Topics

16

General Forum / Morgan Cars and Charles Morgan

« on: October 21, 2013, 14:21:58 »

Last week Charles Morgan was kicked off the board of the Morgan Car Company. In the company’s 103 year history Charles is the third Morgan to head the business and intends to fight the decision.
   This link includes a statement from Charles and the “Bring Back Charles” online petition.
   http://torqueabout.com/morgan-motor-company-view

17

General Forum / Cobra article in October edition of Classic Cars

« on: August 28, 2013, 18:14:01 »

The October edition of Classic Cars will be in the shops in the next few days and has a good 9 page article by Adam Towler writing about Rod Leach's Mk II '64 289.

18

General Forum / A British summer

« on: July 12, 2013, 14:47:46 »

Just in case all this sunshine has gone to your head and you're wishing your car had air-con, this video will remind you of a typical Sunday drive in Mid-Summer in the UK.
   
   http://accobra.de/ecms/

19

General Forum / Castle Combe - Classic & Retro Action Day

« on: March 25, 2013, 17:16:02 »

Below FYI - John.
   
   Classic & Retro Action Day 2013
   Owner’s Club Booking Forms Online Now...!
   
   We have been working hard over the last few weeks/months tweaking the final details for the Classic & Retro Action Day 2013 and are delighted to confirm that the online bookings are NOW OPEN...!
   
   The 2013 Classic & Retro Action looks to be a real humdinger of an event and will hopefully offer a feast of cars on display for all who come along! We produced feedback forms at the 2012 event and took comments from Owner’s Clubs and visitors alike and a number of comments were received...
   •       Ensure that the event doesn’t clash with the Goodwood Festival of Speed... done; GFoS is on the 12th to 14th July whilst our Classic & Retro Action Day is on Saturday 29th June!
   •       Have more “mild” sessions so that people aren’t so worried about their cars... done; see below!
   •       Possibly follow a pace car to limit speeds with a couple of options (i.e. fast laps with helmets; slow laps without helmets)... done; see below!
   •       Some of our members do not go out on the circuit because there are too many dangers (to the cars) caused by “boy racers”... done; see below!
   •       The Parade Lap is becoming too congested... we’ve introduced more Parade Laps alongside the Giant Lunchtime Cruise; hopefully this will help alleviate this problem!
   •       Reduce the cost, keep cars of similar performance together... done; we’ve “packaged” cars according to type/age in the hope that this will help PLUS we’re offering more reduced rate Parade Laps!
   •       Keep some sessions for ‘standard’ classics only... done: see below!
   •       Track days are expensive and so is fuel... maybe bundle track time for clubs all on the track at once?... get your Owner’s Club to book an exclusive Track Session. Just £750 for up to 28 cars on the circuit, 28 admission passes to get in, premium display area and more! Full details on Owner's Club Booking Info and Prices 2013
   •       I have been to CC with BHP Track Days who always have drivers who will come around with you at a very reasonable cost... book an Exclusive Track Session at £750 and for just a further £150 we’ll provide you with an Instructor to talk to you beforehand! He can come over to your stand, talk to your drivers and just generally be on hand for the hour leading up to your Track Session! Please note he will not go out in any of the vehicles... this is pre-track session instruction only. Pre-booking and payment essential.
   •       More trade... your help on this would always be welcome!
   •       And a few more...!
   So, what have we done to make 2013 different...?
   •       THE NAME!
   As you will note from the title, we have introduced “Retro” to this year’s event. We have traditionally run the event as a Classic & Sports Cars Action Day but have realised over the years that we’re getting more and more “Performance” Sports Cars which maybe hasn’t worked quite so well with the Classics... fingers crossed, Retro will be more the scene!
   •       NEW IMPROVED TRACK SESSIONS!
   Commonly occurring comments on our feedback forms orientated around getting out on the circuit with the speed, the cost and the “clash” of Classics with ‘Performance Cars’ being mentioned. We have taken the following action to hopefully accommodate the requirements of ALL our visitors so that you can hopefully get out on the track in 2013 and have a taste of what Castle Combe Circuit is all about!
   Full details on the Track Sessions can be found at the Classic & Retro Action Day page of the website. A few “tasters” of what we’ll have on offer though are as follows:
   •       Parade Laps at regular intervals throughout the day. Include Slow Parade Laps (maximum 50mph) plus Fast Parade Laps (maximum speed 70mph). Pace car will be out on circuit for both.
   •       Exclusive Owner’s Club sessions... put on your own exclusive Club Session; special packages available for anniversaries!
   •       Themed sessions... sessions “packaged” into types including: Tax Exempt Cars, Pre 1970s Classics, Pre 1990s Classics etc. Full details can be found on the Classic & Retro Action Day page on the website (with link through to our “definition breakdown”)!
   •       Variable pricing... we’ve put on more Parade Laps (at cheaper rates) in the hope to tempt a few more of out on the circuit! Prices start from just £10 for Parade Lap track sessions booked in advance!
   •       And much more besides...!
   •       SPECIAL OFFERS!
   Love Classics and Retro... Love the Bristol Forklifts Autumn Classic here at Castle Combe Circuit on Sunday 6th October 2013! The race programme is currently being finalised but (subject to confirmation) will include:
   •         Formula Junior
   •         Historic Aston Martins
   •         Jaguar pre 1966
   •         HDI Big Healey’s
   •         FiSCaR 50s Inter-Marque
   •         VSCC Pre War Sports Cars
   Fancy coming along?... Purchase Package 2 or Package 3 and we will offer you 25% discount on the Bristol Forklifts Autumn Classic admission tickets (standard price: £15 per adult / £10 per senior). Full details will be confirmed when we send your tickets through. Terms and Conditions will apply.
   •       CAMPING!
   Fancy pitching your tent or caravan just metres from the circuit? Now’s your chance as Castle Combe Circuit opens up camping and caravanning opportunities!
   Prices and booking details as follows...
   Date:   Friday 28th June 2013. Access from 17:00hrs
   Price:   £8 per unit in advance / £10 on the day
   For further details and to book please visit the Classic & Retro Action Day page on the website or telephone the Circuit on 01249 782417
   •       NEW OWNER’S CLUB PACKAGE!
   We have run with the “old favourites” for 2013 plus introduced a new Package at £350 which offers the benefits of complimentary entry for 15 display cars, a Premium Display Area plus up to 6 complimentary Track Sessions... can’t be bad!
   •       BREAKFAST MEAL VOUCHER!
   2013 also sees the introduction of Breakfast Meal Deal Vouchers with the Tavern where we have negotiated a special rate on a takeout Bacon/Sausage Bap and Hot Drink. These will be available to ALL pre-booked Owner’s Clubs. Full details on the Owner's Club Booking Info & Prices 2013 page.
   
