty, If either of you or any other reader has a email address for Peter Lovely and Tom Carstens it/they would be appreciated, in the meantime I will post from UK a letter and link to this thread to each address in hope that it will generate a few more details.
I have quickly lightly cleaned the English number Plate "TXF913" the letter T and number 3 are a little marked the rest of the number plate is amost concours, Did notice lightly but clearly visible scratched into the black paint on the centre line face of number plate a circle encompassing the numbers 333. (was this scribed in UK or in USA ?)
Need to establish if this number plate was issued in UK to my Ace prior to export or was it taken off a 1957 English export car and used to mount the USA number plate AKF221 to the front of BEX333 ??
Have since learnt that Aceca TAE618 was registered TXF912 pre 2nd July 1957 and Ace BE295was registered TXF911 pre 7th May 1957, with my Ace Bristol BEX333 register TXF913 pre 19th Aug 1957. Was this just a ploy to reduce purchase Tax ??
Has Peter and / or Tom photos of BEX331(Black/Black), BEX332 (Red / Black) and BEX333 (White/Red) which were all despatched from Thames Ditton on the 19th August 1957, Destined for Imported Motor Cars - Tacoma.
Any one in the UK have record to which Vehicle English number TXF913 was allocated. Mike Mansergh in UK states that he has a book stating that TXF and TXA were issued in London for Cars due for Export. All very interesting, but not answering the question.
Any assistance gratefully received and appreciated.
Keith [:)]
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Keith,
Just looking at your possible english registration for BEX333 in my "Trader Handbook" dated 1963. In the section for registration letters, TXA through to TXL are shown as (Export) and TXF covering May 57-Nov 57. This ties up well with the build/ reg date for your car.XF is also shown generally as a London mark. Further info may be on the national archive site:http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=051-cc_4&cid=2-5-1-6#2-5-1-6. Moving on to the actual plate, My trader book also has an advert for "ACE" number plates made by Corner craft Ltd, Ace works Parkside Coventry. The small eliptical Badge is present on the upper left hand side, exactly the same as both plates on my Aceca. I suspect that 333 was registered in england, possibly at Kingston on Thames or County Hall London before export to the states.Good luck. Mike M
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Hi Mike
Welcome to the Forum.
Thank you for scanning through your reference library and confirming which parts of the registration plate indicate Area Identification and Confirming that the license issue date of May 1957 to November 1957, Which coincides nicely with the manufacturing & export date of BEX333 which was 19th August 1957, also for confirming your source of reference material.
Another source of reference worth checking out, for members seaking information on number plate Identification google:-
"Chiltern Preservation Group, Car Registrations & Number Plates , 1903 to 2003"
Meanwhile John R Lucke and Art Cleveland both in USA have made positive inroads regards contacting Peter Lovely and have emailed a series of leads, with potential of securing email address and fingers crossed some proof that BEX333 arrived in Tacoma wearing the British Number Plate TXF913.( Which also wears the small oval Ace logo in the top left hand corner of the number plate, as Mike confirmed )
Hopefully a member of Peter Lovely's family or a ex-employee has a photograph of the three Aces ... ... BEX331 / BEX332 and BEX333 all together on the forecourt and /or individual photos of each when delivered to "Imported Motor Cars" - Tacoma in 1957. Mind you after 52 years We are asking a lot.
Should any information materialise relating to BEX331 & BEX332 then I will forward on to the relevent Custodians and publish along with all new material on BEX333 on this thread.
A big thank you to you all. [;)]
Keith [:)]
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Originally posted by mike m Keith,
Just looking at...my "Trader Handbook" dated 1963...an advert for "ACE" number plates made by Corner craft Ltd, Ace works Parkside Coventry. The small eliptical Badge is present on the upper left hand side, exactly the same as both plates on my Aceca...Mike M
And here it is:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/8znklkyiv/Aceplates.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/yv7b4s0cj/)
-
quote:
Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol
Hi Mike
Welcome to the Forum.
Thank you for scanning through your reference library and confirming which parts of the registration plate indicate Area Identification and Confirming that the license issue date of May 1957 to November 1957, Which coincides nicely with the manufacturing & export date of BEX333 which was 19th August 1957, also for confirming your source of reference material.
Another source of reference worth checking out, for members seaking information on number plate Identification google:-
"Chiltern Preservation Group, Car Registrations & Number Plates , 1903 to 2003"
Meanwhile John R Lucke and Art Cleveland both in USA have made positive inroads regards contacting Peter Lovely and have emailed a series of leads, with potential of securing email address and fingers crossed some proof that BEX333 arrived in Tacoma wearing the British Number Plate TXF913.( Which also wears the small oval Ace logo in the top left hand corner of the number plate, as Mike confirmed )
Hopefully a member of Peter Lovely's family or a ex-employee has a photograph of the three Aces ... ... BEX331 / BEX332 and BEX333 all together on the forecourt and /or individual photos of each when delivered to "Imported Motor Cars" - Tacoma in 1957. Mind you after 52 years We are asking a lot.
Should any information materialise relating to BEX331 & BEX332 then I will forward on to the relevent Custodians and publish along with all new material on BEX333 on this thread.
A big thank you to you all. [;)]
Keith [:)]
Still trying to confirm if BEX333 was registered TXF913 prior to export to Tacoma (Seattle-USA) in August 57.
Just received a interesting email stating that it was fairly common practice for Cars to be Road registered in UK (clock up a some miles) prior to export, thus avoiding or reducung purchase tax as the vehicle would be deemed second hand. A very interesting Ruse !
In fact Demo models in Garages today do similar practice, to help increase sales to the general public.
Does any one reading this thread know of any one with access to records which might help confirm if TXF913 was officially allocated to BEX333 prior to exporting to USA in Aug 1957?.
Cheers 4 Now
Keith
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John Spencer the ACOC Club Historian, Confirms that any member seeking details on registration marks issued in the UK should visit the following web site, better still write to them including a SEA and a cheque for £7.50.
They have record of some 2.000.000 historic registration cards / documents, if they have major data on your registration they supply written proof and if sufficient information is available can for a fee of £25.00 supply written data to assist in securing original registration mark and reuniting it to its rightful place/vehicle.
website: www.KitheadTrust.org.uk
or TheKitheadtransportarchive
email : Kitheadtrust@live.co.uk
Write to : The Kithead Transport Archive.
De Salis Drive, Hampton Lovett. Droitwich, WR9 0QE
John also confirmed that the official "Thames Ditton Build Book" (The AC Bible) [;)] also contains data on all ACs ( Post War) which were issued to various Agents/ dealers for display in their showrooms (Sale or Return) and if not sold were returned to Thames Ditton some agreed period later for resale via Thames Ditton or another Agent.
Thank you John for the above information, I will write to The Kit Head Transport Archive enclosing a cheque for £7.50 and hopefully get more information, if I get a negative response and my £7.50 cheque returned, I have only lost a few minutes of my time.
Good luck to other ACOC members who might be lucky in securing and reuniting their AC with its original Registration Mark.
Keith [:)] [:)]
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quote:
Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol
...Good luck to other ACOC members who might be lucky in securing and reuniting their AC with its original Registration Mark.
Keith [:)]
This is exactly what Tony Bancroft succeeded in doing with the Ace Bristol 5 BPG, as my father retained that number in the 70`s (possibly used it on a Fiat 500!!!)but it would have been lapsed for some considerable time. It is now, I believe, non-transferable, but in this case, that`s no bad thing.
Whether Tony used the above method or not, I`m not sure, but I am sure he would assist any club member in re-uniting a car with it`s correct number.
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Keith,
I was going through some of my old magazines last night and found a copy of the Oct 1959 Canada Road and Traffic with an article on the first Race at Westwood. No pics of BEX333, but it talks about James Parson's 2nd place finish in Race 5 (finished 2nd to a Corvette, and there is a results table at the end. If you do not have a copy of the article and want one, I can try to scan it in.Unfortunately, the article does not have a race date identified.
Jay
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Jay
I do not have a copy of the article you refer to and would really appreciate a copy of anything you have relating to James Parsons competing in BEX333.(Would even buy the odd back copy if available)
I do have a poor discoloured copy of articles from the following Canada Track & Road, which gives mention to Jim Parsons at Westwood..
Bill Barford wrote a feature "Westwood Still Going Strong" in Canada Track & Road dated January 1960. (Jim / James Parsons is incorrectly referred to as John Parsons) ref: pages 30 and 31.
Page 31 shows Jim spinning infront of Al Doyon also driving a Ace Bristol in very close proximety to a Porsche 356. I would dearly love to get a good quality copy of this picture.
Also have a equally discoloured poor quality copy of article published in Canada Track & Road dated November 1959 ... SCCBC "Westwood Opener" again James Parsons is mentioned.
Sports Car Club of British Columbia News Sheet dated 12th August
1959 confirms some race results confirming James Parsons racing results relating to Westwood race meetings of July 26th 1959 and 9th August 1959.
JAY ... Could you please email me Keith.lessiter@gmail.com (Amended 1st June 2018) a copy of your data and if possible publish any information / data you have on this thread. [?]
Definitely interested in buying back copies of "Canada Track & Road"
featuring the various race meetings in British Columbia, Vancouver and NW USA covering the period January 1958 through December 1961.
Especially if they substantiate more racing history of my BEX333.
What ever information you have certainly complements the information I have secured over the past 10 years and is yet another piece of the jigsaw which is gradually creating a historic picture of the
" Racing History of BEX333".
Jay .... Thank you once again, any information you have would be appreciated.
Cheers 4 Now
Keith [:)] [:)]
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Keith,
I sent a copy of the article. Not the best quality, but at least something.
Jay
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Jay
Recieved all four pages,( Quality similar to other copies retrieved from SCCBC & ICSCC) Not sure of the exact date of this race meeting, in which James came 2nd in race 4, Could have been the Westwood meeting of August the 9th.
James Came 2nd in race 5 and 1st in class (Westwood 26 July 1959)
and 3rd on 16th August 1959 also taking 1st in class.
Interesting that Ken Miller and Alf Doyan were also doing well in their Ace Bristols.
Also note that Pete Lovely did FTD in his lotus XV, Peter actually handed the keys and BEX333 over to James Parsons when James bought BEX333 from AC Agents " Imported Motor Cars " Tacoma.
Alf Doyan rebuilt the engine in BEX333 in 1965 for Lee Kolb, from whom I bought BEX333 in Sept 2000.
I didnt then fully appreciate that when I bought my Ace from Lee Kolb,(Seattle) that I would inherit 36 years of reciepts and Thames Ditton correspodance (1964 to 2000).Full continous history,? well almost, Still more history is comming to light thanks to the ACOC Forum. Still trying to contact Pete Lovely any one have a email address ?
Keith [:)]
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Keith,
Have you tried contacting the Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia? At the end of the flyer in the link below, there are e-mail addresses for a few members who may have been there in the day.
http://www.vrcbc.ca/Vantage%20Winter%202007.pdf
Jay
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Hi Jay
Thank you for the potential lead, In December 2008 I sent emails requesting information relating to James Parsons and BEX333, to:-
Marion & Vince Howlett, Evan Williams & Tom Johnston, who inturn forward my email to 56 other email addresses, to various individuals who were either involved with Sports Car Racing in the 1950s & 60s or are involved with classic sports racing clubs & Associations.
I had various correspondance back including a personal invite to bring BEX333 over for the Westwood 50th Anniversary meeting being held on July 17th, 18th and 19th 2009.
As James Parsons competed in BEX333 at the Initial Westwood meeting on 26th July 1959.plus numerous other Westwood race meetings during 1959 and 1960 in my Ace.(BEX333)
There followed a few years racing a Elva in formula junior. Cheaper than continually repairing and repainting the Ali bodywork of a AC Ace. As you can see from early photographs on this thread The white bodywork become Silver Blue within 18 months then repainted Red in 1964.
Unfortunately this Reunion clashed with other ACOC events including our clubs 60th Anniversary. Along with the poor £ to $ exchange rate and being without the Ace whilst it being shipped to USA and back was not really viable.
I must make contact again, On the off chance that one or two new contacts were made or even re juvenated during the Westwood 50 reunion back in July.
You never know till you ask.
I can email you a listing of the various recipients of my email requests for Historic Race data, if it could assist you in securing History of AEX125 ??
I'm ever hopefull that Martin Rudow might have additional information and possible photos as he was present at most of these races in the NW USA, Vancouver and British Columbia during the late 1950s and 1960s.
Keith
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Hi Keith,
It sounds like you are already in contact with many people that were involved with Racing in the Pacific Northwest so hopefully they will be able to provide more info for you. As for my search on 125 history, at this point I believe it spent all of its time in the Southwest, so I do not think any of your contacts would have any info. I'll keep my eyes open for anything else that pops up and pass it along when (if) I run across it.
Jay
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Excerpt from the VRCBC Newsletter (http://"http://www.vrcbc.ca/Vantage%20Winter%202007.pdf") highlighting race results, Courtesy of Jay:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/vbldf7ak7/Vintage_Racing_Clubof_British_Columbial.jpg) (http://"http://www.vrcbc.ca/Vantage%20Winter%202007.pdf")
-
.
.
Phoned Mrs Jo ann Parsons again, Jim collected BEX333 direct from Peter Lovely of Imported Motor Cars - Tacoma in October / November 1957.
The Ace was already wearing the British Number plate TXF913, therefor it must have been driven on British Roads prior to export.
Could Peter Lovely or a representitive of Imported Motor Cars, Tacoma, Washington. Have visited Thames Ditton in August 1957 and driven BEX333.?
According to the Official Thames Ditton Bible and Factory Build sheets 3 Ace Bristol's BEX331 / BEX332 & BEX333 were all despatched for Washington on 19th August 1957.
Or was BEX333 used as a demonstrator prior to export ?
Keith [:)]
********************************************************************************************
A quick thank you to all who have helped throughout 2009 confirm the racing history of BEX333, the perseverance has paid big dividends and has made the effort really worth while.
The Thames Ditton AC Build Book alias "The AC Bible" confirms when each AC was made and its destination and specification when it left the Works.
As clearly stated BEX333 left Thames Ditton along with BEX331 & BEX332 on 19th August 1957 destined for Imported Motor Cars Tacoma, BEX333 being the only one ordered and already allocated to its First owner (James Parsons).
I have it on good authority from Mrs Joann Parsons that BEX333 was registered TXF913 before being exported to USA, these details are not recorded in the Build Book.
Further examination and speaking to various other Ace and Aceca owner's it would appear that by registering the car prior to export one could not only drive legally on the UK roads but the export / import taxes were possibly reduced as the car was no longer classified as New.
My research has established that this was a fairly common practise, for example according to the AC Build Book ... ... BEX242 was despatched to the docks on the 27th December 1956 destined for a Mr Richard Saul Eastman in L.A. California on the SS "Dongedyk"
However I have a Photocopy of ACs Invoice date 19th December 1956 and a photocopy of a Tax Disc confirming that BEX242 was road registered SYX729 on 19th December 1956 for the sum of £1.2 shillings where 3 months road tax was then £3.8 shillings and 9 pence. (Taxed for 1 month, the month of December) But the AC Build Bible clearly states BEX242 being Exported to L.A.
None of these details relating to Road Registering in the UK are officially logged in the AC Build Bible, How many other AC's were allocated number plates prior to export ??
I would like to thank Antoine Prunet in Paris for confirming registration details of his BEX242, Which has helped confirm that a similar practise was carried out with BEX333.
Hopefully next year a little more information comes to light on BEX333 and various other Ace's especially with racing history.
In the meantime I would like to wish you all a
<b><center>Merry Christmas
and a very
Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2010</center> </b>
Keith [:)] [:)]
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Just some background for the members in England
There were a number of items that documented an SCCA race in the 50's and 60's. Of course there are the trophies that listed the race, class and finish position. Keith got the plaques off the trophies. Many trophies usually platters, bowls, etc had the results engraved right in. Keith's car could have placed in a number of other races, but without a plaque to remove the information is lost when the trophy was tossed.
There were the "dash plaques" that John mentions. Usually everyone that entered recieved a dash plaque. It listed the event, venue and date on an etched metal plate about 1" x 2 1/2". They always seemed to be the same size and style. There were holes at each end to fix it to the dash. This was very rarely done as John says they were tossed in a drawer. We had the things laying all over. Dash plaques are useful in documenting competition history when kept with other records and the car. Alone they are too general to tell much.
One item you'll very rarely see is the "tech inspection" sticker. Before competing, the car and safety equipment went through inspection. Once the inspection was passed, a white sticker (1 x 3) was attached to the car. It contained the event, date, inspector signature, etc. It was usually put on the dash or wrapped around the roll bar. Some cars were covered with stickers as a badge of honor. Others peeled them off at the end of the season or randomly through the year as room was needed for new ones. If you find a 1x3 patch of glue residue, think tech inspection sticker.
There is also other paper work such as entry forms, class lists, grid diagrams, timing/scoring sheets and results sheets. In the days before copiers, they had a limited distribution through mimeographing.
Peter
Peter
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Peter
In the UK and Europe each Competition/ Race Car has to be inspected by a qualified approved Scrutineer to ensure compliance with Build and safety regulations as listed in the annual "Blue Book" issued by the MSA & FIA. These rules & regulations change year by year. Once the Car and racing overalls, gloves, helmet etc etc pass scrutineers a Sticker is issued which must be clearly displayed in /on the vehicle for inspection prior to entering the holding area prior to each race.
Gone are the days when the car or its roll cage can be festooned with scrutineers tags, some cars manage to retain some but more often scrutineers request they all be removed to safe guard someone passing off a car that has failed scrutineers inspection and competing in a unsafe or defective car.
I peel my tags off and stick them on card tags, where they gather dust in the garage.
As you clearly state most information confirming Identification of individual competition cars are on/of paper and usualy get lost or destroyed after a race meeting or during sucessive seasons, which is why it is so difficult to confirm the cars full race history, especially if it finishes mid field or the events are clubmans level.
Hence regular requests by many for period photographs, programs and result sheets, As time ticks by we get older, the memory distorts facts or simply forgets and history is lost forever, if not recorded for future custodians of our Big Boys Toys.
One day early in 2010 I will post a few dozen period 50s/60s photos on the forum, In hope that someone can ID the Ace, the driver and the event. Might just be the first photograph you or the new custodian (and Register) have of his Ace in Competition.
Please dig out those period 1950s /1960s race track photos and post them on our Forum. Help collate a more accurate register for future generation
Keith [:)]
.
.
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Well, this selection of photos don`t quite fit in with the `57-`64 part of the thread, but, as the damage dates from then, I think we can be excused, no? [:)]
Some of these are from a previous owner`s GALLERY (http://"http://picasaweb.google.com/leepamkolb/BEX33302?authkey=Gv1sRgCLHnk6S-oOmkKg&feat=email#"), the later ones were sent to me by Keith for submission here.
From 1978 to 1985, BEX333 ran around naked (and why not?! ;D)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ggws0qybr/BEX333_run_in_bare_Ali_from_1975_to1985.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/w2e3kpppj/BEX333_in_bare_Ali_1978.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Even in winter, here delivering Christmas cake!:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/hj6yjd1qf/1983_1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Before being sent to Car Tender Incorporated for repairs & respray in 1985.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/lumu0fil3/Image001.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://s5.postimg.cc/zbjsjadh3/Image002.jpg)
(https://postimages.org/)(https://s5.postimg.cc/4hcjlkuzr/Image003.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)(https://s5.postimg.cc/qtaceyeo7/Image004.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/q3rk2m8zr/Image012.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://s5.postimg.cc/upnoaxk87/Image009.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/dqepv73qf/Image011.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://s5.postimg.cc/gj7xfqbxz/Image010.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Clear evidence of a racing career was attended to,
(https://s5.postimg.cc/4hcjlj59j/Image005.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://s5.postimg.cc/jdb2t53tj/Image006.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/p1hdk0sqf/Image007.jpg) (https://postimages.org/) (https://s5.postimg.cc/80yhbcnev/Image008.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
and BEX333 finally emerged as Black Beauty in 1985:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ptk1iqrnb/AC4a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
However; once in Keith`s ownership, around 2002, BEX333 was once again under the surgeon`s knife,
despite looking pretty spiffy above, the paint hid a pretty poor repair,
which was more filler than metal in places!
