Tag Archives: Bristol

High Class Motor Business – Aston Martin DB2

David Brown Engineering Limited was founded in 1860 to manufacture gears and gearboxes in Huddersfield, by 1898 the company was specialising in machine cut gears. Percy and Frank Brown took over the business when their father died in 1903 and expanded production to include bearings, and worm gears. During the 1914-’18 war they also built propulsion units for warships.

Aston Martin DB2, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

In 1931 (later Sir) David Brown became managing director after his father died and in 1936 the company entered into a partnership with Harry Ferguson to build agricultural tractors. By the end of the thirties Brown and Ferguson parted ways and Brown launched a new tractor design in 1939 of which over 7,000 would be built.

Aston Martin DB2, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

In 1947 after seeing an advertisement in The Times offering a “High Class Motor Business” David Brown bought Aston Martin, then Lagonda the following year and the Tickford coachbuilder, in to whose premises Aston Martin production would be moved, in 1955.

Aston Martin DB2, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

David Browns ownership of Aston Martin led to the DB prefix for models, a 2 litre sports car manufactured from 1948 to 1950 was retrospectively known as the DB1. The Aston Martin DB2 replaced the 2 litre using a upgraded DB 1 chassis to take a 2.6 litre / 158 cui development of the twin overhead cam straight six engine which W O Bentley and William (Willie) Watson had originally designed for Lagonda.

Aston Martin DB2, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Three Aston Martin DB2’s were sent to Le Mans in 1950, George Abecassis and Lance Macklin finished fifth overall ahead of Charles Brackenbury and Reg Parnell to score a one – two class victory.

Aston Martin DB2, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

A car tested with the Frank Feeley designed coupé body was tested in 1950 and shown to be capable of reaching 60 mph from rest in 11.2 seconds with a top speed of 116 mph. In all 411 DB2’s were built between 1950 and 1953.

Today’s featured 1952 DB2 is seen at an Avenue Drivers Club meeting earlier this year.

Thanks for joining me on this “High Class Motor Business” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now.

Share

Coffee, Croissant & Cars #08/13 – Avenue Drivers Club

The eight weeks since I last visited the Avenue Drivers Club seem to have flown by in no time at all, I guess there is nothing like being busy when your having fun.

Lotus Esprit, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Amongst Sundays potpourri of attendees was this immaculate 22 year old Lotus Esprit that would surely have won a Concours d’Elegance, if one had been run. The current owner told me that the car was originally sold to a customer in Singapore, and that he has had the car for 14 years during which time he has driven it just 4,000 miles.

Plymouth, Road Runner, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Regular readers will know that I have been a MOPAR fan since I saw the original version of “Vanishing Point”, above is a 1970 First Generation 335hp Plymouth Road Runner.

AC, Aceca, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Slightly more modest was this 1958 Bristol powered AC Aceca.

Morris, 1/2 Ton, Pick Up, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

When I took the photograph above I thought I was looking at an extremely late Austin A60 Pick up, closer inspection reveals it actually carries a Morris badge and is a vehicle that was marketed as the Morris 1/2 ton. This particular one was manufactured in 1972 the year before production ceased, the cab design dates back to the 1957 Austin A55 Cambridge 4 door saloon/sedan.

Ford, Sierra, XR4i, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

In 1983 Ford launched the Ford Sierra XR4i to top the new jelly mould bodied series of cars that had received a mixed reception since their introduction the previous year. The 2 door XR4i was powered by the same fuel injected 2.8 litre Cologne V6 as the late Ford Capri 2.8i.

Ford, 7Y, Eight, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

The owner of this 1938 Ford “7Y” Eight took the car over from his sister over 40 years ago, he told me how amongst many ways Ford had saved on the costs of manufacturing the car, they built it with 6 3/4″ head lights instead of the 7″ head lights used by their competitors and that the fabric panel in the roof along with wooden floor boards all saved on the use of steel.

Colt, Sigma, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

The Colt Sigma above caught my eye primarily because it was built the year I left school in 1977. It’s condition is testimony to the fact that if one looks after any car it can be made to last well beyond two score years.

Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupé, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Parking up next to a 60th Anniversary edition Corvette was this fifty year old 1963 split rear screen Corvette Sting Ray Coupé, without doubt my favourite of the sixty year Corvette production run.

Daimler, V8 250, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Looking like it had driven straight out of the film set of “Withnail and I” was this 1968 Daimler V8 250, though the film of course used a similar bodied Jaguar Mk II.

Plymouth, Road Runner, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

In 1971 the Plymouth Satelite won the US Car of the Year award, this is it’s big “bro” the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Pack, with a air grabber scoop in the bonnet/hood, the 7.2 litre motor was good for 390 hp when it left the factory.

Mazda, MX5, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

On a lighter note some cute adornment found on the dash of an Mazda MX5, disappointingly the only thing missing is a plastic Jesus, however since the magnets on said absent item are known to mess with the radio maybe the omission can be forgiven.

Jaguar, E-Type, Series III, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Vying strongly with the Daimler V8 250 for the patina of the day award was this 1973 Series III V12 E-Type Jaguar. Apparently the car was delivered new, painted Azure Blue to Victor Gauntlet the petroleum magnate who is best remembered as Executive Chairman of Aston Martin from 1981 until 1992.

Alfa Romeo, Giulia, Spider, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Among the many soft tops present was this 1964 Alfa Romeo, Giulia, Spider sharing the same engine Alfa Romeo 105 series Giulia saloon / sedan.

Porsche, 911, Cabriolet, Flachbau, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Porsche 911’s with flachbau (flat built) noses, inspired by the 1976 Porsche 935 racing program, are a relative rarity this cabriolet dates from 1988.

BMW, 530D, Touring, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Finally drawing the biggest crowd in the shortest period of time were the flashing blue lights on this 2010 BMW 530D Touring, no crime had been committed, the gentlemen of the Avon Constabulary were merely demonstrating some of the features on their car. One is unlikely to be pursued by this vehicle unless one is in the process of committing, or one has committed a serious crime as the car is being run by the Armed Response Unit.

Thanks for joining me on this “Coffee, Croissant & Cars #08/13” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

Share

Coffee, Croissant & Cars #06/13 – Avenue Drivers Club

As the height of summer approaches flooded in rays of real sunshine it was a pleasure to amble down to Queen Square on Sunday not dressed up like Scott of the Antarctic prepared for sub zero temperatures and floods.

Nash Ambassador, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Sunday’s Avenue Drivers Club meeting was easily the busiest I have ever seen with at least a couple of hundred cars passing through for at least a cruise or like me a piece of cake and cup of tea with fellow petrol heads. Above first time I ever recall seeing a 1947 Nash Ambassador in the flesh.

Opel Ascona DL, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

The late 1970’s early 1980’s Opel Ascona DL like the 1980 example seen above shared many parts with the Vauxhall Cavalier except the Vauxhall had a droop snoot nose. The ATS alloy wheels are correct for the period.

BSA Ten Peerless Coupé, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Sharing a common chassis with a Lanchester 10 is this 1933 BSA Ten Peerless Coupé, the fluid fly wheel combined with the 1175 cc / 71 cui 4 cylinder is not likely to set the world on fire in terms of performance. The owner has found that fitting a modern electric fan helps keep the water temperature at a reasonable level on the hills interestingly the motor has no water pump and is dependent on hot water rising in the radiator for water flow.

Ford, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Hot rods were present in large numbers, this one appears to have started life as a 1970 Ford, according to the official records, it now carries a 5.3 litre / 323 cui motor with six twin choke carburetors.

Excalibur, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

There were two Excaliburs present, built in Milwaukee I beleive they used to be powered by Chevlorlet Corvette motors but I am not sure if that is still the case. This is the first 2+2 Excalibur I have ever seen.

Triumph Spitfire Mk II, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Of the many Triumphs present this 1967 Spitfire Mk II caught my eye, perfect for a summers day.

