 As we suspected, this was an easy quiz, and all but one of the 17 who responded were on the right track. Most of you got the make, model and year of this truck (the model year of the truck encroached on the calendar years either side, so 1936, '37 and '38 might all be considered correct). It's a Model 2M Mack Jr., created for Mack Trucks, Inc. by the Reo Motor Car Company by rebadging a Reo Speed Delivery pickup. Jury members Alan Spencer and Stuart Penketh had it pretty well all together, but the next best answer came from Luk Martens: "1937 Mack Jr. Mack, builder of heavy trucks, introduced a 'light' truck in late 1936, for the 1937 model year (jr meaing Junior) and it was based on a REO truck. It was even built by REO, but sold by Mack dealers. REO stands for Ransom Eli Olds, founder of Oldsmobile, there's your link with GM. With prices ranging from $575 for the half-ton to $1205 for the 2,5-ton model (a Ford costed $470) and powered by a Continental 6 cylinder engine, just 4974 were built before it was succeeded in 1938 by the larger model 'ED'." Congratulations, Luk. Please sen your mail address and T-shirt size to office*at*prewarcar.com. The truck was in plain sight for all of Hershey Week, outside the Giant Center in the middle of the giant swap meet. Perhaps some of you saw it then. |
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About Quiz #381: 1937 Mack Jr.
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Pre Wars in Athens
 What better place to make contact with “the right” people than a Concours d’Elegance? While planning the Via Hellenica we visited the Athens show at the Flisvos Marina. We immediately spotted our ideal car, a 1930 Rolls Royce with beautiful patina and thus not a candidate for the Concours awards. There must have been some 10 pre wars on this pleasant event. Most special (during-war-car) means of transportation was definitely the 1941 Moto Guzzi three-wheeler. It had been abandoned by the Italians and recently been found and restored to better than new. This being a prerequisite for one of the 54 prizes to be awarded, it did indeed get a class win. (Text and pictures by Bart Kleyn) |
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Vive Traction Avant!
 Report and photos by Mike Tebbet: "Les Amis de la Traction Club de L’Aigle” held their seventeenth annual ‘Bourse d’Echange’ last weekend (19th October). Welcoming visitors at the entrance into the show was this ‘Traction on a string’ or is it ‘Traction in the Air’? This was a spectacular celebration of eighty years of the Traction since its launch in 1934. As usual the Bourse was inside a large market hall, with a much bigger range of stalls set outside in the surrounding surfaced area. A large number of Tractions of all years and types were parked nearby, with an even larger selection of 2CV’s and derivatives parked on a grass area nearby. An adjacent car park serving a supermarket was full to overflowing with visitors classic and vintage cars. To one side of the market hall on an open area large display of WWII vehicles included a Sherman tank. Inside the hall as well as the Bourse, the Club had laid out an impressive display mimicking a Motor Show or Salon and featuring of course the Citroen Traction. A 1934 first year example with the fabric roof slowly revolved on a turntable in the centre and was surrounded by examples of various others including a decapotable. A commerciale was set up to replicate the famous advertising image being loaded with a huge oak barrel. In one corner a car was in the camouflage livery as used by the French army and indeed by the Wehrmacht and French Resistance.This event has from gone from strength to strength in the last seventeen years. Your writer came away with a car boot full of ‘treasure’ to aid the restoration of the far too many projects in his garages!" |
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A 1914 GN returns home
Amongst the cars sold at RM’s Hershey auction was a 1914 belt drive GN which is well known to the British GN fraternity and had enjoyed some competition after being discovered in a UK barn in the 1950s. A new generation of enthusiasts has emerged along with more knowledge about GN cars’ history and the good news is that the car is returning to UK into the hands of a deserving owner who is painstakingly uncovering the history of the car.
It is the only original pre-war belt-drive GN known to exist, there being one other 1915 belt-drive car built up by Arthur Gibson who fitted a Precision V Twin after unsuccessfully hunting high and low for a 90° J.A.P. V twin motor. Those engines are rare and only two are known to exist, I believe both with the same Australian owner. GN built their own 90° V Twin because it was ideal for Cyclecars and the engine in the car returning from America has the only example I know of. Tragically, its original body was discarded and a new one fitted, so more detective work is needed to unravel the car's origins. The body profile as found is similar to photographs of this Brooklands GN and the discovery of drilled con rods and pistons from the original restoration might mean the car cornered on the concrete at the 7 year old banked track in Weybridge? This picture from a copy of Cyclecar shows a 2 seater GP GN captioned 'The Grand Prix GN to be driven by Mr. Nash.' Notice the cycle mudguards as on the car when discovered.
