The August 2015 edition of Irish Vintage Scene (Issue 111) is on sale now, and once again is bursting at the seams with feature vehicles and show reports from all around Ireland.
On the cover of this month’s issue is one of the smallest, cutest and downright cheekiest luxury saloons you could imagine. Like its non-identical Wolseley Hornet twin, the Riley Elf was a prime example of BMC’s “badge engineering gone mad” approach, being little more than a Mini with a more regal front end, be-finned boot and plush interior, but all three were no bad things and created a unique motor car that’s treasured by classic enthusiasts today, such as the recently-restored example we bring you this month. Our second car feature tells the unique story of an extremely low-mileage, original Irish Datsun 160J that has survived the last 36 years in incredibly original condition, having been stored in a barn for much of its life.
Our main feature tractor this month is a model scarcely seen in this country despite coming from one of our best-loved manufacturers: the Massey Ferguson 25S was never a huge seller in Ireland when new thanks to the runaway success of its larger and more powerful, yet not much more expensive, stable-mate, the 35. As a result they’re a rare sight today, making this nice owner-restored example a real treat. Our second tractor story takes a look at a very fine David Brown 880 Selectamatic that was restored by a very-experienced tractor repairer as a hobby; something of a “busman’s holiday”!
Moving to two wheels, our feature motorcycle this month is an ex-military BSA M20 that’s been in the same Westmeath family since 1957, even bringing its owners on their honeymoon around Ireland shortly afterwards. Our commercial vehicle feature looks at another Mini-based machine, a Morris Minivan, a rare Irish-built survivor at that, and we also take a close look at a pre-war Morris Cowley project in the first instalment of a two-part restoration series.
Events-wise we’ve a lot going on this month, ranging from the Shane’s Castle Steam Rally to the Innishannon Steam Rally to the first-ever Aran Islands Classic Car Run, and lots more besides, so you won’t want to miss the August 2015 issue of Irish Vintage Scene; get yours today!
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Small but Stately
The Riley Elf (along with its Wolseley Hornet twin) might seem like one of BMC’s more clumsy attempts at badge-engineering given its all-too-obvious links to the Mini, but today it’s a sought-after classic in its own right. Stuart Thornton’s is one of the nicest we’ve seen.
The Baby Massey
While the 35 tends to steal most of the classic Massey limelight in this country, it did have a smaller sibling, one that was once seen in Ireland in small numbers and is very rare today. That was the 25, and its up-spec version, the 25S.
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Tale of the Unexpected
Back in seventies and eighties Ireland the Datsun 160J was a common sight but, like most of its compatriots from the land of the rising sun, it succumbed to the rust bug quite easily in our temperate climate. The rare example we bring you this month has covered less than ten-thousand miles in its lifetime.
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One of the Family
It’s hard to keep a good bike down, particularly when it’s a model noted for its toughness in the arduous arena of the Second World War. This BSA M20 has been in the same family since 1957, and is still going stronger than ever.
Classic Cargo
Perhaps surprisingly, some of the rarest members of the Mini family are the commercial versions. The pickup and the van are the two you’re least likely to see at a classic show today, but thankfully some have survived, such as Trevor Pedlow’s Irish-assembled example.
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Show & Event Report
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Breffni Vintage Club Annual Memorial Run
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CRV Classic Truck, Van & Model Show
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Aran Islands Classic Car Run
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Carrickmacross Vintage Run
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Portumna Vintage Club Run
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CVVMC Classic & Retro Motor Show
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The 18th Innishannon Steam & Vintage Rally
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COVOC Norman Pratt Memorial Run
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North West Home & Motor Show
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Shane’s Castle Steam Rally
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VJMC Classic Motorcycle Show 2015
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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.
