carmagreviews

ALLDAYS and ONIONS (GB) 1898-1918

2010-09-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

ALLDAYS and ONIONS (GB) 1898-1918
manufactured by Alldays and Onions Pneumatic Engineering Co. LTD
Again I thought I covered this - Surprising how many Surivors are around my neck of the woods here in New Zealand!

Note that the firm after 1918 called Enfield-Alldays

History
See Aug 2001 The Automobile (GB)Page 40-41;43 written by Jonathan Wood - (Which alas i have got to yet as of Sep 27 2010 I only up to documenting Aug 1988 so i got a way to go!)

Those at Auctions

1908 10hp swing seat tonneau Swing Seat Tonneau 4 seat tourer : Details: Market - highlights Sothebys HAC June 1987 results 1908 alldays 10hp swing seat tonneau condition 2 14000p (no pic); just a mention part of auction report by David Johnson from collection the late GA (Arthur) Griffin See Oct 1987 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 70 Volume 15 Issue 1

1908 16.31hp TOURER Swing Seat Tonneau 4 seat tourer : details ex AWF Smith collection one of the exhibits sold in 1968 in Sussex by Sothebys ;no pic
Registration new F 3318 and 1st owner a Mr Collier ; former owner Mr AWF Smith later found reference brought at this auction by GA Griffin as 1973 (private Motor Car Collections of GB by Peter Hugo for Auction report see 4th July 1968 Autocar (GB)Page 34 Volume 129 Issue 3777

1914 14.3hp 2 seater part of auction report Under the hammer highlights Sothebys -Nosteil Priory Wakefield May 30th 1983 ;1914 2 seater Alldays 14.3hp - from Alldays family - same car that came for sale part of auction report by Michael Worthington-Williams See: July 1983 The Automobile (GB)Page 48-49 Volume 1 Issue 5

Those in Discovered period photos

1911 2 seater midget Details - Discovered Photos; car photo graphed 1923 with Mrs Elaine Drummond and her son Ron at Parrish Road ; Edendale near Sandringham GB supplied by Rob Knight see Oct-Nov 2007 Beaded Wheels (NZ) Page 2 Issue 288

1912 10/12 4 seat tourer: details -Photo Discovereies -photo taken around 1912 See May 1987 The Automobile (GB) Page 16 Volume 5 Issue 3

Those awaiting Discovery!

Buried in a Garden in Palmerston North New Zealand - CHCH Journal - reader from Pakuranga wrote to George Lee Gardener buried old Alldays and Onion veteran car area now houses Massey College Students - column by Trevor Stanley see October 1992 NZ Classic Car Page 77 Volume 2 Issue 10

Those at Events & Shows

1903 2 seater car registed as ?O 363 (? a number i could not see) -bw photo of Mr Michael Allday at London to Brighton Commemoration Run part of a report London-Brighton 1984 by The Editor : See Jan 1985 The Automobile (GB) Page 23 Volume 2 Issue 11

1905 11/12hp 3 seat tourer Reg RO 348 (1 at front 2 at rear could look like 4 seater side on)
competing at RIAC Pioneer Run Dublin part of a report RIAC Pioneer Run Dublin 2006 report and photos by Finbarr Frank Corry car owned by Noel Hughes (recent acq) Blessington co Wicklow
See September 2006 The Automobile (GB)Page 48 Volume 24 Issue 7
Again competed in RIAC Pioneer Run Dublin 2008 owned by same owner See Aug 2008 The Automobile Page 34 Volume 26 Issue 6

1905 4 seat tourer car here in New Zealand Reg I 1905 I Lees car leads a group of cars in field tests at the National South Island Easter Rally part of feature on by Bill Weir See Aug-Sep 2005 Beaded Wheels (NZ) Page 29 Issue 275

1906 2 seat TOURER Detail: Reg XF 981;The Knights light blue/dark blue car with Officers 1906 Cadillac participants in the Thermal Triange Tour 13th April 2005 part of a feature by Rod McKenzie See Aug-Sep 2005 Beaded Wheels (NZ) Page 14 Issue 275
same car mentioned in a column Sounding the Brass column- temp repairs stem leaks of Knights Alldays on the AA HCC Reliability Trial re-inactment in March 2006 car owned by Rob Knight See: June -July 2006 Beaded Wheels (NZ) Page 36 Issue 280

Those at Museums

1909 2 Seater Tourer: Details: Displayed in the Bentley Museum collection;Reg BB 202; part of a feature by Nick Larkin spending a day out in Sussex See January 1997 Practical Classics (GB)Page 72-76 Issue 1

Those Readers Cars

1906 TOURER Photo only of Chief Service Officer AA Canterbury's CHCH NZ See Aug-Sep 1970 AA Motor World (NZ) Page 5

1906 Tourer - Featured write up (alas not reviewd by me yet) See DeC 1999-Jan 2000 Beaded Wheels (NZ)

1914 Midget Roadster: Details feature by Rod McKenzie on Reg Kilbeys car of Napier ; Reg FX2089' ch#LZ149 ; 8hp 4cy 850cc eng#6065; first owner Dr Milroy of Hawera ; later 2nd owner Tippett family of Normanby ; wreck discovered on their farm by Charlie Pearson to DW Cimino; present owner purchased See: April-May 1985 Beaded Wheels Page 5-6 Issue #153

Those Readers cars whom wanted parts to finish

1908 4cyl parts wanted by Russell Wallace;6 Tutchen St Tauranga as of 2006 See: June -July 2006 Beaded Wheels (NZ) Page 42 Issue 280

Those Restored or mentioned as becoming restored

1904 ' been restored 1cyl Details: CHCH Journal menrioned Mr George Lee of Riccarton was restoring george dis trim for fehahaye 175 restored by auto restorations which won pebble beach concours de elegance 1988 in calif see oct-nov 88Beaded Wheels See: July 1992 NZ Classic Car Page 77 Volume 2 Issue 7 by Trevor Stanley , the owner of the car was George Lee of Riccarton; 33 Manderville st Riccarton Christchurch NZ

Those For Sale

1905 10/12hp 4 seat tourer: Details Dealer; Reg T262; single cyl by Paradise Garage ; Heathmans Road ; Passions Green ; Fulham SW6
See Feb 1982 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 17 Volume 9 Issue 5

1905 10/12hp 4 seat tourer
Could be same vehicle? turned up again 2004 : Classified by Gavin McGuire dealer
See November 2004 Classic & Sportscar (GB) page 207 Volume 23 Issue 8

1909 19-12hp 2 seater Tourer; Details: dealer list+colour photo side on ;twin cyl 3sp+reverse VCC dated;restored ;full gas lighting Registration ?B 202 (where ? where we cannot make out number) car was described as in Ivory +Claret guards; spoked wheels in claret; brass fittings and dealer was Cornfield Carriage Company (Eastbourne)See: October 1983 The Automobile (GB) Page -back page Volume 1 Issue 8
again car turned up for sale 1984 different dealer but I think both dealers work together (a lot of swapping going on) Mike R Berry (London) 55 Leicester Rd Barnet Tel 01-449-3208 (same car as Cornfields Carriage co)
See: April 1984 The Automobile (GB)Page 38 Volume 2 Issue 2

1914 12/14hp Victoria : details Classified but no photo ; recent overhaul 15000p ; recent restored present owner MW Allday ; The Shrubbery; Hartlebury ; Worcestershire tel (0299) 250304 or business 029 932311 uk See March 1983 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 199 Volume 1 Issue 12

Book Refrences

Norman Painting, "Alldays & Onions" ISBN 1 84306 047 7
Michael Sedgwick, "Alldays", in G.N. Georgano, ed., The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885-1968 (New York: E.P. Dutton and Co., 1974), pp. 35–6.

on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alldays_%26_Onions

AKS (GB) Brititish Kit manufacturer 50s-60s

2010-09-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

AKS (GB) Brititish Kit manufacturer 50s-60s

AKS means Auto Kraft Shells ; based in Southmill Road; Bishops; Stortford ; Herts

Strange I thought covered this unusual and rare British body kit manufacturer

Not a hell of lot of these out there -the body looks like mid 1950s Alfa Romeo Roadster and was clearly modeled on one
History references

a Brief snipet of history
part of A-Z Mark Wheeler delves into the little -know history of the Specials craze of the late 50s ; AKS were imspired by founders Messers Sturgeon and Powell who took their Alfa Romeo Giulietta spyder for the near pretty shell ; first car was AKS continental Mk1 spyder later mk2 a hard top versionwhile mk3 Gt like version with occassional rear seats +bw photos of all 3 models
See: May 1983 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 100 Volume 2 Issue 2

I also believe a mention of History was discussed on History of Sp[ecialised cars in British Magazine Classic Cars around 1978 or 1979

Those that come up for sale

1960 Sports Conv -Ford 10 1938 details: Classified but no photo ;new tyres and seats fibreglass body 1172cc ford side valve aquaplane alloy head manifold oil cooler mot nov 82 looks like 50s alfa spider 450 pounds seller as of 1982 was from Abringdon 0235 23049 See: March 1982 Practical Classics (GB)Page 88 Volume 2 Issue 11

1962 Sports Conv Details: Classified but no photo 1/12 made ; inc H/T;View West Yorks; Tel 0539 31700;Cumbria as of 1989 . See March 1989 Practical Classics (GB) Page 126

AIR (GB) 1955c

2010-09-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

AIR (GB) 1955c
Recently During my July 2010 documenting looking through very early Classic & Sportscars I found reference to this...

F3 500cc 1955c race car that was for sale in 1982 - Classified +but no photo ;seller said excellent orig car ; seller also has Arnott FWA Climax sports racing car 1955 recently repainted 3500 pounds phone number as of 1982 was Tel Leicester 766460 / 412005
See :June 1982 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 105 Volume 1 Issue 3

Ac Cars 2 Litre and Bucklands Post war from 1946-1956

2010-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

AC Cars Post War

AC cars present terms - most people would remember or hear the AC Cobra - while the Yanks call it a Shelby Cobra Personally I filed them under AC - AC chassis ; AC body but Shelby did the installation and modfication of drive chain - part buil;t in the UK ; part built by Shelby

But there are AC's cars where there is cetainly little information about the cars out there particularly the little known AC 2.0 Saloon (Looked looked more like a Coupe) and was in production around 1946-to far as 1956) Most enthusists would have heard of 2.0 Saloon as 2 door however it seems from 1953 a 4 door variant was produced and number of woody estate

Road testers of time only tested the 2 door saloon - I found no record of any mention of 4 doors or woody estates both UK ; Australia. However last 10 years a number of 4 doors are coming out of hiding and a few of Woody Estates and even a convertible variant not to be cofused with Bucklands that more Roadster which I will also will cover

Below is References I have at present and this includes those that come up for sale

2.0 SALOON 1948-1956 (2 door saloon , more a coupe in appearance)

2.0 SALOON 1948
News Stories Brief
Australian Motor Manual 1948 Page 6 Issue 17

News Stories -Preview
Australian Motor Manual 1948 Page 27 Issue 10

2.0 SALOON 1953
The Motor (GB) 1952 OCT 8th page Suppl 1 page
Road Tests

The Motor (GB) 1949 SEP 21th Pages 232-234
Motor test 18/49 Reg MPK 44

2.0 SALOON 1952
The Autocar (GB) 1952 SEP 19th (not in present in National Archives in NZ when I documented them one of their gaps assume is a 2 door saloon)

Used Test

2.0 SALOON 1951 COUPE
Autocar (GB) 1958 JAN 24th page 118
Used Test #120 (bugger I did not take down the reg!)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) Featured in modern Press Discussion / Driving Impression

Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1993 NOV Page 92+ (not documented at present)

2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Practical Classics (GB) 2002 DEC
A Reader discusses his experience of ownership (not documented by me yet)

2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1989 NOV Pages 86-95 Volume 17 Issue 2
5 way comparsion driving impression in the UK this car is Reg OPK 973 it is vs Ford Zephyr; Rover 75; Sunbeam -Talbot; Triumph Renown;feature comparsion by Brian

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) turned up in Auctions & For Sale

Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1985 JUL Page 104 Vol 4 Issue 4Classifieds Restoration ; from tel 0277 area of the UK

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1948
Practical Classics (GB) 1983 NOV Page 93 Volume 4 Issue 7
Classified but no photo in the UK Seller claims its the 49th built ; mech and structually sound, condition 2, used daily mot april 84 offered for sale for 1100 pounds and as of 1983 the seller could be contacted at Tel Nantwich 626318

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1949
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1977 NOV Page 66 Volume 5 Issue 2classified but no photo; purchased at 1949 Motor show, car discribed as light green ;has 70000 miles on the clock selling for 1195 pounds ; from the Highcliffe area UK

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1950c
Old Motor (GB) 1981 DEC Page 85 Volume 3 Issue 12
Classified but no photo, car has an aluminium body -vendor says car has am interesting history (what is that -that would have been a selling point!) geniune reason for sale offered for 1400 pounds and comes with many spares Vedor contact as of 1981 was Peterborough 73639

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1951
Autocar (GB) 1973 FEB 8th Page 59 Volume 138 Issue 4002
Classified but no photo in AC section - AC OH eng; Vendor was based in Station Cottage Alleston; Pickering Yorkshire as of 1973

2.0 SALOON (COUPE) 1951
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) 1977 JAN Page 60 Volume 4 Issue 4Classified but no photo: Reg HAY943 good cond ; best offer for sale 1977 tel 051-426-9347 car in the UK

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) 1976 DEC Page 65 Vol 4 Issue 3 Reg 4Classified but no photo:DFC 443; grey orig reg book ; body/mech good vendor based in UK from tel Suckley 331

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Factory 3 Carb version
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1978 AUG Page 88 Volume 5 Issue 11Dealer Classified but no photo ; Factory 3 carb version ; factory service rescord ; original tools hand built al body ; one owner most of its life offered for 990 pounds and Dealer in 1978 was: Motorspot north Kilworth ; 4 miles exit 20 M1 rel Mkt Harborough 880626

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD
Motorsport (GB) 1976 APR Page 432 Volume LII Issue 4
classifield listing but no photo;car neede new headling ; carpets has miliage of 25000 miles approx offered for 975 pounds car is discribed in body colour Birch grey and seller back in 1976 was based at Chessington; GB- 01-397 1769

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD
Old Motor (GB) 1981 AUG Page 80 Volume 3 Issue 8
classified no photo based in the UK ; Vedor open to offers, a prize winner, car was pictured in Automobile Quartely, car has low miles since comprehensive rebuild.been rallying, has spares & documents; Car is Metallic beige with red interior, contact details are Radcliffe on Trent 2424 Notts

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD -Auction mention
The Automobile (GB) 2006 JUL Page 18 Volume 24 Issue 5
Brief mention in an auction , no photo of car, car has then 60000 miles on the clock ; its had a recent respray and was sold at auction Brightwells at Leominster 10th may 2006

2.0 SALOON 1953 Fitted -2.6 engine
Practical Classics (GB) 1983 JUN Page 83 Volume 4 Issue 2
Classified but no photo, car based in the UK; has been after market fitted 2600cc engine, used regularly, car has original hand book but no mot as owner retiring aluminium body, car recently resprayed 1450 pounds but or offers Contact details Tel 01-399 5546 UK

Export Cars

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in Australia
Unique Cars (Aus) 2007 3rd OCT to 30 Oct Page 104 Issue 278 Classified with small colour photo ;barn find;requires restoration car is in South Australia Car has Engine number: UMB1877W wearing Registration RAA-546 (SA) body colour is Cream and contact details of vendor as of 2007 was South Australia 0411 668 595

2.0 SALOON 1951 RHD roof removed Export car in Australia
Unique Cars (Aus) 2007 3rd OCT to 30 Oct 3-30 Page 214 Issue 278Classified with small colour photo ;barn find;requires restoration modified to tourer South Australia $5000 this car has Engine Number UMB1682W
Same vendor as above Unique Cars and same vendor; with car body colour Blue

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in Canada!
Road & Track (US) 1970 MAR Page 123 4Classified but no photo: Car in Canada car for sale by JD Barnsley; Winnipeg; Manitoba; CND as of 1970 (has it surived?)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in New Zealand Factory 3 Carb version
Beaded Wheels **(NZ) 1984 OCT-NOV Issue 150
Classified but no photo :with 2 spare alloy bodies +triple carbed AC eng needs main bearing from Auckland enthusist who is going overseas -Vendor was base in the Auckland area; NZ
(** Beaded Wheels is magazine Produced by Vintage Car Club INC NZ)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1951 RHD Export car in New Zealand
NZ Classic Car 1995 JUL Page 128 Volume 5 Issue 7 Classified +small black and white photo: fitted with non orig engine 1 of 6 in the country offered for $1000 NZ Vendor as of 1995 contact details was Wellington area Kapiti 04 298 3287

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)1952 RHD Export car in New Zealand
Beaded Wheels (NZ) 1984 DEC-JAN Page 37 Issue 145
classified but no photo ; discribed as 80% complete for sale 1984; Auckland area
2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up -Banger Raced!

Classic & Sportscar (GB)2004 MAR Page 11 Volume 22 Issue 12
News & Events just a mention and colour photo -Rare classics destroyed entered by a local Garage Prop at Oct5th Classic Banger Day at Hednesford Hills mentions other rare classics a DS450 Hearse ; 60s Humber Hawk; 60s US Plymouth Valiant (Whats point of racing one of these -Banger Racer is an Idiot!)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up as -Discovery

Practical Classics (GB) 2005 MAY page 38
Rust in Peace - in the Gloucester & Chapslow Edited by Brian Cox ((not documented at present although working through them as we speak!)

2.0 SALOON (COUPE)Turned up Shows, Club Rallys and other events

2.0 SALOON 1950 COUPE
Restored Cars (Aus) Page 17 Issue 55
a black and white photo of car in Australia wearing Reg AC-1950;Geoff Bott car at Annual Concours at Castle Hill organised by Council of Veteran Vintage and Thoroughbred car clubs 19th annual on display part of report feature by Bruce Neasmith

2.0 Saloon (coupe) where a owner & Restorer is looking parts (Often a Goldmine of info as gain the full contactee's postal address and other details)

2.0 SALOON 1951-1952 Export in New Zealand
Beaded Wheels (NZ) 2006 OCT-NOV Page 40 Issue 282Parts Wanted Classified , car based in New Zealand , Needed is engine front brakes Contactee is Ian 07 863 3554 or bhdaly@paradise.net.nz as of 2006

2.0 Saloon 4 door (David Howard Cars says only only 29 were made see* While Roger Bishop who owned 1956 says 48 who is correct?)

As mentione in my introduction I have never found a test of a car when new or even one reviewed in modern times - I only knew of their exsistence when they turned up for sale!