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ccn2zvp1j/BEX333f2_Brooklands_NSRepairs181202.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/wwrwycpd3/BEX333f3_Brooklands_OSRepairs181202.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/4jwf7vvx3/BEX333f4.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/3udmvinnr/BEX333f5_WSG6_Black_ACBristol_Hlamp_Wing.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
The Brooklands Motor Company saw to it that all the damage was removed & repaired to the very highest standards
(https://s5.postimg.cc/6ogs8yi47/BEX333f9_Finishedfrontreadyforpaint_S.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Before being re-painted in the black she still wears today:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/45v38v49z/BEX333_Mallory_Pk2003.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(Seen here at Mallory Park in 2003!)
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Post from Laurence Kent, 26/4/2010, Keith's reply and Laurence's information, added to this topic at Keith's request....
I have some information for Keith Lessiter regarding his ex-Parsons Ace-Bristol. Might someone be able to please give me his e-mail address, or give him mine? (mine is: lkent@sd43.bc.ca ),
Thank-you very much,
Laurence Kent
---------------------------------------------------
Hi Laurence
Received some five phonecalls this evening from various ACOC members drawing my attention to your post on our Club Forum.
I have responded and confirmed my email address plus I have attached a few random pictures of BEX333, I Look forward to receiving your email/s.
My email address :- Keith.lessiter@faac.co.uk
Would it be possible to also post any additional information on my thread " Racing History BEX333 " 1957 -1964 " If you can't, Will it be OK to arrange posting from this end.
Over the past few years I have learnt to be a little more patient, However like A Big kid, I await your response with anticipation
Cheers 4 Now
Keith Lessiter
---------------------------------------------------
Subject: RE: Emailing: Racing History BEX333 James H Parsons 1957 - 1964
Hello Keith,
Some nine or ten years ago a fellow in England whose name I forget, and
probably wouldn't remember it even if someone mentioned it now, was in touch
with me re information on the racing history of Ace-Bristols for a
manuscript he was working on and hoping to have published. I sent him
everything I had, which included information on my own '58 D-2 (only new D-2
ever shipped to British Columbia by Thames Ditton), and some of the
information in the form of late 1950s "Pit Pass" magazines of the British
Columbia Sports Car Club. Given that one of the magazine covers from 1957
had your Parsons BEX 333 on the cover, but is not included in your pictures
gallery, I assume you don't have it. The picture was taken on the last day
of the Abbottsford track's use for auto racing...and probably within minutes
of the picture you have posted. The magazines also have some racing results
involving your car. Just for the record, I wasn't around then; I hadn't been
born yet!
In case you don't know, the Abbottsford track was an erstwhile Royal
Canadian Air Force base from the Second World War.
Its smooth cement runways were excellent for auto racing. The Canadian
Government leased the former base to the Sports Car Club in the early 1950s.
By 1958 the five year lease had expired and the Government reclaimed the
base as a new civilian airport - a function that carries on to this very
day - with expanded runways. Faced with no racing venue, the Club entered a
deal with the municipality of Coquitlam - a suburb of Vancouver - for the
leasing of land on which to build what turned out to be Westwood
Racetrack - the only true F.I.A. racetrack in the Americas - complete with a
Le Mans start. It was inaugurated in July of 1959. Mr. Parsons continued to
come up from Washington State in the U.S.A. to participate in some of the
events. From what I can gather, only three Ace-Bristols ever participated in
the Abbottsford and Westwood races on the Canadian west coast: yours, that
of a fellow called Klausing with a 100 D (the spelling could be off by not
having the documentation in front of me), and the Bob Constabaris D-2 which
I have owned since 1985. I hate to tell you this, but mine usually came out
on top, probably because it was upgraded to D-2S specifications in 1960, and
beyond that for the 1961 season, with a custom Roy Shadbold camshaft, 12:1
compression and longer induction carburettors.
My computer skills and equipment are basic. I don't have the means to
scan pictures and documents. I will photocopy everything I have of relevance
to you and send it. The resolution will be clearer and then, if you wish,
you can place whatever you like on-line, including this if of relevance. Do
you want me to mail what I have to your home address listed underneath, or
to another address? I am glad to be of service to a fellow enthusiast, for I
know what it's like having nothing and then coming across helpful people,
old racing programmes, old magazines... It took me over twenty years to
research my own Ace-Bristol and I was lucky to be able to interview Bob
Constabaris, before he passed away in 2008. So let me know if you happen to
have a copy of the copy of the magazine cover (and other data) I mentioned,
and let me know where you want the information sent to.
Bye for now,
Laurence Kent
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Laurence
Many thanks for the various Photo copies of 1958/59 paperwork
and pictures relating to both your racing Ace AEX443 and
my BEX333.
The picture of James ( Jim) Parsons in BEX333 on the front
cover of Pit Pass (No 6) dated May 1958 complements
one or two pictures I already have from the same event at
Abbotsford " The Swang Song" James approaching turn 2.
I notice the Photo was credited to Mr E Clements who was
both the Photographic Editor of "Pit Pass" and a active
Competition Committee member of the :-
"Sports Car Club of British Columbia"
Assuming that Mr E Clements was in his early thirties in 1958
he must now be in his mid Eighties .... Does anyone Know
Mr E Clements? Has any one a contact for him ? and does he
or a member of his family have the prints & negatives to
all the period Racing Pictures he must have taken in the period
1950 through to 1965 ??
There must be some great Track and Paddock pictures of the
various Aces (inc BEX333) which raced in NW USA, Vancouver and
British Columbia.
You never know one or two pictures could well authenticate the racing history
of another ACOC Member's Ace ..[:p]
Any help in locating and contacting Mr E Clements would be
really appreciated.
In the meantime I will try to post the Pit Pass Cover
and the period racing application forms received this
week from Laurence Kent ( Vancouver, Canada ).....
Thanks again Laurence, much appreciated.
Keith [:)]
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Here are the cover of Pit Pass showing BEX333 and the period racing application form Keith mentioned.
Now added the inside page of the same issue of Pit Pass (May 1958).
Jerry
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/BEX333May6th1958.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/Scan10005.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/Scan10008.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/Scan10009.jpg)
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Jerry
As often quoted by Nik ... "As if by Magic" the pictures materialise.
Thank you Jerry for posting the three pictures without any
prompt at all, Sorry to impose but could you also post the
inside page of the Pit Pass cover as it has some useful
SCCofBC names that might be of interest and use to other
AC members & Enthusiasts seeking information on thier Aces.
Trying to make contact with E Clements, never know Jerry he
could well have something on BEX316 [:)]
Cheers 4 Now
Keith
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Last night sent out a few emails to USA, Canada & British Columbia!
Received a prompt & positive response from Tom Johnson of:-
The Vintage Racing Club of British columbia
Two emails, The first with a colour picture of the cover of the
May 1958 issue of Pit Pass Magazine and confirmation of email address for Ed Clements:-
(the Photographic Editor for Pit Pass magazine)
Interesting to learn that this Magazine was only published for
about 18 months.
So a really nice piece of History to have my Ace on the cover of one of the issues. [;)]
The second email confirmed a link to the Complete electronic copy
of the Pit Pass magazine. (89.1 Mb a wee bit too big to email).
I have today emailed Ed Clements and await his response to my request for Track & Paddock Photographs of Jim Parsons
and BEX333 plus any other Aces captured through the lens of Ed Clements Camera,at the various race tracks frequented in
NW USA, Vancouver & British Columbia during the 1950s & 1960s.
Whilst I wait to see what materialises I would like to thank all
those who have followed and contributed to this thread over the past sixteen months. [;)]
Hopefully other Members and AC enthusiasts have the same success as I in the Quest for History on their AC's
Cheers for Now
Keith [:)]
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..And as if by.... erm, I think I need a new catchphrase!
Here`s the colour version of the Pit Pass cover, and if you click on it, it will take you to the complete Magazine! Trés Cool, no?! 8)
(As Keith said, it was 89meg, so I have extracted the 'Jpegs' to a slideshow to make life easier. ??? )
(https://s5.postimg.cc/us7jxn5uf/Pit_Passcover1.jpg) (http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/Pit%20Pass%20Magazine%20May%201958/?albumview=slideshow)
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I like the TR3 being advertised as the 'He-Mans Sports Car"! I guess a little 'artistic license' comes into play!
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Hee - hee man more like!!
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quote:
Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol
Last night sent out a few emails to USA, Canada & British Columbia!
Received a prompt & positive response from Tom Johnson of:-
The Vintage Racing Club of British columbia
Two emails, The first with a colour picture of the cover of the
May 1958 issue of Pit Pass Magazine and confirmation of email address for Ed Clements:-
(the Photographic Editor for Pit Pass magazine)
Interesting to learn that this Magazine was only published for
about 18 months.
So a really nice piece of History to have my Ace on the cover of one of the issues. [;)]
The second email confirmed a link to the Complete electronic copy
of the Pit Pass magazine. (89.1 Mb a wee bit too big to email).
I have today emailed Ed Clements and await his response to my request for Track & Paddock Photographs of Jim Parsons
and BEX333 plus any other Aces captured through the lens of Ed Clements Camera,at the various race tracks frequented in
NW USA, Vancouver & British Columbia during the 1950s & 1960s.
Whilst I wait to see what materialises I would like to thank all
those who have followed and contributed to this thread over the past sixteen months. [;)]
Hopefully other Members and AC enthusiasts have the same success as I in the Quest for History on their AC's
Cheers for Now
Keith [:)]
No News as yet from Ed Clements, However received a short email from Laurence Kent in Canada, confirming that
Pit Pass magazine was short lived (Approx 18 months) as stated by Tom Johnson of SCCBC,
but did actually continue into the 1960's in the revised format as
a News Letter on orange paper in text form only
( photos were no longer published) [:(]
Hopefully, more period ACtion pictures of BEX333 and other Aces were captured & materialise from various race tracks,
Pits & Paddocks from Ed Clements Camera .
If after a few weeks we hear nothing, then I might have to call upon our colleagues / ACOC members
in NW USA. British Columbia or Canada to call round and see Ed Clements and hopefully view and Copy some of his
Archive material. [;)]
Would be a shame to loose the opportunity to secure copy/ies of any AC Ace Racing History,
especially from a photographic Sports Racing enthusiast like Ed Clements. (
or other Amature / Semi Professional Photographers.... e.g. Martin Rudow [?] )
We must be patient, in the meantime any additional Period information gratefully received.
Keith [:)]
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Quick update, Have sent two emails to Ed Clements but as yet no response.
Do any ACOC Members or AC enthusiasts reading this Forum ( This Thread) live in the vicinity / catchment area of
The (Vintage) Sports Car Club of British Columbia [?]
Or Might be be able to contact Ed Clements and possibly arrange a meeting to establish what AC
racing pictures he might have captured through his lens during the many race meetings he
frequented during the 1950s and 1960s ? his email address:
Ed Clements edclem@telus.net
The only address I have for the SCCBC is:
1046 Richard Street, Vancouver 2. British Columbia.
However this address is very old.
Another possible lead for anyone in the Vancouver Area, (who might just be able to help), is.
Tom Johnston, his mobile number is 604 961 7659.
Lives in West Vancouver , V7T 2YS. email tomjohnston@shaw.ca.
Any help in securing Racing History on BEX333 and / or any other Ace racing in Period would be appreciated. [;)]
Thanking you all in anticipation
Cheers for Now
Keith [:)]
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Received a email confirming Upto date address:
The Sports Car Club of British Columbia
Suite- trir- 32670 Dyke Road.
Mission, BC. V2V 5V6. Canada
Tel (604) 826 5557
Anyone live nearby ?, whom might just be able to make contact with Ed Clements, Professional / Semi Professional Motor Racing Photographer Capturing AC Aces in Action Both on track & in the Paddock at various race meetings frequented during the 1950s & 1960 for and on behalf of the Pit Pass Magazine.
Keith
Keith [:)]
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Fantastic research Keith! Great to see that you manage to put bits and pieces of missing history of BEX333 together.
I came across a book on Canadian racing of the 50 through 90ies. In there a certain Ed Clements is referred to as a "local driver" at the firs CRRC (Canadian Road Race of Champions) held at Westwood in 1971.
http://books.google.lu/books?id=Vni97b1MzsIC&pg=PA204&lpg=PA204&dq=racing+in+british+columbia+ed+clements&source=bl&ots=z2NBUadgnW&sig=55Ke4b2jWlWCAk5046R0Wf9Uj-E&hl=de&ei=eU0GTMqDOpOVONPdqZYL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=racing%20in%20british%20columbia%20ed%20clements&f=false
Don't know if of any help.
Cheers
Constant
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Constant,
Nice to hear from you, Thank you for your reference to Ed Clements in the Canadian Racing Book 1950s to 2000.
All info of interest, eventually produces new leads and more facts & History on my Ace BEX333.
Any chance of Bringing the book to Le Mans Classic? Promise I will not keep it,
You can take it back to Luxemberg.... Honest Guv !!
See you at LeMans Classic in July, We have over 120 at this years ACOC Gala Dinner
on the Frday evening ( 09-07-2010), If you cant make it,
See you in the Paddock over the weekend. Good luck in your race !
Cheers 4 Now
Keith [;)]
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quote:
To Vince Howlett, via email
Marion & Vince
Hope you are both fit and well and firing on all cylinders.
... I have received via post from Laurence Kent in Vancouver Canada (the owner of the ex Constabaris AC Ace)a photocopy of Pit Pass magazine cover no.6, dated May 1958, with James Parsons in BEX333 on the Cover. I would dearly like to get a decent copy or contact
Mr E Clements in hope of securing some photographs of my (ex-Jim Parsons) Ace Bristol BEX333 (USA number plate - ARZ913) and any other pictures of AC Aces either in ACtion on the track or in the paddock during this period.Any help would be appreciated.
In the meantime, I thank you for your initial assistance, without which none of the documented history in my Thread on the AC Owners Club Forum would have materialized.
Please feel free to visit [this thread]. If the contents could be of interest to any of your colleagues/club members, please do not hesitate to copy them in.
Sorry to be so Bold, but if you don’t ask...
Hopefully it is of interest and may just generate another gem or two to help create a bigger overall picture and more accurate history of my Ace.
Have a good weekend,
Cheers for Now,
Keith.
quote:
From Vince Howlett via email
Hi Keith and Laurence et al,
Keith: I will be going to the Seattle Historic races July 4 weekend, so I phoned Joann Parsons. She said she had sent you the photos and plaques, which I then saw confirmed on the forum. She says she won’t be able to come to the races, but said she hoped I have fun. I also see that Tom Johnston sent you contact info for Ed Clements. As for contacting Pete Lovely, he now has Alzheimer’s so I don’t think he will be able to help you. And Tom Carstens passed away a few years ago. In the photos posted October 16, the one labelled “BEX 333 at Westwood, August 16th, 1959” also has Al Doyan in the #129 AC following Parsons. Here are some other friends of Pete Lovely who might help. They should also have known Al Doyan:
Gary Gove, Tom Meehan, Ralph Orsmbee [email addresses removed]
Laurence: You have the Bob Constabaris A.C. Bristol in Coquitlam? Ed Clements and Gio Coletta are doing a barbeque at the British Columbia Historic Motor Races at Mission July 16-18 weekend. This will be on the Friday night. It will be in the style of the “Mr. Mike’s” barbeques that were held at race meetings at the old Westwood circuit. Mr. Mike’s restaurants were founded by the Constabaris brothers. So if you could bring the A.C. Bristol to the event, especially to the barbeque, that would be very special. We hope to have some Constabaris family members there too. And your AC would be a good candidate for the Westwood50 lapping sessions that weekend! There is a link to info on that below.
Gio: Did you ever drive the Constabaris A.C?
Here is more info on the British Columbia Historic Motor Races:
This year's British Columbia Historic Motor Races take place at Mission on the July 16-18, 2010 weekend and will feature "The Canadian Motorsport Experience." We hope that you can join us for this event. Here is the link to more info:
vrcbc.ca/?page_id=37 (http://"http://www.vrcbc.ca/?page_id=37")
Here are further links to the Schedule and Entrant's Package, including the Westwood50 lapping sessions:
BCHMR-Schedule (http://"http://www.vrcbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/BCHMR-Schedule.Final_.vers1_1.pdf")
BCHMR.Entrant-Package (http://"http://www.vrcbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/BCHMR.Entrant-Package.-March31.2010.pdf")
Also, if you CLICK HERE (http://"http://www.sccbc.net/") and click on "track facts", you will see a map of the track and directions:
Here are some more details on the Mission event:
1.There will be a barbeque for Westwood veterans hosted by Ed Clements and Gio Coletta at the track at 6 pm on the Friday night. This will be in the style of the old “Mr. Mike’s” barbeques and tickets should be available at the track on the Friday.
2. We are hoping to have a racing simulator at the track from VRX. Here is the link to their website:
vrx.ca (http://"http://www.vrx.ca/")
3. Copies of the Westwood50 DVD set will be available, as will Tom Johnston’s Westwood book.
Please let us know if we provide any more help or information. Hope you can join us.
Vince Howlett, Victoria, B.C., Canada
quote:
From Giovanni Coletta via email
Hi Marion and Vince,
Thanks for your message and the answer to your question is YESSS - I did drive this AC Bristol of Bob's
and Eddie [Ed Clements] drove it as well. Actually, once while I was lapping him, he did not see me coming from behind and he cut the front tire with the wheel nut...He was not very popular that weekend, but we are still friends!
By the way Bob had 2 AC Bristols - one in early sixties and one later on and we drove both of these.
I would love to see the car if I can and so would Eddie, I am sure...
Thanks again for the info!
Gio
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.
Received email communication from Jonathan Parker owner of AEX1194,
Copy of opening paragraph:-
I have just read your most interesting post regarding the provenance of BEX333 and her activities in this part of the world.
If I can be of further assistance please let me know.
I too raced at Abbotsford in a MG TC with cut down 16" Wheels, Not very fast but a lot of fun and was also a member of BCSCC.
AEX1194 did not come to me until 1972 and racing here had become a little too competitive for me a young family.(Poor Excuse!)
As we get older our toys get bigger and our priorities change, Earlier in life..... Young families, mortgages and job
security dictate to the majority of us and take presidence.
Any additional information reference James Parsons & BEX333
and any other Racing Ace data/ pictures from the
1950s &1960s really appreciated....[;)]
Will send you a e-mail later today. Look forward to any further information
Cheers 4 Now
Keith ....[:)]
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.
.
Further info from Jonathan Parker.....
Keith
I noted, in your BEX333 History that <b>The Dongedyke </b> was the vessel transporting your Ace and BEX332 & BEX331
to Seattle.
<b>The Dongedyke </b> (Holland America Line) was a very regular caller to the west Coast, I know as she once transported
family furniture from England to Vancouver in the 1960s.
Will endeavour to post a picture of The Dongedyke under the
Lions Gate Bridge...[;)]
Are there any ex -Dongedyke personel or Does anyone have photos of the three Aces being unloaded and exhumed
from their packing crates in September / October 1957... [?] . [?].
Jonathan Parker
Last but not least ..... Thanks for the phone call ( from vancouver) Nice to put a voice to a name and talk ACs
especially racing in Period.
Keith....[:)]
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And here is the nostalgic picture of The Dongedyk leaving the port of Vancouver, presumably taken in the early 1960s.
Just like an old postcard, including the fading colours!
Jerry
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/DongedykeportofVancouver.jpg)
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<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by nikbj68</i>
..And as if by.... erm, I think I need a new catchphrase!
Here`s the colour version of the Pit Pass cover, and if you click on it, it will take you to the complete Magazine! Trés Cool, no?! 8)
(As Keith said, it was 89meg, so I have extracted the 'Jpegs' to a slideshow to make life easier. ??? )
(https://s5.postimg.cc/us7jxn5uf/Pit_Passcover1.jpg) (http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/nikbj68/Pit%20Pass%20Magazine%20May%201958/?albumview=slideshow)
Received email From Gary Gove (NW USA ?) on 1st july 2010
Mr Lessiter
Sorry to be so late with answering your missive, I have been away attending Indianapolis, and some tourism.
