Issue 60 (May 2011)

Description

LEMON WEDGE: With its exotic fastback styling, muscular V8 engine and innovative cabin, the Rover SD1 came as a bit of a bombshell when it was launched 35 years ago. John Friel’s yellow Dublin-registered 3500 is a beautiful example of the breed, but it didn’t always look this good, and Andrew Pollock finds out for us.

THE BABY FORDSON: When Rody McGrath of the Ballyroan Vintage Club picked up this 1958 Fordson Dexta the engine was seized and the whole thing was looking very sorry for itself, but after lots of work and attention it is now a prime specimen of the early days of Dexta production, as Andrew Pollock finds out.

100 YEARS IN STEAM: Hugh Oram introduces us to Harry Rowntree, 82 years young, from Kingscourt in Co. Cavan, whose family enjoys a 100-year-old association with steam power. Harry has recently completed the restoration of a 1914 McLaren steam engine, which has been in his family for almost seventy years.

FAMILY TIES: Originally bought new by his granduncle in 1980, Mick Hetherington’s Mini Clubman 1100 lay deteriorating for many years until he recently plucked up the courage to take on the restoration of this family heirloom. Andrew Pollock brings us the story.

ZETOR IS BETTER: They’re not the most common marque on the vintage and classic tractor scene in Ireland, but we’ll bet there isn’t a farmer in the country that wouldn’t recognise a Zetor of any shape or form thanks to their popularity in this country down through the years. Here, Andrew Pollock meets up with Ted White to check out his restored 2011 and 5545 models.

AUSTIN 101: Stephen McEvoy brings us the story of a very lovely Austin 101 van, which has been lovingly restored and painted in the livery of its bicycle-shop owner in Warrenpoint.

JAPANESE COLLECTION: Fans of classic motorcycles from the Far East are in for a treat this month, as Norbert Sheerin meets with an owner of no less than eighteen Japanese bikes from various decades.

BIRD OF PREY: The unique Ford-based Falcon Special has wowed show-goers at many events in Ireland over the years. Its builder, Brian Mullan, sadly passed away in 2007, but his son Paul is now the car’s custodian and is proud to continue to show it at many events, as Tom Heavey explains.

EVENT REPORTS: Event reports from Castledermot Steam & Vintage Rally 2010, Cork Motorfest 2010, Glenavy & District Vintage Club Indoor Show, Cranford Heritage Society Road Run, Millstreet Vintage Club Christmas Run, Rathcormac Vintage Club Annual Road Run and the NEC Classic Motorshow 2010.

PLUS: All your monthly favourites like Retrospect, Garage Scene, Model Scene, Behind the Wheel, Tales from Over the Water, Laid to Rust, Event Round-Up, News & Events, Diary Dates, Your Letters, Pastimes, classifieds and lots, lots more!