(Text & pictures Robin Batchelor)
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Austin Seven Vs Morris Minor
There are some types of car which inspire total dedication from their owners. Much more than a means of transport, they become part of the owners' personality. Along with this dedication comes too a single-minded belief that their car stands head-and-shoulders above its rivals, and they pull no punches when debating this fact with owners of other, lesser, vehicles.
Perhaps the longest-standing of these rivalries was initiated in 1928 when William Morris launched his Minor as an answer to Herbert Austin's groundbreaking Seven. Foolish is the man who suggests to an Austin owner that a Morris Minor is the better car, and vice versa.
Matthew Bell recently braved the flak from both camps in a good-natured shoot-out between the two cars. Growing up with baby Austins, could he put aside his personal preference in the name of impartiality? Pick up a copy of the November issue of The Automobile to find out.
(Photographs by Jason Bye)
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Looking for new facts about the Schlumpf brothers
 At the moment Arnoud and Ard op de Weegh are working on a new book about the Schlumpf Affair. "This book will tell the whole truth about the affair and will display many new photo's that never have been shown before. We're also the writers of 'The Fate of The Sleeping Beauties', the book that tells the truth about the Dovaz collection (Sleeping Beauty collection) that was photographed in the early 80's bij Herbert Hesselmann. We have a lot of information yet (for example: the fact that some people have tried to buy the collection from Fritz Schlumpf to keep the factory going. And Fritz agreed, but the deal could never be made... etc. etc.), but if you have any new facts about this collection or documents or photo's that could make this book better, please let us know! Don't hesitate to contact us! Arnoud op de Weegh & Ard op de Weegh |
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From ' barn find' to 'good-as-new'.
Whether you like the term ‘oily rag’ or ‘barn find’ or ‘ripe for restoration’ you have a treat in store on Wednesday 12 November when H & H auctions will offer a car in just such a condition at their Pavilion Gardens sale. The 1928 Alvis 12/50 2-seater has spent the last 40 years stood on blocks after the vendor stopped using it. He bought it in 1965 and the fitting of a rear view mirror and trafficators suggest it was driven regularly and safely ( if you can get in the driver's seat without the handbrake going up your trouser leg!). It will be an easy and rewarding job to recondition this car for use whilst ( I hope) retaining all its patina acquired over many years of quality vintage motoring.
If you want something a little sportier then look at lot 65 – a 1935 Riley 12/4 tourer with twin-cam 4 cylinder engine of 1496cc and 4-speed pre-selector gearbox. In excellent condition all round, this car with modern indicators and full weather equipment is ready for you to settle into the leather upholstery and use it as every day transport.
I confess to having a weak spot for 6-light saloons – there’s something about their spacious sober lines that has a peculiar attraction. This 1934 Austin 16/6 York Saloon has had the benefit of a thorough re-build so its smooth 2.1 Litre 6 cylinder engine can offer trusty transport to its next owner whether it be family motoring, film work or wedding hire.
Another 1934 saloon, of French name but built in Britain, is a Citroen Ten Rosalie with 4 cylinder sidevalve 1465cc engine and 3-speed gearbox which offered 90kph in the year before André Citroën died. Watching the construction of the Eiffel Tower had triggered his interest in engineering and an early visit to Ford’s USA production line led to his success with his car assembly line.
There are three LHD Model A Fords to choose from – a 1930 convertible cabriolet, a red/black 1930 saloon and a grey over black 1930 saloon. All in good order and will no doubt find buyers in the growing band of British enthusiasts who are enjoying these strong reliable cars.
Text Robin Batchelor, pictures courtesy H&H auctions.
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The cast iron Lambda Mystery
A very nice shot of the 1923 Lancia Lambda currently on offer by Christoph Grohe. He will bring the car to AutoRetro Barcelona three weeks from now. Christoph asked us to bring up a little mystery connected with the car which he has not been able to solve so far. Opposed to all other Lambdas, this specific car has no alloy engine block but a cast iron block. Not numbered; only marked CGC (probably the foundry logo of..?). Fact is that this engine is with the car as long as previous owners can remember. When the original engine #71 was exchanged for this unit is not known. As far as known Lancia never made something like this. So the theory is that this engine block was made at great cost in or near Barcelona. Very strange, as in the thirties, forties, fifties and even in the sixties it was not very hard to find a used Lambda unit. So why? Why would somebody take the trouble to make a new block on his own?