   So, what happens next...?
   Owner’s Club information and booking forms are now LIVE on the website! Click on the Classic & Retro Action Day page and follow the links... it’s as easy as that!
   Plus... it’s competition time!
   Return your completed booking form by Sunday 26th May 2012 and you could be in with a chance to win an Exclusive Track Session for up to 28 cars at 4pm (16:00hrs) at the Classic & Retro Action Day 2013! How exciting is that...?! This would cost you £980 if purchased on the day and you could win for absolutely free!
   Remember to complete and return your Booking Form so that it’s received by us by the 26th May 2012 and... fingers crossed! All our normal driving and safety conditions will apply.
   Information for Individuals and Trade
   Online bookings are also now available for individuals and for Trade Stands... check out the Classic & Retro Action Day page on the website.
   We very much look forward to seeing you on Saturday 29th June 2013. Any queries or problems in the interim then just give us a buzz on 01249 782417 (normal office hours, Monday to Friday) as we’d be delighted to help!
   With best wishes
   THE CASTLE COMBE ACTION DAY TEAM
   Tel:       01249 782417
   Email:    sales@castlecombecircuit.co.uk
   Web:      www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk
   Address:   Castle Combe Circuit, Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire  SN14 7EY

20

General Forum / Brooklands Double Twelve

« on: March 05, 2013, 13:55:04 »

The Brooklands Double Twelve this year is on 15th – 16th June. The club had a display at the event last year was well received and we plan to have a bigger display this year but the format has changed slightly from previous years. Due to the success of the event and space constraints, the Saturday will now be the main day for car clubs to display their cars. The Sunday will still have limited space for display cars, but probably less than 10 places for the ACOC.
   
   I have been talking with the organisers and it would be really helpful if you could let me know if you are interested in coming along to display your car on the Saturday.
   Please email me and I can then make sure we have enough space on the day. john@moonlightmedia.co.uk
   
   FYI – info on the event
   http://www.sportscardigest.com/brooklands-double-twelve-festival-2013-information/
   http://www.sportscardigest.com/brooklands-double-twelve-festival-2012-photo-gallery/
   
   Some members enter the driving tests and concours etc and others display their cars. If you wish to do more than display and polish your car,  this is the link for the driving tests, concours and  speed trials. www.brooklandsmuseum.com/index.php?/double12/
   
   I look forward to hearing from you – let’s have a good turnout for the club.
   
