Having been reared in Brighton, some of my earliest automotive memories are of the Veteran Car Run, and as a petrol-fuelled youngster I was enthralled by the vehicles but a tad sorry for their occupants, who were often so cold their facial extremities seemed in danger of parting company.
Prior to 1896, cars in the UK were legally limited to just 4mph in the country and 2mph in cities.
| Publication Information |
|---|
| Cover Price: Free |
| Page Count: 20 pages |
| Subject: Cars, Motorsport, People |
| Format: Digital (pdf) |
| Frequency: Quarterly |
| Publisher: British Motor Heritage |
| Postcards from the Seaside |
Download British Motor Heritage’s Autumn 2017 Motoring Classics Magazine below!
Motoring Classics Autumn 2017
Having been reared in Brighton, some of my earliest automotive memories are of the Veteran Car Run, and as a petrol-fuelled youngster I was enthralled by the vehicles but a tad sorry for their occupants, who were often so cold their facial extremities seemed in danger of parting company. In this issue we explore the history behind this uniquely British annual pilgrimage, and why it takes place on the first Sunday in November rather than at a meteorologically more favourable time of year.
Another familiar aspect of Britain’s proud motoring heritage is the Spirit of Ecstasy, the graceful figurine that has adorned the prow of every Rolls-Royce since 1920. However, you may not be fully aware of the romantic story that inspired it. Have a read – it’s quite a tale! On a completely different tack, did you know there was a magnificent private collection of 325 cars in Potters Bar? Well neither did we, but are very glad we tumbled upon this extraordinary story and the equally fascinating man behind it – see pages 14 to 17 for the low-down on Studio 434.
Our Missing Moniker on this occasion concerns HRG, a conventional ‘30s British sports car that failed to sell in any volume, but proved to be a worthy weapon for a whole host of motorsport disciplines, while this issue’s Classic Character is Britain’s first World Drivers’ Champion, Mike Hawthorn, who sadly died in a bizarre road accident just three months after his victory, and was therefore robbed of the spoils of his success.
Elsewhere we bring you up-to-date with BMH’s extensive involvement in classic racing; detail an exciting new V8 conversion for the MGB roadster, complete with five-speed gearbox; and introduce you to BMH dealer Datch.fr, a major Paris-based supplier of spare parts for the classic Mini, Triumphs, Jaguars and Austin-Healeys. Last but not least we provide a little insight into the increasingly popular pastime of long distance classic rallying, by detailing some of the upcoming events and who runs them. There may be better ways for enthusiast drivers to explore the world, but we can’t think of any offhand.
Happy reading!
Gordon Bruce, Editor
For all the latest news, offers and great tips … Motoring Classics
Dealer Spotlight: Datch.fr
Datch.fr is based in the suburbs of North-West Paris and draws its name from the partner who decided to found it back in 2006, Nicolas Datchary. The son of an English petrolhead mother (she once owned the only XK140 in Mexico), he grew up in the culture of ‘60s British cars and recalls being captivated by the sight of a Mini Countryman while on a trip to England, aged four.
Postcard From The Seaside: An insight into the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and what sparked its inception 121 years ago
Venture southwards on the A23 between London and Brighton this coming November 5 and you’re likely to find yourself surrounded by a horde of hissing, popping spindly old self-propelled vehicles, many of which will resemble carriages from which the horses have apparently only just escaped. That’s because you’ll have stumbled on the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run that takes place on the first Sunday of every November.
Ecstasy Personified: The love story behind Rolls-Royce’s famous mascot
Now all but banned for safety reasons, bonnet mascots were de rigueur for wealthy car owners of the early 1900s, and pioneer motorist John Douglas-Scott-Montagu was typical of the breed. Deciding his 1910 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost needed further adornment than just the maker’s badge alone, he commissioned his sculptor friend Charles Sykes to design a figurine, the model for which was Montagu’s long-standing assistant, Eleanor Thornton.
Missing Moniker: HRG
Britain has spawned all manner of car builders over time, many of whom shunned the mainstream market, preferring to serve one of numerous niches instead. HRG was just such a marque, and aimed fairly and squarely at enthusiasts wanting to drive to their chosen branch of motorsport and, God willing, motor home again afterwards.
Classic Character: John Michael (Mike) Hawthorn (1929-1959)
Britain has spawned 10 F1 World Champions – seven more than any other country. This plethora of home-grown talent perhaps explains why our first victor is now arguably the least well-remembered.
The Rallying Call: How To Combine A Love Of Driving With A Global Spirit Of Adventure
There’s a touch of Christopher Columbus in us all – the need to explore new horizons and savour fresh experiences. While there’s no shortage of companies to help satisfy such dreams, car enthusiasts always have the enticing option of killing two birds with one stone and participating in international historic rallies.
Motoring Classics in Motorsport
British Motor Heritage MD John Yea reports from the cockpit.
Just Call Me ‘Mr Lock-Up’
You’d envy him if you met him and you’d certainly be blown away by his 325-strong (and counting) vehicle collection, but you’d be equally impressed by how this philanthropic 79-year-old amassed the fortune to pay for it. His secret? Simples -while most of us dream, Rodger Dudding does!
Bulletin From BMH
BRAKING NEWS. Motoring Classics is now a distributor for Mintex’s Classic range of brake pads and linings. BMH’s MD John Yea reveals all.
British Motor Heritage
British Motor Heritage Limited was established in 1975 to support owners and the marketplace by putting genuine components for classic British cars back into manufacture, using original tools wherever possible. Since 2001, when the company was acquired from BMW, it has been successfully run as an independently owned company.
British Motor Heritage is the largest organisation of its type in the world. With access to unparalleled knowledge, authentic production information and original drawings and patterns, the company manufactures previously unobtainable body parts for British classic cars.
It occupies a unique position since it assembles 32 derivatives of body shells and has built total production volume of over 7,000 for the MGB, MGR V8, MG Midget, Austin-Healey Sprite, Triumph TR6, Original Mini and Mini Clubman using original press tools and assembly jigs.
Website: https://www.bmh-ltd.com/
Tex Automotive
Tex Motor Accessories have been manufactured in England for over fifty years, and many of our products are still produced in our factory in Witney on the original tooling.
Since their first appearance on British cars in 1947, Tex products evolved over the years to keep in step with changing car designs. The current range includes wipers and mirrors that were original equipment on a huge range of Austin, Ford, Morris, MG, Triumph, Vauxhall, etc. from 1974 to 1983.
Tex are also major distributors of the Renovo car care product range (specialising in hood refurbishment) and Samco Silicone hose Kits.
Website: https://texautomotive.com/
Motoring Classics is the printed and online publication of British Motor Heritage and its retail trading arm.
Motoring Classics reproduction in whole or any part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct but can accept no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.
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