The photo above was kindly made available by Autodrómo. Please take note of the refined handpainted (?) registration plate. Autódromo will present a special issue 'Spanish Streets' featuring photos made by Nick Georgano in the fifties-sixties.
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Winter is early in Cameron
Winter has shown its pale face early this year in Cameron Wisconsin. Yesterday Ed Fallon - US President of the American Gozzy Club (whatever that is..?) - decided 16" of snow is just perfect for the local Fall Tour. However after a few miles of stinging snow in the face the organisers had to cancel the tour and reschedule for early next spring. Ed writes that he is looking forward to see other members of the club to participate.
Editor: Well Ed, we must say that we are slightly disappointed to hear only club members are welcome. Can't you bend the rules a little bit for your european friends? After all, we know how much fun a snow powdered tour can be. Check back the 2011 - 100 Miles of Amsterdam. Especially the deep frozen pasta is a well remembered treat of that year.
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An English Model T mystery
English ford Model T specialist Neil Tuckett recently had this most unusual car for sale. It is a Manchester-built 1920 car with what is believed to be unique English coachwork. Amongst many fascinating features, the Model T carries on its wooden dashboard two original plates. The first identifies it as having been supplied by T M Dutton AMIEE, an engineer who appears to have been in business in Chester and Queensferry at that time. The second makes it clear that the coachbuilder was Ball and Co, of 361-365 Moseley Road, Birmingham. We can find no trace of either concern, and none of the usual sources contain mention of Ball & Co. Do any other examples of their work survive, or does anyone know of contemporary photographs, advertisements or publicity material? |
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A late autumn Convert
Autumn is my favourite season. Out with the woolly jumpers and corduroys and enjoy the changing colours whilst driving your vintage car along leafy lanes. Digby had two friends staying – he would take one in his Deemster and I would take the other in my Bullnose Morris. How gracious of Neil to allow me to take his girlfriend Rachel in my car while he and Digby followed in the Anzani-engined racer. While they warmed their engine, I took a few photographs of the early Sunday shadows. Rachel was a little camera-shy at first, but soon warmed to the occasion and her sunny smile made the picture. I think we may have a convert to vintage motoring.
The boys roared off into the distance and I did my best to keep up, so my on-board photos were rubbish, but we enjoyed a few miles and filled our lungs with clean fresh air before returning to base and putting the cars away ready for next time. I noticed Rachel brought out her own camera and was not surprised at learning which was her favourite car.
(Text & pictures Robin Batchelor)
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What is it? Quiz #383
Over to you. Tell us all about the exact car depicted, but limit yourself to the max of 100 words. We want the name and model designation of the car with any - trivial - extra information being valued highly. But before writing down your response, be sure to read the Rules under Read More and start looking, looking, looking. This may be your chance to win the coveted PreWarCar T-shirt.
Source of photo and results will be published next Saturday, November 22.
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Talbot - but which model?
Peter Skofic: "In the period from 1952 to 1955 at several local and international racing events in former Yugoslavia this Talbot has participated too. For sure it was a prewar MC model (=monoplace central) however, I have no idea what type exactly this should be. The pictures were taken at Ljubelj (Loiblpass - Slovenia) hill climb races in 1954. Any suggestion would be appreciated."
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Landed from Mars?
Richard Biddulph writes: "I just took this Delage in as a part exchange. It has come with no papers or history whatsoever. I want to know what year it is & if the body is original to the car etc. We literally know NOTHING about it."
Editor: Well Richard, you're slightly overdoing, it didn't drop on your showroom floor from outer space. You know lots of things. Like that it's a four cylinder - so probably Delage DI. The engine is showing a barely readable #92686 and the magneto drive cover reads #8840. However the firewall plate claims DR70 (a six cylinder car) , chassis Nr. #30619. Aside all this we understand the bodywork is far from new. Let's say at least thirty years old... or even original, as there is a brass plate "Letourneur & Marchand". This could very well be true, yet the wings seem of much later date.
It seems the car lived life to the fullest so we would be very much surprised if the car is not known to at least one or two of our readers. Question is, are they willing to step forward?