Opel Manta 4.0, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

My friend Ted told me this Opel Manta is powered by a 4 litre / 244 cui V8, unfortunately he is not to sure of the origins of the motor but those air intakes which replace the inner front lights look like a hot item.

Daimler SP 250, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Another perfect summer car was this 1962 Daimler SP250, the owner certainly seems to be enjoying it.

Lambretta, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Just as I was leaving a load of Scooters from the Bristol Mods turned up, somewhere under all those lights I believe is a Lambretta judging by the logo on the helmet.

Looking forward to seeing who turns up at the next Avenue Drivers Club meeting on July 14th.

Thanks for joining me on this “Coffee, Croissant & Cars #06/13” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

Share

Prick Up Your Ears – Wolseley 6/110 Mk II (ADO53)

The Wolseley 6/110 replaced the similarly Farina bodied 6/99 in 1961 externally the two models are identical except the 6/110 has a two inch longer wheel base while internally the gear selection mechanism, for the 3 speed gearbox, moved from the steering column to the floor.

Wolseley 6/110 Mk II, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

The 2.9 litre / 177 cui C series straight six shared with the similarly bodied BMC Austin A110 Westminster and Van den Plas Princess 3-litre Mk II, Austin Healey 3000 and MG C was tuned to give 120hp.

Wolseley 6/110 Mk II, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

In 1964 a MK II version of the 6/110 was introduced similar to the 1966 model seen here at last years, Bristol Classic Car Show at Shepton Mallet. The only external difference being the smaller 13″ wheels that carried wider tyres than it’s predecessor the Pinin Farina styled body work was left alone completely as it had been in 1961.

Wolseley 6/110 Mk II, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

Internally the 6/110 Mk II featured telescopic dampers which replaced the previous lever arm units, thicker disc brakes, a new exhaust system and a 4 speed gearbox which could be fitted with an optional overdrive for more economical motoring at speed on Britain’s emerging motorway network.

04 IMG_0949sc

Like the Wolseley 6/80 I looked at a couple of weeks ago the 6/110 in Mk I and Mk II form was a popular choice of police car with both film makers and television producers the 6/110 Mk II’s film credits include The Mind of Mr. Soames (1970), Prick Up Your Ears (1987) and The Bank Job (2008).

Wolseley 6/110 Mk II, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet

13,301 Woseley 6/110 Mk II’s were manufactured between 1964 and 1968 when it was replaced in the British Leyland range by the Austin 3 litre (Land Lobster) whose sales were so far off target that Wolseley and Van den Plas variants never got beyond the prototype stage.

Thanks for joining me on this “Prick Up Your Ears” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me tomorrow for a trip to Marin Sanoma California. Don’t forget to come back now !

Ralph Colmar on Formula One – Homeboy Rosberg Runs the Tables at the Grand Prix of Monaco today at Motorsports Unplugged.

Share

Cardinals Classic – Volkswagen Golf SE IV

The last of this months Sunday Volkswagen Golf posts is about a Golf IV.

Volkswagen Golf SE IV, Shepton Mallet,

Last year I took on a low mileage VW Golf SE Estate IV, that my folks bought new in 1999. Over the 10,000 miles I have driven it, apart from several light bulbs a set of new tyres and a service it has proved to be a pleasantly reliable mode of transport carrying up to 4 at up to 70 mph to numerous events in England and Wales. The most awkward work I have had to do on it was to replace the front headlight bulb that is tucked away in front of the passenger side mounted battery but thanks to to this linked video I got the job done in a supermarket car park with a minimum of fuss.

Volkswagen Golf SE IV, Dundry

Three days after I acquired the Golf I had a great time with it on a field in Dundry just South of Bristol trying, unsuccessfully, to defend my Cross Trohpy.

Volkswagen Golf SE IV,

A couple of weeks ago I was reminded that my car insurance was about to expire and after a little shopping around which included looking at the Aviva site I found I was able to halve my car insurance bill with my no claims bonus. With the Golf freshly serviced and insured I polished her up for wedding duties as the brides maids car for a friend who was getting married during a visit from Australia.