For Sale by a Dealer

2.0 SALOON 1950 4D (4D= Four door)
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1989 FEB Page 172 Volume 16 Issue 5Dealer Classified , car is in the UK; stored many years car is black with beige upholstrey; Dealer Vendor was David Howard Cars of Ranvilles Farm; Romsey Hampshire according to dealer it was 1 of 29 4 doors made!*

For Sale others

2.0 SALOON 1953 4D

Motorsport (GB) 1976 APR Page 437 Volume LII Issue 4
classifield listing but no photo; engine requires attention; has spare engine spares offered for only 60 pounds! Vendor as of 1976 address was Potter; 3 Larkfield Road; Farnham ; Surrey

2.0 SALOON 1953 4D

RRC (GB) 1989 MAY Page 119 Volume 2 Issue 2
Classified for sale but no photo as of 1989 -4 door saloon contact details are Tel 048883119 Berks car photographed with 59 Reliant Regal

2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)1978 OCT Page 79 Volume 6 Issue 1Classified+ no photo ;supreb condition al body on ash frame offered in 1978 for 2100 pounds contactee : Tel 01 422 8749 or 01 578 4816

2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Classic & Sportscar (GB)1986 MAY Page 116 Volume 5 Issue 2Classified but no photo ; hand built al body on ash frame owned by advertiser for 15 years ; in superb condition 3250 pounds, contactee tel 01 5784816 or 01-422 8749

2.0 SALOON 1954 4D
Practical Classics (GB) 2005 JUN Page 126;132
Classified + small colour photo blue metallic; with 65000 miles ; fsh offered for 6900 pounds ; Sussex area and contactee info www3.mistral.co.uk/ict/ac/ Joe Tavani

2.0 SALOON 1956 4D
Classic & Sportscar (GB)2007 MAR Page 183 Volume 25 Issue 12Classified + small photo restored in and out offered for 9000pounds Seller here says it was 1 of 48 built? Contact as of 2007 was roger.bishop@bishopsmove.com car is registed 425 HWG; body colour is Dark Blue

Discovery

2.0 SALOON 1953c 4D
Practical Classics (GB) 2006 SEP Page 53 Rust in peace -part of cache of cars spotted in Berkshire car was green (outside a former petrol station in Berkshire; GB (is this same car advertised for sale in 1989?)edited) by Brian Cox

2.0 DHC (DHC=Drop head Coupe, Convertible (seems to have been sold just for Export)

2.0 1950 DHC

The Motor (GB) 1949 SEP 7th Page 155
News Section and photo For export markets initially

The Motor (GB) 1950 OCT 4th page 193
News Section just a bw photo and caption model shows wears Reg LNK 289

2.0 SALOON Estate Woody

Discovery
2.0 SALOON 1951 Estate
Classic & Sportscar (GB)2003 NOV Page 26 Volume 22 Issue 8
Lost and Found :chassis# EHX1776 shipped to Denmark by England & Parnott local coachbuilder used as a Taxi ; Ch1775 also shipped out but no records exsist car was ex Mrs Anna Christensen 4 yrs ; now Dr Tom Dine

Bucklands Roadster
to be continued

Book References

Book to Refer to regarding AC 2.0 and Bucklands is by Leo Archibald; pub by Veloce Publishing ; ISBN 1-903706 24-6
and review of that book was done by review by DH
Practical Classics (GB) 2003 MAR Page 15 Issue 3

BADSLEY (ZA) 1979-1985

2010-01-22T03:49:00.000-08:00

BADSLEY (ZA) 1979-1985

Bill Badsley was a South African? who made his creations, and during mid 80s he tried to sell some in the UK but was unsuccessful

The Only Reference I have is one of these cars that was over in the UK and artcle gives a driving impression of car ; tech specs and Profile of man and manufacturer

Car in question is called a Bullett

See:
PROFILE & Bullet 3 Wheeler
Sports Car World Quartely (Aus) 1982 JAN-MAR Pages 6-10 Vol 42 Issue 3
Written by Bill Buys

BACCHUS (AUS) 1960s

2010-01-22T03:44:00.000-08:00

BACCHUS (AUS) 1960s
This was believed to be a local Australian sportscar manufacturer maker of which only 5-6 were made; and there simply little or no information around on it thought to have been around in the 1960s

The Only Reference is reply to a letter from a reader who had one as of 1984

Reference
Wheels (Aus) 1984 JUL page 138 in letters section from Australian reader and Ed of Wheels replies giving contact information & address of a expert on the subject.

BAC (GB) 1983

2010-01-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

BAC=British Auto Company of Somerset founded by Simion Sander (ex Tickford Engineering)

The company appears to have only been around for 1 year in 1983 and they build a custom made Mini Less then 20 are thought to have been made
The car they made was called a M-30 MINI

References
M-30 MINI (Customised)

CAR Magazine(GB) 1989 OCT page 131
Wheels column by Richard Bremner -wisdom spending 25,446 pounds on a Mini!

Driving Impression and Preview of vehicle with specs
Motorsport (GB) 1989 SEP pages 936-938 car driven had Reg F965 CTX

3 Way Test
Performance Car (GB) 1989 SEP 62+
vs ERA Mini Turbo, Mini SX
Have not had pleasure of documenting yet)

B ENGINEERING ( I ) 2001-?

2010-01-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

Source for image not mine -is www.supercars.net/gallery/129612/1268/573000.jpg
B ENGINEERING ( I )2001-?

Edonis car Designed by Marc de Champs (F)

created by ex bugatti staff headed by Jean -Marc Borel the man who was formally present of Bugatti holdings international owes its orgins to 1991 Bugatti 110S but modernised and improved

I have 2 references both when a car is driven - No doubt lot more out there since

Preview, Profile of the firm and driving impression "The Edonist"
See: 14th Feb 2001 Autocar (GB) Pages 54-55;57;59 Volume 227 Issue 5421 this car was registered and may have been the pre-production proto Reg MO 2951 ( I )words by Peter Robinson

Test comparsion vs 1992-1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport; the offspring ;tech specs for edonis v12 60v twin turbo mid 3760cc 6spm car reg XOP2 3564
See: April 2005 EVO (GB) Page 78-85 Issue #78 feature by John Barker

b+b AUTO EXCLUSIVE SERVICES ( D ) 1978 -

2010-01-15T18:33:00.000-08:00

b+b AUTO EXCLUSIVE SERVICES ( D ) 1978 -Still going today doing Mods on Audis and VWs

A german styling house that modified and custom built cars for the very wealthy particular Arab Clients and produced a number of their customs to be display at varrious European Car Shows they seemed to have had their peak in early 1980s, They did produce a number of stand a lone cars particularly the very Mercedes-Benz C111 influenced car with Mercedes-Benz Blessing called the CW311 later to be produced on a limited basis as ISDERA (D)although since 1980s I have not seen one My guess their clients were again the Arabs and perhaps the Sultan of Bruneii has one or two?

So What References do I have?
PREVIEW of some of the CARS and profile of the company 1980
See March 1980 Modern Motor (Australia) Page 56-59 See January 1981 Modern Motor (Australia) Page 78-80
See January 1981 Wheels (Australia) Page 122

Some of the cars
MERCEDES BENZ CW 311 later to go into limited production as the
ISDERA (D)
a preview and driving impression was done by German Language Automotive magazine weekly Auto Motor und Sport (D)in 1978 Issue 4 (but I have not documented it myself) However For those of us who want English
See: Jnuary 1979 Road & Track (US)Page 28-34

PORSCHE 928 TARGA version was produced
See: Feb-April 1980 Sports Car Quartley (Australia) Page 48-49 Volume 41 Issue 1 a feature by European correspondent ;by Jerry Sloniger (who may have also had same article in Autocar as he free lance for them too .)
PORSCHE 911 TURBO TARGA a preview feature by Richard Laurence
See: November-December 1982 Alternative Cars (GB) Page 22-24

PORSCHE 911 TURBO TARGA 86 that was former Geneva Show car of 1986 turned up for sale by a dealer in the UK -Details:- 11000 miles; white with black and white int bb 1 off ;Fine Car Specialists - unit 2 Rutland st ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE LANS 0I6 6GTX
See: June 1996 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 261 Volume 15 Issue 3

VW GOLF CABRIO b+b (quite a few were made)
Preview of one in a US magazine
See: October 1980 Motor Trend (US) Page 70

Today they continue to offers mods on sports Audis and Volkswagens their latest is the Audi TTS Coupe and VW Scirocco

Source -image not mine from

http://fancytuning.com/2009/03/bb-vw-scirocco/
whom also give a brief history of the firm

ALEXIS (GB) 1959-70s

2010-01-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

ALEXIS (GB) 1959-70s

RACING CARS MANUFACTURERS, made in the West Midlands

British Racing Car Manufacturers where there is not a lot of information about the manufacturer by the Automotive press at the time and even currently - There needs to be one

Although its possible Autosport UK may have done feature on the company and its cars (Autosport I have not had the pleasure of documenting their issues -although I have covered all Autocar and MOtor over the period that the company was around and found very little indeed!) the main depositly for Autosport Magazines in this country in New Zealand where I am from is 800 miles away here in Invercargill in the South Island Library (I am from the North)and besides if you do see them at auction - They tend to fetch up to $25 NZ for early issues on kiwi auction site Trademe.

Well What Have I got?
Brief Business Profile of the company
See: September 1971 Motorsport (GB) Page 898

BRIEF HISTORY of the Formula Junior Race cars given in a letter to Editor
See March 1985 Motorsport (GB) Page 292 given by Brief History' from Duncan Rabagliati ;Wimbdon UK

Cars that turned up for sale
a rare 1500GT Coupe 1960 (they usually made single seat race cars) turned up for sale in the Classifieds of magazine in 1982 fibreglass hand made car (a 1 off?) reg 1960 for 1100 pounds sterling car was registration 5653 NX and vender was from Stourbridge 6909; GB
See January 1982 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 94 Volume 9 Issue 4

F2 1969 tuned up for sale in the UK in 2000 -fitted with Hewland Mk8 transmission;ex hill climb racer
See December 2000 Motorsport (GB) Page 114 Volume 77 Issue 12

Russell-Alexis Formula Ford : details: Dealer list +small colour photo; totally rebuild by professionals ; red loads of documents and history no year given 12950p
www.paulmattysportscars.co.uk Dealer Paul Matty Sportscars ; 12 Old Birmingham Rd; Bromsgrove ; Worcestershire B60 1DE Tel 01527 835656 See Sept 2006 Throughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 114 Issue 398

Formula Junior ex Paul Hawkins turned up for sale by Dealer who specials in race cars in 2003 for sale by Mike Brotherhood.com for 20,000 pounds in the classifieds

See: June 2003 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 218 Volume 22 Issue 4

Photo of Russell-Alexis Formula Ford as used by Jim Russell Training School an American who set up a UK operation in the 1960s
See: April-May 1968 NZ AA Magazine (note AA=Automobile Association) Page 35
and vehicle also turned up in Brief news feature -Part of a feature on Formula Ford car offered by the Motor Racing Stable
See: 21st March 1968 Autocar (GB) Page 59 Volume 128 Issue 3762

Announcement split between Jim Russell and Alexis in 1968 : details - Alex Cars LTD & Jim Russell orgazation whom handled the marketing and distn go their seperate ways;Cars now known as Alexis Cars LTD The Sport Column by G Robson & Martin Lewis
See: 10th October 1968 Page 83 Volume 129 Issue 3791

Trail car discovered 1961-1965 Discovered- in an enclousure in Warwickshire part of cache of vehicles were 2 x Austin 7 specials ; one was JW 8232 - x 750 Motor Club ; 2 other trail cars ; one is certainly a Cannon; other 202 HOF -Alexis trail car -E93A eng 61-64 built by Alexis of Birm words by Michawl Ware & Nick Baldwin
See: July 1986 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 19 Volume 13 Issue 19

ALEXIS (GB) 1953c

2010-01-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

ALEXIS (GB) 1953c

Is NOT same company that would later built a number Race cars but this car is a special built by constructor Brothers IT + DR MacGregor - Car turned in Discovery feature

See -Discovered - Duncan Rabagliati who kept the ALEXIS Racing and Trials register found another company that used same name by finding a photo and article on it but was built by brothers McGregor in the early 1950s.

Quote from text by Duncan Rabagliati
The Autocar in July 1954 did a 2 spread feature on it (but I have reviewed Autocar and I do not remember - Sure its not The Motor? you are talking about) the whole car was built at low cost with idea of competing in rallies reg YNO 354 was no skimby cycle wing special but a well made car ; for reliability the car engine was kept standard but the car was made as light as possible.

When complete it competed in a number of rallies on 1954 and 1955 and was acrually illustrated in Autosport (shown in the magazine) at the start of the Clacron Rally in Sep 1954 (you say 1964 Ed error) driven by its constructors IT & DR MacGregor ; the total cost according to The Autocar was 185 pounds and 5 shillings

Why was it called ALEXIS? According to the McGregors from the name of the bicycles our Great Grandfather had produced in the West of Scotland on 1870. Does it survive? - mostly quoted +bw photo sourced from Autosport
See: April 1991 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 39 Volume 18 Issue 7

ALEXANDER ENGINEERING (GB)

2010-01-15T17:42:00.000-08:00

ALEXANDER ENGINEERING (GB) until 1974 also known as also known as Alexander Engine Co Ltd

There were related to Alexander ALEXANDER TUNING (GB) who offered Tuning kits in Stages 1-3 of many of the bread and butter BMC products of Mini, Mini Cooper and even Morris Minor they also did Kits for Rootes cars and odd Ford

ALEXANDER ENGINEERING (GB) came more in wider public Automotive historian eye in 2004 with discovery of unknown vehicle a very special Turner!

Alexander Engineering Turner
TURNER GT 61 for restoration Club News Russell Filby register of Turner cars has found rare coupe with compet history Reg 6751 RO ; a 1 off ; orig had BMC A series later Climax 1220cc; used by Wing Commander Ken (Mac ) McKenzie until 62; history is fuzzy (you don't say...understatement of the year) car registered 6751 RO although originally 675 IRO
See: October 2004 Practical Classics (GB) Page 15 Issue 11

Same car featured in Discovery mention- Russell Filby spies prize Turner prototype ; dragged from a Shropshire barn to be restored ; thought to proto driven by Wing Commander Ken (Mac) McKenzie ; one and early finaced by Alexander Engineering of Haddenham Buckinghamshire ; orig Cov Climax 1220
See: October 2004 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 30 Volume 23 Issue 7

And a Follow up to The Discovery section in Classic & Sportscar -Turner tale still untold - photo car competing; built by Alexander Engineering of Haddenham; ch# 61/429 reg July 5 1961 in Herefordshire as 675 IRO sold in 1962 raced by Peter Smith who with Jim Johnstone raced as Team Speedwell- hist to 63
See: December 2004 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 26 Volume 23 Issue 9

To be continued to give references to Those Cars were modified or Have Alexander Kits ..watch this space..

The Company shut down producing engine kits in 1974
according to the website for Mini Mk1 owners for information below:
mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/alexander_e.

"Demise of Alexander
The Demise Of Alexander Engineering. (looks like its from Motor?)

By 1974 the economic depression and the oil crisis had taken it's toll on Alexander Engineering just like it had done on so many other tuning companies.

Their demise was by no means a fast one, in fact Alexander had abandoned modifying cylinder heads back in 1969, but by 1974 they had decided to totally withdraw from the performance tuning market and concentrate on Accessory sales. The company continued in this line of work until it finally closed down in 2001" qv

and the company may be back soon!
"It is rumored that a new incarnation of Alexander engineering will soon be offering a range of classic tuning products again for the first time in 34 years. WATCH THIS SPACE" qv

Source: MK1-performance-conversions.co.uk

ALDON TRANSPORT CO (USA) 1967

2010-01-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

ALDON TRANSPORT CO (USA)

Manufactured by Aldon Transport of Massachuetts US

Built a car for the future (We are still waiting for this type of technology!) the so called STARR CAR of 1967: this was a Experimental high speed guided wheel commuter car photo featured in Camera spread regular feature of Autocar
I only got a photo of vehicle part of a photo spread
See : 11Th May 1967 Autocar (GB) Page 23 Volume 126 Issue 3717

No doubt the likes of Popular Mechanics (US), Popular Science (US) and other publications of similar nature may have more details (I only covered Popular Mechanics from 1946-1956, few in early 1960s - but there are gaps

Where is the company today?

Today they are a very large Fortune 500 company and have fingers in many pies
Automotive High Tech / Communications Retail
Financial Hotel/Entertainment/Travel Software Vendors / Consulting
Food & Beverage Insurance Utilities & Transportation
Health care Manufacturing

See: http://www.aldon.com/cust/our-cust/#utilities

Have a look at who their clients are..Really interesting reading (conspiracy types would have a field day!)

ALCYON (F)

2010-01-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

ALCYON
They were a small French Car Manufacturing company who built Cycle Cars
For many years it was thought none had surived; however a few have emerged in recent years and restored from just a engine and gearbox most of chassis and body has built from scatch

Source image is not mine but comes from de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobiles_Alcyon
whom also give the history of the firm in German - no doubt a English translation exists

References

2 seat tourer Cycle Car 1925 Restoration
Marcel (violet) Better mousetrap -Wilson McComb is struck dumb well almost by a classic French Car ; History feature on French cycle cars also includes story of restored 1925 version from a box of bits, body built by Tony Hutchings built sporting Torpedo body in plywood as of 1987 car owned by Paul Cooper;Armscote Orchard Close; Welford on Avon; Warwickshire Cv37 8HA and car was Registered EL 1039 and car on display at Wildfowl Trust Museum at Lewes
See: Jan 1987 The Automobile (GB) Page 59-62 Volume 4 Issue 11 - feature by the late Wilson McComb

2 seat tourer Cycle Car 1925 seeks help location of another engine of another car - Paul Cooper whose car was featured in Jan 1987 THe Automobile is looking for another
in section of magazine tHe Automobile - called Spares Seeker owner of one already one featured Jan87 which almost finished its rebuild seeks another rumor of one in the Midlands looking for location or an identical Simca-Violet engine no photo (This area is often Gold for information of who has got and where and more importantly for those with similar cars -Full contact details!)
See: April 1987 The Automobile (GB) Page 9 Volume 5 Issue 2

2 seat tourer Cycle Car Restoration almost finished by Owner Terry Payne - mention of its discovery in Finds & Discoveries - Terry Payne of Wickford in Essex
See June 2004 The Automobile (GB) (as of yet I am yet to document!)
Follow up discovery by Michael Worthington-Williams on progress of the Restoration
See: September 2006 THe Automobile (GB) Page 59 Volume 24 Issue 7
and September 2007 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 38 Volume 26 Issue 6

And photo in Photo Discovereies of a cycle car in the past
2-3 seat tourer cycle car -Photo Discoveries in 1919c an Adler is followed by Alcylon in an early motoring competition in Luxembourg (car looks to be carrying 3 people)photo taken around 1919 by Phototheque de Ville de Luxembourg
See September 1992 The Automobile (GB) Page 12 Volume 10 Issue 7

Also I believe Practical Classics in 2000s did a feature concerning one but I only up to Early 1998 (Although I done some 2003-2006)

ALCO

2010-01-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

ALCO
They were a massive US company more associatied with building Locomotives although in early years they did dabble in car manufacture on a limited basis the company full name was American Locomotive Co

I have not many references to the vehicles - only 3
1908 race car was for sale in UK by Bugatti restorer/ replica maker Ivan Dutton UK ltd see photo

Sept 1988 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 129 Volume 7 Issue 6

1909 Race Car (could be same 1908 car took part in a Historic Racing event -Jean-Lois Duret ; car - ble race #8 ;Nurbrgring oldtimer cup aug 9-11 1996 a photo only part of brief report on the event

October 1996 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 14 Volume 15 Issue 7