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Three twenties beauties found in chateau.
 It still happens. We received this message from Alexy , a 32 year old classic car enthusiast from the UK. He recently bought three cars in a chateau in France. The cars were part of the estate that was shared recently between several children of the family. a1924 Citroen Type C 5Hp, a 1929 Fiat 514 sedan and a 1919 Mathis. he Fiat and Citroen sat on blocks since the second WW ii and have both been cranked on a regular basis. Wo! cranking your cars and not moving them in seventy years. That must have been a character... Alex is planning to sell the cars shortly. As we don't expect he will ask any numbers above 10,000 euro, we're looking forward to see three free ads listed under Barnfinds. Sorry Alex, we maybe should edit that chapter and make it Chateau Finds... |
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The fate of a 1934 Matford Saloon
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Mystery at Bleasby Hall
Anthony Morton sends the above postcars showing his homestead Bleasby Hall. The picture has puzzled him for some time now as he would love to find out which car is depicted. We suspect he is entertain the same dream as we would have when owning Bleasby Hall: to bring back the same exact car to the house!
Now to get you going Anthony took the trouble to enlarge the picture a lot, click the picture to zoom in: "This is the rather grainy photo enlarged from a Post Card of my residence in Nottinghamshire. I would very much appreciate your help with this identification."
We can only add that the scuttle looks rather Daimler-ish around 1910. But the lack of radiator is worrying us. What kind of motorcar has a radiator this low?
Or maybe we should look into the option of Renault or similar machinery?
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Ode to Netta the navigator
When driving abroad it is essential to have a map, and even more essential to have a map reader. You’re driving on the opposite side of the road, there are frequently beautiful views to distract you and roundabouts drain your intellectual powers for many kilometres. So we were very lucky to have Netta as navigator and many days of continental motoring were made more enjoyable by never missing a turning.
Even when we stopped for fuel, Netta would plan ahead while driver Hugh would watch the litres go up and the Euros go down, and when she nipped out to spend a penny, she always took the map with her! Other drivers strolled over to discuss the route because Netta had gained their trust, and when you see a Frazer Nash label, you know he takes his driving seriously. Even when we stopped to stretch our legs and drink coffee, Netta would remind us she was on top of things and we could relax. When not driving, she diligently attended to the myriad of little jobs which our old cars demand if they are to perform well and at the end of the day we all sat down together and ensured our gallant navigator had what she wanted, and even then she was thinking of how to please those around her. Did I hear someone mention SatNav? No thanks, I’ll stick with my good old fashioned map – and its lovely reader.
(Text and pictures Robin Batchelor)
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About Quiz #383: Buick Master Six
Well, that was fun! Lots of good and better aswers coming in. One answer - though not correct - was quite interesting as it told us about a make of car we never heard of before: the CWS T-1 , which was the first car ever produced in Poland. According to Wikipedia some 500 were made between 1925 and 1932.
No the car depicted here - photographed near the entrance of the castle of Bran now better known as the home of Count Dracula... - was produced in much larger numbers. All other senders agreed on Buick so we presume they are right. Most jurymembers agreed on Buick Master Six. So like quizes similar to this one in the past we had to go into the details. And honestly we were quite glad to have solid support from long time jury member Kit Foster who graciously admitted his own guess was not perfect. "Goddess on 1927s, Motometers on earlier cars for example". It was decided that Ace Zenek was best on details and also on giving fundament to his guess. We are looking at a 7 passenger variety of the car - the lady in the middle almost 100% certain seated in the jump seat - which made the choice a lot easier.
Ace, please send us your mail address and T-shirt size. See you all next week! This weekend you can test yourself on a seemingly easy PostWar Puzzle. It's not!
(photo collection: Radu Comsa)
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Hans Davids' pre-war racing career?
Jan Roosenburg writes: "I am looking for information on the Dutch driver Hans Davids from Rotterdam. His post-war accomplishments are documented, both in the ex Ecurie Ecosse C-type and the factory supplied Aston Martin. However, he was also active in pre-war years, first on a Velocette motorcycle, then in a 1934 Railton and finally in a Wolsely. He successfully drove the Railton in the 1934 Alpine Trial without losing any points. He started in the 1934 ten hours of Spa under number 8 (see photo's of both events). He also drove his Railton in a number of local events. If anyone has information what he did for a living, where the Railton was purchased, what happened to it, etc. I would be very grateful."
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