I faintly recall Jim Parsons and his AC Ace Bristol, but obviously know Tommy Meehan and Ralph Ormsbee, and worked for Pete Lovely from the Summer of 1957 to the Spring of 1987.
Your car was undoubtedly from Imported Motor Cars in Seattle Tacoma, But Pete Lovely was not involved in that endeavour with Tom Carstens.
Al Doyon, who would have been one of the few people in the Northwest US capable of doing the correct job on a Bristol engine.
Al is infact the pilot of the #129 AC Ace Bristol following your car in the photos.
At that time, Al and his very pretty dark blue Ace were the fastest Ace Bristols around.
Al, unfortunately is in poor health, with impaired memory and has been for several years.
He was part of a racing group in Seattle called TEAM EMPIRE.
In the 1950s we raced all over the place. Ralph Ormsbee owned the HMW Chev,
Tom Meehan the Porsche Cooper number starting with 100,Pete 125, Al 129 etc.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help, But it was a verrrrry loooong
time ago !
Warm regards
Gary Gove
.
.
Does any body reading this thread Know any of the guys mentioned in this email [?]
If so and you live nearby Any chance of arranging a meeting or two and possibly securing copies
of any racing photos ?
Better still they could contribute on / to this thread.
Do the names recalled above have connection to/with any Aces owned by ACOC members today...?
Gary... many thanks for additional information,Hopefully it results in even more details not just on BEX333 but also other Aces raced in the 1950s 1960s in NW USA,Vancouver and British Columbia.
I have emailed Gary with requests and a challange to secure more info.......;)
Lets hope more details are forth coming.
I take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to this thread to date, please keep the information coming in.
Really is appreciated !
Keith ....:)
..
Does any body reading this thread Know any of the guys mentioned in this email [?]
If so and you live nearby Any chance of arranging a meeting or two and possibly securing copies
of any racing photos [?]
I take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed
to this thread to date, please keep the information coming in.
<b>really is appreciated ! </b>
Keith ....[:)]
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.
.
Just received another email from .. .. ..Gary Gove Please note the following extract :-
<b>Al Dyon </b> was struck with a serious brain virus, that caused acute swelling, which impaired his mental faculties, several
years ago. Since that time he has evidentally degenerated further and was institutionalized by law.
As he has no memory and <b>Pete Lovely</b> now suffering Alzheimer's, has very little.........
So to respect both these guys and their families, everyone who has offered help in contacting both Al and Pete, may I
suggest we leave this avenue of research.
And redirect our energies and continue to search other leads.
Gary Gove did refer me to <b>Martin Rudow </b> and his two Books on racing in the mid 1950s and 1960s ....<b> "Long Straights and
Hairpin Turns" and "Weekends of Glory"</b> Both these books I bought from Martin a couple of years ago.
James H Parsons is mentioned twice in LS&HT. Unfortunately no pictures of any Ace Bristols.
Martin could well be of help to those seeking confirmation of Racing History of their sports car if it raced in NW USA and
Vancouver as he has a vast wealth of knowledge, literature and photograhs spanning the 1950s and 1960s.[;)]
<b>So please keep searching through the archives for any
information on Aces racing in NW USA, Vancouver and
British Columbia,
especially relating to "BEX333 and James H Parsons". </b>
Keith [:)]
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Kieth, a very interesting, and impressive read on the dilligence you have applied to gather the history of your AC.
I lived in Vancouver, and attended many of the races at the Westwood circuit, starting in approx 1963-64 up till the time of it's closing.
My sister was dating a fellow who owned a AC Bristol, so naturally I was drawn to them, and then later, the AC Cobra's. It wouldn't surprise me that in my very old collection of black and white photos from Westwood, there may be a picture or two of a Bristol. There were not many racing in those days, and very few on the streets of Vancouver.
I wish I knew the SN# of the AC that my sisters boyfriend owned. It would be interesting to see what became of that particular car.
I do know that Wayne Laker of Vancouver (sisters BF), purchased it from a lady in Vancouver who had recently divorced from her husband. She sold it for $600 perhaps just to spite him. The husband tracked down Wayne, and offered to buy it back for much more, but it was a no go.
This transaction would have taken place around 1962-63. This car was painted stock red. At some point a tow truck tried towing the car and damaged the lower front area under the grille. This was repaired and the car repainted the same colour red.
Wayne owned this car for approx 3 years until he was offered a trade that he couldn't resist. The fellow who offered the trade, would have likely been a racer from the Westwood track. The offer was a trade for a Lotus 23b on a trailer, and a 57 Chevy for the tow vehicle. The 23b was powered by a Cosworth engine, and had a fibreglass body. It was painted British racing green, with yellow stripes. If I could track down who raced that car, "prior" to the trade, it might help track the history of the AC. It may very well have ended up being raced at Westwood. In your research did you find any AC Bristols, red in colour, being raced at that track? Perhaps it was repainted...was yours ever red in color?
My photographs from that time frame, are well buried after a recent move, but I will see if I can locate them, and see if there are any that may be of interest to you.
Bill
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Hi Bill
Thank you for your contribution to the History of BEX333
As you say, AC Ace Bristols were pretty thin on the ground in and around Vancouver between 1957 and 1964,
In fact they are pretty thin on the ground world wide with only 463 being made.
( of which 385 are accurately recorded in the ACOC Ace Bristol Register)
During the period 1957 / 1964 BEX333 (USA number plate AKF221 then ARZ913) When owned and raced by James (Jim) H Parsons,
there were only four other Aces competing at Westwood, Abbotsford and other race tracks in the Vancouver,
British Columbia & NW USA.
These were owned and raced by :-
<b>Al Doyon
Dr V D Clausing
Ken Miller
Bob Constabaris</b>
The ID ( chassis number) of each respective Ace Bristol has yet to be confirmed, If any body can connect any of the four
named above with their respective Ace Bristol it would be appreciated.
Like wise if any one has any photos of these Aces and BEX333 at/on either race track or in Paddock, Copies and any additional racing data would also be appreciated. [:)]
I will speak to Tony Bancroft on the off chance we can associate Driver with Race number/s and respective Chassis numbers. <b>Negative as 11th September.</b>
In the meantime, Please continue searching through any photo albums and Boxes, Ever hopefull you might come across more
vital information on BEX333 and other racing Ace Bristol's.
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
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<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol</i>
Phoned Mrs Jo ann Parsons again, Jim collected BEX333 direct from Peter Lovely of Imported Motor Cars - Tacoma in September 1957.
The Ace was already wearing the British Number plate TXF913, therefor it must have been driven on British Roads prior to export.
Could Peter Lovely or a representitive of Imported Motor Cars, Tacoma, Washington. Have visited Thames Ditton in August 1957 and driven BEX333.?
According to the Official Thames Ditton Bible and Factory Build sheets 3 Ace Bristol's BEX331 / BEX332 & BEX333 were all despatched for Washington on 19th August 1957.
Or was BEX333 used as a demonstrator prior to export ?
Keith [:)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Doesn't seem possible that this thread has been running for two years, Still the History file of BEX333 continues to grow, thanks
to the contributions made by ACOC Members and AC Ace enthusiasts.
e-mailed Tim Isles yesterday relating to Ace BEX241 which was heavily fire damaged back in the 1980s ..
Resulted in Tim emailing the following correspondance dated
(19th May 1996):-
<font size="4"><b>AC Bristol </b> </font id="size4">
from [Don Chapman]
<b>To</b> AC Bristol
<b>From </b> Don Chapman <plips@teleport.com>
<b>Date</b> Sun, <b>19 May 1996 </b> 10:51:31 - 0700 (PDT)
A good friend of mine (let's call him Bob) just acquired an
<b>AC Ace - Bristol, Ser. # BEX332 , engine # 100D663 </b>
The car was serverely damaged by fire recently, which motivated
the previous owner to sell. Bob wants to restore this car as his personal driver.
He has extensive experience restoring everything British, but The AC Ace is new to him.
The Body and interior have gone, However the Chassis , Engine, Transmission and most of the suspension are salvagable.
It would be a shame to part out the car, We at <b>The Purple Lips Racing Team </b> are going to help Bob restore the car. ... ...
... ... etc
<b>As BEX332 was shipped to Imported Motor Cars,Tacoma,Washington,
along with BEX331 and BEX333 all three in the same consignment on the 19th August 1957 ... It creates a new lead. </b>
Does anyone know <b>Don Chapman </b> ??
Does anyone Know of or have any contact with anyone associated with <b>"<font color="purple">The Purple Lips Racing Team</font id="purple">"</b>??
If so please contact me by email:- Keith.lessiter@gmail.com .
or better still add to this thread .. thanking you in anticipation.
In the meantime. I take this opportunity to Wish you all
<font color="red"><b><font size="3">Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011 </font id="size3"> </b> </font id="red">
Keith [:)].. ..[:)]
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Keith, an internet search came up with this:
http://www.oldirish.com/plrt/plrt.html
It indicates that Purple Lips was a vintage racing team out of Eugene OR owned by Don Chapman.
The website includes a number of photos of Don Chapman as driver and member of the team.
Best wishes for the Holiday Season and New Year!
John
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John
You are a Star...[;)]
A quick visit to The Oldirish web site, browsed threw the pictures of the Motley Bunch, ( The Purple Lips racing Team !) Bet they had a hoot at the Vintage race meets during the past thirty years or so.
Sent a couple of emails to Don Chapman and received immediate acknowledgement, Hopefully new material surfaces on BEX333 and other Aces raced in Period(1950s/1960s) or Vintaged raced. (1980s todate)in North west USA, Canada, & British Columbia.
The ACOC Forum is a great tool and has come up trumps time after time, thanks John for a New Lead ..... Appreciated. [;)]
Keith.. .. [:)]
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Further to John's reference to Don Chapman and " The Purple Lips Racing Team" I have now received the following
email from Art Cleveland in South Florida.
Hi Keith
Donald " Don" K Chapman lives at 515 Mar Loop, Eugene. OR 97401
phone 541-484-9929.... (West Coast time)
As John points out, many of us "Weeeezer" guys who were there when the Cars were new are now checking out, so hopefully Mr Chapman can still give you some new info.. ..[?]
Art Cleveland.
Looking at Don's picture on his website, If Don was competing and racing Aces in the late fifties he would have been a bloooming rich kid that's for sure.
Wouldn't have thought many 17/18 year olds could afford
a Ace for the road let alone race one.
Point taken, many who raced in the late fifties have been
drawing their pension for some years.or pushing up the diasies.
Do any club members or vintage/classic racing enthusiasts live within striking distance of Eugene. OR. 97401 .[?]
If so any chance of giving Don a call and possibly arranging a visit? A long shot I know, but one has to try.
Thank you Art for confirming Don's address,appreciated. As stated
in reply to Jrlucke poste, I have sent a couple of email to Don
so must wait in anticipation.
Sure you are not a "Weezer", If you are Art then you really need
to Drive your AC a little faster to clear those old tubes.
Cheers for Now
Keith..[:)]
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Regarding rich kids with AC's.
The pretty mangled red AC my friend purchased in Tucson circa 1966 (when we were both poor Air Force enlistees)cost $700 US. After a lot of sweat labor removing paint/primer and another $300 for body work, the car was ready for a road trip from Southern Arizona through Denver and on to Philadelphia (all as I recall trouble free and with no top!).
In the early 1970's as a mid-20's sports car addict, I purchased RS5024 for $1800-2000 and sold it a couple years later for $2200 (if we'd only known).
At that time these and others (a Lister Jag/Chevy for $600, my XK120 in trade for a '59 VW Beetle) were just old worn out sports cars!
John
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.
.
.
Received from:- Jerry Liudahl, Eugene, Oregon,USA (17th Dec 2010)
Re: AC Ace Bristol's BEX331 / BEX332 & BEX333
Keith
I visited the thread on the ACOC website and wish I had before I responded. I had not forgotten the AC Ace mentioned in Don Chapman's old email below. I just knew it was not your car. After looking through the thread and seeing that it was one of the three cars imported together with your car, sorry I didn't mention it in my recent email.
BEX332 was owned from new by a family in Eastern Washington State. Bob Macherione ,who was part of The Purple Lips Racing Team tried to buy the car in 1995 and thought he had a deal. It had been parked for a long time and stored in a barn on the family farm. Rough but very restorable. The owners had second thoughts and didn't sell. Less than a year later the barn and most of the car was consumed by a grass fire on the property. They subsequently gave the car to Bob to haul off, which he did with the idea of doing something with the chassis. The more we looked at it, the more we realized it was going to be a very difficult project to resurrect the car.
Bob subsequently sold the car to Ted Boskovich who lived in Tacoma and also was active on the vintage racing scene at the same time we were. Ted had an AC and wanted the car for parts, particularly the Bristol engine. Unfortunately, Ted passed away this past September and I don't know what he ever did with the car. I will try and contact his wife. I will also be seeing both Bob and Don tomorrow evening at a Christmas party, they may know as they saw Ted more recently than I last did. Somewhere I have a photo of the car (chassis) after the fire.
In response to other parts of the thread, Don Chapman did not race back in the 50's. He began his racing career in the 1980's, so he won't be much help with information on your car. Purple Lips Racing was a group of friends who had a love of cars and racing in common. We raced an AH 3000, Jaguar E-Type and ex-factory Datsun 2000 Lightweight Roadster. Bob is the only one still actively racing and now owns the Purple Lips Healey. Don quit racing due to health reasons. My ex-wife put a financial end to mine and two kids in college have extended my hiatus. I have to content myself with my street cars, but recently drove 30 laps in a NASCAR in Texas at 170 mph, so it got my racing juices flowing again!
I still have many friends involved with vintage racing in Washington and BC. While most are too young, you never know who knows someone else. I will put out feelers for more information on your car and report back periodically.
Merry Christmas!
Jerry Liudahl
Eugene, Oregon USA
Many thanks Jerry, lets hope some more material surfaces from your contacts in Oregon, In the meantime. Best wishes for a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2011
Keith.. ..[:)]
-
Received the following email to Update Jerry's previous email.
Re: BEX331 / BEX332 & BEX333
Let's hope Jerry and his Classic Sports Car Racing Colleagues unearth a few gems whilst routing through the archives and remminissing on past race meetings.
It's the chance word and email like this that open new doors and often result in yet more history and photographs materialising,thus helping to create a more accurate picture of our ACs History.(This Forum has most certainly produced great results on the History of BEX333 )
Glad to hear that this thread has created the opportunity for Jerry and his Racing Buddies to get together and have a good night out.
A regular reunion .[?]
Keith .. [:)]
Jerry's email attached below:-
Keith,
I spoke with both Bob Macherione and Don Chapman last night. We had great fun talking about our days racing under the Purple Lips banner and prompted us to make plans for having a reunion soon. You are in part to thank for that, as your emails were the catalyst for our conversation about "the good old days".
As to BEX332, it is not believed to have been ever raced. We also believe that Ted Boskovitch still had the remains of the car, as well as his other AC Ace. I will write his widow after the holiday to confirm and see if I can find any history she may know on either car. At the very least, the car number of the other Ace.
In May, we make an annual trek up to Vancouver, BC for the All British Meet there. Over 600 cars turn out and depending on weather, a handful of AC cars. I will keep an eye out for an AC Ace or Ace Bristol, as I know I have seen them there in years past. The BC vintage racing club also has a display there and I will inquire about a source that may have photos or knowledge of AC cars racing in the late 50's. I will report back what I find.
You may have already contacted him, but Dale LaFollette is an individual that sells vintage racing photos http://www.vintagemotorphoto.com/. His email address is on the website. Dale was the general manager of Portland International Raceway at one time and still lives in the Portland area here in Oregon. While the photos he sells on his website are intended for a wider audience, I wonder if he might not have some collections of NW racing from the era you seek. Might be worth an inquiry.
Monte Shelton owns the Jaguar dealership in Portland and began racing an Austin Healey 100 in 1960. Slightly after the period, but he was very active in NW racing and may recall information about your car. His dealership was also the BMC dealership at one time and they run a collector car business across the street, so its hard to say what all has gone through their showrooms over the years. I think he is 77 now and no longer active in the business. You might contact Bill Penny who runs the classic car side http://www.monteshelton.com/collector.html (sorry no email address.) He may be able to hook you up with Monte and see if he can help in your search.
I am sure more things will come to me over time. I am just south of 60 myself, so I appreciate your comments on gray cells and the march of time. I have done similar searches myself and can relate to what you are trying to do. I envy your Le Mans Classic involvement. Best of luck and I will stay in touch.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Jerry
Jerry Liudahl
Old Irish Racing - Jaguar
Eugene, OR USA
www.oldirish.com
Jaguar's 75th Anniversary 2010
-
Latest update 28th Dec 2010
Have unearthed three very poor quality B&W pictures of James & Joann Parsons competing in the:
NORTHGATE GYMKHANA dated July 18th 1959
Confirming that whilst owned and raced by James (Jim) H Parsons
BEX333 wore the USA number plate AKF221.
Not ARZ913 as originally thought, BEX333 inherited the number ARZ913 in 1963, or possibly when purchased by Lee Kolb.
(by which time it was painted red and in need of some serious TLC)
Ooppsss Sorry, [:(] .. But can everyone who has followed this thread over the Past three years please go through your
archives again and see if you have any pictures of a White or Beige Ace Bristol wearing number plate AKF221.
Unfortunately all three new photo copy pictures are of such poor quality they will not reproduce with any clarity.
I will try and enhance but almost certain they will not be suitable to post on this thread.
(Might just end sending enhanced pictures to Doctor Nik Bagshaw, for his assessment)..[8D]
In the meantime, .. .. All the Best for 2011
Keith .. ..[:)]
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Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol:
Have unearthed three very poor quality B&W pictures of James & Joann Parsons competing in the NORTHGATE GYMKHANA...
I will try and enhance but almost certain they will not be suitable to post on this thread.
Well, here they are, in all their glory!:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/voxwc4xuv/BEX333_Northgate_Gymkhana18th_July1959b.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/j916itzif/Jim_Joann_Parsons_Northgate1959.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Young Jim wasn`t afraid to chuck the Ace about, was he?! Wow!
(https://s5.postimg.cc/p9yvfwtuf/BEX333_Northgate_Gymkhana18th_July1959a.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Dr Nikbj
Thank you for your time and effort (skill) in improving the clarity of the three Northgate photos. I was quite proud of my
attempt at improving clarity, but I must confess, you have taken them to a higher level.
Regards Jim giving it some wellie, Think Jim might have forgotton
Joann was alongside.
Wonder what was said back in the Parking lot..[:(!]..[B)]..[:(]..[?]
Keith
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Hello Keith,
For my search about Le Mans I was reading "AC Six-cylinder Sports-car" by Rinsey Mills.
If you look at the story of BEX399 in page 172, for the second participation of the car at the 24 hours 1961 (the only car to have race twice by the way) it is said she was slower than the second car in the class...BEX333.
You did not tell me BEX333 had a story in Le Mans !!![;)][:D]
I think the author wanted to write BEX1110.
Cheers
Louis
-
Louis
IF ONLY !!
Both Barry & I have driven BEX333 round the Le Mans circuit a few times over the past 5 Le Mans Classic,
But these have been Parade laps at full chatter, passing various cars at over 100mph and
being passed at 155mph by the odd Ferrari.[:D] (Achieved a Boyhood Dream)..[:p]
Rinsey Mills has made a small error in his latest book. (which is Rare and out of character for Rinsey, He is usually
very fastidious with his research).
BEX333 never raced at 24 hrs Le Mans in the early 1960s, she was still racing in NW USA, Vancouver &
British Columbia in the capable hands of Jim Parsons .. .. .. Not as prestigious as The 24hr Le Mans.
Louis you are correct Rinsey Mills should have printed BEX1110 for the 1961 24hr Le Mans.
Keep up your research on AC Ace participation in the 24hour Le Mans. Especially reference to the history of BEX289
Keith.. ..[:)]
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Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol...BEX333 never raced at 24 hrs Le Mans in the early 1960s...you are correct Rinsey Mills should have printed BEX1110 for the 1961 24hr Le Mans....Keith...:)
Here`s a photo of BEX 1110 being 'numerated' at Le Mans in 1961! Is that supposed to be a '2' or a '9'... make your mind up!