   PS: Since I broke a halfshaft competing at last year’s event and trashed the diff last week at the Press Day for this year’s event – I will be content to just polish the car this year.

21

General Forum / Waymaster Thirty Tyre if

« on: February 18, 2013, 11:54:29 »

I recieved a press release which may be of interest to members with older ACs.
   
   See below:
   The Waymaster Thirty – A New Tread Pattern Recalling a Bygone Era
   At last the much anticipated “WM30” tyres from Waymaster have arrived!  This pattern harks back to the late 1920s, when tyre design moved on apace as designers sought ways to overcome the inherent instability and road noise associated with “block” tread patterns and create tyres suitable for the next generation of quality cars such as the “Silent Sports Cars” soon to arrive from Bentley.  In designing these new tyres, Waymaster have followed this approach to create a tread pattern which is not only appropriate for the period, but performs well too.
   Notable elements include the attractive buttressed shoulder which protects the tyre from road debris, whilst the continuous ribs with offset teeth ensure excellent road holding and braking with minimal road noise.
   With the introduction of the “Waymaster Thirty”, Waymaster has enabled owners of cars from the golden age of motoring to fit high quality tyres with the right appearance and performance at a sensible price.
   The first three tyres available in this tread pattern are:
   525/550/600-19 – For cars such as Rolls Royce 20/25, Alvis Crested Eagle, Speed 25 and 4.3lt, Armstrong Siddeley 17hp.
   
   525/550-18 – For Derby Bentley, Aston Martin 1 ½ litre, Jaguar SS100, SS200, 1.5lt, 2.5lt and 3.5lt, Lancester 18, MG 2lt and 2.6lt, Riley 16hp and 18hp.
   525/550-17 – For A.C 2 litre, Armstrong Siddeleys, Aston Martin 15hp, Lea Francis 12hp and 14hp, and Rover 12hp, 14hp, 16hp and Speed 20, Triumph 15hp and 14/60.
   
   Vintage Tyre Supplies.
   The National Motor Museum
   Beaulieu
   Hampshire
   SO42 7ZN
   www.vintagetyres.com
   01590 612261.

22

3000ME Forum / Recent article on the 3000ME

« on: February 15, 2013, 16:50:39 »

Thought this link may be of interest - John.
   http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/cars/ac/3000me/the-cars-ac-3000me/

23

General Forum / ACOC tour of the Pyrenees 2013

« on: December 19, 2012, 18:48:55 »

Picturesque Pyrenees 2013
   
   29th May – 7th June,
   
   The ACOC Picturesque Pyrenees 2013 tour currently has twelve cars on the list which I’m happy to say is enough to run the trip. Having listened to feedback regarding the previous trip there are two slight changes to last year.
   
   1) We will aim to keep mileages to approximately 150 miles so you will NOT be expected to chase your tail to a quick lunch stop and then dash on to the next hotel. There will be time to enjoy the drive and the food. Please click the link for details of the mileages and hotels.
   
   2) Many people were not keen on the daily ritual of check-out of the hotel re-pack the car and push on to the next place. Where possible we plan to stay in a hotel for two nights before moving on. It’s a holiday, not a rally.
   
   
   This is a link to trip details, photos and costs.
   
   http://www.driveespana.com/sites/driveespana.com/files/AC%20Picturesque%20Pyrenees%202013.pdf
   
   
   The trip  is designed to enjoy some great scenery, driving, food and hospitality in some of the best of Northern Spain and the Pyrenees border
   with France. This nine night tour will take participants to some of the most spectacular parts of the border area with
   great scenery and fantastic driving. A night in San Sebastian at the end of the tour will also allow participants to
   sample one of northern Spain’s great coastal cities.
   
   What is included.
   - Return ferry with outside twin cabin
   - Good quality hotels
   -Dinner bed and breakfast at all hotels
   except San Sebastian which is bed and
   breakfast
   - Map and roadbook.
   - Experienced Tour Leader.
   
