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Getting Started

Objective: This program is designed to encourage and provide practical help to people so that they can further their special interests in transport vehicles and memorabilia. Firstly, let’s define some terms:

 “Vehicles” can be cars, sports and racing cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, motorbikes, 4WDs, busses, trailers, caravans, and military vehicles. For our purposes we are not including stationary engines, horse-drawn vehicles or vehicles which run on rails.

Your “Special interest” can be in anything you like really, for example:

  • Brand new vehicles or old ones
  • Vehicles you especially like and are interested in
  • Vehicles which have a personal value to you – such as ones which have been in the family for some time, or remind you of times past.
  • “Classic” vehicles - “classic” usually refers to any vehicle 15 years or older, and more likely 25 years or older.
  • Memorabilia – old signs, books, service manuals, petrol pumps – anything associated with vehicles and their uses.

And your Special Interest may be in what you do with the vehicle, rather than, or in addition to your interest in the vehicle itself. For example:

Making new friends with people who share the same special interest.

  • Using your vehicle in the company of your new friends
  • Touring
  • 4WDriving
  • Rallying
  • Motorsports
  • Workshop - tinkering, repairing, restoring
  • Caravanning and camping

So, the scope is very broad. And don’t imagine that no-one else will be interested in the same thing as you are – there are special interest groups for everything.

Dispelling some more myths:-  “My interest in special vehicles would be a difficult, time-consuming and expensive thing to do.”


Not necessarily and not when you are getting started. Vehicles which would be suitable for you to get started with can be inexpensive to buy and can be maintained in safe running order without significant inconvenience and expense. It could be a vehicle already known to you, or from a trusted source such as a friend or family member.

“My first special vehicle” doesn’t need to be an expensive traditional “classic”. For example, a vehicle from the 1960s or newer could be a perfect start for you – affordable to buy, reliable, and with parts and expert service widely available. And, especially with Australian-made vehicles intended for the mass-market, it is usually the case that parts and service will also be available at an affordable cost.

The For-sale websites and classified ads have many affordable, practical vehicles available for sale which would make an excellent “my first special vehicle”.

And all such vehicles represent part of Australia’s motoring heritage and deserve to be preserved for the future.

 “Use it and enjoy it!”  Also, don’t imagine that your special vehicle must be shut away in the garage until it’s 100% complete and in showroom condition. On the contrary you will find that most clubs encourage members to bring their “Rolling Restoration” along to club events. That way you can enjoy your vehicle whilst working on it. This can be one of the best kinds of projects. You and your new friends in the club will build a real connection with the progress you make along the way. Or otherwise you can simply leave your classic in “original” condition and enjoy it as it is.


Defining your needs, limitations, budget and expectations.

What do I really want to get out of owning a Special Vehicle?

Have another read of the section of this website “Special Vehicles - Getting started”. Then complete this table. You might find that you spend a week or two looking at this table and making changes as you think your way through the questions.

 What Do I want from Classic Cars

What do I really want to get out_ of this - downloadable table.pdf

 

My questions to myself are:-

  • Have I the time?

If you intend restoring a vehicles then your time commitment is likely to be far greater than if you buy a vehicle which does not need restoring, or only needs minor work (or work that can wait a while, such as a repaint).

If you are considering restoring a vehicle then one of the benefits of a special vehicle is that you are not depending on it for daily transport. So if your restoration project slips behind schedule (and like all renovation jobs it probably will) you are able to reach a point where you can close the garage door or put a tarp over it. You can come back to it when you have the time and money to resume work.

  • Have I the resources? Can I procure them?


Tools and equipment to effect minor (or major) repairs if required.
Knowledge – either acquired from prior experience, from manuals – via purchase, the internet, clubs or public libraries or from a car club.

  • Have I the money?

Don’t enter into special vehicles expecting to make money! It’s a hobby and like membership of a sporting club or similar it will cost you money. How much it will cost is your decision.  

  • And then there is the pure emotion; Buying classic cars offers greater thrill.


There is a "thrill" to buying a classic car that is hard to replicate with more modern models, a motoring expert has noted. Writing for motoring.co.uk, Stephen Turvil described how he has "gazed in awe" at a vintage Jaguar whilst imagining owning the vehicle. He claimed this is a common feeling when shopping for classic automobiles.

Aside from the difficulty in getting spare parts, he noted that there is a lot to be said for opting for an older car. This is due to the often low running costs and the possibility of its value actually rising.  However, Mr Turvil pointed out that used car buyers must also consider the comfort and practicalities of their purchase, which is where newer vehicles will often tip the scales.

The motoring commentator was responding to research that suggested interest in vintage automobiles is on the up. He accepted that there are negatives to such purchase, but added: "Hey, not every decision in life has to be practical - and I would love an old Jag". Fellow motoring journalist Andrew Roberts seems to share this love for the brand, describing in The Telegraph how the remaining well-preserved Jaguar Mark Xs are the last surviving remnants of a "lost world of chorus girls, black market gin and looking out for a police Wolseley in the rear view mirror".

He pointed out that this model was launched in the same year as another classic from the manufacturer - the E-type - which has gone on to become one of the most celebrated automobiles on the classic car circuit.

