Gracing the cover of the October 2020 issue of Irish Vintage Scene is the earliest Morris Mini Minor we’ve ever had the honour of featuring in the magazine – a very rare survivor from this iconic model’s first year of production in 1959, this is the 38th oldest Mini known to survive, and is owned by a former Morris apprentice who worked on these after their launch.
| Publication Information |
|---|
| ISSN: 1649 8356 |
| Cover Price: £4.40 / €6.25 |
| Format: A4, 96 pages |
| Frequency: Monthly |
| Subject: Cars, Commercial, Motorcycles, Tractors |
| Publisher: Irish Vintage Scene |
Irish Vintage Scene Issue 172 October 2020
Gracing the cover of the October 2020 issue of Irish Vintage Scene is the earliest Morris Mini Minor we’ve ever had the honour of featuring in the magazine – a very rare survivor from this iconic model’s first year of production in 1959, this is the 38th oldest Mini known to survive, and is owned by a former Morris apprentice who worked on these after their launch.
Our second feature car is another example of a world-changing model, a 1914 Model T that’s been painstakingly restored from a derelict heap of parts, so much so that we will revisit it next month to reveal the second half of the project.
Our tractor feature this month is a slight deviation from the norm as we outline the recent restoration of a 1960 Michigan 55R loader that’s resided in the Tipperary region since new, while our motorcycle feature tells the fabulous story of one man’s very special ninetieth birthday present, a 1950 Ariel NG just like the one he was gifted for his seventeenth birthday in 1947.
Rounding out this issue is our commercial vehicle feature on an unusual subject this month, a 1965 Piaggio Ape pickup that’s definitely the smallest commercial we’ve ever featured! All of the usual favourites are in there too, so don’t miss out – get your October 2020 issue of Irish Vintage Scene at any good newsagent, or order it here with FREE POSTAGE!
Original of the Species
The legendary Mini might have been a runaway success in its time, but survivors of its first year of production in 1959 are few and far between. This 61-year-old stunner is the 38th- oldest Mini in existence, and is kept in tiptop shape by a former Morris apprentice.
Fully Loaded
The Michigan brand has long since disappeared from earthmoving equipment, but their machines live on in the memory of many enthusiasts. Tom Butler from Co. Limerick has just restored this 1960 55R, which has worked in his locality all of its life.
T Resurrection – Part 1
As you enter the village of Rathmolyon in Co. Meath you are met by a mural depicting the nature of the village. Prominent is a very lifelike impression of John Brady’s Ford Model T featured in an early edition of Irish Vintage Scene, a remarkable Lazarus-type restoration of a car that spent much of its time in the locality. More recently, John has embarked on yet another marathon, in the form of another impressive Model T from 1914.
A Gift Horse
Memories of the Ariel NG that Matt McBride received for his seventeenth birthday have stayed with him all his life, and prompted a very special gift from his family for his ninetieth birthday last year.
Busy Bee
For his first full-on classic restoration, Liam Gleeson wanted to tackle something different from the norm, but small enough to be manageable on his own. He certainly found that with his 1965 Piaggio Ape, which was a Valentine’s Day gift from his wife, Ger – after three years of work and much research and hard work, it’s now a gleaming example of a rarely-seen commercial in this country.
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Your Letters
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Q&A
Each month we pitch a motoring question at Irish Vintage Scene’s regular contributors.
Rusty Staples
William Carson’s bi-monthly trawl through his classic magazine collection.
Laid to Rust
A monthly pictorial of vehicles that are rusting away in the peace of our countryside.
Past Times
Ireland’s best-known motoring historian, Bob Montgomery looks back at motoring and motoring events in the early days.
Model Scene
News from the ever-growning world of model collecting.
Gerry’s Gems
Motoring historian Gerry Barrett’s monthly look at some of his vintage and classic favourites.
Tales from Over the Water
Clare-man PJ Francis shares with us his old vehicle adventures in the United States.
On The Spanners
A look at the restoration projects going on in sheds all over the island.
Retrospect
A page of old and nostalgic motoring photos sent in by our readers.
Classifieds
Looking for a classic? Well this is Ireland’s only dedicated marketplace.
Behind the Wheel
Dick Byrne looks back at his memories of motoring in the last century.
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