The August 2015 edition of Irish Vintage Scene (Issue 111) is on sale now, and once again is bursting at the seams with feature vehicles and show reports from all around Ireland.
On the cover of this month’s issue is one of the smallest, cutest and downright cheekiest luxury saloons you could imagine. Like its non-identical Wolseley Hornet twin, the Riley Elf was a prime example of BMC’s “badge engineering gone mad” approach, being little more than a Mini with a more regal front end, be-finned boot and plush interior, but all three were no bad things and created a unique motor car that’s treasured by classic enthusiasts today, such as the recently-restored example we bring you this month. Our second car feature tells the unique story of an extremely low-mileage, original Irish Datsun 160J that has survived the last 36 years in incredibly original condition, having been stored in a barn for much of its life.
Our main feature tractor this month is a model scarcely seen in this country despite coming from one of our best-loved manufacturers: the Massey Ferguson 25S was never a huge seller in Ireland when new thanks to the runaway success of its larger and more powerful, yet not much more expensive, stable-mate, the 35. As a result they’re a rare sight today, making this nice owner-restored example a real treat. Our second tractor story takes a look at a very fine David Brown 880 Selectamatic that was restored by a very-experienced tractor repairer as a hobby; something of a “busman’s holiday”!
Moving to two wheels, our feature motorcycle this month is an ex-military BSA M20 that’s been in the same Westmeath family since 1957, even bringing its owners on their honeymoon around Ireland shortly afterwards. Our commercial vehicle feature looks at another Mini-based machine, a Morris Minivan, a rare Irish-built survivor at that, and we also take a close look at a pre-war Morris Cowley project in the first instalment of a two-part restoration series.
Events-wise we’ve a lot going on this month, ranging from the Shane’s Castle Steam Rally to the Innishannon Steam Rally to the first-ever Aran Islands Classic Car Run, and lots more besides, so you won’t want to miss the August 2015 issue of Irish Vintage Scene; get yours today!