Source:- SellCar-UK.com "Buying classic cars offers greater thrill"
http://www.sellcar-uk.com/news/buying-classic-cars-offers-greater-thrill/ Access date: [23/11/2011 10:53:17 AM]

And Gordon adds that it is this thrill of imagining a bygone age which adds something special to the pleasure of driving in a classic car. "I can easily imagine myself in my Peugeot 504 gliding along the boulevards of Paris, enjoying how the soft seats and suspension soak up the bumps as we clatter across the Belgian pave (bluestone) streets on the way to some little restaurant or assignation. Or perhaps that soft ride, excellent grip and handling will take us comfortably across rough French (or Australian) country roads to some little village or winery where we can enjoy a lunch.

Then we can head off to that little cove we know on the coast for an afternoon dip. Maybe I can even imagine myself in my 504 coping with conditions in the French colonies. Perhaps I am driving through the clogged streets of Algiers or Beirut, or maybe wending my way through the tropics or the desert. After all, we need some make-believe and romance in our lives – don't we?


 

Finding a suitable vehicle

Where to look and who can help.  Motafrenz very own gurus are happy to help:-

Our Motafrenz Gurus can help you with finding a suitable vehicle, getting it checked-out, and finding reliable people who can repair, restore and/or maintain it.

They can give you practical advice, watch-out-fors, contacts to help you with the search & checking-out, and give a general helping hand.


Please remember that fellow members are busy people, and the amount of help they can give you is limited. And of course, the final decision, and the responsibility, always rests with you the buyer.


Contact details for most of these people are included on the Listed Members List. For those not on the List please contact Alistair Riddell and he will put you in touch:-

  •  Alfa Romeo – Darrell S
  • Austin and other BMC makes – See also Morris and Mini - Gary D, Nick H (all and especially A40), Peter F (A40), Ian G (1800)
  • Bentley & Rolls-Royce - Mel C, Danny M & Gavin S, Robert W, Denis Y
  • BMW – James H, Denis Y
  • Bristol – Sue Y
  • Chevrolet - Michael Mc & Peter B (1960s)
  • Citroen - Leigh M, Matt G, Mel C
  • Chrysler - Michael F,Nick H
  • Datsun - See also Nissan - Ian G (180B)
  • Dodge Trucks – Les F
  • Fiat – Greg J
  • Ford - Michael F, John C
  • Holden - Sue Y (Monaro), Allan K
  • Humber - Denis Y, Rod B
  • Jaguar – Peter A (mid-1950s to mid-1970s), Alistair R, Michael Mc & Peter B
  • Lancia – Ian G, Frank da P (Veteran)
  • Land Rover – Richard H, Anthony W
  • Mazda - Russell L (RX8)
  • Mercedes Benz – Paul S, Trevor S
  • Mini - Josh R & Matt C, Stuart P
  • Mitsubishi - Ian G (Sigma)
  • Morris 1100/1300 etc - Brett T, Kevan W & Lloyd S, Josh R & Matt C
  • Nissan – Stuart P, Andrew H (ZX series)
  • Porsche – Tony S, Ray S (newer models)
  • Renault - Ian G (R8)
  • Rover - Alistair R
  • Toyota - Peter A, Matt G
  • Trabant – Neil F
  • 4WDs – Peter F, Alistair R, Richard H
  • Bus, Coach & Truck Repairs - Trace W
  • Caravan and Motorhome Conversions - Trace W - who tells us that "Advice if Free". You only pay when we hand out the steak knives as essentially this is the part of our business. Best wishes from Ms Trace
  • Caravans – Michael F, Peter F, Les F, Trace W
  • Motorbikes - David C, David P
  • Motorsport – Chris M, Tony S
  • Vintage & Veteran – Trace W, David P, Robert T, David C, Nick H.

Motafrenz Gurus in the Trade who can help:-

  • Mel & Colleen C – Road Worthy Certificates (RWC), Spares & Repairs - Citroen and other French makes, Rolls-Royce & Bentley, 15 Smith St, Collingwood. Tel (03) 9419 4537
  •  Nick H tells us that “I have a vast knowledge of American, British and European cars prior to 1960 ...  have helped a few members of motor friends find a classic or vintage car.”
  •  Stuart P - modestly tells us that “I am not an expert on much other than Minis!” He is “happy to offer members a 5% discount, and further discounts where possible”. His business, www.agrademiniparts.com, stocks and sources some of the hardest to find parts to restore or repair your Mini - new and second-hand parts for Minis and access to bits for most British cars. Contact Stuart with any of your rare requests, there is no doubt he will be able to help you out.

 

  • The business is owned and operated by Stuart P along with his business partner Julian H and is a “social enterprise”. A social enterprise can be described as a feasible and profitable business – that’s built around a sound business model – but which also serves a social purpose; for example, in this case, providing sustainable employment for people who would be otherwise unable to join the mainstream workforce.

 

  • The team behind A Grade Mini Parts has faced significant challenges along their path to business success – Stuart P lives with a brain injury while Julian H has Downs Syndrome, and each has struggled to find suitable and meaningful employment. Therefore, while satisfying a strong niche market demand for genuine Mini parts, A Grade also provides Stuart and Julian with a secure and rewarding career as well as improved quality of life through the opportunity to pursue their interests.