(https://s5.postimg.cc/x3zh0woo7/BEX1110_Lemans_1961_Magne_No28.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
-
Thank you,
Good (famous) picture !
No problem with numbers, two Aces in 61:
Number 28: BEX1110 entered by Chardonnet the french AC importator, Magne-Alexandrovitch, 17th (3507,282 Km average 146,137 Km/h)
Best lap in practises 5'00'8
Best lap in race 5'16'4
Number 29: BEX399 Swiss entry, Wicky-Berney, DNF overheating 11th hour
Best lap in practises 5'09'8
Best lap in race 5'09'2
The best topic for this would be "Les AC Ace Bristol au Le Mans 24hr... 57-62" [:)]
Thanks for more pictures [;)]
Louis
-
Louis,
Am I right in saying that car #28 claimed AC's second class win at Le Mans? I think it won the class for GT Cars, 1601 - 2000 ccs. For some reason this achievement is rarely mentioned?
Good luck with the book!
Tim
-
quote:
Originally posted by Louism
Thank you,
Good (famous) picture !
No problem with numbers, two Aces in 61:
Number 28: BEX1110 entered by Chardonnet the french AC importator, Magne-Alexandrovitch, 17th (3507,282 Km average 146,137 Km/h)
Best lap in practises 5'00'8
Best lap in race 5'16'4
Number 29: BEX399 Swiss entry, Wicky-Berney, DNF overheating 11th hour
Best lap in practises 5'09'8
Best lap in race 5'09'2
The best topic for this would be "Les AC Ace Bristol au Le Mans 24hr... 57-62" [:)]
Thanks for more pictures [;)]
Louis
Louis
In response to your request, I have copied the last few posts to
your Thread reference
"Les AC Ace Bristol au Le Mans 24hr. 1957-1962"
Unfortunately the picture didn't transport across, have therefore emailed three pictures of BEX1110 to Nik.
Requesting he post them on your thread.
Keith..[;)]
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<b>BEX333</b> Driven by James (Jim) Parsons, Competed in various racing events throughout 1957 to 1964 in NW USA,
Vancouver & British Columbia, However to date I am still looking for information e.g. Race programm, race result sheets and
Photographs to complement two of the many Race Plaques displayed earlier on this thread.
Jim Parsons. .. White Ace Bristol. ..USA number plate AKF221 or possibly Metalic Blue ( BEX333 was hit numerous times and was repainted
metallic Silver Blue colour, Then red in 1964, bare Ali in 1978 and eventually Black in 1985)
S C C A Shelton 4-19-59
OV 1600 PRo
2nd CLD
and
DEER PARK
1959 3rd B Prod
Has any one any information on either of these two events..[?]
or knows someone who attended these events..[?]
Any information gratefully received. either posted on this
thread via email or posted by Snail Mail.
Keith..[:)]
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Latest update.... Thank you for keeping this thread alive !!
e-mail from Jerry Liudahl (Old Irish Racing-Jaguar) Eugen,USA. Follow up from email dated 19th December 2010
Keith,
Hope you and yours are fit as well. We are anxious for winter to be over. We had a warm dry sunny February, ending in snow and arctic temperatures. Enough already, bring on Spring!
The address I was given for Rondi Boskovitch must have been Ted's and it bounced. I put a condolences remark on a website, but did not get an acknowledgement. I made mention of your email yesterday and my tech savvy teenager asked me if I had tried Facebook. So, I inquired and sure enough she has a Facebook page. I sent a note and will see if I get a response. If not, I am headed to Seattle at mid-month on business for a couple days and I will see what I can do.
Not too surprised about the Monte Shelton response. If they had to depend on customer service to stay in business, they would have been gone long ago.
I will let you know what turns up.
Kind regards,
Jerry
Thank you for your time and effort. Hopefully something materialises from your visit to Seattle.
Any info on Racing History of BEX333 (1957 -1964).. Appreciated.
Keith..[;)]
________________________________________
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Whilst trawling various web sites the other evening I came across:-
SCCA USRRC race programme/results archive- The AUTOSPORT Bulletin Board.
Amongst the numerous correspondance was the following:-
Hi
My name is Mike Martin and I'm currently finishing up a book about the history of The USRRC series.
A central database is a nice pie in the sky idea! It has taken me 17 years to collect race results and data, race programmes, entry lists, car numbers,
fastest laps, fastest qualifiers , starting grids and times and I'm still missing some of these.
If any of you reading this are curious, please email me on :-
grimheel@whidbey.com
Unfortunately my email bounced back twice.
I sent a email to Marrion & Vince Howlett, Victoria, BC, Canada. whom by return confirmed Mike Martins email as:-
grimeheel@wavebroadband.com unfortunately this too has bounced back..[:(][:(]
Mike also confirms he has the first 13 Puget Sound Sports Car Club's Magazines.... As Jim Parson's won a few Annual championships for his Class in BEX333
( reference Brass plaques posted earlier on this thread) there MUST BE some gems / data, hidden away in Mikes Archives... to contribute to the
"Racing History File of BEX333"
Does any one know Mike Martin, Have contact with him, live near him or can confirm correct email address ..[?]
Keith .. .. [:p]
-
Keith, Zabba search shows a Mike S. Martin in Coupeville on Whidbey Island which is about 30 miles from me.
I'll try to contact him to see if he is the USRRC individual.
I believe the USRRC series was in the early 60's and involved more sports racing/pre Can-AM type cars (Elvas, Porsches, Cobras, etc.) rather than sports cars.
Wikipedia indicates "The United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC) was created by the Sports Car Club of America in 1962." and that it ran until being replaced by the Can-AM in 1968.
Probably too late for AC Bristol involvement.
I'll give the Whicbey Mike Martin a call,
John
-
John
Thank you for your kind offer.
Hopefully he is The Mike Martin . If you can make contact and view his archives can you please cross reference Jim Parsons /BEX333 (USA number plate AKF221) with The 13+ issues of "Puget Sound Sports Car Club" Magazines he has in his archives.
Last Night I received email from Jerry Van Kalleveen (BEX316) in Holland, He has received a couple of Period pictures (in colour) of BEX333 at Westwood .. .. dated 1959/1960. Thanks once again for your assistance... ... appreciated .. [;)]
A quick thank also to Jerry, I will post both pictures this evening.
Keith..[:)]
-
Sorry for delay...
Please find below the two Period pictures received from <b>Jerry Van Kalleveen.</b>
<b>both pictures. Jim Parsons - Westwood 1959</b
Both these pictures were posted to Jerry by Mark Faviell, apparantly originated from the personal collection of his Father.
I knew BEX333 have been resprayed a few times during it's USA Sports Car Racing campaign "1958 through to end of 1964", Having only seen
Black & White pictures and press cuttings it is a surprise to see it in a Light Silvery Blue Gray colour.
Jim Parsons resprayed it a few times during the period 1958 /1964, due to racing incidents / accidents ... Once in Beige or light colour ?and later
1962/64 in Red..
Have carefully magnified the photo of the rear number plate,studied the driver and the car.
I can confirm it is definitely BEX333 at Westwood in 1959 when James run with racing number 251.
Great period pictures ...[;)] Due to Corporate Suicide by Photobucket.... Have reposted both pictures below.
Thank you Jerry & Mark Faviell .... Really appreciated !
Keith ... [:)]
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Keith, Had a look for Mike Martin for you and came up with his picture on this link: http://forums.autosport.com/index.php?showtopic=132627 mike "grimeheel" is shown with others in 2010. Being a later showing of the Autosport forum it may give you another lead. Good luck.
Mike
-
Received the following email via the Forum:-
Hello AC Ace Bristol
You received the following message from: AEX566 (aceca@lycos.com)
At: http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/
Keith;
Re Mike Martin's email-
Appears email domain is whidbey.net rather than whidbey.com. Also Martin signs in to the Auto Forum as "grimeheel" rather than grimheel. Suggest first sending
to grimheel@whidbey.net then try grimeheel@whidbey.net Good luck, Mr. Martin looks like an excellent lead.
Art
Thank you Mike & Art.for your suggestions.
Every picture tells a story, I now have a name and a face and good idea of Mikes age group . .. I will send email to Mike Martin tonight.
Hopefully positive news to follow.
Keith.. .. [;)]
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Keith, I've left a message at the phone number I found and am awaiting a return call.
If you make contact, I am fairly close (and was at an event and led a tour from Whidbey Island to our community a few weeks ago) if there are copies to pick up and/or post.
The tour was interesting, leading a group of American Corvettes on back roads in the snow. Fat tires, lots of power and snow/ice are not met for one another!
John
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John
I have tried all permutations of email address for Mike Martin without success, each and everyone bounced back.
I know I'm pushing my luck, but if you don't ...
No Pressure then ......[:0]..[;)]
Sorry to be so bold and upfront, If you don't get a reply to your phone message could you call upon him when you are next in the area?
Simply don't want to loose a good potential lead, especially if it can substantiate racing history on not only BEX333 but any of the many other Aces raced in Period...[:p]
Seriously any info appreciated.
Thanking you in anticipation
Keith
-
I'll have to retry the phone number as I had no response.
Both Whidbey.net and .com are valid email extensions as I have acquaintances with one or the other. I suspect that as the original Autosport posting was in 2007, the email account is no longer active.
Here in the states we've had corporate acquisitions, etc. which cause accounts/addresses to be changed (i.e. comcast.com addresses in some cases are now frontier.com addresses, etc.)or due to pricing or service or hackers people change services.
-
John
Thought I would try another apporoach to make contact with
Mike Martin. (as you rightfully pointed out, email address has changed.)
Fired a email off yesterday afternoon to Martin Rudow ....Author of "Weekends of Glory" and " Long Straights and Hairpin Turns",
In the hope that he knows Mike Martin and requesting data on SCCA Shelton 4-19-59 & Deer Park 1959.plus racing and paddock photos of BEX333 in the later
colour scheme Silver Grey Blue. #251 at Westwood in 1959/1960.
Received the following reply at 01.07 this morning 2nd May:
Thanks for the reminder Keith and I will always keep my eye out
for photos, Been kind of swamped with other projects lately though.
Mike Martin Has not written books yet, but has a LOT of local racing information and is a great guy. He may be reached on:
grimeheel62 at wavecable dot com
Cheers.. ..
Martin Rudow .. [;)]
Fresh email to Mike Martin and reference to this thread to be drafted and sent later today......
Keith.. .. [:)]
.
-
Sent a series of three email to Mike Martin on the new, (his correct) email address:
Please find detailed below a copy of the very prompt and positive reply:-
Hi Keith,
Nice to hear you have a Northwest racer. I did read your thread on the AC forum. Wow, what perseverance! I’m glad you have it.
I don’t have any issues of Pit Pass, but I do have the first year of Puget Sound Sports Car News. My “day job” is writing a history of the old USRRC race series. I will take a look at the PSSC newspapers tonight and let you know if there is any info on BEX333.
With Vince, Martin, Tom, and Evan you’ve hit the major keepers of the flame in this area. I will try to add to what you have so far.
Regards,
Mike Martin
Camano Island, WA 98282
425-530-8021
Grimeheel62@wavecable.com
Contact has been made, lets hope Mike has some gems hidden away in his archives to complement the ever growing Racing History File on BEX333.
Mike has registered with the Forum, Just awaiting authorization, then should be able to post material directly onto this thread.
I await in anticipation........[;)]
Keith
Additional reply after sending a batch of period pictures and a batch of current pictures of BEX333.
Resulted in receipt of 2nd email:-
Keith,
You have not bored me one bit. I love this stuff. Just wish I had more time for it. I should have in a few weeks when I will be done with my USRRC book. Well, I should be done with the hard part.
Totally agree, if you don't ask, you don't get.
I feel enlightened, not pestered. I promise I'll responded a lot quicker than 9 years.
Regards,
Mike Martin
Dead Pedal Press[/b .
Looking forward to seeing new material, helping create a bigger picture of the Racing History of BEX333...
Keith .. ..[:p]
-
Thursday 5th May.
Received another email from Mike Martin, See attached... ... Confirming that James H Parsons competed at SHELTON on August 28th 1960. as well as competing at the same track re:- the SCCA event on 19th April 1959 where he came 2nd in class D.
<b>Hi Keith,</b>
I went through my collection of Northwest Sports Car News (1960-1961) and NW Rod News (1962-1964) and could find only one mention of Jim Parsons. I’ve attached a scan of the page.
Sorry I couldn’t be more help. I will keep my eye out for mention of Parsons in anything else I have, or get.
Regards,
Mike Martin
Dead Pedal Press
2288 Elger Park Road
Camano Island, WA 98282
425-530-8021
Grimeheel62@wavecable.com
<b>Mike</b>
Great News, As I didnt have any record of James Parsons competing in this event until receipt of these Race Results. ( all the plaques I have indicate 1st ,2nd or 3rdplacing, comming in 10th is classified as a also ran )
Many thanks Mike.... another piece of the jigsaw,Really appreciated..[;)]
I will Post copy of Race Results later today.
<font size="2"><b>SHELTON... August 28th 1960
Jim Parsons came 10th in Race No 4 - A, B & C Production</b></font id="size2"> Can any one confirm Race number..[?] Has anyone race and paddock pictures .. [?]
<b>Keith..</b>.. [:)]
-
Keith, I'm sure you've already checked this info.
http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/archive/Jim-Parsons-USA.html
They have the August 28 1960 race listed but with no info.
They do have a Ken Miller and C.L. Thomas listed as racing AC's at various Shelton races.
For those races for Jim Parsons noted, they do ask for photos, they might appreciate the specific race photos in your archive. (It might jog other visitors to that site memories.)
John
-
To all those still following this Thread:
Received the following email from "Mike Martin"
Hi Keith,
Thanks for dogging the webmaster. I have submitted another registration to the forum.
In the meantime, feel free to post our correspondence.
I need to find a way to scan all my issues of Puget Sound Sports Car News, or get them scanned. They are 11”x17” format and my scanner does only 8-1/2”x11”. Besides James Parsons, at least 3 other guys raced AC Bristols in this area and I think it might help your research if you know what the other folks did also.
If I can’t scan them myself, I will take them to an office shop to be scanned. If they can’t/won’t, I will get them photocopied and send them to you via snail-with-wings mail. This won’t happen for two or three weeks. I will be travelling part of next week and I need about 2-3 weeks to finish my book.
Will get back to you when I have something substantial. In the meantime happy hunting and best of luck.
Regards,
Mike Martin
All sounds very promising, Must learn to be patient...
Will post additional information as and when it materialises, In the meantime.. John Lucke .. .. I might call upon your services to arrange a meeting with Mike, as we (Members of ACOC) could learn of the Racing History of four or five other Aces as well as more History on BEX333...[:)]
I believe Mike Martin is referring to other Drivers of Ace Bristol's Racing in NW USA, Vancouver & British Columbia in the mid 1950s through to mid 1960s as the following:-
Ken Miller, Ed Clemments, Al Doyan, Bob Constabaris ,
Dr V D Clausliong, and Le Roy C "Tommy" Thomas .. .. [?]
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
.
.
-
quote:
Originally posted by jrlucke
Keith, I'm sure you've already checked this info.
http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/archive/Jim-Parsons-USA.html
They have the August 28 1960 race listed but with no info.
They do have a Ken Miller and C.L. Thomas listed as racing AC's at various Shelton races.
For those races for Jim Parsons noted, they do ask for photos, they might appreciate the specific race photos in your archive. (It might jog other visitors to that site memories.)
John
John
Thank you for the Lead.
I Have been in contact with Martin Krejci of Racing Sports Cars over the past three years, He has indicated that it might be possible to cover SCCA
events and would consider creating a section detailing all Aces which competed during the 1950s & 1960s..
However this can only be acheived by members supplying photos and documents substantiating and authenticating Drivers Racing data & Aces.
As Martin carries out and maintains this website as a hobby we cannot expect instant results. He does have a life outside his Hobby.
( Rome wasn't built in a Day, or a week, these things take time but do come to fruition with a little help )
So can all who have followed this thread and also researched the racing history of their Ace / Aces please visit :
http://www.racingsportscars.com
and
email ;- Martin Krejci on rsc@racingsportscars.com
I have emailed photos and various data to complement the new area section reference .. Complete Archive of Jim Parsons - BEX333.
Hopefully within the next few years we will have a good compilation of data on AC Aces raced in SCCA events during the 1950s & 1960s. [;)]
Cheers for Now
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
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Keith, Martins' being able to add SCCA information is extremely informative.
Unfortunately in many cases the specifics on the cars may not be available. Going from old programs may provide driver info and general car info but not specifics.
Having people such as yourself who know the ownership history allowing others to identify related individuals seems to be the best way of filling out the information.
Hopefully Martin and the folks at Tam's site will continue to add and flesh our their information with assistance/feedback from folks such as yourself, Louis, etc.
Keep up the good work,
John
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Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol...Thursday 5th May.
Received another email from Mike Matin...Confirming that James H Parsons competed at SHELTON on August 28th 1960. as well as competing at the same track re:- the SCCA event on 19th April 1959 where he came 2nd in class D...I will Post copy of Race Results later today. SHELTON... August 28th 1960:
Jim Parsons came 10th in Race No 4 - A, B & C Production Can any one confirm Race number..? Has anyone race and paddock pictures .. Keith... :)
And here`s a (slightly edited) copy of those race results:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ayvg4ni3b/scn1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Interesting classifications. I remember AC's in E, D and C, but not B.
-
quote:
Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol
quote:
Originally posted by jrlucke
Keith, I'm sure you've already checked this info.
http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/archive/Jim-Parsons-USA.html
They have the August 28 1960 race listed but with no info.
They do have a Ken Miller and C.L. Thomas listed as racing AC's at various Shelton races.
For those races for Jim Parsons noted, they do ask for photos, they might appreciate the specific race photos in your archive. (It might jog other visitors to that site memories.)
John
John
Thank you for the Lead.
I Have been in contact with Martin Krejci of Racing Sports Cars over the past three years, He has indicated that it might be possible to cover SCCA
events and would consider creating a section detailing all Aces which competed during the 1950s & 1960s..
However this can only be acheived by members supplying photos and documents substantiating and authenticating Drivers Racing data & Aces.
As Martin carries out and maintains this website as a hobby we cannot expect instant results. He does have a life outside his Hobby.
( Rome wasn't built in a Day, or a week, these things take time but do come to fruition with a little help )
So can all who have followed this thread and also researched the racing history of their Ace / Aces please visit :
http://www.racingsportscars.com
and
email ;- Martin Krejci on rsc@racingsportscars.com
I have emailed photos and various data to complement the new area section reference .. Complete Archive of Jim Parsons - BEX333.
Hopefully within the next few years we will have a good compilation of data on AC Aces raced in SCCA events during the 1950s & 1960s. [;)]
Cheers for Now
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
Just to keep you all upto date, received the following email from
Martin Krejci....
Hello Keith,
Thank you very much for your photos. I will try to use them as I identify all races and get time to process them. (there is another 5000 in the queue and I do race by race collections first)
Kind regards,
Martin
Martin Krejci
Racing Sports Cars - chief editor, photographer,
programming services Health and Beauty Systems - product consultancy and distribution Certified Aloe Vera Gel, Colostrum, Reishi & many more.
We will have to wait in turn for photos and additional data to be posted / uploaded, In the meantime should anyone have SCCA Racing data on any Aces raced during the 1950s & 1960s please forward copy on to Martin Krejci. Please also copy Tony Bancroft to complement his reference library and the ACOC Ace Bristol Register.
Last but not least, thank you Nik for posting Racing Results reference SCCA Shelton August 28th 1960.
Cheers for Now..
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
-
.
Hi .. to those still following this thread:
The wheels are still turning, Copy of email received from Mike Martin this morning:-
Hi Keith,
No problem. I understand busy.
I will burn a cd/dvd tonight and get it in the mail tomorrow. How about $15. ( $20.00 dollar bill in post to cover CD & pp )
The book is in the final stages. I have given my graphic artist all the text and race results charts. He is laying out the pages and saving room for photos.
I have, or will soon get, about half of the photos I need and I’m placing an order with the Ford Museum for the balance of the photos I need. Then I have to name the files in the order I want them in the book and write captions. After that, I tidy up the appendix charts, finish the acknowledgements, etc. I imagine I’ll be done with my part (other than proofing) in a month.