   Price £2250 per car with two occupants.
   For more information or a booking form please contact me:
   
   John Norris on 0207 250 4770 or email
   john@moonlightmedia.co.uk

24

General Forum / Road rage

« on: November 27, 2012, 11:27:50 »

This video of road rage did make me smile, though I admit I wouldn't find it at all funny if I was in the Cobra. But then again I hope I wouldn't be driving like an idiot.
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5wk9bPgoHM

25

General Forum / Waterless coolant

« on: October 19, 2012, 14:08:20 »

Thought this might be of interest. I saw this waterless coolant used in a car programme the other day and then watched the J Leno interview (the link's below). The two things I thought may interest us is a) it works well in a non-pressured system and b) because there’s no water, there is no corrosion which could be extra useful for those with aluminium engines or heads. The downside is it’s not cheap, but apparently it never needs replacing or topping up.
   http://www.evanscoolants.co.uk/news/jay-leno%27s-garage/1

26

General Forum / Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion 2012 photo link

« on: August 16, 2012, 14:12:00 »

Photos and a brief report from the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion 2012 with a few actions shots of Cobras.
   http://www.sportscardigest.com/monterey-motorsports-pre-reunion-2012-photo-gallery/?awt_l=DnKFF&awt_m=JruT_rm6Mus.C0

27

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / Old Top Gear episode visits Brooklands factory

« on: August 15, 2012, 13:50:07 »

An old episode of Top Gear with Quentin Wilson driving a ’67 427 and an interview with Brian Angliss at the Brooklands AC factory. The item also has some nice old film of Cobras racing in period.
   Fast forward 4 minutes to get to the Cobra segment.
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQd0NGEoHcc&feature=related

28

General Forum / MOT: Testing times ahead ?

« on: August 10, 2012, 18:11:36 »

FYI - The following is by Keith Adams of Octane magazine.
   
   Will MoT exemption for classic cars be extended? Will your modified classic no longer be legal? There are concerns that Europe-wide legislation could make this a reality.
   
   European-wide legislation looks set to shake up the MoT system in the UK in the coming years – and if current thinking within the working group comes to pass, then the in-built flexibility of the UK system, which allows certain modifications to road cars, will no longer be allowed.
   
   John Ball owner of MOTEST, based in Farnham, was until recently involved in this consultation process. He told us: ‘I have been involved with UK and European vehicle testing policies as a key trade representative, but have stepped down from because of time issues. However I still keep my ear to the ground and this new set of proposals concerning “the periodic roadworthiness tests for road vehicles”, needs to be strongly challenged as it applies to our hobby.’
   
   The UK attitude to MoT tests on modified cars has traditionally been a sensible one – and it’s basically this. If you have modifications to your car, then as long as they adhere to Road Traffic Act regulations, then they are acceptable for the test. So, if you fit discs to your 1960s Mini or uprated wheels and tyres to your Lamborghini, then you could be potentially driving into a whole lot of MoT pain in years to come, regardless of whether the modification makes your car safer or not.
   
   John Ball fears that the consultation process is being dominated by certain countries, which currently favour the approach that all cars should be OE spec, and must not deviate from this.
   
   He also states that – sensibly – that, ‘the definition of a historic vehicle will be 30 years minimum,’ but as current legislation is to change in November, exempting all pre-1960 historics from being tested, there’s a clear danger that this fixed date will become a 30-year sliding one. As he says, ‘so cars as diverse as a Ferrari 308GTB  to an Austin Metro need not be tested?’
   
   John encloses extracts from the text from the consultation document – it has an interesting view of what actually constitutes a classic car, and how they are typically used.
   
       Vehicles of historic interest are supposed to conserve heritage of the époque they have been built and considered to be hardly used on public roads, it should be left to Member States to extend the period of periodic roadworthiness testing for such vehicles. It should also be for Member States to regulate roadworthiness testing of other types of specialised vehicles.
       Definitions – For the purpose of this Regulation the following definitions shall apply: (7) ‘vehicle of historic interest’ means any vehicle which fulfils all the following conditions:
       It was manufactured at least 30 years ago,
       It is maintained by use of replacement parts which reproduce the historic components of the vehicle
       It has not sustained any change in the technical characteristics of its main components such as engine, brakes, steering or suspension and;
       It has not been changed in its appearance;
       ‘roadworthiness test’ means a verification that the parts and components of a vehicle comply with its safety and environmental characteristics in force at the time of approval, first registration or entry into service, as well as at the time of retrofitting
   
   As John summarises, ‘if it is as bad as the proposals appear, we all need to unite on this and fight it.’
   
   http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/events-archive/2012_07_13_press_release_en.htm

29

Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum / MkIV coming up at auction at Brooklands

« on: August 09, 2012, 17:06:58 »

content deleted

30

General Forum / Not quite your first car

« on: August 08, 2012, 16:15:40 »

When I was a kid I felt lucky to have a wooden box with a few old pram wheels – how life has changed for kids.
   http://www.petrolheadnirvana.com/torque/showthread.php?t=2673