 

  • Trace W is happy to help through her business: Ballarat Bus & Coach – they do bus, coach and commercial vehicle repairs and Motorhome Conversions. And as she says “There is no website. Yes, I like phone calls”. Call Trace on 0408 007-464. 

Where to find cars, spare parts, advise and restoration projects

Vehicle clubs – are often a good source of vehicles and parts for sale, and advice and resources. If you are intending to get a particular make of vehicle it is often a good idea to join the club for that make before you make your purchase.

Club members will give you the “inside story” on how to acquire and/or restore a vehicle are usually experts on their make and are usually very happy to help you “get your vehicle”.


Many clubs have websites and magazines which include “for sale” ads, and ads for people who can help with service and restoration:

 

  • Have “restoration projects” waiting for new members to undertake
  • Have a spare parts service, and some even arrange for manufacturing of new parts.

Therefore the cost of membership, compared to the benefits of membership makes joining worthwhile.


Go to the national organisations’ websites for club listings and contacts:-

 

Looking for a restoration project:

  • A tour of car yards or recyclers’ yards (we used to call them wreckers’ yards) can also give an idea of offerings available.

 

  • The magazines and websites listed below include both “restoration projects” and vehicles which are already mobile.

 

  • And of course there is always the dream find in a shed or farm.

 

  • A walk around your local area or a nearby town may locate a hidden gem just waiting for someone to love. Someone like you.


Looking for something that already goes, and/or a restoration project:-

Checking it out – what to look for and who can help.  Since 1969 cars sold in Australia must carry the manufacturer’s plates showing the date-of-build and the compliance of the car with Australian Design Rules.If you find a car sold after 1969 which is missing these plates, walk away! Vehicles earlier than 1969 may require research to confirm that they are what it is claimed they are. The AOMC can help- AOMC Engine & Registration Records Search Service: http://www.aomc.asn.au/eng&;regrecords.htm.c


 

Things to look for:-

  • Body and suspension – straight and sound?
  • Engine – smoke, noises which sound “wrong”?
  • Lights all working?
  • Paint & trim
  • Tyres

 

Original or Restored?

There is a school of thought that original paint with its patina of age and use is more fitting on some vehicles than a showroom finish.

Others say that a perfectly restored vehicle is the best kind of special vehicle. Generally, standard unmodified vehicles will command a higher price and in the long term they are likely to hold their value better than a similar vehicle which has been modified.

However, in the end – what do you want?


Make sure you know the rules of buying a car. Before you start serious looking it will pay to update yourself on these things:-

 

  • Buying a vehicle with or without registration
  • Buying a vehicle with or without a Road Worthy Certificate (RWC)
  • Making sure you get a clear title
  • Arranging a pre-purchase inspection
  • Note that modified vehicles may be rejected as being unroadworthy if the modifications are extreme. So get expert advice before committing your money.

Useful information and practical help are available from:

 


Clubs are often a good source of for-sale ads, advice and resources. Go to the national organisations’ websites for club listings and contacts:-
Association of Motoring Clubs (AOMC):

 

Some clubs are not members these organisations. Therefore you might need to do some searching to locate them.

Repairing, restoring, maintaining - Where to get information and training. Who can help you?


Got a vehicle and working on it? All restorers have their war-stories to share with you. Don’t close your ears because their experiences will help you further down the track.Here are some starters:

  • Work safely.
  • Use proper stands if wheels are removed, support bonnets and boot lids and ensure doors won't close on you,
  • Try to complete one task before starting another,
  • Take photos or sketches of assemblies, processes, layout of pieces before starting and during the work,
  • Label wiring and vacuum hose (emission control) connections with permanent labels and make sure they are firmly attached,
  • Write down anything that has a choice of connections.

Experts who can help:

 

Have a look through the magazines and websites listed on this website under “Finding a suitable vehicle”

  • How can I get information on my Special Vehicle?

As noted earlier, information and service manuals can be obtained from fellow owners, clubs, public libraries, and the internet or specialist suppliers. Caution may be required at times and the experience of others counts for a lot.


 

Garaging - affordable, secure, accessible, protective.


Make the most of the space you already have by using stacker parking. Google “parking stackers Australia”.

Try these websites:-

Look at the various car magazines and websites referred to on motafrenz.org.au

Get a garage or an extra shed. Google “garages Australia” and “sheds Australia” Look at the various car magazines and websites referred to on motafrenz.org.au

Commercial storage is also available. Google “car storage Melbourne” Have a look at these sites:-

 


Commercial carparks.


Salary packaging significantly reduces the cost of commercial parking. Many employers will salary-package your commercial parking costs. Enquire with your Pay Office.


Google “commercial car parking Melbourne”


Call Wilson Parking on (03) 9224 0301 and enquire regarding permanent parking with 24/7 access.


Have a look at these sites:-

The local newspapers often have ads for car spaces and garages for sale or rent.


Registering your Special Vehicle- Club Permit Scheme – savings on registration. Save around $500 per car per year on Registration!! How?

All you have to do is change over to the new Club Permit Registration Permit registration fee is only $114.50 for 90 days usage per year or $64.59 for 45 days usage, compared with $640+ for normal registration. AND you should be able to save hundreds more on insurance.