1912 7 passager touring 6cy 70hp turned up at Harrahs auction in 1984 -Under the hammer ; just a mention (this car was a Beliet built under license) no photo part brief report and photos of Harrah Auction auctioned by Kruse Sep 29-30 1984 under instructions of Holiday Inns the new owner of Harrahs Casino part of a report by Michael Worthington-Williams
See
December 1984 The Automobile (GB) Page 58 Volume 2 Issue 10

Similar to car below

Image is not mine but comes from :
http://www.american-automobiles.com/images/ALCO-1912.jpg

A great Source for History of the firm is: (where I found an image for bigger sedan)
american-automobiles.com they sell Automoblia etc and list History on other American manufacturers A-Z

ALBION MOTOR CAR CO.(GB) 1900-1972

2009-12-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

This time the focus is on references of the Commercial Range that were produced after 1913

Commercials is not really my area of speciality and most car magazines that I have viewed give lip service to the commercial range very rarely are tests performed

however much classic & Vintage magazines in more recent years have always had a Commercial column of discoveries of history on some of the more unusual makers Practical Classics Had Commercially Travelling & Commercially Speaking as Does The Automobile - The Commercial column later spun off from The Automobile Magazine and others to Specialised Commercial Magazines that lot after this area - I covered most Practical Classics to 1998 still on gong anf most of the Automobile to 1988 - Book mark this blogg as I will be progressively adding to it over next few years

Trucks 1912-1919

1912 Truck photographed in New Zealand NZ Reg AS3165; D Bennets; CHCH a competitor in the 1975 NZ Commerical Vehicle Rally
See: November -December 1975 Restored Cars (Aus) Page 20 Issue 13

1914-1918 A10/B10 Lorry a Discovery Comments: Worthy of Comment Graeme Owen of Sheepscombe near Stroud sent an account of recent trips in Glocester area with friend Charlie Price ; 2nd found in Cirencester leaving main rd of colesbourne truck chassis recovered via 1930 Leyland RETRIEVER 8.6 LITRE DIESEL 6 WHEELER; CLOSER INSPECTION ALBION ONE OF 6000 A10 or B10 approved by the war dept great war b made until 1927 further 9000 made ; columist Grand Mother ran one of former WD types for family green grocer business E Williams 5 High st west noewood reg YL 5787 - IT WOULD BE GREAT IF SAME VEHICLE? inc photo of recovery

See: September 1981 Old Motor (GB) Page 10 Volume 3 Issue 9 edited by Michael Worthington-Williams

1915 Flat deck truck one turned up for sale in New Zealand in 1993
See: September 1993 NZ Classic Car Page 81 Volume 3 Issue 9 it was for sale by tender in 06 area (ie Levin -Wairarapa -New Plymouth area)

A10 1914-1918 owner writes for parts (inquries are useful as often names & addresses of the finder who more often and not is the owner is saif vehicle from which other Albion enthusists can seek out to gain info)Reader follows up Oct 85 issue Orcadian Oddessy by Michael Worthington-Williams which he recorded a visit to Orkney he photographed an area called Camp showing a solid tyred commercial from disc reader beliefs it’s a front axle from A10 of Great war Period Reader would like parts; no photo

See March 1986 The Automobile (GB) Page 6 Volume 4 Issue 1

1920-1929 Trucks

1920s A100 TRUCK apparently in 1998 The Specialist Commercial magazine of which I have not had the pleasure of documenting ran a Restoration Saga of such a truck getting restored
See June to August issue of Vintage Roadscene (GB)

1920s mid SB24 Lorry on solid tyres mentioned in a column
Commercial Corner Follow up a mention restoration underway it will join the vintage fleet of Bevan Furniture at Newhaven but it needs a flywell and clutch (they already use and have 1919 RAF Type Leyland as a regular rally goer and hopefuly the Albion will accompany it) no photo -words by Nick Baldwin
See: October 1984 The Automobile (GB) Page 69 Volume 2 Issue 8

To continue

ALBION MOTOR CAR CO.(GB) 1900-1913

2009-12-05T04:16:00.000-08:00

ALBION MOTOR CAR CO.(GB) of Scotland cars

Originally sold cars later moved to Commercials particularly trucks and buses where they were in production until 1972

First cars which were produced for very few years until 1913

References
History

Brief History
See: 16th November 1949 The Motor (GB) Page 523-526 : Comments: -Part of a feature on Scotish cars

History
See: 10th November 1961 Autocar (GB) Page 802-803 Comments: - Car History Profiled against 3 other Scottish makes Argyll; Arrol-Aster;Arrol-Johnson

Few of the cars surive although I believe a Few more have come to light since below references one is in the Scotish Museum

1904/5 16hp chassis discovered : chassis re-surfaced again,1st 1990
See October 1998 The Automobile (GB) Page 67 - probablty same car sold at Auction in 1989-1990

1904 16hp chassis was auctioned by Sold! Highlights of LAMBERT & FOSTER Autumn 1989 Allington Castle nr Maidstone Wednesday Oct 18; 1904 Albion 16hp chassis engine on wheels sold on a telephone bid at 5000p back to Scotland where it will be housed on a planned museum of Scottish road transport near Edinburgh (bw photo of it on back of a flat deck truck as lot 253); just a mention part of a auction report by Richard Hudson-Evans
See: January 1990 Practical Classics Page 111 Vol 10 Issue 9

1908 Flat top photo of one in Australia in 1956 : Keith Holmes as he leaves Katoomba on the 1956 Blue Mountain Rally for vintage cars part of a feature -Old Soldiers never die feature and photos by Bill Daly
See: Photo in June 1956 Modern Motor (Aus) Page 49 Volume 3 Issue 1

ALBERT

2009-12-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

ALBERT

References on this maker:

History of Maker and discussion of only surivor
an article was cross refernced to as source (not documented by me as of yet)
See: Veteran & Vintage (GB) 1956 carried story of a Surving 11.9hp Albert car made by Adam Grimaldi of Vauxhall London in 1920 the firm was taken over by Gwynnes if Chiswick (who had made the engines) better known for their fire engine pumps and their own Gwynne Eight light cars ; Mentioned in Discovery feature 1922c vehicle Gwynne-Albert 4 door tourer had been featured in Aug 1984 The Automobile Page 18 GWYNNE-ALBERT (GB)

All weather tourer 1921-Park Ward body RHD
See: Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1986 APR Page 149 Volume 5 Issue 1
Details: car that came up for sale by a dealer in 1986 used regularly over last 5 years ; Park Ward body and in very original and concours condition 6850p and dealer was Akeds of St Annes ; St Georges Road ; St Annes ; Lancashire (Volvo main dealers) 0253 722241

Front axle assemby inc hubs for sale

See: The Automobile (GB) 1986 NOV page 10 Volume 4 Number 9Spare Parts -parts available sale aswell as similar parts for Lancaster 10 1933 ; no photo by vendor: Mr A Richardson; Barn Farm; Horsham Lane; Wallis Road ; Dorking Surrey; RH5 5RL

New Entry in 2010 -Letter to Editor reader claims not a 1922 car featured in previous issue Discovered Photo : Details : letters follow up reader sends an huge letter of corrections to photos and discovered cars previously featured 1st is the photo of the Albert in November issue almost sure not a 14hp which was introduced late in 1922 as 1923 car the reg number appears to be PC 4420 which would be an Oxford issue of around April 1922 and therefore too earlier to be a 14hp model no photos with writer by David Hales; Esher; Surrey See: December 1987 THe Automobile (GB) Page 6 Volume 5 Issue 10

ALBATROSS MOTOR CAR CO (US) 1939

2009-10-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

ALBATROSS -The Second manufacturer to use this unusual name its berief history was discussed in same issue as discovered of 8hp and 10hp models built by a British manufacturer of a similar name but they are NOT connected

See: November 1980 OLd Motor Page 7 Volume 2 Issue 11 : Details are: Worthy of Comment After discussing recent discovery of 2 British Albatros ; MichaeL WW discusses the little known US company with same name but with 2 SS ;

"The car was made a brief appearance late in 1939 in the US offered by the Albatross Motor Car Co from Premises of 1780 Broadsway at 57th Street New York City ; car was designated Type 137 an advanced 2 seater sporting car that its makers called a racing convertible and owned nothing to British Co ; only 1 car made and its believe to survive in the hands of a private collector according to correspondant at New Yorker Magazine" qv ; there is no photo of the car in the article by Michael Worthington-Williams

New Entry Reprint of Photo
SS Roadster featured in a period advert : Worthy of Comment -reprint phito from Old Motor; MWW includes a period bw advert of SS Roadster Type 137 Announcing the New American Albatross 137 - in column by Michawl Worthington Williams
See September 1984 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 14 Volume 3 Issue 4

ALBATROS (GB) 1923-1924

2009-10-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

ALBATROS
From My knowledge there were 2 car manufacturers who used this unusual name 1 in the United Kingdom the subject of this Blogg and other that came much later in the US

Here we examin the British manufacturer (GB=Great Britain)

References -2 cars a 8hp and 10hp were discovered in 1980 and the Magazine the 'Old Motor' gives a small but detailed information on the maker and the vehicles concerned
under a regular column feature-Worthy of Comment (Discovered section)

See: November 1980 Old Motor Page 7 Volume 2 Issue 11 and quating from the text
"Around a dozen cars produced by Croft Road Works in Coventry said to be inspiration of 1 Albert Ross" (that’s to why it took its name made in 8hp and 10hp form; parts bought in from outside suppliers ;power by Coventry Simplex; Electrics by Brolt

"news -2 cars recently surfaced a 8hp and a 10hp ; The 8hp for many years resided in a Garage of a lady driver near Cardigan together with a Bayliss-Thomas (The Bayliss as of 1980 under going restoration in Battle Sussex) and subsequently languished for many year in a cornor of the Bridgend Foundry in the centre of Cardigan thinking this was only surivor -We later met Mike Errol of South Godstone at a recent Sotherby Sale who has just completed a major restoration for a 1923 10hp found in dilapidated condition in Leeds but basically complete wearing a Chummy open 4 seater body instead Mike has modified it to 2 seater with Dickey" (1986 Throughbred & Classic Cars car hmm...) Note picture of one of suivors as found and it was written Michael Worthington-William

New Entries
10.9hp 2 seater Roadster +Rumble Seat -Charlesworth 1920-1921?? a letter to the EDitor -Details:Reader writes in that his father owned a Albatross of 1920-1921 vintage owned in the mid 1920s (but they started production 1923?*) the body was made to a special order by Charlesworth for his mother and featured a 2 seater body with a rumble seat at rear ; it was coloured yellow with black wings and running boards with a chrome radiator shell with blue badge and chrome letters ; it has wooden Sankey wheels ; rear brakes only and was powered by a 4 cylinder side valve Climax engine of 10.9hp ; single carb and drove through a 3 speed gb ; unusual feature was a very large 6v battery the width of the body fitted under the front seats ; in 1926 it was sold to Cyril Lord a former motorcycle TT rider who owned the London Road Garage in Coventry ; I understand only 5 were ever made and my father would appreciate any information as to whether his car or any others survive ; qv (pretty much word for word with some edits by me) - no photo written by Ian A Griffiths; Dawlish; Devon
See July 1984 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 14 Volume 3 Issue 4 Details:

#2 new Entry Follow up on July 1984 Classic & Sportscar
8 hp & 10hp discoveries
Worthy Follow up July 1984 letter inquiry on survivors there are 2 survivors ; 2 models were built an 8hp and a 10hp both with Coventry Climax engines and the firm enjoyed a very brief existence indeed in Croft Road Coventry between 1923-1924 ; open 2 and 4 seaters were built and company maintained a sales and export office at 69 Great Queen St ;Kingsway London WC2 ; the 2 models were similar and employed Brolt electrics but the smaller car eschewed a differential ; despite 2 seasons of manufacture and agents appointed in London ;Cardiff; Manchester ; Sheffield and all the principal towns in England and Scotland ; total Albatros production was about 12 cars qv; the 8hp 4 seater shown is now resident at Gwbert near Cardigan and has been owned for many years by a Mr Matthews who was originally the proprietor of the Bridge End Foundry in the centre of Cardigan ;when last seen it was standing on flat tyres on the showroom ; dusty but otherwise sound but we have not seen it for a couple of years following mr Matthews retirement ; the other car; the other car a 10hp 2 seater which surfaced 8 years ago when it was brought by Mike Erroll ; he kept ot for a year then sold it only to re-acquire it 4 years ago with a biew to restoration ; that task has bee completed in recent weeks; and it took it for its first run in the South Godstone Surrey area a few days before this column closed for press ; the restoration included a new body and a complete re-trim qv by Michael Worthington_williams
See Sept 1984 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 14 Volume 3 Issue 4

and in 1986 One of those cars turned up for sale in classifieds section of Throughbred & Classic Cars
A 10hp Tourer +dickey 1923
See: Dec 1986 Throughbred & Classic Cars (GB)Page 146 Volume 14 Issue 3
this car was a dealer listing and it believed it is 1/56 cars made of this light car model -This car was powered by a climax engine and was sale then for 5950 pounds sterling
The Dealer in question in 1986 was listed as and its following address
Motospot ; North Kilworth;Lutterworth LE17 6EP (I believe the dealership no longer exsists?)

ALBANY (GB) 1978?

2009-10-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

Edwardian 2 seater Replica
Not much is known on this maker -it may have been a 1 off

A Preview of vehicle was discussed:
18th November 1978 Autocar (GB) Page 21 Volume 149; Issue 4280 and car concerned was based on the mechanicals of a Triumph Spitfire sports car

ALBANI SIX (AUS) 1922

2009-10-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Albani Six of 1922
This was early attempt to produce a car in Australia - I have 2 references to maker but both a brief snipets of information as part of attempt to list all the eaely Australian Car Manufacturers. It is not known whether there are any surivors.

Refereces are:
June 1976 Wheels (Aus) Page 95 : Part of a feature on Early Aus cars by Pedr Davis
April 1998 Australian Classic Cars - a Brief Snippet of History on Australian Great Cars A-Z

ALART ( F ) 1955 -1957

2009-10-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

ALART (F)
1 off special built by Marcel Alart, held in National Auto Museum ( F )
A black & White photo was featured in passing of this 1 off Coupe in:
Feb 1985 Modern Motor (Aus) Page 13 - At present I have no other References

AKH (GB) 1950.

2009-10-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

AKH (GB) were one of those many obsure British special makers whom were around the 1950s and I have as of yet little information about this company no doubt Peter Filby a writer on the British kit car and specials would have covered something of this makers obscure history

The 2 references I have so far concern same car was auctioned later been available by a dealer but listing a different year.

See:
1950 2 Seater Special Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) 1989 JUN page 92 volume 16 issue 9 mention listed been sold for 4600p - Sotherbys HAC Auction 1989 ; mentioned in report - Market by David Johnson car was Reg KDK 314

and then same car coming up for sale by a dealer See:
Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1989 September page 244 volume 16 issue 12 inc phioto for sale by Barrie A Gillies Racing Limited; Bradford;Bweks (car still for sale 1990 june Classic & Sportscar magazine page 325)

AJS (GB) Buses 1922-1930c

2009-10-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Not Popularly known and new to myself AJS built Buses:

Below is Reference to correspondance being recieved to Nick Baldwins Column Commerically Speaking in the British Vintage magazine The Automobile and the text is taken pretty much word for word as quote

On Bus discovered +history of manufacture
See: The Automobile (GB) 1984 APRIL page 63 vol 2 issue 2
The text

"Commercial corner; a letter from Recorder and Historian of AJS and Matchless Owners Club asks us if we have information on AJS Buses and coaches in particular the lone surivor in Great Witley; Worcestershire.

He tells us this was acquired by a group of West Midlands enthusists 7 years ago; since then it has vanished and he would very much like to hear from the owners.

We recall looking at the AJS but coming to the conclusion that through interesting very little was original it had been rebodied (although only a half cab portion survived) and it was re-engined and radiatored by courtesy of Leyland ; on fact the original AJS Pilot and Commodore chassis are some thing of a mystey.

Coventry Climax once told me they had copied Lycoming engines for the contract but my gasket catalogue of the time makes no reference to either type (except the little SM Type former Swift for 9hp AJS car, the famous motorcycle firm diversified desperately and without mich success in the Great Slump) the gasket list meations Meadows 6EN in the Pilot and reference to notes made of Meadows records as the Guy factory years ago shows AJS bought 125 gearbox in 1929 and 24 in 1930; Engines postively identified as having been sold to AJS included 1 in 1922; 1 on 1928 and 43 in 1929.

The first was small car type 4 but the others were 2973cc 25hp 6s similar to those used by Invicta ; larger 36hp engines were used in the Commodore and an engine of right dimensions is listed under Lycoming (dimensions are similar to one got at by Coventry Climax; 98 times 127mm and 98.5mm times 127mm engined Admiral rated at 36bhp ; rumor has it that Coventry Climax also copied Lycoming engines for Gilford but stuck to inch threads to make parts interchangeable with previously imported engines.

Assuming that the same type of Meadows gearbox was used on all models thought that less then 150 AJS buses and coaches were made ; apart from the Moores one on the Great Witley we hear that one was run by Grimsby Corporation into the 1950s ; bodies were built by D & E Petty of Hitchin and amongst their customers for complete AJS vehicles were Midland Bus Services of Airdale ; Lancashire and Yorkshire Motors ; Kingsclere Coaches; Elite of Hertfordshire ; Primrose Coaches; Epress of Grays and aptly named AJS Motor Services of Rayleigh ; included in the column were black and white photo of 6 AJS Pilot rolling chassis outside the factory AJS had built in better times in the grounds of Graiseley House; Wolverhampton - quote verbatium (bw photo shows Ref 076 LX at the front; 039LY as 2nd ; more hard to read) " Quote from the text

AJS (GB) 1930 -1933 cars

2009-10-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

When one traditionally thinks of the name AJS one of things of old established but now defunct Motorcycle Maker with same name which has a large following of enthusists However apart from Motor Cycles they briefly produced cars in period 1930-1933 in the United Kingdom! This came about when (Where AJS name comes from) AJ Stephens took over Clyno*
in 1930 and resulting AJS cars were very similar to Cynos that proceeded them

AJS Also produced a Bus and this will be discussed seperatly

* Clyno were small car manufacturing concern in the UK

References for AJS Cars
-----------------------
History of the firm in General 2 were done seperately by The Automobile UK (Both I have not yet had the pleasure of Indexing but will be in time)

History References
-------------------
The Automobile (GB) 1987 JUN page 19+ Vol 5 Issue 4
The Automobile (GB) 1994 AUG Vol 12 Issue 5
Motorsport (GB) 1984 JUL pages 828-829 (Brief History +1930 Saloon featured)

On Vehicles themselves
----------------------

1930 2 Seater+dickey Roadster a car that came up for sale
The Automobile (GB) 1985 NOV Page 76 Volume 3 Issue 9 Classified +photo ;rare for sale for 3500 pounds; Tel TEL 052528-225 was it a Dealer?