Sorry, but BEX333 and James Parsons did not compete in any of these races. My book covers just the USRRC races from 1963 to 1968.
Do you know if James participated in any Northern California races? If so, he might be mentioned in issues of “The Wheel” magazine. Just a thought.
Regards,
Mike Martin
Dead Pedal Press
2288 Elger Park Road
Camano Island, WA 98282
425-530-8021
Grimeheel62@wavecable.com
Looking forward to receipt of CD/DVD.
Once I have a copy of the CD I will view and hopefully confirm & post details on the racing history on the four or five Ace Bristols that competed in this race series against James Parsons during the late 1950s ... [;)] Any info of interest to those owning any of these Ace Bristols will be made available.[;)]
Perserverence is paying off with new data regularly materialising, being supplied by the cosmoplitan group of ACOC members and AC enthusiasts, who have followed this thread over the past few years.
Without the ACOC Forum and your help this would not have been possible.. .. ..
A vote of thanks to you all .. .. Much Appreciated.. .. .. ..[:)]..[:)]
Cheers for Now
Keith..[;)]
______________________________________
-
.
Hi to all those who are still following this thread.
Received CD/DVD from " Mike Martin ", so must find time to view all 108 pages from the 13 copies of The Puget Sound Sports Car Club Magazine/s 1960/1961.
A quick scan through records James Parsons a few times.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Received the following email from "Vince & Marion Howlett" reference contact for Al Doyon who regularly raced against James Parsons and rebuilt the engine in/of BEX333 back in 1965 on behalf of new owner (2nd) Lee Kolb who bought BEX333 in December 1964. Engine and body work in need of TLC.
Hi Keith.
Last week, I tried to phone Barbara Lovely-Doyon. She is the sister of racer Pete Lovely, who passed away a couple of months ago. She is also the wife of Al Doyon, who raced an AC Bristol in the late 50s, early 60s. I wondered if she had any info or photos of Al Doyon's AC Bristol. She phoned me back last night. She has some photos of Al's AC Bristol, but I don't know what else she has.
She said it would be fine for you to contact her.
She lives in Sammamish, Washington, near Seattle. Here is her email
address:
belovelydoyon at comcast dot net
It would be great if you could find Al's AC Bristol, though you will probably need the serial number. I don't know if she has that. She said they sold it to someone named Ed Mcbee. I found this contact info:
Edwin C McBee
5518 88th St NE
Marysville, WA 98270
(360) 657-4158
Do any of you Know Edwin C Mc Bee..[?]
Do any of you live near by..[?].
email from Vince continues:-
Also, Al Doyon is still alive, though in a nursing home. Apparently, he had herpes in the brain 32 years ago, which most people would not survive. So, sadly, I believe he is now not able to communicate.
Hope all is well. How is the Jim Parsons AC Bristol doing?
regards
Vince Howlett, Victoria, BC, Canada,
Thank you vince for new information..[;)]
Must make time to follow up, this weekend ...Actioned, email and various jpegs 1957/2011.... sent Sunday 17th July
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
.
-
The ACOC Forum is still producing results.. May it continue...
Received the following email. Sat 16th July, from Fran,
in Vancouver.
Keith.
I was scanning the blog connected with your ACE Bristol the other day and in the post of May 2010 you were enquiring after Ed Clements, the Photographic Editor
for Pit Pass.
I know Ed, and I am writing to see if you are still interested in contacting him. Personally, I will be in the UK in September and may be able to bring some info with me or maybe pursuade Ed to come himself, especially if he could see your car.
A reply, positive or negative, would be appreciated.
Fran
Positive reply sent via email.
Possibility to tie in with Goodwood Revival..[?]..[?]
Cheers for Now
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
-
.
Reference Ed Clements.
email received from Fran
Keith
Thank you for your reply and the offer re: Goodwood revival meet of Sept 17/18. Our plans have not been finalised, in fact haven't even booked the plane but the dates would fall into our intended stay in the UK.
I forgot to mention that Ed also drove at Westwood, more than likely at the same time as Jim Parsons, I will be able to confirm this after I speak with Ed, presently we are at opposite ends of Canada, myself in PEI on the East Coast and Ed in British Columbia.
There is also this book "
The chequered past: sports car racing and rallying in Canada, 1951-1991
By David Anderson Charters
Which is available on Amazon.ca at a minimum. It mentions both Abbotsford and Westwood. I couldn't determine if your car is mentioned in here but it does mention Ed winning the initial CRRC (Cdn Road Race of Champions) at Westwood in 1971. There is a summary of the book on Google Books.
I will let you know our plans as they develop.
Fran
Anyone have a copy..[?], If so, is there any mention to James (Jim) Parsons or any photos of Aces on track or in Paddock..[?]
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
-
Received email from Fran,
Keith
Flight booked to UK to coincide with Goodwood, Unfortunately Ed Clements cannot make it, Will bring book " The Chequered Past" and hopefully some photos and racing data on BEX333 and Other Aces raced during late 1950s early 1960s.
Fran
Emailed reply requesting any data on any Aces raced in Period.
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
-
Meeting arranged with Fran for Monday 26th September, hopefully she has brought over from Canada photos and racing data of the 7 or so Aces raced in the 1950s/1960s in NW USA , Vancouver and British Columbia.
Ed Clements cannot make the trip, so will speak to him on the phone.
As Ed raced his Ace against BEX333 on various occassions should gleen some useful information for the Ace Registers and other ACOC Members.
Hope to post new material late September.
Keith..[:)]...[:)].
-
Met up with Fran for Lunch and trip out in BEX333. Fran has known Ed Clemments for a while but unable to bring any new material over to UK due to series of travel and personel committments, simply ran out of time. However did bring over from Canada the book "The Chequered Past" Sports car racing & rallying 1951-1991... by David Charters. 345 pages on development of Canadian Motor Sport, Culture and Social life. Very few pictures but full of Facts on circuits, drivers teams and politics, will take a while to read through and follow up new potential leads.
Long term plan, As Fran lives close to Ed she will keep in contact with him and hopefully secure racing details and photos of the various Ace Bristol's Raced in and around the race tracks in the region of Vancouver during mid 1950s through early 1960s.
Ed Clemments definitely raced a Ace, Knew and competed against Jim Parsons, Al Doyon, Bob Constabaris, Ken Miller & Dr Clausing.
However due to house moves and now being in his 83rd year it may take some time to find photos and general race data, assuming it/they haven't been discarded over the years.[:(]
Thank you Fran for your company and for offering to keep in contact with Ed Clemments when you get back home in Vancouver. Really
appreciated.
Keith..[;)]
-
Hi
Sorry to repeat this Lead... But help required.
Received the following email from "Vince & Marion Howlett" reference contact for Al Doyon who regularly raced against James Parsons and rebuilt the engine in/of BEX333 back in 1965 on behalf of new owner (2nd) Lee Kolb who bought BEX333 in December 1964. Engine and body work in need of TLC.
Hi Keith.
Last week, I tried to phone Barbara Lovely-Doyon. She is the sister of racer Pete Lovely, who passed away a couple of months ago. She is also the wife of Al Doyon, who raced an AC Bristol in the late 50s, early 60s. I wondered if she had any info or photos of Al Doyon's AC Bristol. She phoned me back last night. She has some photos of Al's AC Bristol, but I don't know what else she has.
She said it would be fine for you to contact her.
She lives in Sammamish, Washington, near Seattle. Here is her email
address:
belovelydoyon at comcast dot net
It would be great if you could find Al's AC Bristol, though you will probably need the serial number. I don't know if she has that. She said they sold it to someone named Ed Mcbee. I found this contact info:
Edwin C McBee
5518 88th St NE
Marysville, WA 98270
(360) 657-4158
Do any of you Know Edwin C Mc Bee..
Do any of you live near by...
email from Vince continues:-
Also, Al Doyon is still alive, though in a nursing home. Apparently, he had herpes in the brain 32 years ago, which most people would not survive. So, sadly, I believe he is now not able to communicate.
Hope all is well. How is the Jim Parsons AC Bristol doing?
regards
Vince Howlett, Victoria, BC, Canada,
Thank you vince for new information..
Must make time to follow up, this weekend ...Actioned, email and various jpegs 1957/2011.... sent Sunday 17th July
Keith....
Edited by - AC Ace Bristol on 20 July 2011 18:13:42
.
Assistance Required ( 2nd October 2011 )
Hi.
Sent couple of emails over the past 3 months but no response, So copied some photos and wrote a letter to Mrs Barbara Lovely-Doyon with the address as confirmed above.
However my letter has now crossed the Pond twice as yesterday it returned with the following red stamped message.
Not Delivered as Addressed unable to Forward.
Can one of you reading this thread confirm a more accurate address for Mrs B Lovely-Doyon .. than Sammamish, Washington, Nr Seattle. USA...[?]
Thanking you in anticipation of any additional information & assistance.
Cheers for Now...[;)].
Keith .[:)]..[:)]
-
Mike Mansergh..
Thank you for emailing the attached link ... Yahoo People Search.
Keith
FYI ........
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=first%3A%22b%22+last%3A%22Lovely-Doyon%22+&fr=php-phon
Best Regards,
Mike..[;)]
Thank you Mike,
Yesterdays returned envelope-package from Sammamish, Now enclosed in a new envelope , re-addressed and already posted back to Sammamish correctly addressed to Mrs Barbara Lovely- Doyon.
Hopefully Baraba Lovely-Doyon still has some of Al Doyon's photographs and racing data in the loft and responds in a postive way.
Will give her a call one evening this week.
Thanks again Mike for confirming address and telephone number
Keith ..[:)]..[:)]
-
Keith, once you've made contact if you need any local assistance, this address is about an hour away (and within a couple miles of our previous home).
John
-
.
John Lucke.
Thank you for your email last night and your Offer to Contact Ed Mc Bee.
Any form of contact with Ed Mc Bee ( Marysville, WA 98270 ) would be appreciated, Hopefully resulting in securing a little more history on BEX333 and Al Doyon's Ace plus any of the other Ace Bristol's raced in the 1950s & early 1960s..[:D]
Fran is liaising with Ed Clemments in Vancouver, so all going well, Should get new info on the various Ace Bristol's raced in NW USA, Vancouver & British Columbia.
In the meantime, Letter with photocopy pictures has been posted to Barbara Lovely-Doyon, Sister of the Late Peter Lovely (Famous Racer) and Husband of Al Doyon.
Important that contact is made and maintained with these guys as they are now 80 plus years young. Need to record accurate history for our Ace Registers before it is lost for ever.
John and all who have contributed to date A Big Thank You..[;)].
Cheers for Now.. ..
Keith..[:)].. [:)]
-
3rd October 2011
To all those who have followed this thread over the past 33 months or so will have read on numerous occassions how I have stressed the importance to follow up leads and record history before it is lost forever.[V].
I received today the following email:-
Hello Keith.
I am Virginnia Joy. Bill, my husband, and I have known Jim and JoAnn Parsons for 54 years.
Jo Ann Parsons passed away on 26th June, 2011. JoAnn had been in poor health for quite some time. JoAnn has willed me everything she had possession of.
I have been quite busy doing her probate forms and just recently began going thru all of the paperwork, photos and household possessions, including the house. Because of her ill health a lot of tasks were not attended to and I am trying to tie up loose ends.
I have been looking in her computor and piles of papers left. In doing so have read your emails to her. Your quest of history for the Ace Bristol has reached the "top of the heap". Unfortunately Jo didn't leave a lot of photos. Did she send you pictures of the car taken on their wedding day?
The four of us were at Abbotsford the day Jim "creamed" the Bristol. Bill wasn't racing and we had driven the Peugeot, so Jo and Jim rode home with us and the next week we took our truck and flat bed trailer back to Canada and brought the Ace Bristol home. I know there were pictures but haven't yet found them.
If we can be of help in your quest for history, just let us know. Bill raced and belonged to the Puget Sound Sports Car Club also. Bill and his nephew have recently been enjoying Road Rally's especially the ones in Canada in winter.
They are known as the odd couple. Bill is 73 years old and the driver, while Greg who is 30 something runs the computor. They have some harrowing tales to tell.
I hope we can be of some help in your quest.
Sincerely
Virginia Joy.
P.s.
I have sent immediate reply and condolence and await patiently hoping something may materialise within next few months.[;)]
Don't mean to come across as cold and callous, but really glad I made contact with JoAnn Parsons last year and reunited BEX333 with the racing plaques off the trophies won by James in the 1950s early 1960s or they would have been lost for ever.
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
-
I had a great lengthy conversation with Ed this afternoon (he resides 50 or so miles from me).
Unfortunately he sold the Ace quite some time ago (he wasn't sure but it was most likely in the 1970's or 1980's as it was sold through a Triumph dealer in Seattle).
He did know that the buyer of the Ace from the dealership (long out of business) was named Dex MacCullogh (?). He did not have the correct spelling or any other information. I did a search and only found a young gentleman in the southeast US with that name and so unless someone with the registry has info around someone by that name it may be a dead end.
Ed did not race the AC (he did race a early McLaren MK3 Can Am car as well as a Lotus 11) but did show the car in concours shows and participate in road rallys.
If I understood correctly, Al Doyon obtained the AC from Mrs. Doyon's late first husband so more info may be available from her.
I'll try to get together with him in the near future to view some photos from the time he owned the Ace.
-
Thursday 6th October 2011.
Great News!!.
Received the following email from Virginia Joy this evening:-
Keith.
I was at the home of Jim and JoAnn Parsons today and opened the safe to find a box of plaques JoAnn had removed from some of Jims trophies. There are 57 flat placards that were once mounted on trophies and 7 other objects related to the car. Would you like to see pictures ? I would happily send them to you.
I remember an occassion when we went to a dinner where Jim received a large trophy. After the affair was over and we were walking to our car Jim stumbled and fell and put a few dents in the trophy. You see, we used to drink a little. The next day Bill managed to get most of the dents out and we had a good laugh.
I have a very large box of slides to look at and sort. It will be a while before I can get to that task but I will not forget that you want pictures and will stay in touch.
I have found Jo's computer and found pictures she must have e-mailed to you. (That is how I found You). The quality was very bad.
I will look to find the original pictures. I do catalogs for a few glass artists occassionally using Corel and send pictures of 300 dpi or so to printers. Of course if the quality isn't there in the original picture I cannot do much to enhance it. It makes for large files but if you have fast internet that isn't a problem. And I did find the wedding pictures with the Ace in them, Do you want me to try some via e-mail? Another option is to send you a CD/DVD with the files on.
Yours truly
Virginia Joy .
What ever materialises within the next few months I will post on this thread, Hopefully some period race pictures of BEX333 along with other Aces on track and in the paddock/pits.
It ceases to amaze me how helpfull and accomodating AC owners and classic sportscar racing enthusiasts are ... ... A very Special Thank You to .. .. Virginia Joy. [;)]
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
-
The joy of ... Joy.
Well done Keith.
-
.
.
Made telephone contact last night with Mrs Barbara Lovely-Doyon.
.
Great Girl...[;)].. Interesting chat, Al has been in a home for many years but was very actively invloved in the motor trade and sports car racing. In fact with Barbara's brother being Pete Lovely who had a very successfull racing career and all their friends, colleagues and associates made over the past 40 years. She has promised to put word out, that I am seeking history not only of BEX333 but of any Ace Bristol raced in period 1957 through to say 1965.
Can't promise anything but very good prospects with so many good contacts, However one has to appreciate that some of these guys are approaching late eighties or even into their 90th year. So memories can play tricks and photos and racing ephemera eventually get lost or discarded.
Barbara definitely has photos at home of Al Doyon racing his Dark blue Ace Bristol, which he sold to Ed Mac Bee (Ed McBee?) whom allowed Al to continue racing the Ace, But eventually Sold the Ace in the 1970s to a Dex MacCullough ( not sure of correct spelling)... ....Does anyone know Dex.. [?] and Where or Who now ownes Al Doyon's Old Ace Bristol..[?] ( ID [?])
Once Barbara has located some photos and/or 35mm slides she said she will forward on copies by email or Snail Mail.
Tried to send a thank you note via e-mail but kept bouncing back, so will leave it a week or so as Barbara should have received my letter and photocopies which I posted earlier this week.
Hopefully e-mail pictures will be forth coming which in turn will confirm Barbara's correct email address.
A quick Thank You to Mike Mansergh for confirming correct address and tel number for Barbara.[;)]
Keith .[:)]..[:)]
-
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol</i>
Thursday 6th October 2011
Great News!
Received the following email from Virginia Joy this evening:-
Keith
I was at the home of Jim and JoAnn Parsons today and opened the safe to find a box of plaques JoAnn had removed from some of Jims trophies. There are 57 flat placards that were once mounted on trophies and 7 other objects related to the car. Would you like to see pictures ? I would happily send them to you.
I remember an occasion when we went to a dinner where Jim received a large trophy. After the affair was over and we were walking to our car Jim stumbled and fell and put a few dents in the trophy. You see, we used to drink a little. The next day Bill managed to get most of the dents out and we had a good laugh.
I have a very large box of slides to look at and sort. It will be a while before I can get to that task but I will not forget that you want pictures and will stay in touch.
I have found Jo's computer and found pictures she must have e-mailed to you. (That is how I found You). The quality was very bad.
I will look to find the original pictures. I do catalogs for a few glass artists occassionally using Corel and send pictures of 300 dpi or so to printers. Of course if the quality isn't there in the original picture I cannot do much to enhance it. It makes for large files but if you have fast internet that isn't a problem. And I did find the wedding pictures with the Ace in them, Do you want me to try some via e-mail? Another option is to send you a CD/DVD with the files on.
Yours truly
Virginia Joy
What ever materialises within the next few months I will post on this thread, Hopefully some period race pictures of BEX333 along with other Aces on track and in the paddock/pits.
It ceases to amaze me how helpfull and accomodating AC owners and classic sportscar racing enthusiasts are ... ... A very Special Thank You .. .. Virginia Joy.
<b>Keith</b>..[:)]..[:)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
<font size="3"><b>6 Months Later</b></font id="size3">.
20th April 2012
Just received package form Virginia Joy (Executor, of the Late Jo anne Parsons, widow of James H Parsons).
62 pieces of Brass depicting / confirming race and rally history of Jim Parsons from 1955 through to 1964. ( No photos, but real tACtile History)..[:)]
Ten or Twelve plaques are pre-September 57, so are not relevent to BEX333. Some are reference Formula Junior whilst one or two make reference to Jim Parsons as <b>Vice President of "Puget Sound Sports Car Club" in 1963.</b>
Lots more research required to allocate validate which of the various Trophy and Dash Board plaques relate to BEX333.
Has any one contact with The Puget Sound Sports Car Club. [?]
or know of any Ex-members who may be able to throw light on tracing various motoring events associated with PSSCC [?]
Bonus at bottom of package.
A Puget Sound Sports Car Badge about 110mm by 70mm in the shape of a two eared wheel spinner.
Photo to follow.[;)]
Keith..[:)]
.
.
-
Photo here! Lovely badge that!
(https://s5.postimg.cc/jab4c08zb/Pugetsound02.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
-
Keith, sounds like a great find!
Glad you finally received the package. It's a long way from Seattle across the continent and then across the Atlantic!!
John
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Ellensburg Daily Record ... September 29th 1958 .
Page 5 Referes to :
Seventy Five Sports Car Drivers Race Here Sunday.
Ellensburg Daily Record News Archive Search Sept 29th 1958
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=860&dat=19580929&id=zJlaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Z0sDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4099,3311246
Confirming Jim Parsons came third in one of the three races competing in BEX333..[;)]
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
-
Here`s the article from the Ellensburg Daily Record:
<center>(https://s5.postimg.cc/bd1diejzb/Ellensburg_Dailyrecord29_09_1958.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/sdk9r2x0j/)</center>
-
Further to receipt of the various racing & Rally plaques, sent email to :-
<b>Scott Faris
President, Cascade Sports Car Club
Spec Miata #09</b>
Received reply ( 22nd April 2012.):- <font size="3"><b>Subject CSCC-CSCC Racing Info Request.</b></font id="size3">
Thanks for enquiry, I have copied our Historian, Bob Hillison, regarding your request reference Racing History of BEX333 and any other AC Aces
raced in period ( 1957-1964 ).