Under the new scheme:-

  •  Vehicles can be used at any time for any purpose other than for the carriage of goods or passengers for hire or reward.
  • A log book entry must be made each day that the vehicle is used (unless the vehicle is within 100 metres of the garaged address).
  • The logbook must be carried in the vehicle at all times the vehicle is in use.
  • Apply for either a 45 or 90 day Permit. If you get a 45 day Permit and use up your 45 days you can get another 45 day Permit.
  • You can’t drive your vehicle for more than 90 days in each 12 month registration period.
  • Permits are issued for 12 month periods.
  • Vehicles are issued with specific club permit plates and windscreen labels.
  • You must belong to a club registered with Vic Roads for the Club Permit Scheme. Motafrenz is such a club.
  • VicRoads may suspend or cancel a permit if you become an unfinancial member of the club through which you obtained your Club Permit or if your vehicle becomes unsafe for use on public highways.
  • Which vehicles are eligible?
  • Veteran – manufactured before 1 January 1919;
  • Vintage – manufactured after 31 December 1918 and before 1 January 1931
  • Classic and Historic vehicles - manufactured after 31 December 1930, but more than 25 years before the date of the application for a club permit.
  • Includes cars, trailers, trucks, and some other modified vehicles such as street rods.
  • Replicas of vehicles in the abovementioned categories may also be eligible
  • Your Simple Steps to Savings are:-
  • Join (or renew your membership to) Motafrenz. Remember, your Club Permit Registration becomes invalid if you cease to be a current member.
  • Go to the Vic Roads website and download the Club Permit Registration Form at: -http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration/FeesFormsAndFAQs/Forms/. On this page you will find the Club Permit Registration Form under the heading “Other Vehicle Registration Forms”.
  • Complete the Form
  • Obtain a Road Worthy Certificate (RWC) for your car. Our Motafrenz member Mel Carey (who advertises on the back cover of Cruise Control) can do this for you. Remember that a RWC is only valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Therefore you will need to get your RWC at about the same time as you prepare your Application.

Send two copies of the Form + your RWC to:

 

  • Michael F, Motafrenz Car Club, PO Box 1331, Collingwood, Vic 3066.

OR

  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Call Michael on 0409196435 with any Questions you have.


Michael will sign the Vic roads Permit application and send it back to you.
Take the Permit Application to a Vic Roads Customer Service Centre. Pay the Fees and Vic Roads will issue you with your new Club plates, windscreen sticker and logbook.

If you take your Permit Application to these Vic Roads locations you will receive your plates on-the-spot: Bendigo, Broadmeadows , Bundoora, Burwood, Carlton, Frankston, Geelong, Mildura, Morwell, Sunshine, Warrnambool, Wodonga.

Otherwise, if you go to any other Customer Service Centre you will have to wait for the delivery of your number plates via the post.


What can I do if my car fails the RWC? You will need to get the car fixed, and then have it re-tested. Once you have received your RWC you can send it to Mike – see point 5 above.


So, get saving now!


WEBSITE: More details of the Club Permit Scheme are available at: - http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration/PermitsModificationsAndDefects/OtherPermits/ClubPermits.htm



Insuring your Special Vehicle - savings available on insurance, and what to look for in an insurance policy.

 

  • What to look for in a policy:-

 

  • Agreed value or Market Valuation – remember that most Special Vehicles will have a personal value to you. And their true replacement value is probably far higher than the market valuation for a car of that age – because your vehicle will be in better condition than an average one on which the market valuation will be based.
  • No Claim Bonus
  • Excess
  • Restrictions on who can drive the vehicle
  • Garaging restrictions – many limited use policies require the vehicle to be kept off the street under lock & key.
  • Multi-car policies – can often give you a further discount

Shannon’s offer a “limited use” policy. Club Permit-registered vehicles automatically qualify for a “limited use” policy. Note however that cars on full registration can also qualify for a “limited use” policy if they are not used frequently. Shannon’s tell us that as a rule-of-thumb a “limited use” policy will get you a 40% discount on the Premium you would otherwise pay.

For more details go to: http://www.shannons.com.au/insurance/motor/?2473PSEM&;ef_id=0zRNDD@hAQABB4Q:20111026013715:s


RACV offer Vintage, Veteran & Classic Insurance on vehicles 15 years and older, hot rods made before 1949, stationary engines and motorcycles. For more details:


Call 1800 646 605,

or


http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/internet/primary/insurance/car+insurance/veteran,+vintage+_+classic


Using, showing, and sharing
Events where members can use, show and share their classic cars and 4WDs. For details go to:-


Motafrenz events:-
See the listings in “Cruise Control” magazine
Go to the Events Listings on this website motafrenz.org.au

Other event listings - see:-


Case studies and encouragement from those who've done it.

  • Case studies with a slant towards first-timers show how Special Vehicles are not really a black art. They help to convince first-timers that you too can have a go. Having these Case Studies on motafrenz.org.au for people toying with the idea of buying a special vehicle but daunted by how hard they think it could be will demystify the witchcraft somewhat.
  • Peter A recently registered a Toyota Corona on Club Permit plates
  • Gordon Campbell – Peugeot 504

Case Study – My Toyota Corona – By Peter A

I have recently (2011) put my 1986 Toyota Corona Avante 2.4i on Club Permit registration.