1930 2 Seater DHC a car that was Discovered as a "Barn Find" in the UK
Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1990 JUN Page 40-41 Sports Model; History;Mr Hubbard

1930 2 Seater DHC +dickey a Discussion of One after its being restored
The Automobile (GB) 1987 JUN page 19-22 Vol 5 Issue 4 Keeping it in the family Tim Holmes chases an initial coincidence and finds a rare convertible Reg FS 650 Chassis No A1055 owned by Mr AJ Stevens nephew Alec John Stevens whose father Joseph was one of 4 founding brothers coincidence owner related by family to original founders; Mr Stevens literally down the road from the present AJS factory which is still in business making 2 stike moto cross machines and that business now owned by Fluff Brown but here there is no famil connection; and Alec Stevens by the way can be considered the librian for AJS history and photos Car is Red with black guards and running boards ; black hood ; red upholstery on yellow wire wheels RAC 8.92hp with 1019cc engine

1930 9 Saloon -Discovered
See: The Automobile (GB) 1986 FEB pages 17-18 Volume 3 Issue 12 Finds & Discoveries - Found in a garage on the Isle of Wight by G Foss owner of Family Repair Service in Andover Hants - Master Upholsterer; G Foss since restored the car

1931 '9' ex 4D now ute -A letter to the Editor
See: Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) 1988 January pages 118-119 volume 15 issue 4 Charles F Drysdale; Liberton Brae ; Edinburgh writes recent purchase of remains Reg PL 4731 ; brought to Edinburgh from Kent in 1970 ; He may restore it to a shooting brake spec but needs info Charles F Drysdale; Liberton Brae ; Edinburgh it was originnally a Sedan 4 door; Saloon 4 door later a previous owner converted to a Ute

1931 SALOON 1018cc a car for sale by a Classic Dealer dealer
See: The Automobile (GB) 1984 DEC page 78 Volume 2 Issue 10 Dealer list +small bw photo ;looks like a 2 door saloon or is a 4; 9hp 37000m 2 owners discribed as absolutely mint condition orig with all documents. The car was pictured having a dark colour and as of 1984 was for sale by Dealer Motospot North Kilworth ; Nr Lutterworth ; Leics Tel 04555 2548.

1931 SALOON 1018cc a car that was discovered
See: Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1994 DEC page 62 GB In the Davis family since 1961 Reg HX 4284; Essex

8HP 1932-1933 discussed in The Automobile Magazine (as of yet I have not indexed it)
See: The Automobile (GB) 2001 APR Page 34+ Vol 19 Issue 2

Stats of motorcars sold Australia (Restored Cars an Australian publication by Eddie Ford provided sales stats of Vintage car makers

See: Restored Cars (Aus) 1976 JAN-FEB page 20 Issue 14 covers only the year 1930 a listing

The Editor of The Automobile recieved correspondance from:
recieved Correspondance from owner 2 AJS cars and I Stevens Van

See: The Automobile (GB) 1984 SEP page 72 Volume 2 issue 7 in Nick Baldwins Commercially Speaking Column
AJ Stevens not the same guy but a close relative who says his cousin Jim still works for AJS/Stevens Retreat st dactory in Wolverhampton this AJ Stevens was a dispatch eoder early in the war and rode the last 350cc stevens motorcycle since then he has acquired a 350cc for restoration and 2 ajs cars and also found in garden rotting a AJS Van bw photo of interior in Nicks preample of AJS cars saying they used same engine as Swift Cadet this was false according to Swift epert Jim Price although both were coventry climax they fact had different dimensions (Also follow up to Column of April 1984 The Automobile see AJS Bus in my blog)

New entry
Cars of 1930s sold in uK part of brief overview -A-Z 1930s guide to cars on sale in Great Britain +brief snipet history each model and bw period photo -part 1 AC to Aston Martin ; here under AJS the 9hp 1930-1932 see June 1983 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 78 Volume 2 Issue 3 written prior to his death -Michael Sedgwick

AJAX (USA) 1925-1926

2009-10-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

AJAX were US Car manufacturer generally though to have been around from 1925-1926 and made at initially made Ajax Motors Co-15th Street Ravine Wiscosin
and Some references say car was made by Nash

Consequently there are very few references I found at this stage - total only 4 and 2 are for those cars that have come up for sale - What is strange is those 2 have come up for sale here in New Zealand , and 1 of 4 references is photo of one in Australia so its clear most may have been exported?

References:

1925 5 seat tourer came up for sale in Beaded Wheels (NZ) 1984 AUG-SEP page 33 Issue 149 classified for sale 1984; from Auckland Area ; extensive Vintage rally history in New Zealand

1925 5 seat tourer 6cyl (may very well be same car for sale in New Zealand in 1984?)
See: NZ Classic Car 1995 December page 144 Volume 5 Issue 12Details are as follows: classified +bw photo ; BUILT BY Nash; good condition Believed only restored one in NZ spares $19500 NZ car was Right Hand Drive (RHD) and Vendor phone number as of 1995 was 0061 9 426 8223 NZ

1925 5 seat Tourer 4 door was photographed at a Australian Vintage event
Restored Cars (Aus) 1975 MAY-JUN page 40 issue 10
And there also reference in what was then new Automotive magazine or book that gave technical information (not reviewed by me)

Ajax Chassis servicing 1926 See American Auto Digest 1926 OCT

AIREDALE CARS LTD (GB) 1912-1924

2009-10-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

AIREDALE CARS LTD (GB) 1912-1924
Not lot of information of this Car manufacturer from Britain at this stage - Only Magazine reference I have at this stage is one (ut doubt more will be added when I complete indexing of The Automobile UK , Classic & Sportscar & others)

Manufacturing base was made at Esholt, Nr Shipley, Yorkshire; and much later premises occupied as of 1975 by Naylor Bros (GB) who began as Restoring Classic & Vintage cars later developing their own Replica of MG TF Sportscar!

The Sole Reference I have comes from that Excellent Mototor Sport Magazine Incidently called Motor Sport one with Green Cover surround

See Brief History in regular series #51 "..forgotten makes" often written by Jack Cocks or Mr Bolster
BRIEF HISTORY Motorsport (GB) 1975 January Pages 33;39

AIRCAPITAL MANUFACTURERS INC (USA) 1952c

2009-10-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

AIRCAPITAL MANUFACTURERS INC (USA) Were not really car manufacturers but early makes of Ride on Mowers in the US which some people could argue are motor Vehicles?!
It would have to be from the land of free that Ride on Mowers were developed (THe US has largest per capita for Obese people..)

The Only reference I have for one of their models dates back to 1952 called the Sit-N-Cut Rotary lawn Mower see: A brief news snippet and bw photo
They were manufactured at 1620 South Mead ; Wichita; Kanas
Engine was of 3hp and it was 4cylinder Gasoline engine
Science & Mechanics (US) 1952 DECEMBER Page 80 Volume 23 Issue 10

AIRBORNE SERVICES EQUIPMENT (GB)

2009-09-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

AIRBORNE SERVICES EQUIPMENT (GB)
They were a British firm of 1960s that converted vans to Mobile Campers (RVs)and they also distributed other makers -One of their most common conversions was working on Fords like the Ford Thames 15cwt van and a few were exported outside the UK with Ford backing to countries like Canada.
Later work included the Ford Transit

A Brief profile of the company was discussed on 5th February 1960 Autocar (GB) page 212

above is a Photo of Vehicle made by Corgi Toys LTD in 1960s based on a Thames (Ford GB) - I got it from models enthusists site

A Road Test for a:

Ford Thames 15cwt Camper 1959 1703cc engined
See 28th August 1959 Autocar (GB) page 90-91

Ford Thames 15cwt Camper 1959-1960 was compared with 4 other mobile campers
See: 5th February 1960 Autocar (GB) Pages 238-240

While a Ford Thames 15cwt Camper 1961 400E was found in Canada and discussed in Finds & Discovery section of Practical Classics it was found by Chris Spenceley in his hometown of Charlottetown ; Prince Edward Island Canada who writes in to say he needs information so he could restore as of 2005 he gave his email address as spenceley@pei.eastlink

See: February 2005 Practical Classics (GB) Page 29

While we move on to later conversion - Ford Transit Van

FORD Transit 4 berth Camper was photographed in black and white photo of one Reg GJN 285D and was displayed at the 9th Camper Exhibition at Olympia in 1967

See: 9th February 1967 Autocar (GB) Page 49 Volume 126 Issue 3704

AICHI MACHINE INDUSTRY (J) 1955-1969

2009-09-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

AICHI MACHINE INDUSTRY (J) 1955-1969 They were small Japanese car and commercial maker where there is little known

But from a internet site "Cony cars were built by the Aichi Machine Industry Company in Nagoya. The company was founded in 1943 and in 1965 it became part of the Nissan group. Aichi is still operating today, building the Nissan Serena mini-bus. Cony's speciality was building micro-cars with 2 cylinder engines below 360cc. The under 360cc class in Japan was taxed at a very low rate, making the cars very inexpensive. So the Cony cars took every possible shape, from the sedan to the pick-up, including the break.
Source: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/classic-cars/19482-cony-360-wide.html.

"Aichi still builds engines for cars today but Nissan purchased Aichi in the late 60s." quote 1

"Most Cony trucks imported to the US went to large sites for yard work or light industrial work." quote 2

Source: http://www.littlecartrader.com/2006conytruck.html who were selling a truck "This Cony was originally owned by Oregon state university. This truck was originally white... We are currently rebuilding the engine with hardened valves. Washington state requires all trucks to be weighed before they can be titled. As soon as this truck can drive to the scale it will be titled." quote 3

With regard to references found by me from magazines
Is just this one:

They were also known as CONY a number of their small 354cc Flat 2 engined (Boxer) commercials were sold in the US

Road & Track Magazine did a driving impression for Cony 360 Wide light truck
See November 1969 Road & Track (US) Page 53-54
Road & Track (US) 1969 NOV pages 53-54

AGUZZOLI BROS -Alfa Romeo ( I ) 1963

2009-09-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

AGUZZOLI BROS -Alfa Romeo ( I )

2 Cars were produced by Giovanni & Sergio Aguzzoli (one had a 1300cc engine; the other had a 1600cc engine) owners Alfa-Romeo main dealers in Paema ; Luigi Bertocco who worked there had built a Fiat Monoposto and had connections with Ferrari ; together with co-op with Alfa Romeo Rocchi and Salvarani from Ferrari came involved in building this Alfa Romeo Mid Engined Coupe -the body was by Neri and Bonacini later to be known as Nembo who made a name for themselves converting customers Ferraris

1 of cars appeared at the Geneva Show 1964 and competed at Coppa Fisa Monza in 1963

References - Photo was used by a magazine as part of its mystry vehicle competition and Roland Ellison gives a brief snipet of history
See: March 2002 Auto Italia (GB) page 5 Issue #67

Later a Brief History was written by Simon Park in Auto Italia when 1 of cars turned up at Silver Flag 2006

See: 26thJanuary-22ndFebruary 2007 Auto Italia (GB) page 79 Issue 128
as 2 cars were produced 1 had a 1300cc and other 1600cc not clear in the feature which one is here?

AGTRUCK (NZ) 1988-?

2009-09-12T05:20:00.000-07:00

AGTRUCK (NZ)1988-?

This was more a new New Zealand Manufacturer whom converted exsisting trucks for Agricultural application

One was featured in Preview feature and the truck was powered by a 210hp 6V53 Detroit Diesel engine - The Vehicle was built as mobile sprayer and was also 4 wheel drive - The particular vehicle examined belonged to Alister Ross and carried NZ Registration KP7466. Does it still survive?

See April 1988 NZ Trucking Pages 24-27

AGA (D) 1919-1926

2009-09-12T05:16:00.000-07:00

AGA of Germany 1919-1926
AGA briefly dabbled in the manufacture of cars before concentrated on his range of expensive and well built stoves. There is not much information on surivors

However there is a Very brief snippet of history - the maker is discussed briefly in Motorsport (GB) 1999 March the feature includes includes a photo of a running example as of 1999

From the internet regarding early history"
"AGA was a German automobile company, once quite large, which manufactured its wares in Berlin from 1919 to 1929, and which by 1922 was manufacturing 1000 cars a month. It was part of the Stinnes group of companies. AGA stood for Autogen Gasaccumulator AG, a company originally founded in 1914.

The first car, the Typ A of 1919 had a 1420 cc four-cylinder car. The more successful Typ C followed in 1921 with the same engine but tuned to give more power and was sometimes used as a taxi. After Hugo Stinnes died in 1924, AGA and its sister companies Dinos, which was bought in 1925 to increase production space, and Rabag which was licensed to build Bugatti cars at the time, ran into difficulties. Plans for a six cylinder model never reached the production stage. From 1926, production was severely curtailed and stopped completely in 1929 after about 8000 had been made.

Willy Loge drove a 6/30PS sports-racing version which had a 1490cc engine, and which won many races and was entered in the 1926 German Grand Prix. Other racers also drove AGA cars.

The Swedish Thulin company made AGA cars under licence between 1920 and 1924" quoted from :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGA_(automobile)

and on Aga Company site who seem not have any idea when car production started!!
see:http://www.aga.com/web/web2000/com/wppcom.nsf/pages/History_AGACar

AFRICAR (GB) 1984

2009-09-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

AFRICAR was a a reasonably serious attempt but it lacked funding to produce a wooden based vehicle for the third world (Developing Countries) the vehicle was designed and built in Britain made of Plywood and it was designed by Tony Howarth. As part of its development testing 3 prototypes were sent on 30000km long distance tour

References:
Preview Feature CAR (GB) 1984 April

An africar goes home CAR (GB) 1984 OCT page 7 prototypes arrived in Kenya after 30000km proving run from the Artic Circle

From the Internet
I found the following further information:
"The car was the idea of Tony Howarth, an English journalist/photographer who spent most of the 1970's in Africa taking pictures. He did not like the roads, the cars and their inability to manage the roads, or the first-world's arrogance---sending lousy vehicles and billing the third-world countries for the cars and interest, while the vehicles disintegrated long before the bills were paid.

Africar was designed to handle rough roads, to be constructed of native materials, and to be made with low-skill labor---all with a minimal imported content. Using Citroën 2CV suspension and drivetrains, Howarth constructed three cars: a station wagon, a pickup and a 6-wheeler. They were built in England and driven to the Arctic Circle. From there they headed south and reached the equator in about four months. A five-hour UK Channel 4 TV special was produced, which raised interest, funds and hopes. A lovely book was printed along with many brochures.

There were promises made about global sales, third-world manufacturing rights, and so on. But the company squandered their funds on a new engine and gearbox, then floundered. Bankruptcy court sold off all the assets, put Tony Howarth in jail for a short time, and the Africars themselves have disappeared.

Tony Howarth, the former owner of Lancaster-based Africar International Limited, was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment, having pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading and obtaining property by deception." qv from
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africar

and further information can be found on:
www.oldwoodies.com/feature-africar.htm

and www.citroenet.org.uk/foreign/africar/africar.html

AFM (D) 1949-1953

2009-09-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

AFM of Germany

This was a 2 seater sports that was originally built as a single seat race car but later converted to a 2 seater open roadster in the 1960s?- One was found in Germany and discussed in Discovered section of Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1997 November page 132

The Sportscar was derived from F2 Single Seater built by Alex von Falkenhausen and hence the name AFM and extensive historic racing history on this 2 seater can be sourced from
www.forix.com/8w/afm.html

Where in this above website articles
'1952 German GP - German F2 specials taking on Ferrari' by Mattijs Diepraam
Early post-war German F2 cars - The BMW-derived specials that came up in war-struck Germany, by Mattijs Diepraam

and extensive history of the cars particularly Great Racer of the 1930s Hans Stuck been a keen competitor of one of F2 cars see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_von_Falkenhausen_Motorenbau

AEROTRAIN (France) 1967

2009-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

AEROTRAIN (F) 1967

Not strictly a car manufacturer in the sense - but an interesting vehicle!
It was a proposal to build a Hovercraft Train powered by 2 x rear mounted on the roof Renault Gordini engines and Technical Article appeared in Autocar (GB) 1967 FEB 9th page 47 Volume 126 Issue 3704 the feature was extract from a paper delivered by M Jean Bertin its designer and included a 'cut-a-way illustration

More Information of Aerotrain - is sourced from
see extensive research see wikipedia
below:
""The Aérotrain was a hovercraft train developed in France from 1965 to 1977. The lead engineer was Jean Bertin.

The goal of the Aérotrain was similar to that of the magnetic levitation train: to suspend the train above the tracks so the only resistance is that of air resistance. Consequently, the Aérotrain could travel at very high speeds with reasonable energy consumption and noise levels, but without the technical complexity and expensive tracks of magnetic levitation. This project was abandoned in 1977 due to lack of funding, the death of Jean Bertin, and the adoption of TGV by the French government as its high-speed ground transport solution."

AERONAUTICA MACCHI (I) 1919 -1960s?

2009-09-12T04:50:00.000-07:00

This was Little known manufacturer of Motorcycles and motorcycle commercials based in Italy which is subsidary of the great Italian Aeroplane manufacture Aeronautica Macchi "..is one of the pioneer aviation companies in Italy. It's most famous aircraft were the seaplanes that participated in the Schneider trophy races in the 1920s and 30s." and whose aeroplane orgins begin in 1912 where Guilio Macchi forms Societa Anonima Nieuport-Macchi to build Nieuport designs. and then in the 1920s: The firm changes its name to Aeronautica Macchi.
Source: http://www.shanaberger.com/macchi.htm
While the Motorcycle or Trike side of business see Aermacchi Motorcycles and information on motorcycles can be found from the following sites
http://www.dropbears.com/bikelinks/Classic_Motorcycles/A_to_Z/A/Aermacchi_Motorcycles/
and http://www.aermacchi-world.de/Frameset.htm

and Vehicle Identification Number breakdown for Aermacchi and Harley Davidson motorcycles.
http://home-3.worldonline.nl/~jahstof/ahd/vin/vin.htm

Regard to Sole reference sole far for a vehicle

I have only found 1 reference to a 1960 3 wheel Trike based commercial - mentioned in Discovered section of Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1995December Page 41. This vehicle was found in Spain . In 1960 50% of the company was sold to US Motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson!