Though our club was around in the 1950's, I am not conversant with the racing history from then, if any can find your data it will be Bob.
Cheers and Good luck.
<b>Scott Faris</b>.
<font color="maroon">*********************************************** </font id="maroon">
<b>22nd May 2012.</b>
reference :- <font size="3"><b>Up date on AC Cars Files</b></font id="size3">.
<b>Keith</b>.
I have located our historical files, but haven't have a chance to look at them.
There are boxes and boxes of them. Our plan is to get the digitized to save them from where " moth and rust doth corrupt "
I have been watching videos of Carrol Shelby's life and his connection to AC Cars, Sad that he has passed but his legend remains !!
Should any racing data be found reference BEX333 or any other Ace raced in Period, will eventually copy you in.
Regards.
<font size="2"><b>Scott Faris
President, Cascade Sports Car Club. </b> </font id="size2">
Any new information received regards any racing Ace will be posted
in due course,
<b>Watch this Space</b>....[;)]..[;)]
<b>Keith</b>..[:)]
-
Hello Keith,
Looking forward to see you in July at Le Mans
Regards
Louis
Picture off topic deleted oct 9th...
-
Hello Keith
I just saw your thread on your AC Bristol.
In the early 60's my mother Lorraine dated a young chap named Wayne.
He bought an AC Bristol from an mad wife that was selling off her husbands stuff during a divorce. This young kid Wayne got a GREAT deal on this rare AC..he couldnt believe
it and drove and started racing at Westwood too. The Doctor from what I recall that owned it finally tracked Wayne down and wanted to buy it back and offered even more
(it was sold legitamately but not the doctor wanted it back if he could).
Well Wayne politely said no and kept driving and racing it. From what I know he eventually sold it..and from what I was told traded it for a
1956 Chevy wagon tow car with a full race car with a Ford Cosworth engine.
I was visiting my mother on the weekend and asked to find these old photos she had. So I got a few! Here are 2 of Wayne's car and then I think what looks like a Cobra?
racing at westwood or maybe it is the same AC painted?? I dont know.. Also there was a few photos of
another AC Bristol with a soft-top with Washington plates on it !
that looks like your car. My mom said they were not waynes AC as he never had a top for it. I did not make a copy as I did not see your thread before so was not as interested
in the other AC with washington plates..but I am pretty sure she has 2 photos of it. I will get copies next visit ok to confirm.
OK so here are some photos..let me know your thoughts.
Regards
Dave...[:)]
-
<b>A Small world indeed</b>.
Receiverd a few emails from Dave & Bill
( Daves Mom Lorraine.... is Bills Sister )
Wayne Laker was Lorraine's boy Friend in the 1960s and he bought a Ace Bristol. Went racing and Courting and took a few pictures of any Ace or Cobra they encountered.
copy of emails below...[;)]
<b>Hi Keith, </b>
Not sure why those links to my Photobucket account didn't work, perhaps as it was an email sent via the forum..?
Interestingly enough, just a few days ago, I was telling my Nephew, (not my Mom), about your car, and your heroic efforts on tracing out it's history. He's a vintage motorcycle
and car buff, and he was quite enthusiastic about things like that. So I sent him a link to the AC Owners forum, as well, so he could read the continuing thread on BEX333.
After I sent you that email this morning, I rec'd an e-mail from him, telling me that he had contacted you, and had sent you the same photo's. It was actually his Mother (my Sister),
who's boyfriend (Wayne Laker), from back in the day, owned the Bristol pictured. I think he had recently gotten copies of those photo's from her, and had just sent copies to me a few
days back..
Now here is something else he mentioned in that latest e-mail, that may get you excited.
I quote from his letter.
"My mom took all those photos..the white car (is actually an ACE Bristol) with a Cobra 2.6 front end, as that is what that Keith guy just emailed me back.
There was actually a few other photo's of the Ace, and other photos which I realized were not Wayne's car. I didn't make a copy of a dark color Ace, parked in a grass field with softtop
and washington plate bolted on lower front drivers side. I didnt think much of it..but then looking at that Keith guys history on his BEX 333 he has some old photo of his car
(which was a washington state car) and it looks like the same car, so unknowingly it looks like I have some photos of his car too! I am going to get those next visit for him. Funny world eh?"
So here may be yet, another link to your cars history! I'd really like to see all the photo's he has rec'd from my Sister..Might be some other's in the mix worth having a copy of...
Hopefully he'll scan them for me.
I know my Sister did got to Westwood a few times, while she was dating Wayne. I can well imagine her snapping photo's of anything AC related, probably at his urging..
I saw an Ace Bristol about..hmmm.. maybe 15 years ago, in a Vancouver shop called XJ Motors. The car's owner was getting an estimate on the cost of mechanical repairs,
perhaps as a step towards restoring it. I told the shop owner, who I knew, through business dealings, that I always wanted one, and a bit of my history with the Ace. The car remained at the shop for several weeks, although I never did meet the owner. One day it was gone. I asked the shop owner what happened to it, and he told me that the owner decided the cost of restoration was going to be more than he could afford, and sold the car for $6000. Boy was I upset that let that one slip by me..sheesh..I never dreamed he would sell it..
The color of that Ace is somewhat foggy, it may have been green, or perhaps white.
I know it was not red. The paint was in poor shape, that I remember.. So perhaps somewhere in Vancouver, another Ace is parked..
I digress..lol
So anyways, I gather that you now have the pictures I was trying to send you..I posted them on the owners club forum as well. Guess I made a mistake in presuming the white AC pictured was a Cobra, as I wasn't aware somebody re did the front end..huh..
Cheers, Bill
On Fri, Sep 7, 2012 at 11:28 AM, Keith Lessiter wrote:
<b>Bill</b>
Thank you for your email, BEX333 left Thames Ditton painted White, then during racing period with Jim Parsons 1958 through 1964 was repainted Light metallic blue. Then repainted Red..[;)]
The late Widow Mrs Joanne Parsons told me the Ace kept getting hit and was repaint a few times and said it was beige at one point. All this in it's first 7 years.
I have registration numbers for BEX333, hopefully the pictures you have may well depict my Ace, Unfortunately I cannot open the pictures/links. Sorry to be a pain but if you did send link to pictures for some reason I could not open them,
Could you please email in Jpeg some time at your convenience.
If the Ace in Question is not BEX333 then I can go
through the AC Ace Bristol Register and the AC Ace register and hopefully ID the Ace, then forward onto the latest Custodian, whichever way you look at it will be appreciated.
Cheers for Now. Have a good Weekend........... Last but not Least Thank your Mum for the pictures and story..[;)]
Regards
<b>Keith</b>..[:)]
-----Original Message-----
From: panorama20@gmail.com [mailto:panorama20@gmail.com]
Sent: 07 September 2012 18:13
To: keith.lessiter@faac.co.uk
Subject: Sent From AC Owners Club by AC Bill
<b>Hello AC Ace Bristol</b>.
You received the following message from: AC Bill (panorama20@gmail.com).
[/size][/color]
At: http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/
Keith,
My sister's boyfriend, Wayne Laker, back in the early 60's, (in Vancouver
BC) owned this AC Bristol. I sure wish I knew it's serial number, or what
may have happened to it. Unfortunately I have no idea of the previous owners
name, nor the fellow who owned it after Wayne. The story is that the fellow
who owned the Bristol was getting divorced, and the Wife sold it for a mere
$600, likely out of spite. Apparently the husband approached Wayne, to buy
it back, but that didn't happen. After Wayne drove it for a few years, he
traded it straight across for a Cosworth powered Lotus 23b, on a trailer,
and with a 1957 Chevy for a tow car. He ran the Lotus at Westwood for a
couple of seasons, before trading it all, and getting a 63 E-type
convertible.
The Bristol was painted red in these photos. These were taken shortly after
some damage was done to the nose of the car, on the body just under the
grille. Apparently by a tow truck. Wayne had the car re-painted the same
red, when the repair was done.
This is the car that started my life long love of the AC's and Cobras. These
photo's were taken in front of the home where I grew up, in Vancouver, in
approx. 1962 or 63.
Unfortunately I do not have copy, so cannot repost, Thankfully it was not BEX333. If it had been, then I would have
definitely kept a copy.. ...Keith .. ;)
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/12GAGuy/ACBristolera1963.jpg[/I
MG]
[img]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/12GAGuy/WaynesBristol.jpg)
Any chance your car was ever painted red back in the day?
Regards Bill Regards, <b>Bill</b>..[8D]
Unfortunately The dark Ace is not BEX333, however the other pictures you mention of the Red Ace with the Washington Plates could be BEX333... [;)]
<b>Bill & Dave posted pictures on separate thread on Our Forum.</b>
Lets Hope there 's a picture or two of BEX333, in Lorraines Photographic archives ..[?]..[:p]
-
<b>Latest email from Dave / Bill and Lorraine</b>
<b><font size="4">Well your in luck Keith!</font id="size4"></b>
<b>As I thought my mom Lorraine did have photos of a washington plated ACE...and check out the plate!! </b>
It is your car!
I cant believe it either.
and the best thing they are month and date stamped..may 64.
So hope that adds to your archive
I will send these to my uncle Bill now too.
Also my mother is planning to visit England to visit family and do some geneology research in the next few years from what she tells me.
The reason she has all these photos was her boyfriend Wayne Laker owned and drove the other one in the photos I sent. Perhaps if she makes it there you can take her
for a spin in an ACE again almost 50 years later!
I have a few more of that white cobra at Westwood and will send in separate email
Let me know what ya think of the photos..
Regards
Dave
Vancouver, Canada
<b>Dave</b>
<font color="purple"><b>A big Thank you to your MOM " Lorraine"</b></font id="purple">
for taking the photos, keeping them for fifty years and sharing them with me.
The three picture dated May 1964, are my <b>BEX333</b>, the pictures were taken in May 1964 some 7 months before Lee Kolb bought it (Dec 1964) who owned it for the next 36 years,till I became the Third Custodian in September 2000..[:)].[:)].[:)]
The Other two pictures of the dark coloured Ace Bristol could well be BEX332 which was mail box red and came over in the same shipment as BEX331. BEX332 and BEX333.
Unfortunately I can't copy and post the three pictures at present, Have emailed Jerry who hopefully will post the three period B&W pictures of BEX333 (ARZ913) when Painted
Red in 1962/4.
It really is surprising how things develope and materialise, thanks to the Forum and modern Technology ..[;)]
Cheers for Now
<b>Keith</b>..[:)]..[:)]
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And here are the May 1964 pictures found of BEX 333. What a surprise it is indeed!
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/IMG_0002.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/AC/IMG_0004.jpg)
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Here are some photos from Keith showing BEX 333 bearing the ARZ plate in 1965 & 1978:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/rzih84j4n/BEX333_1965_Seattle_street_scene.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/w2e3kpppj/BEX333_in_bare_Ali_1978.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Posted - 24 September 2012 : 23:50:54
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference Bills seperate thread "AC Ace Bristol Vancouver.1962/3"
Confirming that Lorraine took some 8mm Film of Sports Car Racing at WestWood during the early 1960s, possibility capturing a Ace Bristol or two.[?]
( 4 ACtually competed at WestWood).
Bill & Dave.
Receiving two new period photos of BEX333 (dated May 1964) is a Bonus and confirms that it was Red in May 1964, Earlier photos in my possession confirm it was Light Metalic
Blue in 1962, and some time between 1958 and 1962 it's original coat of Thames Ditton "White" disapeared under the Silver Blue metallic Paint job. When[?].one day
We might home in on the date it was repainted and by whom.[;)]
In the meantime, If you can find Lorraines 8mm film of Sports Car racing at WestWood, lets hope it shows Jim Parsons Piloting BEX333 round the track,
as well as a few other Ace Bristols known to have competed at WestWood.. Whether Positive or negative would still appreciate CD or DVD of Lorraines
8mm Film capturing period Sports racing at WestWood. (1958 - Early 1960s)
Please arrange for good copy, I will reimburse cost of copy and Post&Packing.
Please Thank Lorraine for hopefully capturing BEX333 in ACtion at WestWood..... Last but not least thank you Bill & Dave for coming up trumps...[;)]
Keith[:)] ....
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Jim Parsons was obviously a pretty handy driver in BEX333, as it would appear that he won the Puget Sound Class B Production Championship in 1960:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/5enk7uo2f/northwestsportscarnews1960_Jim_Parsons.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/wp8vfrqz7/)
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<b>Nik</b>.
Thank you for reproducung a clean copy of page 7 of Northwest Sports Car News December 1960.[;)]
First piece of written data to substantiate one of the Brass Race Plaques posted on this thread back in October 2009.
Jim Parsons Won Puget Sound Sports Car Club Class B (prod) Annual Championship in 1958/ 1959 and 1960.
During early 1960's Jim Parsons also regularly competed in Formula Junior and BEX333 was eventually sold to Lee Kolb in December 1964.
The 70 or so race plaques now in my possession definitely comfirm James enjoyed many seasons successfuly racing BEX333 and his Formula Junior.
I notice two interesting additional items printed in 13 issues of The Northwest Sports Car news, Mention to the Van Man Van Rally which Jim competed in
(I have ACtual Rally Plaque removed from Trophy)) and the mention to a Mr Hal Rudow (Class D mod) Annual Championship winner in 1960, whom I believe was the
Father of Martin Rudow who wrote " <b>Long Straights and Hairpin Turns"</b> and <b> "Weekend of Glory" </b>
Two books on Sports Car racing in North West USA, Vol 1 1950 through 1961 and Vol 2 1962 through 1970.
A small world indeed.. Please keep delving into those archives, New material is shared with Both ACOC Ace Registrars and the various Custodians / Club members as it comes to light..[;)]
<b>Keith</b>..[:)]
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Keith,
You may already know this bit of trivia, but the Van Man Van Rally was a popular and hotly contested timed rally that ran from Vancouver up the Lower Fraser Valley to Hope, 90 miles east of Vancouver, then continuing through very mountainous territory up the Hope Princeton Highway to the summit and the Lodge at Manning Provincial Park. The return trip was about 280 miles and usually took place in June.
Jonathan Parker
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Latest email received from Vince Howlett, reference BEX333.. James Parsons plus a lead on the Bob Constabaris Ace Bristol BEX437,
( which will be of interest to Kent Laurence )
Hi Keith
Sorry if I didn't respond to this, over a year ago !
As for Barbara Lovely-Doyon's email address, I believe what I sent you was what she told me. It might be better to phone her, if you haven't already.
I have attached a photo, in three versions. It is from the program for the Pacific International Road Races, sponsored by the Puget Sounds Sports Car Club, and sanctioned by
the International Conference of Northwest Sports Car Clubs, at Pacific Raceways, Kent, Washington, September 18, 1960. This photo is from a couple of pages of photos titled
"Scenes from Pacific Raceways Inaugural Race², which took place August 14, 1960. In the first version of the photo, you can see an AC Bristol, the fourth car back. I believe this is
Jim Parsons. For the second and third versions, I cropped the photo to only include the AC Bristol. As you can see, they are not clear, but perhaps you can do something with them.
Also, the September 18 program, under "Class B Production", lists ³251...Jim Parsons...Seattle, Wash....A-C Bristol"
Also, from the 1960 race programs from the Westwood Racing Circuit, for the Sunday, May 29th Texaco Grand Prix Conference Event, and the June 26th Castrol Trophy Races,
each program has two pages, "Behind the Wheel, Conference Drivers and Their Numbers". The listings in both programs are identical, and list "251...James Parsons...PSSCC
(Puget Sound Sports Car Club)." This does not necessarily mean that Parson raced at these events.
The program for the October 2nd Westwood Conference races lists "Entries for the Westwood Conference Race", including "251 Jim Parsons A.C. Bristol Seattle."
So apparently he was entered for that one.
I have also been in touch with Tom Ellsworth in Massachusetts who apparently has the ex-Bob Constabaris A.C. Bristol. Interesting stuff.
Hope all is well.
Vince Howlett, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, phone/fax
....................................
Vince
Thank you for new details regards racing ACtivities of Jim Parsons and BEX333..[;)] unfortunately the pictures will not reproduce with any clarity, will see if I can improve
quality and post on the Forum.
In the meantime, sorry to be so Bold, but could you photocopy the details in the relevent programms.. Thanking you in anticipation...[;)]..[B)]
Hopefully all going well, will ship BEX333 over to USA for the proposed ACOC International in August 2013 along with various other ACs,
to take in and coincide with Laguna Seca, Monterey and Pebble Beach, then travel North to Seattle and if time permits quick visit to Vancouver...[:p].
Cheers for Now.
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
-
.
Another piece of the BEX333 Racing History confirmed.
.
Hi again Keith
Further info on the October 2nd, 1960 Westwood races:
"RESULTS OF B.M.C. TOURIST TROPHY RACE WESTWOOD"
October 2, 1960.
Race III A, B, C & D Production
Class B
Bob Yeakel.. .. .. . SCCA.. .. .. Porsche ...(#)41.
Jim Parsons.. .. .. PSSCC.. .. AC Bristol ...(#)251.
Bob Constabaris.. .. B.C. .. .. AC Bristol ...(#)50.
I went through the other results for Westwood from 1960, and the October 2nd race is the only one in which "Jim Parsons" name appears.
His name does not appear at all in any of the 1961 or 1962 Westwood results.
I'll let you know if I find anything else.[;)]
Vince Howlett.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
.
-
.
Another photo of BEX333 Racing number 251. .. ( May 1960 )
Thanks to Vince Howlett.
Scenes at the Sports Car Races last Sunday.
Hi Keith
I found a link to the Arlington, Washington newspaper archives. Here is a link, hopefully to the May issues. It was apparently published weekly:
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=ovGv7akYl-cC
Click on May 5, then go to page 10. There is a photo, not too clear, but AC Bristol #251 is in the foreground, at least the front of the car.
There are also some results on page one, but not detailed, so no mention of Parsons.
Thank you Vince for link. .[;)]
Unfortunately very poor quality, Good News .... definitely BEX333 ..[;)].......... Bad News...... Unfortunately, Couldn't download copy.....[:(]
Can any one reading this entry please down load the picture..[?]. or better still does anyone know how to request hard copy of original photo from Arlington Times
or Know the Photographer who regularly covered Sports Car Racing in Vancouver..
Cheers......
Keith..[:)]
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27th October 2012.
Received the following e mail from John Lucke:-
Keith
Here is the contact info for the Arlington Washington Times Newspaper..[;)]
Arlington Times
1085 Cedar Avenue
Marysville, WA 98201
Phone:- 360-659-1300.
Interestingly, Marysville is where Ed McBee another former AC Owner is located.
I spoke with Walt Petersen recently, he lives just a couple of miles from me, his Aceca is now in the care of his Son, It sounds as if it is currently off the road
awaiting restoration.
Hopefully we'll meet in person and continue our conversation.
Hope all is well with you and Family.
John ..[:)]
**********************************************************************************************************************************
John
Thank you for confirming address and Tel Number of Arlington Washington Times Newspaper...[;)]
Sent email requesting Copy of Picture, if negative, Requested confirmation of Photographer...[?].
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
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Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol: Unfortunately very poor quality, Good News...definitely BEX333...Bad News...Unfortunately, Couldn't download copy...:(
Can any one reading this entry please down load the picture? Cheers...
Guess who?! ???
(https://s5.postimg.cc/wchh9ogg7/Arlington_Times01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/jl3b366o3/)
-
Nik.........Thank you for posting the Picture..[;)]
Jerry.......Thank you for email re:- Downloading and Posting the picture on Forum..[;)]
Last but not least, thank you John Lucke for offering to Phone "The Arlington Washington Time Newspaper" to see if they can supply
hard copy of said picture ....... Fingers Crossed......[:)]
Cheers
Keith [:)]
-
Keith, just an update.
I spoke with the editor of the Arlington/Marysville newspapers this morning. He indicated that they do not have any of the older photographs but had given them to the local Marysville Historical Society.
I have emailed the Historical Society (website http://www.marysvillehistory.org/) and will followup by phone during their business hours later this week.
The editor indicated the website we saw the photo is an independent business that they are no longer associated with and that frequently in the process of digitizing the papers, in order to get the print quality, photo images are lost.