Apparently from what I have been told there were a few eyebrows raised when I took it out on its first club event. Shock horror, a ‘modern’ car on club permit!!

Well time goes past and I can remember these cars when they were new. In fact my employer provided me with a bog standard “S” model at the time. I suspect that many of the raised eyebrows were of a similar age to myself and did not realise that time has passed by.

Of course the younger generation see things differently and classic cars are a bit novel as they are older than some of our youth and have technology that is new to them, albeit old technology. These cars have some character that is lacking in the current global cars. Modern cars are very good but at the same time are incredibly bland, anonymous and lack driver engagement. They are so good that the driver does not need skill other than to point the car in the right direction. I suppose they will be classics one day as well.

So what constitutes a classic car? Is it more than being more than 25years old? My view is that by being “historic”, a car over 25 years old represents an expression or snapshot of a previous era, one which can be looked back on with various emotions which might reflect the historical perspective from a range of directions. History can be educational and inspiring.

Having said that, what is of interest to me to have my Corona on the road under club Permit?

Firstly, the car is not new to me. It was my daily drive for quite a few years and then it was rendered superfluous by the outright purchase of another car. A decision was made to keep the car as it was well maintained and was not worth a lot of money anyway. If the new car did not measure up the Corona could be recommissioned.

Secondly, it was an impulse purchase of a car I wanted to have straight after driving it. Having had previous experience with the earlier base model I had often wondered about the differences within the range of Corona models available. The unexpected opportunity came up locally with the availability of the last of the model top-of-the-range Avante 2.4i, fully featured with the exception of factory cruise control. And it was red. A lap around the block and it was mine.

The main feature upgrades were 2.4ltr efi motor vs. 2 ltr carby motor, power steering, 4 speed overdrive auto transmission, air conditioning, electric mirrors, central locking, independent rear suspension (IRS) and 4 wheel disc brakes, It was the last of the rear wheel drive Toyotas made in Australia. It was a hard car to find then and harder to find now. It is amazing how quickly markets change.

Despite the niceties it is still a fairly small short wheelbase car and is not particularly space efficient when compared with later front wheel drive cars. However it does have velour upholstery, adjustable lumbar support for the drivers seat, hatch to the boot, remote boot and fuel filler door release, tinted glass all round and a very good sound system for its day.

The big upside is that it is great to drive. 1100kg with 2.4 ltr efi makes it a quick car in an urban environment and it is easy to handle and park. My shocker upgrade is a bit firm and whilst the ride is a bit choppy at times it is immensely “chuckable” that is, well balanced and can be “driven” with both the steering and throttle. It is very smart off the line and can be somewhat of an irritant to much more powerful and prestigious cars with its nippiness, gap filling and point-to-point ability. 

The car has now done 315,000 km and has received regular maintenance, mainly being 5,000 km oil and various filter changes.

As the 300k km mark approached, a number of items required attention, simply fair wear and tear viz repaired/replaced radiator, water pump, shock absorbers, brake pads, tail shaft rebuild (a story in itself); aircon compressor and alternator. Surprisingly the fuel tank had to be replaced owing to rust pinholes. The recommissioning of the car required oil, coolant and brake fluid changes and the obligatory new windscreen for the RWC.

Parts so far have not been a problem although secondhand body parts are now scarce. With high scrap prices many older cars do not even make it to the wreckers these days so there is a fairly rapid decline in the availability of cars and parts. Sourcing the correct taillight damaged by a shopping trolley proved a challenge.

Mechanical parts and servicing are straightforward and the parts I have required have been available off the shelf.  Workshop manuals are available.

Like most pre 90’s cars now, the Coronas tend to fall into two categories, tired daily drivers, or well maintained shopping trolleys often driven by the original owner. These are the cars that come up for sale eventually as part of deceased estates or handed down within the family then to become daily drivers.

I am very happy to have my Corona back on the road, and it provides an enjoyable and distinctive change of driving experience from what I regularly drive. I am also very happy to have made the decision to keep it for the long term, as it is now a fairly difficult car to replace.