AEROMINI (NZ) 1978

2009-07-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Aeromini was a BMC Mini based Special, rear engined Wedge coupe 1 off produced by Mini enthusist built by Arhur Bird of Waikato, New Zealand

COUPE 1978 NZ Classic Car 1999 AUG Page 75 Volume 9 Issue 8

Recent Dicovery 1999 Held in the Mike Maulder Mini Collection;Hamilton NZ ; built by Arthur Bird ; car is white ; 850cc but uses 1000cc Mini Block

AEROMARINE (USA) 1955

2009-07-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Aeromarine was 1 off vehicle produced by backyard home owner Skeets Coleman of the USa in 1956 who invented it and formed the Cover Story-The Car Boat that flies -Harmon Trophy winner -

Preview cover story

Mechanics Illustrated (US) 1956 SEP Page 10-11 Volume 5 Issue 70

A quick look thorough 'Google' found this bit of information:

Book Reference:

A Book available on Amazon Books Called 'Special Use Vehiles - An illustrated History of Unconvential Cars and Trucks Worldwide' by George W. Green
Source:http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=0786412453

From a genealogy forum:

"Hello,This is Marty Coleman, Skeets' son. Ben and Melody Coleman are not related to our family and the seebee is unrelated to my father's Aeromarine design of the late 50's. I suspect they just chose a not uncommon name for someone working on a boat/plane machine. Skeets is living in San Diego, is 87 (as of 2005) with his younger daughter. He is planning to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma this year to live with me. He never did make the Aeromarine, but over the past decade actually did have a scale model built that has been test flown once.
If you have any questions about my father's career please feel free to ask. The actual Pogo is in the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum annex in Virginia, near Dulles airport"
Source:
http://www.genealogyboard.com/coleman/messages/7305.html

Aerocar inc (USA) 1948-1960s

2009-07-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

Aerocar Inc was a company set up by Molt Taylor who had minor success in producing a stubby rounded car that flew! Wings and tail could be attached and car became a plane produced in Longview; Washington

References

History Feature
HISTORY Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1999 SEP Page 118+
(not reviewed by me as of yet)

Mark 1 1951
Popular Mechanics (US) 1951 JAN Page 108 Volume 95 Issue 1
Brief snipet of news and 2 black and white photos

Mark ? 1960
Wheels (Aus) 1960 SEP Page 26-27;89 Volume 13 Issue 5
Preview - A flying car for 4750 pounds sterling feature by Pedr Davis

MARK 3 1965 4 CY LYCOMING
Wheels (Aus) 1965 APR Page 34;74
Preview

MARK 3 1967 4 CY LYCOMING
Motor Trend (US) 1967 MAR Page 84-86
Preview Molt Taylors development continues;from 1951- 1957

I sure later material in the 70s and there was manufacturer who produced a Ford Pinto as Flying car with similar idea of attaching wings and tail

The Company is still alive and kicking -The Latest project converting a Lotus Elise Sportscar to Flight! Offical Website
See www.aerocar.com

History of firm in Wikipedia
Aerocar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAerocar International's Aerocar (often called the Taylor Aerocar) was an American roadable aircraft, designed and built by Moulton Taylor in Longview, ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerocar

Even a place to buy a Aerocar
Aerocar For Sale!Offered for sale is Aerocar N103D, Moulton Molt Taylor's roadable airplanes, flying automobiles, aerocars, vintage Aero Cars, unique in aviation and ...
www.aerocarforsale.com

Other sources utube has Videos of car in Flight as does Google

AEROCAR (USA) 1905-1908

2009-07-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Aerocar was a little known US firm produced by The Aerocar Co. -Detroit,Mich.

So far I presently have 1 reference

1908 2 seater Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1998 APR of a discovery in USA not reviewed as of yet by me but in time will be

AERO (CS) 1932-1953

2009-07-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

Aero were produced by Aero-Flugzeugfbk. Kabes.- Vysocany, Prague
Relatively unknown arounfd the world and most of my information is photos of cars turned up in vintage events or recent discoveries or have turned up for sale

References

1930s -Direct drive Roadster
Your Classic (GB) 1992 NOV Page 7 Discovery in Germany year not determined and not reviewed by myself yet (Your Classic are hard to find these days they were off cause merged with classic & Sportscar as was Old Motor)

662 2 seater 1932
Practical Classics (GB) 2006 Spring page 8 photo of vehicle recent purchase by a Museum in the USA now at Lane Motor Museum; Nashville ; Usa ; www.lanemotormsm.org

Type 10 Cabrio RHD 1930 +dickey
Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1987 JUN Page 161 Volume 15Issue 9 Dealer listing of car that came up for sale in the UK ; concours condition; completely restored must be only one in the UK Thoroughbred Automobiles ; Cardiff (see March 1988 T+cc for bw photo page 166)

Type 30 Cabrio 1935 LHD
Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1987 JUN Page 161 Volume 15 Issue 9 dealer listing; concours condition;Thoroughbred Automobiles ; Cardiff, car is in red

Type 30 Cabrio 1938-Sodomka LHD
Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1987 JUN Page 161 Volume 15 Issue 9
Issue 9

Type 30 Cabrio / Type 50 Sodomka
Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1986 MAY Page 13 Volume 5 Issue 2 a letter from Czechoslavia by Karel Jicinsky; Prague ; Czechoslavia

Chase up Dec 85 issue from Aero Club rep discussion on Aero 50hp cars which 3 had Sodomka bodies one played in film Valento the the good natured; colour and final destiny unknown; 2nd for Mr Kabes Junior the son of the owner ar the Aero factory rumors exist it surives in Eastern Bohemia and 3rd car one the mag discovered was made for a Aero Dealer in Lberec (Reichenberg) in Northern Bohemia ; as far as car being displayed in France we doubt it too; although the factory made a Aero 30 that won Concours de Elegance in Paris in 1935 and 1936 ; Mr Basek who died last year designed the first car the Aero 30hp in 1932 and production started 1934 ; the aero 50hp appeared in 1936 ; then he left the factory and started making machines on his own ; except for engine the aero 50 differed only from the 30 in details top speed was 140kph ; serveral 100 Aero were exported to Western Europe ; Poland ; the Balkans and even Japan and Argentina ; In Switzerland a small factory assembled cars from delivered parts ; we do not believe car magazine featured was made for a Nazi Gerneral but believe it got taken from its owner; no photos

Type 50 Coupe 2 stroke 1939
Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1982 NOV Page 144 Volume 1 Issue 8
Car for sale in the Classifieds but no photo rare coupe 2 stroke magneto engine scuttle tank 1700p carries Reg JRF 77

Type 50 Special Roadster
Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1994 OCT Page 33
Discovered in a private collection in Poland but powered by a-Citroen engine

Type 50 Special Roadster 1939
Road & Track (US) 1990 JUN Page 120-125 Volume 41 Issue 10
a special Road & Track Salon feature of one in the US - pity not reviewed by me as of yet! and owned as at 1990 by Dan Vogelsang; Seattle; Washington

After World War 2 they ended making small economy cars

1949 Aero Minior Saloon a Photo in 1949 at an Baltic Car Show with a Skoda 1101
The Motor (GB) 1949 DEC 21th page 679

ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY (USA) 2001

2009-07-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Advanced Automotive Technology created a Chrysler PT Cruiser as basis for a London like Cab

See Autocar (GB) 2001 MAR 14th Page 17 Volume 227 Issue: 5425modelled on modern Hooper London Cab brief photos and information provided by Autocar US Columist Howard Walker

I have no other information

ADLER MOTORCYLES ( D )

2009-07-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I displayed my research on Adler Cars

This is what I got so far on the Motorcycles not a hell of a lot.. but you don't find this maker readily in this part of the world made by the same maker (hope to add more when I get around to reviewing early issues of Classic Bike as word is getting round and people are donating me their mags..)

Reference

1902 motorcycle 1 of 2 thought to exist!
see Beaded Wheels* (NZ) 1985 FEB-MAR Page 37 Issue #152
and this vehicle turned up for sale in 1985 here in New Zealand in Classified at back of the issue
classified ; last rallied 1974 by SG Pepper; 39 Karnak Cresent; CHCH 4

*Is published by Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc Magazine that also sold to the public here in New Zealand

M100 1949 a road test in German in 1949
Auto Motor und Sport (D) 1949 FEB (not reviewed by me in person)

M250 1953 Only one in GB;Bought ex Germany by Mary Haigh ;displayed at 2001 Classic Bike Show Kemphon Race Course Photo only
CLASSIC BIKE (GB) 2001 JULY page 7

ADLER ( D ) 1900-1940

2009-07-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

ADLER ( D ) 1900-1940 later to be known world wide for their type writers they were a reputable German firm who produced a number of interesting cars and motorcycles
In this part of world here in New Zealand I have never seen one - But a few have turned up outside Europe to United Kingdsom and some some open sports tourers to USA via the 'Spoils of War'

Note: FRENCH FOR ALDER is: AIGLE ( F )

Below are references so far:

History
-------
HISTORY See Auto Quarterly (US) Page 340-367 Vol 15 Issue 4
HISTORY See On Four Wheels (Orbis)1974 Page 34-35 Vol 1 Issue 2

Some of cars that have turned up
-------------------------------

1902 4 seat tonneau turned up for sale No 9 ; spec for veteran rally tel 0049 6150 /52438 poa ;Classifieds -Germany includes small photo
See: Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1996 OCT Page 231 Vol 15 Issue 7

1905-1907 I assume it was History piece in German Language Classic Publication (not reviewed by me I cannot read German)
MOTOR KLASSIC (D) 1986 SEP

1910c - Australian was seeking parts and information in a classified but we no indication of what model but we have his address!

See: Restored Cars (Aus) 1975 SEP-OCT Page 45 Issue 12classfied - Gary Dibley; No 8 Karuah Av; Coffs Harbour; NSW 2450

1911 10/20 PS 4 seater tourer project RHD : Auctions news under the hammer highlights: Brightwells at Leominster 21 March 2007 sold for 6700 pounds
mention in report 10/20PS project car ; found in the woods at Whipsnade GB
until rescued 1965; owner restoring high standard since ; body to complete
See: The Automobile (GB) 2007 MAY Page 19 Vol 25 Issue 3

1925 4 seater tourer Bw photo; part of a Report and b/w photos of The 5th Annual International Federation Rally Della Lagunda May 28-31 1964 ; photos by The Montagu Motor Museum ; 1 of 3 different makers lined up , this car obscured next to a 1929 Fiat Tipo 525N Coupe De Ville sedan & 1927 2 door Tatra
the Alder owned by Spickermann from Germany
See: Veteran & Vintage (GB) 1964 JUL Page 348 Vol 8 Issue 11

1928 Sedan 4 door sedan -black and white photo : Dieter Rohill, Germany car in behind 26 Hanomag rear engined roadster at Tockwith aerodrome 1976 Fiva International Rally held in GB this time part of a feature by Wilson McComb ; photos by Wilson McComb & Caroline Nostrand Hebb

See: Restored Cars (Aus) 1976 NOV-DEC Page 37 Issue 19

1936 SPORTS 10HP one that came up for sale in States in Classifieds no photo Chassis # 93464; eng 209204; seller was P J Nagarvala;Berkerly;Calif

See: Road & Track (US) 1969 OCT Page 133

1937 Junior Sports 2str Triump - Another that turned up for sale in the States -Market place classified ; car needs restoration; c/p Box 459 Hornell; NY 14843 no photo

See: Road & Track (US) 1979 JUN Page 194 Vol 30 Issue 10

1937-8 Junior Sports 2str Triump: -part of photographic feature -Czechoslovakia old cars photographed in Czechoslovakia in 1970 by Trevor Ryan ; car looks like its getting repaired at side of the rd Reg JO-42-62

See: Restored Cars (Aus) 1975 JAN-FEB Page 39 Issue 8

1938 DHC 10HP feature by German Classic Magazine (not reviewed by me) vs 1938 VW Beetle;1938 DKW DHC;1938 Opel Kadett 4D

See: MOTOR KLASSIC (D) 1985 SEP

1938 Diplomat 4D -WOOD BURNER (Coke burner Gas producer)Coke Stoke power ;Reg ;Emil Reichert a retired german school teachers car by Lothar Behr was still running car with this conversion in 1975 Reg: KA-04183 feature by Lothar Behr

See: Wheels (Aus) 1975 AUG Page 52-53 Vol 43 New Series issue 3

1938 Porsche Coupe special Featured on cover of rare and defunct US Classic magazine (not reviewed by me)

See: CAR CLASSICS (US) 1973 DEC

1938-1939 Aerodynamic in German Language classic magaine (not reviewed by me)

See: MOTOR KLASSIC (D) 1997 AUG

1938-1939 Aerodynamic a recent Find and Discovery in the United Kingdom

See: Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1990 NOV Page 39

1939 2.0 Cabrio Finds and Discovery in the US: Originally registed UK 'PX5 75' in 1955 ; serial#206766 in us since 1959 ; used in war years ; Karmann bodied ; present owner George Caddick ;Adler sold in GB in 30s - this one captured - on rub down Army

See: Thoroughbred & Classic Car (GB) 1985 MAY Page 88 Vol 12 Issue: 8

1939 2.0 Limousine Reg: GO-H 939 (D): BW Photo showing line up of Alders at ADLER RALLY -9TH INTERNATIONAL Michelstadt W Germany 1982 ; car is closet to camera part of brief report of the event where 60 different Alders attended part of report edited by Peter Nunn

See: Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1982 NOV Page 125 Vol 1 Issue 8

RENNLIMOUSIN 1939 COUPE (AIR FLOW) Driving Impression today and history by Mike McCarthy "Streamliner Coupe ;Where eagles dare" (not reviewed by me)

See: Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1994 FEB Page 100-105 Vol 12 Issue 11

Morgan 3 wheeler Hybrid Reg DA-04721 (D): BW Photo showing this rare car at ADLER RALLY -9TH INTERNATIONAL Michelstadt W Germany 1982 ; car is closet to camera part of brief report of the event where 60 different Alders attended edited by Peter Nunn

See: Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1982 NOV Page 125 Vol 1 Issue 8

Well more to come....
And then there is the motorcycles to do too...

ADEYER (AUS) 1983

2009-07-05T06:12:00.001-07:00

ADEYER (AUS) appears to be a short lived Australian business attempting to produce a Clenet like 1930s Retro Roadster - but unlike the US counterparts based on Lincoln , Cadillac or Pontiac Chassis - The Adeyer was based on Holden 1 Ton Ute!

The only reference I have is preview story with colour photos

See: SERIES 1 RETRO-CLASS Wheels (Aus) 1983 NOV Page 68-69

ADAMS-HERBERT (US)

2009-07-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

ADAMS-HERBERT (USA)

I don't have any background information on this firm but belief maker is related to ADAMS-FARWELL (USA) see earlier post

And only Reference I have (not reviewed in person by me is following history feature)

See: Auto Quarterly (US) Page 144-146;150 Vol 18 Issue 2

ADAMS-FARWELL (USA) 1904-1913

2009-07-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

ADAMS-FARWELL were little known US Manufacturer and as generally thought only 1 surives today?

References:

History
--------
HISTORY part 1 see: Autocar (GB) 1966 DEC 2nd Page 1180-1182
HISTORY part 2 see: Autocar (GB) 1966 DEC 9th Page 1220-1223
HISTORY see: Auto Quarterly (US) Page 144-151 Vol 8 Issue 2

History Letter Follow up
-------------------------
See: Autocar (GB) 1967 JAN 12th page 38 Vol 126 Issue 3700 they Developed first rotary engine follow up history Dec 66 AC; by Francis Jones ;Studly Oxford

One that may have surived?
------------------------------
1906 2 seater tourer a Colour A4 landscape photo of Adams-Farwell as illustration for essay by Colin Crabbe The Great archivement of early days of car development

See: Antique Automobile (US) 1971 JUL-AUG page 48 Vol 35 issue 4

ADAMS-BROWN (AUS)

2009-07-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Adams-Brown of Australia

This was a company that produced Lotus Super 7 like Clubman open sports 2 seaters which may have been used to train up and coming race car drivers of the time hence name 'Trainer' The Company may have been like the little known British firm known for Sophisicated pedal cars called Barnard who made scaled down formula 3 race cars.

However this was proper Lotus Super 7 like car here is brief road test of one owned by Stan Brown

TRAINER SPORTS 1961 Sportscar World (Aus) 1961 OCT 33-34

ADAMS (GB) 1905-1914

2009-07-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

Adams(GB) 1905-1914 was small British car manufacturing company produced by Adams Manufacturing Co LTD where there are few surivers today

A Brief history of the firm was:
---------------------------------

Motorsport (GB) 1990 AUG page 894-895 "Fragments of Forgotten Makes" #93

Cars that have surived -----------------------

1907 2 seater Mail Phaeton was featured in Column 'By the Way' of now defunct magazine Old Motor

the car was one of 3 believed to suvive in England which has reurned to its hometown of Bedford the car was built on site of Culter-Hammer Europa (makers of control units) LTD descentants of Adams car Company and its chief Executive Mr Vincent Meads handed it over To Bedford Museum; the company bought the car in 1964 and it spent some years at the Old Warden ; car fully restored by Cutler-Hammer; orig condition ; includes photo showing car with man and woman in period dress on their way to the museum

see: Old Motor (GB) 1980 FEB page 4 volume 2 issue 2

1912 2 seater tourer T Anderson car displayed Nov 14 1976 at RAC Vic Veteran Car Rally Reg 095 (Historic) just black and white photo report of that event

See; Restored Cars (Aus) 1977 MAR-APR page 15 issue 21

ADAMS BROTHERS (GB)

2009-07-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

ADAMS BROTHERS (GB)

One of brothers we have dealt with was Herb Adams see post:

Below is some of the references to one particular vehicle which was one of most innovative designs the Adams Brothers Probe which later spawned a number of copies that entered the Kit Car industry in the UK and I believe there is still a similar variey on the market today but more practical then orginal probes (loosely based on the Probe)
in 1981 Kit car version was called a Centaur (GB)produced by CONCEPT CARS LTD (GB)

Concept cars loosly based Probe inspired kit cars

CENTAUR MK1 COUPE form a preview see 25th MAY 1974 Motor Page 58-59
CENTAUR MK2 COUPE form a Hillman imp based kit;Centaur becomes mark 2 Reg OBD 966P and driving impression preview see 1st JAN 1977 Autocar Page 51 and written up by Kit Car Expert and founder of Alternative Car magazine Peter Filby

Probes also modeled by toy mananufacturer Corgi in their smaller Corgi Junior line in 1973 and their larger line

References:

One of Probes came up for sale in Classifieds of the Autocar

see: PROBE Autocar (GB) 1972 JUN 15th page 85 Volume 136 Issue 3974 Classified with no photo it was discribed as white with a deep purple interior -for sale at Leicester address telephone 50791

Finds and Discovery
-------------------
PROBE 15 Reg. LJO948G Alternative Cars (GB) 1981 OCT-NOV page 9 In 1981 turned up and is was for sale

PROBE 15 Reg. LJO948G a letter from a former owner

See: Component Car (GB) 1986 MAR page 46

Car Show 1969 London Show
-------------------------

PROBE 16 EXOTICAR Autocar (GB) 1969 OCT 23rd page 27
powered by 1800cc BMC engine;

ADAMS; HERB

2009-07-05T05:05:00.000-07:00

Herb Adams was a busy US Desigher and constructor of Kit cars particular Beach Buggies based on VW Mechanicals and was active in 1960s to 80s

For a Profile of his word see Road & Track (US) 1978 Semptember (not reviewed bt me as of yet)

and in 1989 working with his son? Mat Adams they produced the VSE JACK RABBIT 2 seater Spyder based on mechanicals of VW Rabbit (Golf) see : Modern Motor (Aus) 1989 APR page 80-81

Kit car manufacturer & Designer PROF USA VSE (USA)

ADAMS, DENNIS -Car Designer

2009-07-05T04:56:00.001-07:00

Dennis Adams

was a well respected and busy British car designer & Constructor known mostly for his work designing much of British Kit car industry cars 1960s -1970s Some of his designs would best discribed as very much out there likes Adams Brothers Probe and some were not popular like unusual ghastly short lived Marcos Mantis 2+2 powered by 2.5 Litre Triumph 6 cylinder less then 40 built

For More Information see under Adams Brothers

In terms the man himself

INTERVIEW of him and Preview of his cars:

See: Component Car (GB) 1986 JUN page 28-30

Classic & Sportscar (GB) 2001 MAR page 138-139 Volume 19 Issue 12 by Richard Hessitine

Recent work in 1986

ROADSTER -Retro 30s Component Car (GB) 1986 JUN page 24-27 preview feature and photos Jaguar based kit,with engines choice from 3.4/6 to a V12

ADAM BRIDGLAND LTD (GB)

2009-07-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

ADAM BRIDGLAND LTD (GB) was a British after market modifier of sports cars here we have a Brief Road tests of Morgan Plus 8 2 seater Roadster

Morgan Plus 8 1972 modified Motor (GB) 1972 DEC 23rd page 18-19

I no other information on this firm

ADAM, LESLIE builder of Camira Coupe Hybrid

2009-07-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

Leslie Adam was an Australian Engineer who created for himself a Electric Rotary Hybrid 1974 years before Hybrids of today have become more fashionable.

