Issue 57 (February 2011)

Description

• GOLDEN OLDIE: As car restorations go, you won’t find many better than this 1970 Hillman Avenger. What’s more, it’s an early 1500 Super, a rare enough sight in this country where most sold were 1250s. Owned by father-and-son Frank and Ger McLoughlin from Moyvore, Co. Westmeath, it was found for sale in the UK with low mileage but plenty of rust, and has since been treated to a world-class rebuild.
• THE BIG RED ONE: This month Norbert Sheerin and Tom Heavey collaborate to bring us the story of one of the largest tractor’s we’ve ever featured; this Massey Ferguson 1135 was considered a giant machine when it was bought new in 1979, and today is still one of the most imposing 2wd tractors you’re likely to see. No expense was spared in its restoration either, with a huge number of new parts fitted.
• AMAZING AMAZON: Tom Heavey calls into a serious Volvo fan to get the lowdown on his original Ruddspeed-tuned 122S Amazon, as well as his newest acquisition, a standard two-door Amazon.
• CZECH MATES: Classic Zetors were part and parcel of farming life in Ireland for many years, but only now are starting to make any impact on the vintage show fields. Andrew Pollock travels to Castleisland, Co. Kerry to visit one enthusiast with a life-long passion for the marque, who has recently restored a 3511 and 3545.
• CAMPERVAN FANTASY: This 1972 VW camper is unlikely to be mistaken for any other, as since its restoration it has been decorated with airbrushed depictions of historic Irish scenes. Its owners, James and Jean Connolly, are now looking forward to living the nomadic life to the full in their classic VW.
• SIGN OF THE THAMES: The Ford Thames ET series of trucks were a common sight in Ireland for many decades, but now it is up to the likes of enthusiast Martin Moloney to keep their memory alive, as we check out his diesel flatbed version.
• FORD 5000: Tom Heavey meets with an owner of one of the most popular classic tractors of recent times, the Force Ford 5000.
• BROUGH JUSTICE: Mention the name ‘Brough Superior’ to any classic motorbike fan and their ears will instantly prick up. The marque is synonymous with quality and exclusivity, known as the ‘Rolls-Royce of motorcycles’. Well-known restorer Paddy Guerin meets up with fellow Corkman Andrew Pollock to urn us through his beautiful OHV 680.
• EVENT REPORTS: Event reports from Ballincollig Vintage Show, Carlow Vintage & Classic Motor Club Show Galway Hospice Tractor Run, Newtowncunningham Road Run, Wexford Sports & Classic Car Club Autotest, Seymourstown Vintage & Family Day, Mountbellew Vintage Show, AOVC Autumn Run, Carrig na Bhfear Vintage Road Run, Clonmellon Vintage Machinery Fair, Cortina Owners Club of Ireland Autumn Run, Irish Cortina Club Meeting, Teeling Classic Car Club Show, Trim V&V Car Show, UAC Retro Rally 2010, Goodwood Revival, Ballymena Steam & Country Fair, West Run 2010, IVVCC Leopardstown Autojumble & Motorcycle Show and the Ulster Vintage Commercial Vehicle Club Run.
• PLUS: All your monthly favourites like Retrospect, Garage Scene, Dealers’ Wheels, Model Scene, Tales from Over the Water, Laid to Rust, Event Round-Up, News & Events, Diary Dates, Your Letters, Pastimes, classifieds and lots, lots more!