Happy motoring from Peter A

Peter A


Gordon C writes about his car:-

  • Make: Peugeot
  • Year: 1979
  • Model: 504 GL automatic (or as the badge on the back says – “automatique”)
  • Special features: interior sun blinds on the back window, 3-speed automatic.
  • Features of sophistication for the day: all-wheel disc brakes, excellent ventilation and demisting system, soft yet supportive seats, wonderfully soft ride in the old French way (comes with body-roll as standard), tinted glass, AM/FM radio with cassette player
  • Crudities: no air conditioning. Nothing else is crude about this car. Simple yes but not crude.
  • How I got it & Provenance: About 6 years ago I was thinking about getting a classic car. I have no mechanical skills at all, a limited budget and neither the time nor the inclination to learn how to restore and maintain a car. So these constraints were already in my mind when one day the sales manager of Lance Dixon Citroen in Doncaster gave me a call. He called said “oh Gordon, we have just had a man bring in his 1979 Peugeot as his trade-in on a new Citroen C5. It has always been his special baby and he almost shed a tear when he brought it in this morning to hand-over to us. I thought perhaps one of your members might like it. Otherwise it will be sold into the trade”. I agreed to let our members know about it. Which I did. A few days later he called and said “some of the mechanics here are interested in buying it for their families. So if you want it you had better move now”. I had had no takers from other members so I decided to take it myself. I went out to Doncaster to take a look. It was in beautiful condition and came with a folder full of documents. The documents showed that it had been sold new by Renault Moorabbin (Renault Australia operated some of their own dealerships) to a Renault Australia executive with a French name. Renault Australia had an assembly plant in West Heidelberg in those days. In addition to assembling the Renault 12 and 16 they also assembled the 504, which was the only Peugeot model on sale in Australia at the time. The car had only two more owners before me and a huge pile of receipts from Peugeot specialists showed that it had been carefully maintained. That weekend I, Leigh and a couple of others took the car out to a specialist Peugeot repairer who gave it the once over and pronounced it sound and solid. So the following Monday I transferred $3,000 to Lance Dixon, picked it up and took it to Mel for a Roadworthy. It needed four new tyres. The four tyres on the car were all different to each other. None were up to RWC standard and none of them were the Peugeot spec. In addition Mel replaced the front indicator glasses because they had faded. So for less than $4,000 I had an excellent classic car. 
  • Why I love it: Easy to drive, with light steering because this car has light weight in the front and is rear wheel drive. You do have to turn the wheel a lot but it is not a heavy effort. I also love the reliability and simplicity. The 504 is simple, strong, indestructible and easy to maintain and repair. It was designed this way in the first place for a number of reasons. Firstly, Peugeot always stood for frugality. It was and is controlled by the Peugeot family and they know that all families have to watch their budget. So whilst other French manufacturers dallied with expensive and complicated engineering such as hydraulic suspension, fancy semi-automatics, and rear engines and so on Peugeot stuck with conventional engineering which they refined to a high standard. A similar approach was followed by Toyota at this time. This conventional engineering meant great reliability and durability at low cost – both in manufacture and in use. The 504 was designed so that it could do duty equally as an executive-level family car on the boulevards of Paris and yet also cope with the rough roads of the French countryside – hence its soft ride and excellent grip and handling. It handles rough roads in Australia (and speed humps in the suburbs) much more comfortably than most modern cars. The 504 also had to cope with conditions in the French colonies - mostly in Africa. So not only did it need to stand up to the roads, and the climates (from the tropics to the desert) it also had to be simple to assemble in colonial factories, and maintainable and repairable in simple country garages with poorly trained mechanics. And it succeeded – the last 504s were assembled in Kenya in 2003 – 35 years after the model was released in 1968. The 504 is still sought-after as a taxi in the Middle East and Africa. Indeed many Australian 504s have been snapped up, shipped overseas and are now plying the streets of Cairo and other cities.

And going back to the original design requirements, the 504 had to be both a family car and a taxi. So it is good looking (thank you Pininfarina) and spacious, with doors that open wide and big boot.

  • What I have done to it etc: The car was in excellent condition when I bought it six years ago. Being assembled in Australia parts and service are freely available and inexpensive. Mel Carey looks after it and it goes beautifully. It has only needed regular servicing and a few repairs and replacements – which is to be expected in a car more than 30 years old as it nears the 200k mark.  Mel had to fix the steering and replace a water pump. Nick kindly replaced the starter moor for me whilst he was using it as a daily commuter vehicle. It needs a respray now. The roof and bonnet, being silver in colour, have started to go powdery and in a few spots the metal is showing. The body is completely straight and has only a few surface rust spots so a respray shouldn’t be too big a job.
  • How other people could procure something similar: These cars are getting harder to get now. I suggest you contact the Peugeot Club, where good cars do come up for sale from time to time. In addition the used car sites often have excellent cars for sale – maybe not a Peugeot 504 but an interesting and affordable classic nevertheless. Most cars over fifteen years old can be bought quite cheaply and many are in good nick. So keep looking and when you have found something that interests you ask a Motafrenz Guru to help you make the final decision. And there is always the RACV who can check out a car for you. For mainstream cars which are not too old or exotic they can soon tell you what you need to know. And never forget – it is much easier to look after a car that is already in good condition than it is to bring a worn out one back up to good condition.



Return to Paradise by Peter R

Since joining Motafrenz I have felt the need to buy myself a Riley preferably a 2.5 litre RMB or if it is really impossible to fulfil that dream then I’d settle for an RMA 1.5 litre or even a Pathfinder. My desire to return to that glorious age of British grand touring began after seeing 2 superb Rileys at the George Hetrell Open Day; the appearance and the unique aroma wafting from the interiors of these cars making my heart go pitter patter. This desire was turned from a smouldering wish to a consuming conflagration after seeing a RMB and a Pathfinder at the Cora Lynn show. My acquaintanceship with Rileys began back in my 20’s so it started a long time ago then after a number of years I moved on to various other makes.  Was I being stupid at my advanced years to buy a car that would take me back to my youth again? Was it a fantasy? Maybe but only time would tell. I also had to organise my finances to enable me to buy such a car, thanks to Russell, our worthy Treasurer for his assistance and advice.