His car was called a Camira Coupe and Camira is Aborghinal Word I think from memory for Wind

See CAMIRA COUPE -HYBRID Australian Motor Manual* 1974 JUL Page 46-49 Issue 381 for Preview feature and photograph

Australian Motor Manual is now defunct Australian Monthy Magazine that was in Publication from around 1946 to 1981 (I Have indexed them to 1977) in 1981 magazine was renamed Car Australia who ceased around 1996
In New Zealand Wellington Public Cental Library has most copies 1958-1981 biggest holding and I understand the Archives in Canberra ACT Australia has them all

Note:
However the name Camira would be used on Holden's (General Motors Australia) version of GM J Car which in UK was called Vauxhall Cavalier and in Germany a Opel Ascona of 1984-1988 so obiviously Mr Adam did not patent his cars name

ACYON (F)

2009-07-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

Acyon (I might need to check spelling here as I Believe its spelt differently)

It one of those many unusual amd mostly forgotten cycle cars of 1920s
flimpsy built on bicycle wheels often single oe 2 cylinder engines sort of Ariel Atom of period but not in same league of performance however they built for enthusists as more fun vehicles

The one featured in the reference here was a light car with 2cylinders opposed (Boxer) engine on display held in the Musee Rochetailee - Vintage car Museum in Rhone ; City of Lyon ;France and it was just a photograph

See Restored Cars (Aus) 1980 Page 31 Issue 40

I believe particularly over last few years there have been discovered 1-2 were being restored during early 2000s in the UK and I may actually have reference for it via my website - so I will be coming back to update info

ACTION AGE INC (USA)

2009-07-05T04:19:00.000-07:00

Action Age Incorporated were a US firm that made ATVs. ATVs are All Terrain Vehicles these usually either electic powered or powered by 2 stroke motorcycle engine having 6-8 wheels in open body to seat 4people ; bodies made of fibreglass - Invented by Canadian Firm who still licenses the product around the world to this day called ARGOCAT and in the UK for around 10-12 years the small specialist firm that made bulk of its money in the 60s removing roofs from Ford Consairs and Cortinas called Crayford was main distributor. However when Crayford went belly up Tractor company JCB in the UK stills sells the vehicle

these were in the thing in the late 1960s to 70s made popular by US TV Series "The Banana Splits" ATV's were also featured in TV series set on the Moon in Future 'Space 1999'

While focus of the reference here is US Firm

Scambler ATV 1970 see Motor Trend (US) 1970 MAY page 86-90;92
Part of a feature on ATV's available in US preview with brief bios and photographs

ACME SPECIAL -NZ

2009-06-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

ACME SPECIAL
This was New Zealand Racing Special which used the Ford V8 powered from the Parry Thomas Flat Iron Special -the driver is unknown; single seater and here we have only one listing so far - However I would advice the REader to Read Graham Vercoes Book on Race Cars in New Zealand and refer to often to NZ Classic Driver who is last 5-6 years are producing articles of much of the unknown and never published Kiwi racing Specials

Listing I have is a period black and white photo of the car in 1950s as documented by NZ Vintage Car Club Inc own publication called 'Beaded Wheels'
Photo at Ohakea in 1950s Supplied by Jim Maud

see : Beaded Wheels (NZ) 1982 JUN-JUL page 20 issue 136

ACE Service Station (GB)

2009-06-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

ACE Service Station (GB) based in London It was a British Garage particularly in the 1950s that offered performance kits of British saloon cars particularly British Fords these were in the main twin carb kits and other engine modfications in various stages of tune:

Articles
Ford CONSUL MK1 1954-2 Carb -Preview
see Autocar (GB) 1954 JAN 22th page 118

CONSUL MK1 / ZEPHYR -Modifications a Technical Analysis comparsion with other tuners
Ace' Zephyr; 'Boon & Peter' Zephyr;Aquaplane Zephyr' 'Prudents Consul
see Autocar (GB) 1954 JUN 9th page 713-714

ACCAMO &MONETA ( I )

2009-06-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

ACCAMO & MONETA ( I ) are are Small Specialised Italian Coachbuilding House that develops prototypes behind the scenes for other companies and builds conversions of production cars

here I have one entry so far
LANCIA DELTA 1500 CABRIO 4 door
Coachbuilding by Accamo & Moneta-Design Analysis

see: Auto & Design ( I ) 1983 APR-MAY page 65-67

NoteS on Auto & Design is a excellent Design Magazine that is produced in English and Italian together. Probably the best magazine for the analysis of design of much of worlds cars written by the designers themselves in many cases! - sadly not often found and in this part of the world -its bloody expensive it comes out 6 times a year and when i last looked 1 magazine in 2005 would cost $42.00 New Zealand
I got copies from 1979-1987 and have indexed them

ACADIAN (CND)

2009-06-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

ACADIAN of Canada

This is the Canadian maker of much of US Chevrolets that was manufactured in Canada or sold for export markets that required RHD conversions and were sold under US name plates

However a few found there way to markets outside Canada with the Acadian name particularly the United Kingdom, Europe and even as far as New Zealand! Most were Right hand drive

Sadly much of British vehicles have been destroyed in Banger Races at likes of 'Fire Cracker' which is held around Guy Fowkes Day 5th November each year at Webbley Stadium for bigger cars -I hope to post here some of those vehicles

Outside Canada there is not a hell lot of information:

Cars also know as BEAUMONT (CND)

BEAUMONT Conv 1962 (Nova shape) 194ci 6cylinder turned up for sale in New Zealand although this one is LHD

classified 89000m ; original LHD permit well maintained many new parts rare $14900; also for sale Mar 1993 issue p80 carried NZ Registration number FI 618 (NZ)
and was Red with white hood and was for Sale by John of Auckland
see NZ Classic Car 1994 JAN page 90 Vol 4 Issue 1

BEAUMONT 4door sedan 1964-1965 in a brief news story and black and white photo

see Autocar (GB) 1964 OCT 2nd page 669B

BEAUMONT 1965 Auto was for sale 1965 in a Dealer Classified discribed as Gold metallic, 1495 pounds sterling and the dealer as of 1965 was Oakthorpe Motor Co.

see The Motor (GB) 1966 APR 2nd page 130

BEAUMONT COUPE 1966 in a news story similar to Chev Maibu but different body

see Autocar (GB) 1966 JUN 17th page 1286

BEAUMONT 4 door sedan 1969 Hot Rod fitted with a 355V8 ;NZ Reg GA 3159;Terry O Neils car since 1978 however question market does it surive as one was recorded years ago of being destoyed by fire here in New Zealand was this the one?

see NZ HOT ROD 1981 SEP page 43

AC PROPULSION (USA) Calif

2009-06-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

AC PROPULSION (USA) California company that develops zero emission cars before Electric hybrids became trendy most of cars appear to be prototypes only

Below are 2 news stories

HONDA CIVIC 3D-Electric Road & Track (US) 1995 JUL page 69 a preview feature

tZERO ROADSTER -electric Autocar (GB) 1997 JAN 15th page 15 brief news story of a Lotus Elise size Sports Roadster

AC Ecosse 1988

2009-06-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Another more modern update of AC ME 3000
called AC Ecosse developed by AC Scotland - First making light of day 1988

A modern test (driving impression)
'Something completely different' by Danny Hopkins photo John Colley inc test Reg F956 ONM ;what might have been - AC Scotland - David MacDonald - 2.0TC Alfa R ex 1988 Motor show car 1 of 2 other has 2.5V6 ; Phil Bevans car ?
See
Practical Classics (GB) 2003 SEP page 48-52 issue 10

AC-CHRYSLER (USA)

2009-06-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

Right you may ask:

Why we have I not done AC itself? or its proper name Auto Carriers

- Well its not that unusual however some of its spin offs are - Here we have one of them:

During late 60s -70s AC invested buckets of money developing a mid engine 2 seater to replace the thirsty AC 428 powered by a 3.0 Ford Zodiac / Ford Capri 3.0V6 ; The vehicle was based on a prototype called Diabo which was developed by 2 British men using of all things a Austin Maxi engine! Later by 1973 shown at Earls Court Show AC ME3000 made its light of day but it was not until late 1970s 1978-1979 Production actually begin and there was number of teething problems with the car - However plans to put car to US market were put on hold as 3.0V6 did not meet emission requirements and was somewhat underpowered by the Catalyst equipment placed on US spec cars (see Rover 3500SD1 power otput was really screwed!) - Some 3.0V6s did go there with Turbo Power provided by Relient Specialist Robin Rew as private imports
However a US Company called AC-CHRYSLER developed AC ME 3000 with 2.2 Turbo 4
US AC 3000;Car was considerably updated with a smoother bodywork instead of 3 0 Ford V6 engine fitted, the use of Chrysler 2.2 engine; cars built by Shelby in the (USA)

question - How many were made I heard 1 are there more?
AC-CHRYSLER (USA)
1 was Road Tested
see
Motor Trend (US) 1983 MAY Page 56;57;60

and the 1 only claimed was discovered

see Classic & Sportscar (GB) 2003 OCT page 25 and as of 2003 it 1 off - come out of storage -currently on offer for sale

Aburnsons of Sussex - A British coachbuilder

2009-06-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

Although as I am going through unusual makes I also looking at Unusual Coachbuilders

Aburnsons of Sussex - Now I do not have much of this coachbuilder as of yet but no doubt as I wade through 25 years of that most excellent Vintage magazine -The Automobile and others I will find more so far I am up to July 1987

Post ww2 it was big business to convert sedans and jeeps to traditional Woody Aburnsons did one on a Bentley discussed here

However this photo of one comes from Classic & Sportscar

Bentley mk vi woody 1949 Estate (Wagon)
Brits calls these wagons or Estates 'Shooting Brakes'
See
Classic & Sportscar (GB) 1988 SEP page 91 Vol 7 Issue 6
Black and white photo period press photo 1949 when new by Aburnsons of Sussex; part of a feature 'off the peg' - of a comparsion Bentley mk V1 vs. RR Silver Dawn ; feature by Giles Chapman and Martin Buckley ; photo by Derek Goad

ABRAMS (USA) Miltary Tank

2009-06-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

ABRAMS (USA) is Military Tank Manufacturer that as of 1982 was Made by Chrysler (USA) under supervision of the Army at Lima! Of cause things would have changed somewhat since Chrysler various woes over last 20+ years even currency as it goes bust

Below is a Road Test of one which is quite rare to find in a car magazine and was done in 1982

Its a Abrams M1 TANK -powered by Gas Turbine engine Test
Gas- Turbine engine developed by Lycoming; Automatic; top speed limited 50mph; 0-50 sec in 45 seconds; M1 replacement for M60A3 Tank Built for a 10 year production run of 150 per month; used extensively still as of 1996 as main US Tank and as of 2000 this was website for more information http://www.army-technology.com/projects/abrams/

See
Motor Trend (US) 1982 APR Page 63;66-68

Abingdon Motorcycles

2009-06-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Been a while since Feb -March 2009 (apart from the website at www.carmagreviews.co.nz I am busy daily documenting from cover to cover The Automobile ; Classic & Sportscar and other mags off line where I decided to give references to more unusual makers where sadly on net there little around

Today its Abingdon Motorcycles an early assume British maker and have only 2 references so far

Strange Famous Kiwi Politican called King Dick Seddon but I doubt if this is related

1910 King Dick with Wicker Chair
where one came up for sale in classified in the magazine
Dealer listing photo single speed belt drive ; recent restored from dealer
Peter Harper; Stretton Housex ; Streetton (Via Warrington) Cheshire
see magazine
Collectors Car (GB) 1980 JUN Page 63 Issue 10

1912 King Dick 500cc V Twin M/c
Where there was inquiry in classifieds from an owner in Australia below was his address as of 1975
classif; wanted info ; parts by P Barges ; 13 Propstring St; Curtin ACT 2605
See magazine
Restored Cars (Aus) 1975 MAY-JUN Page 50 Issue 10

ACME MOTOR COMPANY (USA) 1904-1910 /1920s

2009-02-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

ACME MOTOR COMPANY (USA) 1904-1910 /1920s

History references
Automobile Quarterly (US) Volume 8 Issue #3 Page 240 brief history (not reviewed by me)

Oct 1996 Automobile Quarterly (US) Volume 35 Issue #4 Page 6-15

Trucks & Buses 1920s Pictorial History
see Sep-Oct 1988 Antique American Automobile (US) Volume 52 Issue #5 not reviewed by me)

An Auction
1916 Truck? see March 1983 The Automobile (GB) Page 66 Volume 1 Issue #2 part of auction report Under the Hammer highlights 1982 just a mention 1916 Acme solid tyre truck? by Michael Worthington-Williams at 1982 CALVIN BROWN & LEON CASET Auctioners Fennevillle Mich

Motorcycle side of the business
Review 1949 model Australian Motor Manual issue 23 page 49 (not reviewed)
also in Australia a Motorcycle of unknown year came up for sale see November-December 1974 Restored Cars (Aus) Page 48 Issue #7 classified;unres;mint Contact Allan Hunt;593 Armidale Rd;Tamworth 2340

ACM LTD (GB)

2009-02-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

ACM LTD (GB)

These were British manufacturers and distributors for last adaption of successful Bonito that began life in the US made by FIBERFAB called Fiberfab Avenger (note Bonito is the European name for Avenger!) has GT40 like front end and very loosly based on that being around since late 1960s

As FIBRAFAB (USA) a Us company around 1967-1982 and many of world famous kit cars were designed and manufactured by this maker there address 1966-1967 was at
548 Baldwin St, Dept KCG, Bridgeville , PA 15017
PROFILE OF COMPANY see October 1966 Car & Driver (US) Page 35-37

Road & Track magazine built US car Avenger GT see
August 1967 Road & Track (US)Page 107-109 and driving impression of car that was Chec Corvair powered which recorded in the article that Chev Corvair powered 110bhp; Popular kit car 1200 made of which 145 sold in Holland!
see August 1967 Road & Track (US) Page 110-111

an improved Avenger GT was:
AVENGER GT-12 Valkyrie see Petersen KIT CAR GUIDE Annual (US)1977 preview

has had a succession of distributors over the years which can get quite complex

in Britain car was called 1970s -1980s the EXCALIBUR see BONITO (GB)
then Later in the mid 80s sold under the brand Seraph Cars Ltd and then sold n under name Excalibur (GB)

Outside the USA before they came to the uK they were first available in Europe in Germany by a company called Bonito (D)Originally available in Germany since 1970/71, it was not made available to Britain. Manufactured under license in Britain with some improvements by ACM Ltd,Poole,Dorset. until 1983 where the British company had severe cash flow problems, company re-organized and new company AED International Ltd in Cornwall re-released the car.

For references on the car
Bonito (D) & (GB) See
June 1983 Alternative Cars (GB) page 70 brief news
Feb-March 1982 Alternative Cars (GB) Page 60-63 a Preview
Jul-August 1982 Alternative Cars (GB)Page 87 a brief test - test car had fitted a VW based kit 1680cc

and 4 car comparsion driving impression of one see 31 July 1982 Autocar (GB) Page 32-35 vs 3 other VW based kits these been Eagle SS, RSK Spyder & Uva Montage.

ACL of Libradois ( F ) 1970-

2009-02-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

ACL of Libradois ( F ) 1970- later later Marketed as a Renault

Generally Renault 4 based Cross country vehicle later sold as a Renault
and Renault R6

News & Views Feature

Rodeo x country vehicle 7cwt see 9th July 1970 Autocar(GB)Page 32 Volume 133 Issue #3878

Rodeo x country vehicle 7cwt see Feb 1971 Motor Trend (US) Page 22

Rodeo x country vehicle 7cwt 1974 displayed at displayed Geneva Show 1974;part odf a report by David Scott ;this one based on Renault 6 mech
see August 1974 Motor Magazine International ( J )Page 53 Volume 2 #8

ACHE FRERES

2009-02-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

ACHE FRERES

I cannot say I know anything about this make but there is white one in the United Kingdom
1900 7hp 1cy trike 2 seater Reg DL-74 ; a photo of a competitor at the 1992 London to Brighton Run owned by Mrs Michel Lapadu; part of a feature inc colour photos by Rob Knight 6th Nov 1992 see copy of report in June-July 1993 Beaded Wheels Page 44 Issue # 202

ACF (US) -1953

2009-02-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

ACF ACF means American Car and Foundary Factory in Detroit?

City Transit Bus Single Deck
See April 1987 The Automobile Page 45 Volume 5 Issue # 2
regarding:
A discovered photo of one Commercially Speaking ; Discovered Photo Nick Baldwin looks through his drawers of interest Photo sourced from AEC who used to base its Q Models of mid 30s (bus looks very modern 1950-60s!); ACF were American Car and Foundary Factory in Detroit? ; ACF at taken over the Bus part of Fageol business in 1925 while ACF last a little longer until 1953

ACE Formula Junior Race car 1957c ?

2009-02-13T18:36:00.000-08:00

Ace
that a FJ? Single Seater 1957 a photo of one took partt in Competing at Wigram Wings & Wheels 1995 nz- A Flying Farewell part 1 practice part of a report and colour photos; Race # 13 (FJ?) of Graeme Hamilton part of a report by Trish Duffy

For reference of photo see April 1995 NZ Classic Car Page 77 Volume 5 Issue # 4

ACE (USA) 1919 -1942

2009-02-13T18:25:00.000-08:00

ACE (USA) 1919 -1942

More associated with motorcycles they did produce a car although briefly my references for particularly motorcycles is poor at this stage but no doubt more may be added in coming months whn i continue to document further issues of The Automobile, Beaded Wheels produced by the NZ Vintage Car Club INc and Classic Bike

so far :
HISTORY
July 1998 Automobile Quarterly (US) Page 78-91 Volume 38 Issue No 1

a mention of car
Letter from a reader who has parts of one January 1994 NZ Classic Car Page 82 Volume 4 Issue # 1 Letter from reader to reply Hans Compter feature on Odd ball Americans Sept 1993 reader owns a Continental plus parts for another as well as an Ace - knows 2 Ace owners in Aussie who have heard of 2 further Continentals there ; Reader also has collection Rugbys & Durants .

Motorcycles

1922 MOTORCYCLE
See November-December 1973 Restored Cars (Aus) Page 28 Issue #1 a motorcycle belonging to Peter Gross of Geelong Vic bike ; 1200cc now 1400cc Simms carb 4 cyl in line is featured and discussed in depth
Then same bike photographed taking in an event see Jan-Feb 1974 Restored Cars (Aus)Peter Gross of Geelong ;Vintage motor cycle club of victoria est 64 ;sept 16 1973 event ; club feature

ABF (GB) 1920s-30s

2009-02-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

ABF (GB) 1920s-30s note ABF = All British Ford

Not a hell of lot of information on these cars and I am unsure when they last ceased production?