I also inquired of the Historical Society if they have other info available regarding the Arlington Airport races. I do know that they have an annual drag race reunion for cars/people who raced there many years ago.
I'll let you know what info I find once I've spoken with them by phone.
John
-
.
.
Response received from John:-
Keith.
I did get a call back from the Historical Society indicating that all of the photos from the newspaper are stored in boxes un-cataloged and that since they rely on volunteer time there were no plans to go through the inventory.
She did indicate that she would post our inquiry in the event that someone did come across the photo.
So for now it appears that the online version is all we have.
Best wishes for the Holiday Season and the coming new year with lots of seat time in your Ace!
John.
-
.
.
<font size="2">To All who have read and contributed to this thread.</font id="size2">
<b>A big Thank you to those who have delved into their archives and scanned various magazines and web sites, then pieced together the now very comprehensive
History file of BEX333..... Really Appreciated</b>..[;)]..[;)].
A bit deja vu ....but this thread ACtually started "wishing every one a Merry Christmas" in Jan 2009, I take this opportunity to wish all those who have followed this thread:-
<center><font size="6"><b><font color="red">Merry Christmas
and a
Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year</font id="red"></b></font id="size6"></center>
<b><font color="green"><font size="3">CHEERS.. .. .. All the Best for 2013</font id="size3"></font id="green"></b>
<font size="2"><b>Keith</b></font id="size2">..[:)]..[:)]
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To kick off another year of this fascinating long running thread here are two scans of an original Westwood Racing Circuit windscreen sticker complete with directions for applying on the backside.
BEX 333 might have had one attached one day while owned by Jim Parsons.
Kindly sent by Jonathan Parker to Keith.
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/WestwoodracingcircuitBrtishColumbia1958.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/bex316/SouthNorthamptonshire-20130210-00062.jpg)
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Thank you Jerry for posting the two pictures of the "Westwood Racing Circuit" windscreen sticker... circa 1958.
Kindly donated by Jonathan Parker ( Vancouver ) who raced his MG TC against James Parsons driving BEX333 during the 1950's. Unfortunately Jonathan doesn't have any period photos or racing material stashed away at home.
Most of you would be aware that Jonathan Parker owns the superb dark red AC Ace (AE1194)that won awards at last years Pebble Beach.(2012)
Hopefully.. .. The ACOC USA International comes to fruition and BEX333 can sit alongside AE1194. and travel up the West Coast, to Seattle and possibly Vancouver....[;)]
Keith..[:)]
-
.
Dave / Bill & Lorraine
Long time no hear.
Hope you and your Families are all fit and well and firing on all cylinders.
Just come across your emails dated Setember 2012 whilst clearing through old emails and thought I would make contact and give a gentle Nudge in the hope that you may
have located the 8mm Sports Car Racing Film from Westwood dated 1958 /1964..[?] that you referred to during our exchange of emails and receipt of your much appreciated copy
of the 1964 photos of my Ace Bristol BEX333 of which Lorraine still had origonal poloroid copies. Which inturn were posted on this thread last September..[:p]
I feel lucky that the 8mm film referred to still exists and could well depict some Ace Bristol's racing round or in the paddock/ pits at Westwood and might just capture
BEX333 wearing USA registration (number plate) AKF221 or later number ARZ913.
As stated earlier, any cost incurred in getting this 8mm film downloaded onto CD/ DVD and copy posted on, I will reimburse in full.. ..[;)]
In the mean time Have a Good Easter Break.
Cheers for Now.
Keith..[:)]..[:)]
.
.
.
-
.
Great Easter Prezzie, received prompt positive response to earlier email.[;)]
Copy attached:-
Hello Keith
Yes, I have converted my old 8mm racing films into 1 DVD. It has some great early Westwood footage as well as Laguna Seca, Cotati and a few other tracks.
The DVD is $20.00 plus $8.00 airmail shipping
Running time is about 30-40 minutes if I recall. Almost all color footage.
If you want a copy you can send $28.00 US funds to my paypal account: ****************************
or I can send you a paypal invoice if you like.
Also I will get the other ACE photos my mother has next time I visit here as if you recall there was one of yours at a field meet with Washington State plates which I think yours.
cheers
Dave.
..
.
..
..
Hi Dave
Payment via paypal, ACtioned, Look forward to receiving and watching your DVD, Hopefully you and/or Lorraine captured BEX333
Jim Parsons and various other Ace's in ACtion.
Big Thank You .. to Dave, Bill & Lorraine ..[;)]
Cheers.... Keith. ..[:)]..[:)]
-
.
Received DVD, Colour 8mm amature film downloaded onto DVD.
Content:- Unfortunately, All post 1962
Cotati .. 1963.
Hockenheim. .. 25th May 1932.
Squaw Valley Autocross. .. 1965.
Monterey Grand prix .. 1964.
Laguna Seca . .. 1963.
Start of Formula Junior & Libra.
USSRC Races. .. 1965.
Monterey Grand Prix. .. 1965.
WestWood Racing Circuit. .. 1962.
Class "F", Class "A&C",
Approx run time 36/37 minutes, One Ace (White) and one Aceca (Maroon)... Blink and you miss them.[;)] Believe to be owned by Jim Milligan. Must try and research.
However a few good sequence shots of a various Cobras. lots of TRs, MGs,Porsche & Ferrari and good multiple sequence of Cheetah # 81 driven by Alan Grant & Allen Green.
( pity I wasn't researching racing Cheetah's.)
Unfortunately, Zero value in Ace Bristol research department and History of BEX333.
Should have requested breakdown of content before buying copy. Some what dissapointed is a understatement..[:(]
As they say " Nothing Ventured nothing Gained".
On the positive side, David did supply a picture of BEX333 dated May 1964, Which he kindly emailed me, Hopefully hard copy wings its way across the pond.[?]
Keith..[;)]
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Hi Keith, been out of touch for awhile. Glad to hear you got the dvd, but sorry it didn't contain any actual footage of your car. I'm sure out there somewhere, gathering dust, there is some footage of it. Bristol's were pretty rare to see at the track even back in their heyday, so I wouldn't doubt that someone have would have filmed it. Good luck in your continued quest.
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.
.
Following recent exchange of email.... Bill has sent the following links...[:p].......Todays technology has somewhat spoilt us, We take so much for granted, Our mobile phones take higher definition pictures today, so need to spend some time and concentrate on some of the video footage from "Westwood".[:)]
However some great period racing, One link of particular interest to those who fraternise the MG A..and Frog Eye Sprouts
Enjoy !!..[;)]
Hi Keith,
Nice to hear from you. Still working hard on your cars history I see.
Was there a color copy.[?]
I'm not 100% sure, but I suspect the original picture was taken using black and white film, rather than color film. I know that many of the photo's I took at Westwood in the early sixties, were all black and white. It was far cheaper to get developed, than color film..
Hopefully Dave would know for sure, and you will soon receive a reply from him.
I wondered if you have ever seen this web site before?
http://www.theoaks.ca/bobwalkerhistoricracing.html
There are a few, of apparently dozens of photos that were taken from back in the day. I wonder if you made contact with this fellow, you might be lucky enough to discover he may have some of your car. I'm hoping he will post more on this site, as it would be something to see a picture of the old Lotus 23-b that Lorraine's boy friend used to race, (after he sold his Bristol). I used to go out to the track with him regularly..
Reading through the biography of one of Westwoods veteran drivers, I spotted a picture on page four, (bottom left) that might be BEX333 sitting at the start finish line. Hard to tell the number on the side, but it looks like it could be 251?
An interesting read regardless.Takes a few minutes to load.
http://www.mognw.com/history/images/G_B_Sterne_Ch_1.pdf (HAVING A PROBLEM OPENING... Will email Bill)
A wonderful video on Westwoods early days. All 8 mm film of course so you need a good set of eyes to depict what exactly are the cars being filmed. A couple times I thought I saw what might be an Ace, but it's hard to tell.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKzlF5MNsWk
Continued success on your research!
Cheers,
Bill
.
.
Thank you Bill, please dont pester Lorraine to much, However should she find more period race material in her archive , You have my permission too ignore Dont and Pester her as much as Poss........... Keith Said x x x x x x x x x..[;)]
Seriously, any period racing data especially with AC Ace & Cobra really appreciated, Will be shared with ACOC Registrars and ACOC Librarian...and made available for current and future members of
ACOC[;)]...[;)]
Cheers for Now.
Keith...[:)]
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The Ace Bristol is Al Doyan’s which was regularly raced against Jim Parsons in BEX333.
Main connection of the two cars besides being Ace Bristol is AL DOYAN rebuilt the Bristol engine in BEX333 back in 1965 within the first few months of Lee Kolb buying BEX333 from 1st owner James Parsons. 2nd Ace is Jim Parsons.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ojqthqshj/parsons_zps29f5625c.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
And a Mystery Ace. At first, thought to be BEX333, but not:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/5enk7z63r/mystery_Ace_zps38ce0087.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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.
.
The two pictures posted on my behalf by Nik Bagshaw were recently received from:
<b>Martin Rudow,</b> author of <b>"Long Straights and Hairpin Turns" </b> and <b>"Weekends of Glory"</b>.[:)]
Really great and appreciate receiving any Period Ace racing pictures, unfortunately on this occassion neither of the above capture James Parsons in BEX333.
The first picture is Al Doyan wearing race number 129 in his Ace Bristol chasing another Ace.
Both BEX333 and Al's Ace BEX??? raced regularly together during 1958/1964, when BEX333 was initialy painted white, then silver blue and finally painted red.
The Ace leading Al Doyan appeares too dark in colour to be James Parsons. But photo reproduction and copying could distort the true colour...[?]
The second picture, is definitely not BEX333, Looking at the early style Overiders it could well be a early AC engined Ace. (AEX???)
Can any one help ID either of these Ace's...[?].. . Could# 231 White Ace be Elliott Pew at Cumberland National Sports Car Races 15th May 1960
where he came i1st in Class DP and 5th O/A .[?]
Please keep digging in those archives of the Pilots who raced our ACs in West & North West USA, Vancouver and British Colunbia during the 1950s
and 1960s..[;)]
Any period race material appreciated and shared with both the official ACOC Ace Registrars and Ace Custodians..[;)]..[;)].
Last but not least.. .. .. .. Thank you Nik and Martin.
<b>Keith </b>..[:)]
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Martin Rudow keeps coming up with the goods!
Here`s a photo of his father Hal driving a Porsche Carrera, in front of what looks like an XK120, with BEX333 in a HUGE slide!
(https://s5.postimg.cc/7j7x97kmv/bex3331959_Sheltonairporthalrudowporsche_zps83a05368.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Location is the Shelton Airport circuit, 1959.
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.
.
Just a quick thank you to all those who have followed and contributed to this thread over the past 5 years...Appreciated.[;)]
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy, Healthy & Prosperous
2014
Cheers for Now
Keith.. :)
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...And as if to prove that this is a living history, 2 'new' old photographs have come to light!
Courtesy of Lee Kolb, 2 more pics from 1978 showing BEX333 looking a little less pristine than nowadays:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/a0jogietz/BEX3331978_3inbare_Ali_zpsd7199da9.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/jxup9kepz/BEX3331978_4inbare_Ali_zpsb7af43be.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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A couple of photos that Keith received from Lee Kolb, dated 1985, which show off the new black paintwork and a Washington registration:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/5reyecr07/BEX3331985edit_zps04024e36.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/wp8vg33xj/BEX3331985_LLM106edit_zps65a872fa.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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The History File continues to Grow.....[;)].
Lee Kolb the previous owner of BEX333 December 1964 to October 2000, had a early spring clean and sent me his typed Note Book / Diary detailing the general maintenance work he carried out on BEX333 from 1990 to 2000.
This complements the Folder of receipts (1964/2000) received when taking delivery of BEX333.[;)]
The above two Colour photos were taken once the Windscreen and chrome work had be fitted and BEX333 had been commissioned after receiving it's Black coat in 1985.
These photos also confirm one of the Registration numbers (Number plates) worn by BEX333 during its 43 years in Seattle and previously logged in the Ace Bristol Register.
Was it standard practice in Seattle to be issued with a new registration number every 10 years..[?]. Or if one moved home .[?]
Many thanks Lee, I will scan document and return original within next ten days or so.
Keith ..[:)]
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I don't know how long it's been the regulation (I've lived in the state 15 years), but currently Washington state requires plates to be replaced every 7 years.
Unless you pay a fee to keep the existing registration number, a new number will be issued.
John
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Those who have followed this thread over the last 5 years or so will remember that I was trying to get in contact with Ed Clements who was the Editor of Pit Pass magazine (1958/1960- 18 editions) and was ACtively involved with motor racing and a prolific photograher...[:)]
Unfortunately even though Contact was made by both Fran and by John Lucke, Nothing materialised, (reference this thread july 2011) attached below..[;)][;)]
This evening Out of the Blue.... Ed Clements Son stumbled upon this thread...[:p]
Hi!
I was looking for something online and somehow wound up on your webpage-
I didn't read the whole thread, it is long, long, long;-)
Ed is my dad, and he is not a talker. Ever. And he has had an amazing and astounding life, so there is stuff we just don't really know to ask about.
Although reading one of the history pages- it was almost a shock, I remember the races being loud and LONG. But had no real perspective till I hit your page. Gio, was up until 15 minutes ago, just a family friend who pinched my cheek too hard!
I know my mom has pictures from the races, and she is a better choice for hunting up stuff and responding or my brother if you actually want to speak to someone who knows anything;-) I am useless:-)
You do have my dad's correct email, so I am not sure if he did respond to you. I sent him an email-
R
Ryann-Leigh Butoric
Copy from July 2011
quote:
Originally posted by AC Ace Bristol
Met up with Fran for Lunch and trip out in BEX333. Fran has known Ed Clemments for a while but unable to bring any new material over to UK due to series of travel and personel committments, simply ran out of time. However did bring over from Canada the book "The Chequered Past" Sports car racing & rallying 1951-1991... by David Charters. 345 pages on development of Canadian Motor Sport, Culture and Social life. Very few pictures but full of Facts on circuits, drivers teams and politics, will take a while to read through and follow up new potential leads.
Long term plan, As Fran lives close to Ed she will keep in contact with him and hopefully secure racing details and photos of the various Ace Bristol's Raced in and around the race tracks in the region of Vancouver during mid 1950s through early 1960s.
Ed Clemments definitely raced a Ace, Knew and competed against Jim Parsons, Al Doyon, Bob Constabaris, Ken Miller & Dr Clausing.
However due to house moves and now being in his 83rd year it may take some time to find photos and general race data, assuming it/they haven't been discarded over the years.[:(]
Thank you Fran for your company and for offering to keep in contact with Ed Clemments when you get back home in Vancouver. Really
appreciated.
Keith..[;)]
Hi!
I was looking for something online and somehow wound up on your webpage-
I didn't read the whole thread, it is long, long, long;-)
Ed is my dad, and he is not a talker. Ever. And he has had an amazing and astounding life, so there is stuff we just don't really know to ask about.
Although reading one of the history pages- it was almost a shock, I remember the races being loud and LONG. But had no real perspective till I hit your page. Gio, was up until 15 minutes ago, just a family friend who pinched my cheek too hard!
I know my mom has pictures from the races, and she is a better choice for hunting up stuff and responding or my brother if you actually want to speak to someone who knows anything;-) I am useless:-)
You do have my dad's correct email, so I am not sure if he did respond to you. I sent him an email-
R
Thank you Ryann
Lets hope some new material comes to light on BEX333 and other Aces raced in period in North West USA...[;)]
Keith..[:)]
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Keith, Happy New Year 2015.
This thread "has" been going on awhile now, lol
Anyhoo.. I spotted this video of a white Ace racing back in approx 1960. Now this track is on the east coast, and I'm not sure if your car ever did run back east. You can't blink when watching this, or you'll miss it..Only a few frames of it beginning at 1.35 approx. Some great vintage racing footage regardless..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOjRGlioj2o#t=120
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Bill.
Thank you for the link, Definitely three Aces in one of the races, must find time to view and pause, hopefully to confirm the ID of each Ace Bristol and its pilot.
Unfortunately BEX333 only raced on the West Coast (NW USA) Vancouver and British Columbia. Never ventured to the East Coast.
Thank you for posting the link, appreciated and hopefully will be of interest to other Ace owners.[?]
Bonus for me , Is that it has brought my thread back on the current page of the Forum, which might just generate a new lead or two..[:p]
Thread Started on the 4th January 2009 and still generating new material on BEX333 and other Ace Bristol's raced in period on the
NW Coast of USA [;)]
All of interest to many Ace enthusiasts and complements the official ACOC Ace Registers...[^]
Keith..[:)]
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Martin's Racing Sports Cars shows 6 AC's entered in the D Production race on April 16, 1960.
http://www.racingsportscars.com/entry/Marlboro-1960-04-16d.html
The black(?) car with the red scalloped nose should be Elliott Pew.
In addition Charles Kurtz (#57), Pierre Mion (#59), Fritz Taylor (#73), Henry Payne (#150), and Jack Spies (#172).
There are images of several of the cars:
http://www.racingsportscars.com/make/photo/AC.html?page=2
I think the Kurtz, Mion and Spies cars may be well known?
Have a Happy 2015!
John
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Here are some interesting scans from a race program from The Westwood, B.C racing circuit in 1959:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ytt8h7vaf/BEX333_01_zpsypdoa1sj.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/va7arf0af/BEX333_02_zpsnyidyrcl.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://s5.postimg.cc/646cklefr/BEX333_03_zpsd3sqqt2p_1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I love the hand-written notes, such as <i>races and classes changed due to 100 cars & 23 motorcycles entered[/i]!!!
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Nik
Thank you for posting the above race program and results sheet, which were on loan from <b>Luke Bryan </b>who recently bought and imported from Laurence Kent <b>AEX443</b> to the UK complete with
documents and comprehensive history file.. [:p]
AEX443 was fitted during 1967 with the highly tuned Bristol engine from the
Ex "<b>R Constabaris</b>" Ace Bristol <b>BEX437</b>, which regularly raced against BEX333 ( Racing Number 251 ).during the period 1958/1964 in NW USA, Vancouver and British Columbia.
More race history confirmed in the above results sheet and WESTWOOD race program dated Sunday, July 26th 1959.
<b>5th Race 1st overall Corvette class A
5th Race car 251 2nd Overall Jim H Parsons in BEX333 1st in class B
</b>
( A big Thank you to Luke Bryan, Rest assured History File in safe hands and will be returned later this month) [;)]
Hopefully a little more BEX333 racing history will come to light as I read through Luke's Documents on AEX443...[:)]
Please refer to separate earlier thread on our club Forum for more history on AEX443/BEX437 .....[:)]
<font size="3"><b>Keith</b></font id="size3">
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Keith, here is some more early 8mm film footage of Westwood race track available. Circa 1965. Maybe you will spot your car among them? Not sure where the other race footage was taken, maybe in Washington state?
As can be seen some, this track attracted some very nice cars. Cobra, AC, Lotus, Brabham, even a very rare Cheetah.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7FXw_Pxc7w
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Bill
Many thanks for the link to some great 8mm period film capturing late 1950s to mid 1960s clubman sports car racing in North West USA and Vancouver /Canada.
There are one or two Ace captured on cine but nigh impossible to read the racing number/s. Will rerun again and again ...
James Parsons raced BEX333 from March 1958 through to very late 1964 in NW USA, Vancouver and British Columbia, then BEX333 was bought by Lee Kolb ( Seattle ) and used sparingly from December 1964 to September 2000, when I purchased and imported BEX333 back to England. to Race, Hillclimb , Sprint and enjoy in Uk and trips throughout Europe.
Always looking for Period data and photos of not only BEX333 but any Ace raced in Period especially pit and paddock photos in colour at WestWood, Abbotsford, Shelton, DearPark Spokane. etc..ect.
Thank you once again, the thought and the link is appreciated by not only me but by numerous ACOC members and 1950s/1960s sports car racing enthusiasts alike.[;)]
Please keep a lookout for any new material..[:)]..[:)]
Cheers for Now.....
Keith ..
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Hi again guys
Copy of earlier email received from Marion & Vince Howlett.