Recently Nick sent me an advert for an RMB 2.5 litre for sale at what I reckon was a bargain price; the only draw back was it was in Penguin Tasmania. I couldn’t just go and check the car out but Errol, the owner, was happy to send me pics of this wonderful machine. He’d owned it for 2 years but hadn’t proceeded with restoring the car after having a motorcycle accident that affected him and caused him to lose interest in the car. He’d kept it garaged and ran the engine every week or two till it reached operating temperature to keep the engine lubricated and charge the battery, this was a plus as it hadn’t just been sitting idle in the shed gathering dust.

 

Errol told me of the faults, not usual for a seller to inform a prospective buyer, and I felt reassured by his candid approach, I since found out after flying over to get the car, he was a retired police officer. Finally I sent over a deposit of 10% and asked him to get the brakes fixed and I’d pay the bill, as I didn’t want the higher cost of having it shipped across Bass Strait even though Nick organised shipping if I needed it. I decided to fly down and bring it back on the ferry from Devonport. This would be a great adventure for me as I hadn’t flown since leaving QANTAS back in the early 1970’s and had never travelled on a ship before.

Finally the day arrived and after a sleepless night I arose early to get everything done to catch the Dandenong to Tullamarine shuttle bus at 10am in Dandenong Road Chadstone, I had to catch the suburban bus to Dandenong Road then walk to the bus pick up point. I’d been, for me, very organised, booked my airfare to Devonport on November 17th and the ferry trip back that night, I even went online and checked in on the internet. I arrived at the airport and after the x-ray and metal detector then the explosive check I finally found my way to the Qantas check in desk to wait for 30 minutes till boarding, I was 1st in line and was asked for my boarding pass, all I had was my e-ticket. The girl told me I needed a pass and to wait while she attended to the other passengers. So a word to travellers, ensure if you check in on line that you download the boarding pass, I didn’t even see anything about one when I checked in.

Finally I made it to the aircraft a De Havilland Dash 8, a sleek twin engined turbo prop I climbed aboard and waited for take off, a delay caused by 3 passengers not turning up meant their baggage had to be offloaded, then as we began to taxi away the wind changed so we had more time lost taxiing to the other runway. Finally I arrived in Devonport and was met by Errol who then took me on a scenic drive along the coast road as we chatted getting to know each other. In Penguin he took me to see an elderly gentleman who was into old motorbikes and cars, what an eye opener; he collected and restored mainly English bikes, Nortons, Triumphs and BSAs also tucked away in the huge garage was an immaculately restored Austin A40, an unrestored Honda S600 hard top sports car. I well remembered the first one of these imported into Australia came in on a Qantas 747 not long after Tullamarine Airport opened and I thought it was as cute as a button. Kerry made most of the parts for restoring the bikes and proudly showed me an extremely rare Triumph Tiger racing bike he had built almost completely from the ground up.

From there we drove to Errol’s to see the Riley, I was over the moon it looked even better in the flesh than in the pictures, it sat there gleaming in the sunlight my eyes dazzled by the bright chrome and shiny black duco; I fell instantly in love, my old ticker pounding away in my chest. We climbed aboard and took her out for a test drive, I was out of touch with manual gears and the steering was heavy without power assistance, although the massive steering wheel did help a little, turning the large 600x16” wheels shod with nice new Michelin tyres. A few gear crunches sounded as I drove but gradually I improved a little as we returned back to base.

Errol took me into his home where we had a much needed cuppa, to calm my jittery excited nerves and palpitating heart while we chatted and I handed him the bank cheque and some cash to cover what he’d spent doing the front hydraulic brakes. He handed me a heap of manuals and Riley books which he was giving me then he produced 2 magnificent hard cover books on Rileys I made an offer of $60, they were worth much more, he smiled and said, “Give $50 and they are yours.”

 

Time passed and it was time to set off back to Devonport, Errol’s Commodore ute in the lead with me chugging along in his wake down the freeway, I had the car sitting on 60mph Errol later told me we were doing between 80 and 90kph so the speedo reads high, so I shouldn’t get speeding tickets driving him. I decided the RMB’s name is Roger, definitely a male car, while the smaller less powerful RMAs are feminine. We arrived at the Ferry and after a farewell chat and hand shake, some photo taking I set off to the gates and pulled up at the gatehouse. Stopped the engine and was amazed as a cloud of steam gushed from the bonnet shrouding the Kestrel mascot from sight. I discovered the thermatic fan was not operating thus causing overheating and the radiator water was full of rust, the radiator obviously needed a flush out when I got home.

I restarted the engine and limped to the inspection shed where the staff mobbed the car expressing sympathy for the problem saying don’t worry we’ll get you on board the ferry and saying what a beautiful Riley it was. This allayed my worries and gave my psyche a boost with their praise of the car; I was directed into a line of cars banked up awaiting boarding and I was glad to turn Roger off hoping he would cool down b4 the climb up the steep ramp into the ferry. A number of fellow travellers came crowding around sympathising and admiring Roger; even the driver of the modern Jaguar in the next queue climbed out and chatted about the Riley saying what a beautiful car it looked and asked if he could look under the bonnet.