History References
BRIEF HISTORY June 1997 The Automobile (not reviewed so far as of yet)
BRITISH RACER, Brief History November 1996 Motorsport (GB) page 1192-1193
Letter from a former driver giving memories of see January 1997 Motorsport (GB)Page 47

One that came up for sale
1918-22 V4 2 stike racing single seater see July 1986 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 152 Volume 13 Issue #10 Classified ; Ex 1921 Harvey/Oliver Brooklands 200 mile car featured road tests 31 Aug 1923 Light Car & 11Sep 1923 The Motor ; res ; offers Sussex he advert cross references to test of vehicle when new (not reviewed by me in person as of yet)

see 11th September 1923 The Motor (GB)
and 31st August 1923 Light Car (GB)

ABC WINDWAGON - 1910 (GB)

2009-02-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

ABC WINDWAGON - 1910 (GB)
built by built by Granville Bradshaw
The only reference for above is so far:
for a abc WINDWAGON -Granville Bradshaw 1910 (GB) a photo of one see August 1996 Classic & Sportscar (GB)Page 113 Volume 15 Issue #5

ABC MOTORS LTD (GB) 1920-1929

2009-02-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

ABC MOTORS LTD (GB) 1920-1929

Over last few years more is coming out of these unusual British air cooled cars and more stuff will be added over the year

so far Brief History feature in
July 1990 Motorsport (GB) Page 732-734
and
Automobile Quarterly (US) Volume 15 Issue # 1 Page 10;13;20 on a low slung chassis re-appeared 1979 (not reviewed by me in person)

Letters on
2 SEATER SPECIAL 1921 by a previous owner who had Converted to water cooled Reg AV6121 see May 1979 Motorsport Page 621-622

Letters on ABC Gear Change -Comments on its unusual transmission
see 4th November 1955 Autocar (GB) Page 777 by W K Bunting; Harrow; Middlesex
and another letter on 18th November 1955 Autocar (GB) Page 858 (where unfornately I did not record the writer)

One for sale
2 SEATER SPECIAL 1921 see August 1999 NZ Classic Car Page 117 Volume 9 and Issue no 8 that was for sale privately here in New Zealand 1203cc ;NZ Reg NY 24??

(note ?? means little letters are missing or I could not read it)

They also produced a Scooter

as one turned up in a Auction:

1919 Skootamota (scootar) see March 1983 The Automobile (GB) Page 64 Volume 1 Issue #2 -Auction of vehicles not normally done by this concern they been JOHN FRANCIS & THOMAS JONES & SONS Auctions 1982 -bidding was brisk for 1919 ABC Skootamotor No 2992 Reg BX 2222 one owner from 1920 ; aunt of deceased -that her Aunts bike died age 87 Margaret Marion Evelyn Jones part of report on the Auction by Michael Worthington-Williams
carries chassis number 2992 1st owner was Margaret Marion Evelyn Jones

a Motorcycle turned up at a auction
3hp motorcycle 1921 see August 1961 Veteran & Vintage (GB) Page 394 Volume 5 Issue #12 at the Veteran & Vinage Car Auction BEAULIEU Auction June 17 1961 part of a report by the late Michael Sedgwick

ABBOTT-DETROIT

2009-02-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

ABBOTT-DETROIT

Model 44 1912
The oly refenence I have at this stage comes from November-December 1971 Antique Automobile (US)Page 73 Volume 35 Issue # 6 where a dealer had one for sale in the classifieds of this most excellent publication no other details

If I find more I will be adding

ABEL BLACKBURN & CO LTD see BLACKBURN see NORFOLK

2009-02-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

ABEL BLACKBURN & CO LTD
Manufactured by A Blackburn & Co ; Cleckeaton ; Yorkshire GB
made for Norfolks cars 1904-1905 ; some texts say until 1910

see cross refences to NORFOLK (USA) & (GB) -1904-1910; BLACKBURN (GB)

with regard to Blackburn this small reference to making commercials
BLACKBURN (GB)Commercials Brief history 1908-1939

see May 1997 Classic and Vintage Commercials (GB)Page 34 Volume 2 Issue #9
Below
a very brief snipet of history part of a weekly series A to Z of Classic Commercials series part 21 Bernard to BMC ; Blackburn makers of Nolfolk cars 1904-1905 ; then added 10 and 20hp commercials from 1908

and as for NORFOLK (USA) /(GB) -1910 there small brief history on the maker
see July 1982 Motorsport (GB) page 882-883 given in a letter by Steve Dickance of Yorkshire

ABADAL

2009-02-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

ABADAL

A maker that has troubled historians over the years
The only History feature I have found is from the defunct magazine September 1969 Car Classics (US)

& there is a refences to Abadal converted Buick
a Buick Victoria Touring 1918 see May 1981 Old Motor (GB) Page 3 Volume 3 Issue 5
No photo; Puzzled historians in a private collection in Seattle ; this one of Francisco Abadal letter efforts previous work was the near Alfonso Hispanos which provenace puzzles historians ; basically this Buick is Buick 6 dressed up in a European manner with detachable wire wheels and v radiator RHD and right hand gear change

AA whether this is an actual maker?

2009-02-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

AA

AA is this actual make as I have heard of AA Bunside?

1913 Charabac 15 seater step
Photo see May 1983 The Automobile (GB) page 71 Volume 1 Issue No 3 a photo showing newly restored vehicle conveying Mayor of Middleborough with actress the late Pat Phoenix (famous for one stars of long running British TV soap Cornonation Street produced by Granada TV) -opening new Middlebrough Bus Station -Commercial Corner column

A LEVEL (SU)

2009-02-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

A LEVEL (SU)

This new manufacturer in Russian .A small company that designs and builds specialised cars in small runs here they took a mid 1950s to mid 60s Volga Russian car convert the 4 door saloon to a attractive coupe and rebuilt it using BMW power - Quite an impressive piece of machinery!!
I only got one reference so far (Lot later modern suff 2002-2005 I not yet added) but no doubt of every major publication around this period would feature it - I believe they may still be around

Volga V12 Coupe -BMW 850CSL engine see March 2003 NZ Driver Page 90-93
a level Volga V12 ; imspired by Volga sedan 1957 (GAZ-21)but a coupe and wider based on mechanics of a BMW 850CSL running gear 6spm;its debut Paris Show 2002
for more information see their website www.alevel.ru

A & M (GB) 1989 -

2009-02-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

A & M (GB) 1989 -
EX2 Coupe 1999 an feature occur ed in December 1998 Kit Car International (GB) a British magazines that looks at kit and alternative cars I have not reviewed this magazine myself (Although Indexed its predecessor Alternative Cars 1979-1986)

A.M.G of Gothenburg ( S ) 1903

2009-02-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

A.M.G of Gothenburg ( S ) 1903

a Swedish firm where not much is known about them from English publications so far...the only reference is a few lines sourced from a Feature on Swedish cars published in 1992 by a Dutchman who sells classic exotic cars here in NZ and in Europe

see October 1992 NZ Classic Car Page 38 Volume 2 Issue 10 and its only thought that 9 were made using German 2 cyl German engines

A.E.L (GB) see Assoc Electrical Industries LTD

2009-02-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

A.E.L were a British company involved in developing a British Electric car (and may have had association with Chloride batteries who themselves through the 1970s and 80s produced a number of prototype electric cars using other manufacturers cars?) and whom constructed a Austin Mini Traveller (Estate car or wagon) to run on batteries
below is reference to them and driving impression and preview of the vehicle

see 25th March 1966 Autocar (GB) page 636-637

Car makers beging with A unusual Refences from magazines first ABAM see Krieger

2009-02-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

Below is a record of the references to many worlds cars particularly interest will be makers many of you have found difficulties finding -what you see below is not complete and will be continually added in years to come - many makers will be know my other names some are not totally in 'pure' alfa order die to makers having initials

Lets make a start

A.B.A.M (D) this was name for Krieger's sold in Germany KRIEGER ( F ) 1898-1909
for references on Krieger are:
History Feature see On Four Wheels (Orbis) a Car encyclopedia in weekly parts my edition is Firirst Edition published 1973-1975 see page 1123-1124

Black & White Photo of one in 1957 a ELECTRIC BROUGHAM 9th January 1957 The Motor (GB) Page 925 photo shows bought out of Chloride Batteries Museum to ferry employees to Meetings during the fuel crisis of 1957-1958

1904 Town Carriage -Electric see 2nd November 1967 Autocar (GB) Page 23 Volume 127 Issue 3742 a black white photo of former Duke of Westminster car ; displayed as of 1967 at the London Science Museum

carmagreviews I am back to blog 2009

2009-02-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

14 Feb 2009

Well after 8 months I finally decided to add more...

I don't know how many people see the blog but no doubt the more makers i add - more of you will take note and be referred to my web site www.carmagreviews.co.nz which would be cool

My strategy this year is do more on blogs and freely join in to many of forums around the world and freely provided references to people from magazines i have documented in efforts to get my site used more - Many of you do not know I exist and stumbled upon me via 'Google' of 'Fire Fox' even some of you are using your iphones!

its made it more difficult to increase my awareness because after much letters to magazines I hitting a wall of silence -the respective editors ; General Managers ; Marketing managers & many of magazine editors around the world they have not reported me in the news section of magazines or done a story on me even when i have provided or offered material - only about 1/10 of my letters answering readers enquiries of cars in letters of editor's have they published! (When I have their answers!!!) - 1 Kiwi Publication is prepared for me set up Question & Answer column in coming months that is NZ Vintage Car Club Beaded Wheels magazine where i will be in March-April 2009 Publication

Many Magazines have not realised I have creating further awareness and increased sales of their respective magazines around the world in a small way

Why their reluctance?
1/. I have not written any books - Well I have not got time to write books - This is my book my site and database
2/ I promote their competition as well
3/ Many of their columnists or historians could be out of a job -Although I do not believe this would be the easy - i add value to their work

Back to it
- My site has kept me busy although I have got more to add (later today 14 th Feb 2009) lately I being doing the bigger off line database index of older magazines - Currently I am working through the gaps in my collection and indexing
Thoroughbred & Classic Cars 1975-1985 gaps
Classic & Sports car 1982-1986
The Automobile so far I am up to June 1987 yep lot more to do ( I received all 25 years worth for free last year!)
Practical Classics 1982-1984

I finished last year
Auto Itala 1996-2007April (To return this month..)
Old Motor 1979-1981

Still to add
Classic Bike (I received a donation from Weltec here in Wellington)
Cars & Spare Parts 1990-1996
4x4 Australia with older issues of NZ4WD

I will continue with Italian unusual cars i started over a year ago - i started years back now that I have finished documenting Auto Italia mag itself - I did try to get some pictures of cars from other sites but many of Italian car clubs were not prepared to oblige in fact i received a abrupt and angry email from a Belgian who owns a few Lombardis Abarth who flately refused my request for photos of his car even I offering to link back to his site this guy is NUTS! his loss I say! :)

and so I am starting a new Topic covering all makers from A to Z which will take some time which will keep me busy for next few years - this will give where references can be found on those cars and cross references to other names on see my next blog

Cheers Julian

Car Magazine Profiles from those starting with A

2008-06-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Below are excepts from my web site in terms of actual magazines profiles themselves these are my own opinions, researched in some cases like Autocar magazine - been exposed to 61 years of their magazines from cover to cover!

Then there are many sites out there reviewing magazines in terms of their profile (some are just skeltons with information grabbers that grab other peoples reviews and hard work and no doubt this will be grabbed)

but none I believe have had 61 years of experience in my 34 years reviewing Automotive magazines behind them

I Believe below are the definite works:

Lets begin with the A's

Auto Italia

A Relatively recent glossy magazine from 1996. This is a specialist and highly sought after magazine for those who own, drive and wish to own Italian Cars.

The features are very well researched and cover previews and road tests of cars available in Europe and Britain.

There is always a new cars tested although they are more advertorial but sometimes there is extensive section on buying a particular Italian cars and reports on Motorsport events are included.

Many cars to drool over!

New Entry Oct 4 2007 / Update 8th June 2008

After going through just over 77 magazines lent to me from cover to cover 1999-2007 documenting almost everthing - I now find myself questioning the first entry. Yes this is a high quality magazine but there are times when the quality is not what it should be.

There are many instances I have discovered with the so called tests of new cars that quality is questionable most serve as glorified advertorial and somethings it is not clear of a selection cars shown in the photos which is the car that actually was tested and what model! (most frustrating...!)

Although they are first to gain access in Italy to the latest Italian cars which is good but you have to raise the question : How tight are they with the manufacturers? Therefor as I have often observed in my opinion there has not been as much critizm of a particular car vs other magazines.

On The Classic and Historic front this is usually first class and in many cases offers additional material over other contemporary Classic magazines which have featured the exact same vehicles but an annoying trend is to profile or drive a classic car but not state the actual year or model which is frustrating for enthusists like myself.

Are these instances caused by its writers enjoying too much of of a good time samping the vino and forgetting the job at hand! :)

Issued: Monthly Availability:
Editor Phil Ward (his son Michael contributes with him to many of the photos; although both seem to be on site and there has been the odd situation where only 1 photo has been taken and both have claimed they have done it; so does one hold the camera for the other or is it simply one takes the photos while other develops hmmmm....)

For Kiwis

Very few retailers. Although Whitcoulls & Books and More has been known to stock it and usually those with extensive magazine offerings

Libraries in NZ: No one! Pity!
Fiat Club NZ -Wgtn has 77 copies since Aug 1999 to April 2007 (I temporarly have those which will be going back later this month lent to me by David Brise) and no doubt later editions

TradeMe: Rare to find it -Only Noticed a few turn up over the last 2 years

Indexed by me off -line : Aug 99 #36- April 2007 #131 in depth to Chassis no, ownership ship details etc
Listed On the my website January 2006 -April 2007

Source www.carmagreviews.co.nz

Australian Classic Car

Produced originally as an off-shoot of NZ Classic Car? (or were they at one stage a seperate entity) in the early 1990s by Australian Classic Motoring Press.

Features in their early days sometimes shared with those of the NZ magazine and the format and coverage was similar in its earlier days and in fact currently format similar still to NZ Classic Car in late 1990s!

Features include reader’s cars, restoration and workshop tips, and history.

Some of its earlier features were far superior for a time over its NZ Equivalent in my opinion!

For Kiwis

Issued: Monthly Availability: Impossible to find

Have not seen it stocked in New Zealand for some years Australian Distributorship of Magazines and newspapers has always been poor! (I know this from an earlier life as an Australia media Rep..when I worked for APN)

Libraries in NZ: No one stocks it! Pity Please send an email to julian.walls@xtra.co.nz

TradeMe: Rarely comes up very occassionaly particularly 1995-1998 period and these are highly sought!

Source www.carmagreviews.co.nz

Australian Muscle Car
Wow! What can I say -Probably the best magazine to come out of Australia in years if not the world!

The coverage is extensive. Wealth of information is impressive and writing is very detailed and researched. Covers any ‘muscle car’ that was either built, designed or raced in Australia

The Magazines hit the newsstands and they disappear quickly like zoooooooooooom!

Issued: Bi-Monthly Availability: (although I wish they put month issues on the cover as opposed to numbers!) Most magazine retailers, but you have got to be quick!

For Kiwis

Libraries in NZ: No one stocks it as far as I know, although Wellington Public Library has #19 as free sample from the local distributors! and as of April 2008 it was still there

Personal Collection: I have most of them since #8 Please send an email to julian.walls@xtra.co.nz if you know who does

TradeMe: Early Issues particularly Issue #1-3 can fetch up to $120 NZ each! later issues commonly in the teen #s bids from $25-45 each! Indexed by me: From issue #8 to the latest.
I understand they have produced a CD of their earlier issues thats worth looking for!

Source my web site www.carmagreviews.co.nz
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Autocar (UK)

The longest serving car magazine in the world. This has been going strong since 1895,apart from the printing strikes in the seventies. They even printed during World War I and II!

Format has changed a number of times over the year, but the most notable change was when the Australians of Cropley and Co showed the Brits how it should be done. During the seventies in my opinion the magazine (like its weekly competitor Motor) was bit of a dogs dinner full of advertisements with little in the way of car features.

Many of its early technical features were aimed at academic circles and not aimed at the average persons in the street (high-brow stuff with partial extracts from engineering seminars!).

Autocar took over Motor in 1987 and for a time the magazine was sold as Autocar & Motor until
the Motor name was dropped quietly in the 1990s. In present form its a full glossy magazine, often one of first with pictures of new cars. Road tests are extensively detailed, and it is still the best in the world in this arena in my opinion. (as word Test by others has been abused!)

However the Sports Reports are complete CRAP! Who cares what happens behind the scenes? - clearly you aiming this at E Channel Audience who have age mentality of less then 6 years old

Looking back in 1950s-1980s you produced very good reports if not excellent - although in the 19 50s you would often say "1st British home' and you spent 1-2 pages on a Brit coming 3rd while the actual non Brit winner would recieve several lines of text but still it was a bloody REPORT!Clearly you need to Pull your head in -In this AREA!

Issued: Weekly
Editor: Chas Hallet

For Kiwis

Availability: Whitcoulls and most magazine shops (although if you want the latest by air this can be expensive)

Libraries in NZ: Most central public libraries around the country stock it. National Library (Wellington) has it from 1947 (although I am told there are a very few in the veteran period as attested by fellow historians and car club researchers ).

Wellington public library used to have most from 1947 but last year turfed them out and now these only go as far back as 1986!!!

Road Test annuals since 1965 -1980 go to National Library (Palmerston North in Tremaine Street) for a look where there are also heaps of car manuals 1906-1985, which is not commonly known).

Indexed by me: extensively and reviewed 1947-2001. I also reviewed Motor 1947-1973 and 1982-1987.

source my website www.carmagreviews.co.nz
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obscure Italian Car Makers & Models begining with A

2008-06-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

Its been almost a year since I last posted here as my own website keeps me very busy as its very labour intensive it can take up to 3 hours to one hand type a issue of Classic & Sportscar magazine (as theres a hell of a lot of guff before you reach the features sometimes guys loose a few columists will you?) vs 30 minutes to do the weekly Autocar of the UK (Its not as good as it once was..pity The Racing Reports are complete crap!)

- I had intended to carry on with this series months ago but I was waiting until I had finished the 77 Auto Italias lent to me in May 2007 (soon to be returned) by David Brise of the Fiat Club NZ I covered the period in depth of everything in those magazines from March 1999 to April 2007
2006-2007 is on line while 1999-2007 I have another database on 300+Excel Spread sheets which records on particular car what it is where it can be found, who owns it who formally owned it ; did it race? when was it built? What s the chassis number whats the Reg new vs now ; Who Restored it etc

My Function and focus is to give you readers some references rather then going into any great depth on history of the cars _ i sure they many experts out there who know a hell lot more then I do

So to start todays post we going to start from A and work away through Z - I had originally done Lombardi way back in June 2007 (as its always interested me this unusual maker as 6 or so turned up in Right Hand Drive form in Australia in 1971) However in trying to gain photos I recieved nil response Efforts to gain photos from other european websites and clubs even when I asked permission drew a strong no particarly from a guy in Belgium which is sad that some enthusists are bit selfish with their images and ability to help others so I ask those of you who have photos of cars to reply to my blogg

Good place to start would Carlo Abarth's company . Most Italian enthusists associate Abarth as a company that modifies exsisting cars particularly Fiat true thats how they started and more less what they are today although they are owned by Fiat
So rather then going into the History itself I present you the reader to read up on it yourself
as per always give references

Note in brackets
(Aus) =Australia
(GB) =Great Britain / United Kingdom
(I) = Italy
(NZ) = New Zealand
(US) = United States

Book References (These are Reviews I referenced)

Abarth Guide FAZA -by A S Cosentino and Nigensha; USA - December 1985 Auto & Design ( I ) Page 69
Abarth Fiat Based Cars by Andrea & David Sparrow ; Published by Veloce - 24March to 20April 2006 Auto Italia (GB) Page 18 Issue No. 117

History References

On Four Wheels 1973-1975 Edition Published in weekly parts by Orbis Publishing page 5-9 'At the sign of the Scorpion' by Piero Casucci
Brief History feature -6 December 1989 Autocar (GB) Page 65
History "Sting in the Tail" -August 1987 Car (GB) Page 138-142
History -"Why it died" - May 1997 Car (GB) Page 82-83
Lot more to be added (indirectly history often mentioned as part of a feature on a particular car)

Cars themselves now I admit I am bit confused with regard to some of the models if you Abarth enthusist ..you probably can correct me on this ..