Volkswagen Golf SE IV, Shepton Mallet,

While I was looking up the approximate value of my car I was surprised to learn that the highest price ever paid for a second hand Golf IV was US $243,000 @ £160,000 in English. It turns out that the car was sold by its original owner prefect of the Catholic Church’s Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith under Pope John Paul II better known as Cardinal Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger when he expected to retire to Germany after Pope John Paul II died in 2005.

Volkswagen Golf SE IV, Shepton Mallet,

After he had sold his Golf to his surprise Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI and the new owner of the Cardinals Golf put it up for auction on e-bay where it was purchased by a casino.

Volkswagen Golf SE IV, Dundry

A couple of weeks ago I made an attempt at reclaiming the Cross Trophy with fellow Bristol Pegasus Motor Club member Chris Clarke and came home a respectable third in class. A couple of days ago I was out again this time on a treasure hunt with GALPOT regular Tim Murray and again we came home a respectable third and won a box of Maltesers to share.

Touch wood the Golf will remain reliable and help me attend a few more meetings which I can report on here for your delectation.

Thanks for joining me on this “Cardinal Classic” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

Share

Palmers Parts Bin – Wolseley 4/44

After designing the MG Y Type the 1939 – 1945 hostilities saw Gerald Palmer engaged in war work that included designing medical equipment for the front line the development of a two stroke motor and the production of de Havilland Tiger Moth flying training aircraft.

Wolseley 4/44, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet,

After the war Palmer was employed by Jowett to design what became the Jowett Javelin and in 1949 Palmer rejoined the Nuffield Organisation to design the Wolseley 4/44, MG ZA, the replacement for the MG Y type, and the Riley Pathfinder all three of which shared unique combinations of parts from the Nuffield Organisations parts bins.

Wolseley 4/44, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet,

Of the three new models launched in 1953, now under the merged with Austin British Motor Corporation (BMC) banner the Wolseley 4/44 was the least powerful being fitted with a detuned 46 hp single carburettor 4 cylinder XPAG motor first seen seen on the MG TB Type Midget dating back to 1939 and on the TC, TD, and least powerful of the TF models.

Wolseley 4/44, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet,

Fitted with modern rack and pinion steering, snuggle friendly 4 speed column change gearboxes the up market pretensions of the car were reaffirmed by leather seats and walnut veneer trim.

Wolseley 4/44, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet,

With the absence of a motorway network the 4/44’s top speed of 73 mph was matched by a rest to 60 mph time of 29.9 seconds which might be described as adequate.

Wolseley 4/44, Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet,

Note that indicators were by door post mounted semaphore with only left hand drive models having indicators built into the rear light clusters.

29,845 Wolseley 4/44’s were built between 1953 and 1956 when the model was replaced by the similar 15/50.

Thanks for joining me on this “Palmers Parts Bin” edition of “Gettin a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

Share

Striped Tomato Editon – Volkswagen Golf Mk III CL Diesel

Volkswagen introduced the third iteration of it’s popular Golf to Europe, the UK and the USA in 1991, 1992 and 1993 respectively the latter was delayed by quality problems and industrial action in Volkswagen’s Mexican Puebla plant.

Volkswagen Golf CL Diesel, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Additions to the the range were an estate / station wagon version and a six cylinder VR6 motor. The VR motor , standing for Verkurst Rheienmotor – shortened in line motor in English, featured a two banks of 3 cylinders separated by just 15 degrees so that the cylinders are effectively staggered meaning the six cylinder motor could easily fit into the space normally occupied by a four cylinder motor.

Volkswagen Golf CL Diesel, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol t

Volkswagen sponsored European Tours by the Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi during the production life of the Golf III, also known as the Mk 3, which led to special editions featuring the bands names, further special editions included the Movie, Joker, Savoy, New Orleans and multi coloured Harlequin.

Today’s featured Starsky and Hutch Striped Tomato Edition seen at an Avenue Drivers Club meeting in Bristol last year, is a one off peversely low performance 1996 Golf CL Diesel.

Thanks for joining me on this “Striped Tomato Edition” of Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

Share