Issue 103 (Dec. 2014)

Description

The December 2014 edition of Irish Vintage Scene (Issue 103) is on sale now, and as ever is packed with a huge range of fascinating vehicle features. On the cover this month is a rare Irish-registered 1973 Humber Sceptre MkIII, a model known in its time as “the bank manager’s Hillman” thanks to its bodystyle shared with the more common Hillman Hunter. Ironically enough, the first owner of this one was indeed a bank manager in Cavan, and after some restoration work it’s now safe in the hands of an ardent Rootes car enthusiast. Our second car feature looks at something of an automotive legend – the VW Golf – which amazingly is celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year, and we also look at something completely different: a 1982 Spartan, a very eye-catching neo-classic car built in California.

Our main tractor feature this month is an amazing story of reunion – at 93 years old, Tom Larney from Co. Louth has recently tracked down the very Allis Chalmers Model U bought new by his father in 1948! We also take a look at a unusual Hela D15 tractor, a German make with a link to the Heinrich Lanz story. Motorcycle-wise this month we look at a stunning, recently restored 1953 AJS 350 trials bike which packs a rare period competition engine and a works-style frame, while our commercial feature looks at a beautiful Leyland Beaver livestock truck, complete with trailer, which was created out of a scrapyard-find airport fuel tanker, of all things. And, on the subject of aviation, we’re a very special feature this month on the Iolar, Aer Lingus’ famous 1936 De Havilland Dragon biplane that flies in honour of their first ever airliner.

Events-wise we’ve a huge array of reports this month, including the National Ploughing Championships, Charleville Vintage Show and the Connacht Veteran & Vintage Car Rally, and we even pop across the water to check out the new Footman James Manchester Classic Car Show. All of our usual attractions are in there too, so you won’t want to miss the December 2014 issue of Irish Vintage Scene; get yours today!