So broadly we will look at the period 1950-1959

205 VIGNALE BERLINETTA

February 1991 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 70+ (here I have not reviewed in person)
May 1990 Road & Track (US) Page 142-147

205A Coupe GT 1950 -The Fischer Green Star

Featured at Auction -Photo only Coming auction Christies Retromobile 14 Feb 2004 Paris -Feb2004 Auto Italia (GB) Issue #90
Mentioned at Italian cars at auction -events highlights 1950 Abarth 205A-The Fischer Green Star (see Feb news page) unique life in hands of Austrian enthusist racer Hermut Fischer selling for 105750 Euros; April 2004 Auto Italia (GB) Page 12 Issue # 92

207A SPYDER 1100 1955 : 1089cc; 66 bhp body designed by Boano of Torino and built by Menere (Abarth body builder)

Preview when new in Italy -18th Feb 1955 Autocar (GB) page 226

Preview when new in Italy - September 1955 Modern Motor (Aus) Page 48-49;81 Volume 2 Issue No 4

Preview Retropective including History of car owned a Us enthusist November 1982 Motor Trend (US) Page 102-103;105-106

to be continued...

Question I have not been able to Answer -It needs help from you!

2007-08-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

My site has been going for 7.5 months I have reviewed 369 magazines and added the sumarised contents to the Web site. In addition I added 40-50 magazines of mainly those of to the much bigger archive which is off line currently on over 350 Excel Spreadsheets and 35 searchable fields. In the course of the period the sites been live I have answered many queries to help car enthusists find information on their car or a car they are about to buy not just here In New Zealand but also those from overseas...However

Not all have I managed to answer and this blog will serve as an ideal temporarly forum until I get a forum produced on the my main web site

MYSTERIES

4 queries come to mind 2 are from New Zealanders and 2 from overseas 1 of those I had approached myself off the British pre-war web site which is the partner to the excellent Vintage Magazine The Automobile. -In this instance I had to admit I had bitten off more then I could chew in that this car was a 'bitsa' made up of a Griur chassis; Fiat mechanicals and what looked to me like a MORETTI 750GS Spyder body of the mid 50s or was it a something like ever rarer company an ERMINI ( I ) which was around in the period 1950-1954/1956 I had to admit I am stumped as present owner believed car was a x Italian race car that raced in Europe and was later raced by number of Americans in the 1950s called MacArthur -Present owner is anxious to find what it really is as he wishes to do a professional restoration on it -

More... soon

Any website business or service with no contact details is going to lose in the long run !

2007-08-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

Ahhh.... Its late I had ment to write a blogg weekly but this stupid idiot- MYSELF forgot his password and user details and I have had a devil of a job trying to get it from blogger! -

For many weeks I pretty much gave up as I could never get an answer as reply from Blogger. Blogger kept sending me an email with link to a highway to never..never land! Ie looping me to hoop after hoop to type a phrase but there was still no password - thank goodness tucked away in far box in one of my many boxes of magazines that surround my feet still to be added to my car magazine index was scrap of paper with the details and here I stand before you...

There is something to be said with regard to automatic replies they do not work. people like to feel they are important and that there is a human being at the end of the line

There are many instances of big companies that dominate the internet - I Found this again with personal experience with other large predomiately US Corporations E-Bay, Pay Pal, Gateway all come to mind at different times.
Frankly those that have automatic repies have lost me as a customer.

In my capacity as a reviewer of car magazines both current and those of past its important to be in contact with the publishers and the publishers should be in contact with public - its called feedback and it should be is two directions not one way in favour of the magazine we want your money and we also want you to buy something from our advertisers who support us!

A disturbing trend I starting to see with the Car magazines as many seek to upgrade their sites they have the Bells and whistles but they lack something (Where the F is your contact details?) a case in point and in my opinion the market leader for inovation and the first car magazine to be on the web is the little known South African 'Car Today' is good example see www.cartoday.com

When a business first starts up the web site is still pretty basic with few pages - more functional then beauty. These sites in an early stage are called Infotmation Pages at Stage 1 but even these have contact details!!!

I chatted to a local Kiwi Publisher that produces Automotive magazines when asked them Why they do not have a section for letters to the Editor (After all it is Reader feedback)

This is this response
"We don't deal with the public
"It uses up too much editorial time"

Do you really want to buy magazines from these Guys? Is this unique to those of us who live down under or is it a worrying trend

Your comments

Obscure Italian Makers & Models - Lombardi -OTAS 850s-1300Abarth

2007-06-04T04:38:00.000-07:00

Before I begin I am going to put a disclaimer:

I do not regard myself as an expert in any particular marque what I am trying to do is provide references for cars where there is either little in the way of information or some confusion regarding their orgins and history

My Ultimate gaol is help people get information - a lot of people on my web site have not used the search off line enquiry email - and I regularly see this when I lookup to see what subjects of inquiry punters are looking for.

The main emphasis of the site may appear to be the new magazines reviews to bring the punters in but this was not main intention ultimately its to get the 34 years of indexing on line but alas one is not made of the folding stuff....!
we Digress LOL...

Subject -The First Challenge
Lombardi GP -Otas 850S -1300 Abarth

This is a good one to choose as there is a lot of confusion on this car (I'm confused myself!) -This car was sold in different markets under a variety of names, Engines were Fiat based and it was built around Fiat 850 mechanical's some even had the bigger more powerful Abarth 1300cc engines and these are highly prized There is even a few were believed to have been sold in the UK powered by a Hillman Imp engine and these have since been powered by a Fiat version
2 Racing versions by Abarth and sold as 1300R were also produced

Another area on confusion is how many were Right Hand Drive - Some experts have said 2 some 6 but How do you account for the batch that were sent to Australia in 1971 and South Africa and these are Right Hand Drive Markets. In the case of Australia its is illegal to drive a new car in Australia that is Left hand Drive when it is new and one of these came up for sale in Unique Cars Australia recently, so there are survivors!

First of all Who were Lombardi?
Lombardi was small Italian coach-building company that begin around late 1949 (if you know different email me) One of their first designs was Debuted at Geneva Show in 1950 this been
a Fiat 1400 1950 2 door but a full 6 seater and it is mentioned in report on the show on 24th March 1950 Autocar (GB) Page 336 Vol 95 Issue # 2839.

Lombardi in the late 19 50s did design on Fiat 600 and made it into a 4 door sedan in 1957 there is photo as part of a report on Turin Show as 20th March 1957 The Motor (GB) Page 216 - They also in 1950s produced many Lancia Limousines for the Italian Government

Lombardi in the 50s had a business customising existing cars production cars and a feature was done by Gordon Wilkins in 1959 with the Subject Alfa Romeo Giulietta 4 door Ti by Lombardi this car shown had a longer boot; part of a feature on after market coach builders see June 1959 Wheels (Aus) V12 #1 Page 38

in 1960s they did the coach building of Fiat 2300 Long wheel base made for President Tito in Yugoslavia in 1966 as this car turned up for sale in France on see December 2000 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars Page 91 Issue #327

However there most successful car was Lombardi GP 850s

Lombardi OTAS GP 850S

This car first debuted and displayed at Geneva Show in 1968 see 21st March 1968 Autocar Page 54 Volume 128 Issue # 3762 for a photo as part of a report on the event

History of the Car Development References

I found little from magazines on this particular car - the only two I know as this stage was brief history on OTAS given in June 2001 Auto Italia (GB) on Page 63-64 Issue #58 as part of a feature on an Abarth example Taking part at the FESTIVAL STORICO DELLA VELOCITA Monza 2001 historic race part of a report by Peter Collins

Sept 1983 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars Page 98+ looking at one of few RHD British cars (Not reviewed by me)

(as I Still wading through a great deal of magazines as we speak.... they could be more in my piles...)
There may be others but more then likely in Italian....

Where were cars sold outside Italy?

In Europe in general particularly Belgium as there appears to be a big Abarth following there, In Germany and there may have even been sold in Cyprus as one turned up in a poor state there in 1998
Outside Europe - There was the all important market of the USA
They were sold in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia

What were they sold as?

In Europe as the Lombardi Grand Prix Coupe
In South Africa in two names as the Fiat 125 OTS Scorpion and Fiat 125 OTS Scorpion S for the bigger Abarth 1.3S
In the United Kingdom Lombardi Grand Prix 850S
In the US as Fiat 820 Grand Prix and by an account of x US dealer in a letter with following information: -Automobiles of Italy in Tulsa;Oklahoma who had 2 in his showroom 1970;standard car was called a Tugre also had a prototype Targa top version of the Abarth car that was later rolled;Scrapped?;Source Anatoly Arutinoff see April 1991 Classic & Sportscar (GB) Page 24 Volume 10 Issue #1

Right Hand Drive Models (abrev . RHD)

These Appear to have been sold in United Kingdom, Australia & South Africa

First a Look at the British ones -

One was featured as press photo in Autocar which strangely had no supporting information this one of the unique to Britain Hillman Imp engines models that was proposed it was a full A4 Colour photo of one in Left hand drive Orange with black interior see 20 March 1969 Autocar (GB) Page 45 Volume 130 Issue #3814 although a proper preview was done earlier looking at the car at variety of angles on 3rd October 1968 Autocar Page 16 Volume 129 Issue 3790 and the UK main distributor was given as a Greek living in Britain called F Demetriou Group Queensway London -it was believed 6 were sold as Right Hand Drive

One of the 6 turned up for sale in 1983 in poor tatty condition see November 1983 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 103

a Former owner of one of these was a letter by Tony Higginbottom wrote in about owning one; photo included see April-May 1981 Alternative Cars (GB) Page 6

and one RHD was featured (with some history given but I have not previewed this issue) see September 1983 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 98+

Although in 1977 the figure 6 in UK could be disputed (they might not all be RHD) 15 was given by a seller selling a 1970 model see October 1977 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (GB) Page 58

That there were Left hand drive models in the UK is confirmed as barn find discovered in 1990
by Philip Blake of East Anglia car that was first reg UK 1971 but is older x Europe -LHD -is a Abarth or a Grand Prix - but fitted with non original engine Fiat/Seat Unit 1100cc see December 1990 Classic & Sportscars Page 29 Volume 9 Issue #10

The Australian Ones

In the course of my reviewing and indexing I have not found any information on these cars I did remember seeing an Advert for few been available by the sole distributor in Australia around April 1971 Wheels issue but for some reason I did not record the 1/2 A4 black & white advert!
The Question is how many were sold in Australia?

A Figure was 20 was quoted by a seller selling one see March 1995 Australian Classic Car Page 134 Issue #20 car had Australia Registration plate PT-450

Although in 2001 6 Right Hand Drive was quoted as one turned up for sale asking 14950 pounds in restored condition model given as a 850 Sport ; with the tel 00618 86786874

The South African ones

I have seen no information on these cars apart from references to the cars been tested new

Road Tests / Driving Impressions -

Who Road Tested Them (English Speaking Road Tests)

South Africa

FIAT 125 OTAS SCORPION AUG69 CAR TODAY (ZA) (not reviewed by me)
FIAT 125 OTAS SCORPION S NOV70 CAR TODAY (ZA) (not reviewed by me)

now in 2003 Car Today were selling reprinted Tests for a few Rand and this was link to connect now since not valid.

www.cartoday.com/carmag/content/carmag06.shtml

In 2006-2007 I tried in vain 6-7 times to contact the magazine for the updated link but they were not replying ( pity their site is market leader on the Internet and they were the first Car magazine to be featured on the web but their contact details is poor! (So if there are any South Africans out there we need your help...)

United States of America

Fiat 820 Grand Prix fitted with 817cc 4spm Driving Impression
Feb 1971 Sportscar Graphic Page 26-29 Volume 11 Issue #2
Are there any others?

Non English Road Test (Again not reviewed by me)

Lombardi Grand Prix Abarth 1970 1970 Auto Motor und Sport #22 in German

Are there any more : email me julian.walls@xtra.co.nz

Cheers Julian

to be continued.....

Introduction

2007-06-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Where to Begin that always a difficult question ....relates to 2 points

What is carmagreviews?
What Gaol am I hopping to achieve?

What is carmagreviews?

What you are looking at is a world first (that's no bull shit ... I challenge you to look around...) I am a kiwi who has reviewed Automotive or car magazine contents of most of 'main established' car magazines in the English speaking world (I would love get some German & French but my year 10 language skills are pretty poor) this has been a massive job.

Because I review the car mags hence my name carmagreviews
Magazines reviewed is on going see List that I will create *

Currently I am wading through in depth Auto Italia magazines 1999-present lent to me by David Brise of Fiat Club Wellington New Zealand

This Job and project as been a 'labour of love' I started this at 12 in an old exercise book (I am now 45) then the database was converted into Lotus 1-2-3 and finally into update versions of Excel - Currently Database stands at 300+ Spreadsheets each with 5000 lines of text and more and 35 fields. I have covered 60 years of 50 different publications from publication date 1947 to present!

I covered not only car magazines but Heavy truck & van. New developments include Hot Rods, motorbikes, Military vehicles and even farm tractors!!

I covered almost everything noted, these include tests, previews, driving impressions, buying articles, book reviews, letters to the editor, barn finds even rare cars that come up for sale like the one below where learned historians like Michael Worthington-Williams have never mentioned:

1952 an ATLANTA 4 door DHC Coupe 12 cylinder 1945 recorded in a classified on 18th January 1952 Auto Car (GB) Page 44 in supplement area Volume 97 Issue # 2929 for sale by a private seller for 900 pounds sterling telephone in the UK old phone number 60 9299 (I never knew they made any post war.....

I got a professional web design consultancy to build me a professional site (I have sunk my life savings into ...) this site reviews in depth automotive magazines over last 2 years (2006-2007) which is fully search-able on http://www.carmagreviews.co.nz/ if there are inquiries prior to 2006 send me an email and i will give you some references julian.walls@xtra.co.nz

In timeI hope to host the old database and it will be fully searchable but this will cost me tens of thousands and use up 1 gb to host!

Note I tell you the references I do not give you the copy as I respect copyright - For Kiwis and hopefully in time Australia I can direct you which library has the magazine with the relevant article (If librarians from other countries are reading this please email me your holding of magazines...and I will update the site information.)

In reviewing the contents of car magazines I believe I am well versed to comment on the magazines themselves and note I am impartial and not connected with any magazine or publisher (To Read about me go to 'about' section on my web site)

The number of magazines to review by1 man is almost an impossible task I probaby reviewed well over 20,000 in last 34 years as I am adding 2 new magazines to the website and 3 magazines to offline database per day!

in 1950s there were very few magazines probably around 20, by today there are 500 plus
of which I review around 35 regularly!

Today's times there are more specialised magazines either on country of origin like Auto Italia, Australian Muscle Cars or specialised on a marque, Mini World, Fast Fords, Land Rover International so I tend to be choosy what I review.

In today's environment The publishing world has changed very few magazines are produced by independents. Most are run by big media companies where accountants are making decisions on what story to run with less control by editors. Big companies like Emap, Fairfax, Petersen Publishing, Chevron, Channel 9, Hemmings these are more production run publications.

But smaller companies who hold out here -Straight Eight Publishing, Kelsey Group and Parkside Media more still concerned at grass root levels ...

I seeing more younger people managing the magazines which although a good thing in that they are in tune with target audience of a younger generation most lack the knowledge base of the old, are totally up themselves and can not distinush between an advertorial and a non advertorial in their writing

Layouts have changed to more glossy formats with litte content bites that suggest its readers have a low concentration level or suffer ADD like the viewers who watch the E Channel!
Many are coming more lifestyle based and read like a copy of M2, FHM without the babes (What are we all 15?)

Proof reading is very poor despite many publishing groups having large teams of people who are employed to do just that. One British Classic magazine is frankly an embarrisment to Classic Car movement despite its strong selling ability that in its barn find page in terms of cars identification is regularly wrong - Each Month in its xspotters corner readers have to correct its writers. Recent embarassments have been They could not tell the difference between a Ford Zephyr Mk2 xand a MG Magnette Farnia or Difference between a Jaguar Mk2 and Armstrong Siddeney 234

The main danger in today's features is same material is been reproduced in different magazines and photographed by same out fit like LAT.

A lot of car magazines have been lying to us for years- about cars they have tested
'We Tested this Lamborghini' where is reality is Lamborghini test driver took it out and 'we' sat in the passager seat or tested by someone else but we claimed credit for it!

Examples

One British car magazines years ago said they tested a Lamborghini but I detected the profile of x 'Aussie bearded one' Peter Robinson driving the car!
Silver Spear Race there was one Dodge Magnum XE Touring Wagon but 22 different journalists from different magazines claimed they were in it ( Now come on guys ....unless you trying to break the record how many people you can squash into a wagon ...you have got to be kidding..)
Cars we've tested lately or 'Drive'
Take a Publicity Photo ; drive a similar car around car park and call that a driving impression
Joining a car manufacturer at cars new launch or debut at some exotic location it used to be the Middle East (buts thats bit unstable at present....journalists seem to get kidnapped :) now lately its Italy or Spain and car is been 'driven' in the company of other journalists but information provided has been sourced from the manufacturer - Jeremy Clarkson wrote in Car years ago in 1993 and featured in his book "Clarkson on Cars" highlighting his best columns what really goes on - the better story is based on how manufacturer's treats the journalist in terms of accomodation and gifts....
We Tested this Car
Word 'Test' has been abused....
An Australian magazine years ago claimed on their front cover that they tested a rare Isuzu 117 Coupe now your's truly bought it for that trason but the test was not so. Lets face it when was the last time you saw one of these or a road test ( there was one in October 1973 Motor Magazine International Page 86-91 Volume 1 but it was later 1.8XE) this one claimed to be earlier 1.6 DOHC - But alas it was a photo feature!
Recently a local NZ Publication tested a Ferrari 599GTB Fiorana and all it was was red Ferrari outside a trendy Auckland Cafe in a photo shoot ...come on people are we going to stand for this?

Whats Gaols am i hoping to achive?

For a list see my from page on my web site www.carmagreviews.co.nz

Is it Keeping the magazines honest? could be one reason
But really it to help YOU find that difficult reference you need for a car, truck or bike you are restoring, about to buy , about to fix , to find others with a similar car.
Within 5 years time a person cxould give me any rare car or model I hope to produce its complete history of where that particular car occured in print, whether it was restored, tested past or present, took part in competitive activity, ownership details or was auctioned

I await your inquiry and discussions of anything unusual....

See my next post where I start a discussion in publishing cars where there is little information....