The July 2015 edition of Irish Vintage Scene (Issue 110) is on sale now, and once again is full to bursting with feature vehicles and show reports from all around Ireland.
This month’s cover slot goes to a family saloon that was such a popular choice for not only motorists in its native Germany, but all over Europe and here in Ireland too. Even though the Opel Kadett C’s rear-wheel-drive layout was traditional its mechanicals were very well proven, and suspension was by coil springs all round unlike other RWD competitors. The example we feature this month was sold new at Bushe & Flynn Opel dealers in Dublin in 1979, and has recently been restored to pristine condition by a Dundalk-based enthusiast after it lay deteriorating in storage for many years. Our second car feature tells the wonderful story of a recently-rebuilt 1973 Ford Consul L that’s remained in the same family all of its life, coming back to Ireland with them when they relocated from England in 1976.
Our main feature tractor this month is a rare survivor with a nice Irish history; this four-wheel-drive Universal 530 DTCE-SD was bought in a fleet of sixty identical others by Bórd na Mona in 1981, and worked for many years on the company’s Blackwater Bog near Shannonbridge. After doing a stint as a competitive ploughing match tractor it’s now been restored in its original specification by an enthusiast from Athlone. Our second tractor story takes a look at a very impressive collection of Ferguson and Massey Ferguson tractors, implements and related combines that’s on display at The Farm, an open farm and heritage village in Co. Cork.
Moving to two wheels, our feature motorcycle this month is another classic with a strong back story, a 1958 BSA Bantam D5 that’s been in the same Kildare family since 1966, and which has survived in extremely original condition. And, rounding off our highly varied articles in this issue is a 1963 Ford Thames 800 (known as the 400E in other markets) that again has been in the same family in Co. Mayo since new. Where do we find these stories for you!
Events-wise we’ve a whole host of reports this month, including the Tipperary Vintage Rally, Junction 14 Classic Show, Letterkenny Vintage Car Show, the Dublin Scooter & Motorcycle Show and many, many more. We also carry the final instalment of our 1928 Essex engine rebuild series, so you won’t want to miss the July 2015 issue of Irish Vintage Scene; get yours today!
