Features
Lemon Wedge
We haven’t had one of these in the magazine before, and in fact we have had very few Rovers overall, so I hope this one helps to redress the balance. It’s hard to believe that the Rover SD1 is 35 years old at this stage, as it only seems like yesterday that they were commonplace on our roads. Their production was dogged with problems, and as a result they never hit the potential sales the car deserved.
This brilliant, original Irish example belongs to John Friel, who’s featured Austin 1100 collection was a big hit a few months ago. John owned this car for 25 years before he got the chance to drive it for the first time, and Andrew Pollock tells us why.
The Baby Fordson
If you’ve ever hung around the tractor display at shows and observe members of the general public, the Fordson Dexta is one model that they swarm towards. This little workhorse is fondly remembered, and will usually produce comments like “weren’t they great” or “it was the best tractor we ever had”. 
This month we feature a 1958 model owned by Rody McGrath, which is in cracking condition, but it wasn’t always that way.
Like many others, this wee Dexta earned it keep the hard way, and when Rody got it it was totally seized up. Andrew Pollock brings us the full story.
Family Ties
This car has been in the same family since it was bought new in 1980 by current owner, Mick Hetherington’s, uncle.
The Clubman model was launched in 1969 alongside the original Mini, and stayed in production until 1980; some loved it, and some didn’t.
The one featured here was bought in Watson & Johnson’s of Greystones, Co. Wicklow, and still has the original sales brochure in the glovebox. When Mick’s aunt bought a new Fiesta in 2000 she gave the car to Mick (thank god there was no scrappage scheme), and after a full restoration in 2008 the car is now in as-new condition.
Austin 101
We often here of a ‘one-owner’ vehicle, but this is a ‘one-town’ van! It was bought new by a business in Warrenpoint in 1957, and its early life was easy as it wasn’t pressed into service until 1959.
After laying unused for a number of years it came into the ownership of Bernie Stewart in the late nineties, and after a bit of work it was back in tip-top form, and can be seen at many shows around Ireland today.
Indeed, Bernie is even known to do the occasional delivery in it. Thought to be one of the last of its kind on the road in Ireland, we’re sure it’s going to continue to be cherished by its current owners, as Stephen McEvoy tells us.
Japanese Collection
Back in our February issue we received a letter to the editor from Emmett Kelly, who pointed out that he has a big collection of Japanese motorbikes of the eighties. When we heard about them we just had to see them, so we sent Norbert Sheerin off to meet Emmett and the collection, and we sure weren’t disappointed. The collection is vast and varied in ways, but one common factor is that all eighteen bikes are Japanese. I think this article will bring back many memories of the eighties to most of us, as many of the machines mentioned are now quite a rare sight on the roads.
100 Years in Steam
A century is a long time, and it’s not many things that can stand such a test of time. One thing that will always outlast this time, though, is the love for something or someone.
Harry Rowntree is 82 years of age, and he carries the love for steam engines that his father William carried before him.
Harry has in his ownership the 1914 McLaren steam engine that his father bought in 1941, which had been owned from new by Kilbeg Co-op in Mullagh, Co. Cavan. We take a look at the life of both man and machine.
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News & Events:
Every month this 14-page section updates vintage and classic vehicle enthusiasts on all that’s happening in Ireland and further afield.
Diary Dates:
This monthly section is the most comprehensive list of upcoming events in Ireland, with contact details for all events.
Club Scene:
A relatively new section in the magazine, this gives clubs from all over Ireland a chance to update readers on what their members are up to.
Laid to Rust:
One of our reader’s favourites, this is where we print pictures of vehicles that have been abandoned or have rusted away over time.
Pastimes:
This monthly column from Ireland’s leading motor historian, Bob Montgomery, gives an insight into the early days of motoring and motorsport in this country.
Model Scene:
Our monthly look at the fast-growing area of models and dioramas.
Garage Scene:
Catch up here with our exploits in the garage, working on our own projects.
Tales From Over the Water:
This section is brought to you each month by Roger Hamlin, who traverses the globe between England and New Zealand, finding all kinds of unusual vehicles and sights on his travels.
Classifieds:
Irish Vintage Scene is the only publication in Ireland that carries a specific section of vintage and classic vehicles for sale. If you’re in the market for a vehicle, or looking to sell one off, then this is the best place to start.
Behind the Wheel:
The last article in the magazine each month is by long-time enthusiast Dick Byrne, who reminisces about the early days of motoring.