Relating to BEX333 racing at Arlington May 1st 1960
and in the pit/paddock picture published in The Arlington Times dated 5th May 1960. ( and previously posted on this thread 28th October 2012 )
This is mainly for Keith. I have attached a photo from Martin Rudow's book, "Long Straights and Hairpins Turns." It was taken at the May 1, 1960 International Conference of Sports Car Clubs event at Arlington, Washington, put on by the Puget Sound Sports Car Club. This race was for A, B, C, and D Production cars. The photo shows Don Campbell, white Corvette, Bob Yeakel, red Porsche, and hidden behind Yeakel, I believe, Larry Eave, Corvette,
Behind them is a white AC Bristol, which I believe is Jim Parsons. Then there is a Jaguar which partially hides what I believe is Ken Miller's AC Bristol. Ken Miller finished third overall, but I don't how Parsons did...[?]
Vince H.......
I have asked Nik Bagshaw to do the honours and post this new picture at his convenience of BEX333..[?] at Arlington May 1st 1960..
Thank you Nik.
Still more Racing History comes to light, let's hope even more racing history of our Ace Bristol's surface during 2016.
In the meantime I wish you all a
Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New year.
.
Keith [:)]..
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Here's the Racing Sports Cars entry for Arlington:
http://www.racingsportscars.com/entry/Arlington-1960-05-01-20836.html
and the full listing for Jim Parsons:
http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/archive/Jim-Parsons-USA.html.
Since the Arlington record includes only 1 Ace (Ken Miller) it appears to be incomplete.
Happy Holidays Keith and wishes continued success in ferreting out historic information for BEX 333.
John
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Arlington, 1st May, 1960:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/eof03md5j/BEX333_1960_May_1st__Arlington.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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quote:
Originally posted by jrlucke
Here's the Racing Sports Cars entry for Arlington:
http://www.racingsportscars.com/entry/Arlington-1960-05-01-20836.html
and the full listing for Jim Parsons:
http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/archive/Jim-Parsons-USA.html.
Since the Arlington record includes only 1 Ace (Ken Miller) it appears to be incomplete.
Happy Holidays Keith and wishes continued success in ferreting out historic information for BEX 333.
John
John
Thank you for the link, unfortunately it doesn't work, This link was posted a few years ago, Try:-
http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/Jim-Parsons-USA.html
.
I furnished Martin with race details/ results and photographs a few years ago, this site is run by Martin as a hobby , priority is given to Major events and series where he can upload full race results substantiated with photos, entry lists and result sheets.
If Martin receives enough AC Ace race data he will endeavour to file it and eventually upload on his web site, he has to hold down a day job plus have a life... this is just a hobby for historic sports car race enthusiasts run by an enthusiast.
last but not least than you Nik for posting the above Arlington race picture dated May 1st 1960...[;)]
Keith.
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.<font color="green"><b>Received the following email from Jeffrey Zwar , Methow. WA.</b></font id="green">.
<b>Hi Keith</b>
I just ran across your research threads from 2009 - 2015 about your Ace. The information I have is anecdotal, but may be of some amusement to you.
I was in high school when I took a job at Europa Motors in Bellevue (suburb of Seattle) in 1968-1969. It was owned an operated by Barbara Lovely (sister of Peter Lovely). Peter Lovely owned a Volkswagen dealership in Fife (near Tacoma). Europa Motors was a repair shop for all types of foreign cars and I learned all my mechanical skills from Al Doyan who was the primary mechanic at the shop, and went on to marry Barbara. He was an master mechanic and would occasionally tell me a few of his racing experiences. At the time he kept his Lotus 11 in the shop. He raced an MGA successfully before he acquired his AC Ace, which you can see in the 1959 photo at Westwood. That was all before I met him in 1968. I suppose it's possible that he acquired his Ace from Peter Lovely. Al had limited time after marrying Barbara to race his Lotus and sold it around 1970. He went on to open his own repair station where he worked exclusively on 912/911 Porsches. His shop had a chassis dynomometer and he would occasionally race tune for clients. If he overhauled your engine in 1965 for Lee Kolb, rest assured he made it better than new.
Al was afflicted with encephalitis in the late 70's and never recovered to his old self. Barbara closed up his shop shortly thereafter. I went on to purchase a cattle station in Eastern Washington and have relied on the skills I learned from him to maintain my fleet of aging farm equipment.
Have a happy new year.
<b>Jeffrey Zwar
Methow, WA .</b>
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<b>Jeffrey</b>.
Thank you for your email, all additional information , however small helps create a more accurate history picture.
So if you, your family or any old Friends have any period Sports Car Racing data , especially in paddock and or on circuit pictures capturing <b>BEX333 or any AC Ace Bristol</b>, hidden away in some draw, on a dusty shelf or in their loft/attic then I and others would appreciate seeing any copy...[;)]
Please note new email address: keith.lessiter@gmail.com
and new Mobile number: 07809 251333
In the meantime, I take this opportunity to thank you and wish you and Family a <font color="green"><b>Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year</b>.</font id="green">
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.<font size="2"><b>Keith</b></font id="size2">..[:)]
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18th January 2016.
Further to the above email, Just received the following update from "Jeffrey Zwar".
Hi Keith.
I met with Barbara Lovely Doyon two days ago for a two hour visit, She is doing very well. Al is alive, but in assisted living with essentially a dementia like condition.
Barbara doesn't have any pictures of Al's AC to share. She did tell me that he sold it to Ed McBee (0360.657.4158) who at the time worked
for BAP (British Auto Parts) in Seattle. Al raced it a few more times under Eds ownership.
I contacted Ed who said he has some photos of it at a concours event and would try and locate them. He possibly has other photos also.
He does not remember what the Car ID designation was, He sold it on to Dexter McCullogh and then lost touch of it. If I am able to obtain any more information I will forward it to you.
Barbara did share two books written by Martin Rudow that depict racing in the Pacific North West during the 50's-60's and 70's. They are titled " Long Straights and Hairpin Turns" and " Weekends of Glory" They are loaded with photographs of the time and I have ordered copies through Amazon. I will contact you after I have a chance to review them and let you know if there is any revealing AC information that could interest you.
The likes of Carrol Shelby and Graham hill raced on these same circuits in SCCA events. I have looked at the SCCA logs of the time, which are incomplete, and have been unable to find ay AC Aces listed in the same SCCA event as them.
The AC's did race at the same locations like "Shelton ", "Portland",
"Westwood", "Arlington" ertc, so it is possible they were at the same SCCA venues. Good Luck with your historical venture and loads of fun with one of the most beautiful motors of all time.
Jeffrey Zwar
Methow. W.A.
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Jeffrey
Thank you for your time and effort on making the journey to spend time with Barbara Lovely Doyon, Hope you still had time to visit members of your own Family.
Hopefully Ed has a few period pictures he can share with us and other like minded AC Ace Bristol enthusiasts on both sides of the Pond. Without help from you and other enthusiasts the history of our race cars would be lost forever..[;)]
I have both the books you refer to, written by Martin Rudrow, who has furnished me with a few period pictures of my Ace BEX333 racing with/against his father’s Porsche. ( picture posted earlier on this thread )
James Parsons is mentioned in Long Straights and Hairpin Turns , however no pictures and nothing in ” Weekends of Glory”.
Thank you for thinking of me with regards his details and his books…………… Both are a good read and capture some of the atmosphere of clubman and SCCA racing in Period. ( unfortunately LS and HT is out of print )
Thank you once again………Cheers for Now
Keith.
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Copy of email received this evening from Jeff.
4th February 2016, 23.21
Hi Keith.
I noticed in an earlier thread a comment that Peter Lovely wouldn't have been the importer of the three ACE's. Barbara Lovely Doyon did say that Peter was the first NW importer of Porsches and that Al Doyon worked for him doing the dealer prep on the Porsches. I will see her again this year and find out if Peter was involved in importing the ACE's.
Peter apparently was always interested in things fast and learned to fly when he was 14 in Livingstone, Montana.
Best Regards,
Jeff Zwar
Methow . W.A.
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We know BEX333 along with BEX331 & BEX332 were all imported in the same consignment by the North West AC Agent:
Imported Motor Cars Inc
7030 South Tacoma Way
Tacoma
Washington.
Were there other AC agents in close proximity. ( IN NW USA ).[?]
Did Al Doyon or Pete Lovely have any connection with importing AC Aces other than racing them..[?]
Keith
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Keith, if I recall somewhere earlier in this discussion we found that while Pete Lovely worked at/with Imported Motors, Tom Carstens ((now passed away) was the owner and went on the be a fairly large VW dealer prior to re-locating to Las Vegas (if I recall correctly as I cannot find that information now).
I did find a reference to a Cliff Garlatz, a sales manager for Imported Motors in 1957 being responsible for forming the MG Car Club of the Northwest. I cannot find a current reference for a Cliff Garlatz but do have a contact for the historian of the MG Car Club which I believe puts on the Tulip Rally during the tulip festival near my home.
I'll see if I can make contact with the club and see if anyone was around in the 1950's.
John
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Hi Keith, hope you have been keeping well.
Wasn't sure if you were aware of this web site, which may have some things on it that you would be interested in, pictures, articles, or whatever. I haven't researched it in it's entirety yet, so who knows what gems might be found. Hopefully you may find something interesting.
http://gvmps.org/
I have been anxiously waiting for my roadsters fresh coat of paint to be done, and heard today it should be ready for me to pick up, and bring back home. It will take me a few days to put everything back on, lights, mirrors windscreen etc., but it shouldn't be long before I can be out cruising again.
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/12GAGuy/100_1665_zpskd0rctzn.jpg) (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/12GAGuy/media/100_1665_zpskd0rctzn.jpg.html)
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Bill.
Thank you for the link, No I wasn't aware of the " gvmps " link,
however some of the names associated with it and mentioned in various areas of their web site I have written to in the past, resulting in new information
which has been shared in earlier pages of this thread.
I have responded directly with email, fingers crossed new material on BEX333 and any other Ace Bristol's raced in Vancouver, British Columbia
and NW USA during the 1950s and early 60s comes to light.[?]
Last but not least, Bill......glad to see major progress with the Cobra, looking great in it's new coat.
Thank you once again for the new link...[;)]
Keith..
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Hi Keith, A year later, but I'm still keep my ear to the ground for anyone talking anything AC related.
Such a shame that so many great pictures that were hosted by Photobucket, are no longer visible. Dozens of threads on the various car forums are now picture-less, including this one now..
Have you been out enjoying your car in the summer weather? I love cruising in my roadster.
https://www.facebook.com/anna.henderson.982/videos/pcb.1616993095001715/1616988861668805/?type=3&theater
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Wishing you all a.
Happy and Healthy New Year
Hopefully.. .. Now we have a new easier method of Posting pictures, I will attempt to retrieve the Lost 60 or so pictures posted
on this thread since 4th January 2009.. :)
In the meantime , I thank all those who have read and contributed to this thread, with a bonus that other owners of Aces raced in Period
on the West Coast of USA, Vancouver & British Columbia have also received confirmation of new racing History on their Ace Bristol's.. ;)
Please note new email address & mobile number..
keith.lessiter@gmail.com
Mobile 07809 251333
All the Best for 2018
Keith.. :)
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Thank You.. .. Nik.. :)
For starting to salvage the 70 pictures you kindly posted on my thread, on my behalf. A long a laborious job of visiting each post and posting a new copy of each individual picture. But worth it in the end as it saves the thread in chronological order... ;)
Hopefully anyone who contributed by posting a picture on this thread over the past 8/9years can they please revisit their post and upgrade by reposting
their picture.
Those reading this, can upgrade their threads by reposting a copy of their pictures in the new format, and stick two fingers up to Photo Bucket
We now have a way of saving much of the valuable posts on our Club Forum.. ;)
Thank you Nik.. Really appreciated by not just me, but all those who have followed and contributed to this thread. . :)
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Keith
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Thank You.. .. Nik.. :)
For starting to salvage the 70 pictures you kindly posted on my thread, on my behalf. A long a laborious job of visiting each post and posting a new copy of each individual picture. But worth it in the end as it saves the thread in chronological order... ;)
Hopefully anyone who contributed by posting a picture on this thread over the past 8/9years can they please revisit their post and upgrade by reposting
their picture.
Those reading this, can upgrade their threads by reposting a copy of their pictures in the new format, and stick two fingers up to Photo Bucket
We now have a way of saving much of the valuable posts on our Club Forum.. ;)
Thank you Nik.. Really appreciated by not just me, but all those who have followed and contributed to this thread. . :)
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Keith
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Bloody Hell!
Done! This thread, at least. >:(
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Sincere Thanks ... ... Nik.
Really appreciated. I honestly thought this thread was ruined for ever.
Regards the pictures that still need to be addressed, I will email request to all those who originally posted on this thread and email you fresh copy
of the pictures you were unable to repost... ;)
Let's hope other members have the same success in restoring their valuable threads, So we can all enjoy the Forum as intended without corruption
from the likes of Photobucket .
Keith
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Further to a series of general email to Jerry Lludahl ( Old Irish Racing / Purple Lips Racing Team 1950's /1960's).
Jerry
Loooong Time no hear.
Hope this email finds you fit and well and you and your crew are firing on all cylinders.
Scanning through some old notes on the racing History of my Ace Bristol BEX333 raced in NW USA . Vancouver, & BC 1958/1964 by James H Parsons,
Thought I would fire you an email on the off chance any new material had been found in the racing archives and to see how you are doing.
The History file on my thread in the AC Owners Club Forum continues to slowly grow , but always looking for more racing History on BEX333 any other
AC Ace Bristol racing in Period mid 1950s through mid 1960s.
Last but not least, Your recipe for Purple Lips Red Wine is still enjoyed and used in the workshop for cleaning engine components.
Take Care
Cheers for Now
Keith
Received the following reply:-
Keith,
I didn't realize it had been that long since we last communicated. Time certainly does march on and quickly! I was impressed by both your determination and success in finding more history on your car since we last coresponded. I am afraid I dont have much to offer you in the way of additional information. I was going to look through my two books on NW racing, but see you have already been down that route.
The author of those books on Pacific Northwest (PNW) racing, Martin Rudow, has a newer book called "Lost Road Courses" which has a chapter on Westwood.
I am not sure if you have communicated with Martin. He used to publish a magazine about PNW vintage racing called Vintage Drift, but do not know if that magazine still exists. It looks like the website is no longer active. There is info on him here, but no contact information? http://carsyeah.com/ourportfolio/martin-rudow/ It says he did the magazine for SOVERN who is the largest vintage racing group in the PNW. There website is at http://sovrenracing.org and they would likely know how to reach him. He is also on Facebook.
As I was typing this in fits and starts, I found the contact at his business here https://www.manta.com/c/mm52wnj/rudow-specialty-publishing. If not already
contacted, he may have pictures or access to them, articles, information, etc.
I would suggest that you write up a short history of your car and what you are looking for to SOVERN and the Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia http://www.vrcbc.ca to include in information, newsletter, website, etc. to their members. I would also suggest contacting Patrick Stewart at Western Driver http://www.westerndriver.com and Cam Hutchins http://www.carnut.ca. Both have websites and Cam has a weekly newsletter directed at car enthusiasts in British Columbia. If the publish your history request, who knows who may know of, know someone that knows of, etc. That could help you document your car further.
I would also suggest contacting Keith Martin at Sports Car Market Magazine https://www.sportscarmarket.com. it has a much wider distribution base, but he might find your story of interest.
I have pinged Bob Macherione who owned the chassis of the AC Bristol consumed by fire. I wanted Bob to see if he recalls the name of the person he got it from and exactly where they were located. I will continue to follow up with him. I am a month away from retirement. While a back injury from an auto accident has slowed me down a great deal, I am committed to going through my old papers, pictures and stuff once I have the time on my hands. It just takes me longer to do much physical activity. As a result, I have not been to any races or car shows for awhile. We did just attend a show in Vancouver, BC, wish I had gotten your email sooner to refresh my memory and make some inquiries on your behalf. Well, that's it for now.
Wishing you all the best,
Jerry
Old Irish Racing
Cottage Grove, Oregon USA
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Jerry
Thank you for your prompt and positive reply, I have been in contact with Martin Rudow over the past few years and have two of his books,
I must checkout his latest publication you refer to.
I will also visit the links you have kindly confirmed, Hopefully some new material will surface on the Racing History of BEX333 and other Ace Bristol's
raced in period in North West USA, Vancouver and British Columbia,
Thank you once again for your time and for the new potential leads.. ;)
Cheers for now
Keith
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The Ace Bristol is Al Doyan’s which was regularly raced against Jim Parsons in BEX333.
Main connection of the two cars besides being Ace Bristol is AL DOYAN rebuilt the Bristol engine in BEX333 back in 1965 within the first few months of Lee Kolb buying BEX333 from 1st owner James Parsons. 2nd Ace is Jim Parsons.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ojqthqshj/parsons_zps29f5625c.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
And a Mystery Ace. At first, thought to be BEX333, but definitely not: closer examination of the picture, looking at the over riders it could well to be a early long booted Ace.
(https://s5.postimg.cc/5enk7z63r/mystery_Ace_zps38ce0087.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
16th October 2018
Whilst recently corresponding via email with David Di Francesco , received another Period picture of a White racing Ace Bristol driven by Jim Milligan in Western Canada, Is this the same Ace as pictured above ??
David's email below indicates it could be BEX437 , which was a White Ace Bristol and raced by Constabaris and raced Against /alongside my BEX333.
More investigation required, One thing for sure it is not BEX333 and if not BEX437 still remains a mystery unidentified Ace
David Di Francesco's e-mail..
Hey Keith
Looking through my archive of AC Ace Bristol's I found a white AC Ace Bristol, very much the same as the picture you sent belonging to
Jim Milligan of Bon Accord, Alberta, Canada.
I have printed B&W pictures of him pulling his Ace Bristol tuned by Ken Rudd on a trailer in Vancouver on Robinson Street in 1960 towed by his
Red Aceca.
I also have a picture of him with the Bristol with racing number 71 on the white Bristol with white wheels at some airport race in Western Canada
that isn't mentioned or subtitled.
This all was in "History of Sports Car Road Racing in Western Canada" , Race Cars of note which
I printed out in 2009 and seems not to be available as a site on -line any longer . There's a statement by the writer in this History that says the car was later turned into a Cobra, also saying "what a great shame".
Looking Jim up provided two contacts in Bon Accord, Alberta Canada, TOA OKO :- One listed as James T Milligan at PO Box 37 and one listed
as James B Milligan deceased 1907 - 1978. ( which was probably him ) where as James T must be the Son listed as running a Company in Bon,
( tel Number 780-921-2385 Land Line number .)
No where can I find the BEX number on his Ace Bristol from my archive at this time, It's clear from the B&W photo that the Ace Bristol has disc Brakes on the front making it at least late 1957 or maybe 1958 or 1959
There's a white 1958 Ace Bristol listed in the ACOCV Ace register from 2001, in Vancouver that was white with red interior and now having a 327 Chevy motor and a BEX437 Chassis Number.
On the Aceca which is on one of the club pages I saw mentioned by a ACOC member asking if the red Aceca was Jim Milligan's, The only Rouge Iris Aceca on the register exported to Canada in 1958 was AE657.
I have a CASC Canadian Sports Car Championship Results list of 1962 winners, that lists Jim Milligan of Bon Accord AB in an AC Ace Bristol coming 2nd at Davidson Airport ( probably the one in the picture I mentioned with number71 ) with no race number listed in the final standings for the year, Jim is listed at#6 overall in his Ace Bristol , again no chassis number listed.
Below on next post are the pictures I have of Jim'.s Ace Bristol in Canada in the early 1960's
Hope this helps
[b]David Di Francesco [/b]
Thank you to David Di Francesco for the above email, :) .. .. David's pictures to follow in separate posting. :)
Definitely not BEX333
More research to ID Jim Milligan's White Ace BEX437 ?
Was it originally .. .. Owned and Raced by Constabaris ? Then bought and raced by Jim Milligan ?? then resold and cobra-ised .. :'(
Keith
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Better late than never? :-[
Sorry for the delay in posting! I have managed to improve the images from the magazine originals:
(https://i.postimg.cc/qtQz0w91/BEX333-Canada-01.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PpxNqZHT/BEX333-Canada-02.jpg)
I love the Aceca towing the Ace! 8)