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!
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Top of the Class
The product of a fi rst-time restoration has seldom looked as good as Damien Boyle’s stunning 1979 Opel Kadett, which was bought in poor condition in memory of those driven by his late father in years gone by.
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Peat Performer
A rare survivor of a Bord na Móna fleet from the early eighties, this rarely-seen 1981 Universal 530 DTCE-SD has been rejuvenated by its enthusiastic owner thanks to his childhood memories of a 550 model, and wows enthusiasts wherever it goes.
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The Yellow Baby
It’s a rare occurrence to fi nd a classic car that’s been in the same family since new, but they are out there. This month we meet up with Caeilte Reid, whose father-in-law bought this Ford Consul new in 1973.
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No Lightweight
It might not have been the largest, fastest or most glamorous motorcycle ever, but the BSA Bantam provided loyal service to hundreds of thousands of road users in its time. This lovely ’58 D5 is unrestored, and has been in the same Kildare family since 1966.
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Knock on Wood
Open up anyone’s garage and pick any old vehicle from their collection and there’s more than likely a story behind it – very rarely is a vintage car, bike, tractor or truck bought “just because it was for sale”. This month, Jarlath Cunnane tells us about his Ford Thames 800, which has been in his family since new.
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Show & Event Report
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Letterkenny Vintage Car Show
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Tipperary Vintage Rally 2015
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MAAC All-American Car, Truck & Bike Show
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Cortina Owners Club of Ireland ‘COCI 21’
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Spring Run
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Blessington Vintage Car & Motorcycle Club Anniversary Tour
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Copper Coast Challenge 2015
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The 2015 Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show
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Ford Cortina Enthusiasts Ireland Cobweb Run
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Rathcormac Vintage Club Annual Road Run
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South Donegal Vintage & Heritage Field Day
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Junction 14 Classic Show
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IVVCC Spring Rally 2015
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Loughrea & District Vintage Club Run
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Regulars
News & Events The latest developments from all over Ireland and abroad.
Diary Dates The most comprehensive list of upcoming events in Ireland.
Club Scene A dedicated section open to every club in Ireland to promote itself and its events.
Your Letters Have your say and get it off your chest; this is your place to say
what you really think.
Laid to Rust A monthly pictorial of vehicles that are rusting away in the peace
of our countryside.
Past Times Ireland’s best-known motoring historian, Bob Montgomery looks back at motoring and motoring events in the early days.
Model Scene News from the ever-growning world of model collecting.
Tales From Over the Water The often offbeat stories of our roving overseas reporter, Roger Hamlin.
Retrospect A page of old and nostalgic motoring photos sent in by our readers.
Classifieds Looking for a classic? Well this is Ireland’s only dedicated marketplace.
Behind the Wheel Dick Byrne looks back at his memories of motoring in the last century.