Time for boarding arrived so I restarted the still very hot engine and made my way slowly to the ramp; one eye on the temp gauge then stopped at the bottom of the ramp where the car marshal saw she was running hot and suggested I wait till the ramp was empty before driving up. I sat there holding up those behind me until the ramp cleared then I restarted and drove up and into the ferry without any problem and pulled up in the line in the hold on deck 5. I grabbed my bag and headed up to the recliner lounge at the stern on deck 8 overlooking the loading ramp and found my seat for the overnight trip home.

The trip home was on calm seas, I found an internet café on board and sent a few emails informing my friends and Errol what had occurred then went to eat, the restaurant was full and had people waiting so I wandered to the starboard side where the self serve type eatery was situated. A good assortment of tucker was on display so I grabbed a tray, crockery and knife and fork then joined the queue loading up the plate. The meal was ok and I was ravenous, after eating I wandered out on deck to see the sun setting over the mountains of Tasmania then made my way back to my recliner.

I found I couldn’t sleep due to the vibration, the noise and the gentle rolling movement of the ship, plus the lady next to me snoring all night long, it was a long night. At 1 am I saw the sister ferry pass us on her way to Devonport. Just before we reached the Heads of Port Philip Bay I finally fell asleep but as the ship entered the Rip it shook like crazy everything creaked and rattled waking me up so I remained awake and saw the dawn come up as we passed St Kilda as my mobile rang.

It was Peter F who asked if I’d like him to meet me on arrival so he could live wire the fan to stop the overheating problem; I was really happy he was prepared to travel across town at this hour and showed how great our Motafrenz friends are. We met up and in a few minutes he had done the emergency repair and he filled the radiator with water and away we drove. I thought I’d call in on Big Bruce as it was on my way home; Peter followed me in case I had more over heating and we got Bruce out of bed at 7am. Bruce extended hospitality to us by brewing a cuppa for us and toasted some bread to allay hunger pangs before I took them both for a drive in Roger. On return both Peter and Bruce took pics of Roger and then I headed home exhausted but extremely happy, later I found an email from Errol asking if by chance I’d switched off the Thematic fan, how embarrassing.

I’m now looking forward to getting Roger up to roadworthy condition, the windscreen wipers need attention but as far as I can tell he is in pretty good mechanical condition. 

Peter R


David P writes about his car:

  • Make:    Dodge
  • Year:      1929
  • Model:   DA Roadster

Special Features: All-steel American sports model, 6 cylinder, side valve, 208 cubic inch engine, 4 wheel hydraulic brakes.  Original price: Approximately $995 US.  How many? There were 123,481 DA Dodges produced between 1 December 1928 and 14 March 1930.

 

How I Got it & Provenance of the Car: In 1965, my father purchased the 1929 DA Dodge Roadster from a bloke who lived in Faulkner.  The chap had grand plans of restoring the car to its former glory but had either lost interest or ran out of money before he could finish the project.

My father was only 29 years of age at the time was working long hours to support his wife and two young children one of whom was very high maintenance.  He didn’t have the spare cash just to go out and purchase a restored car so the unrestored Dodge was a hobby car he could afford yet it required major restoration work.

I’m not sure how much my father paid for the Dodge but knowing how frugal my dad was I’m sure he would have paid next to nothing for it.  Of course, back in the 60s vintage cars weren’t considered very valuable and you could pick up an old clunker for less than 100 pounds without too much trouble.  By the way, a vintage car is commonly defined as a vehicle built between 1 January 1919 and 31 December 1930. 

The day arrived to pick up the Dodge and I remember as a young boy (I was 5-years old) helping my dad by putting boxes of nuts and bolts onto the tandem trailer and thinking ‘what has my father done’.  Although the Dodge was complete, it was in a million bits!  Once the chassis was rolled onto the trailer, the chap who sold the car to my father said ’I wish you luck’ and we headed for home.  The process of unloading the trailer began as the chassis was rolled into the garage at the back of the family home in Viewbank, followed by the guards, wheels, motor, and the boxes of nuts and bolts.  Within a few weeks, dad started the restoration project and he would retire to the garage every night after dinner for the next two years.  Dad also attended the Collingwood Technical School at night so he could learn the skills necessary to rebuild the motor.

During those long evenings in the garage, dad carried out the restoration to the chassis, suspension, engine and transmission, as well as the bodywork.  Dad painted the car himself and repainted it in the original colours of British racing green with black guards.

I remember how proud I was of my dad when two years later in 1967 the Dodge rolled out of the garage looking like a new one.  He turned the key to the on position, pulled the starter button and much to everyone’s surprise it fired up.  Mum jumped in the cabin and my brother and I climbed into the dickey seat and off we went on the first of many rides in the Dodge.  It was an absolute credit to my father, who was a carpenter by trade, to have done the restoration work himself with the exception of the electrical work and upholstery.  My parents became very active members of the Vintage Drivers Club of Victoria and used the Dodge extensively on Club rallies and day runs during the ensuing 35 years.  Despite now being an ‘older restoration’, it is still in remarkably good condition.

 

What’s it Like to Drive?

Out on the road the Dodge is comfortable but I certainly wouldn’t describe it as the promotional material does as having luxurious comfort and true beauty.  The Dodge does offer reliable motoring and with a 6 cylinder, side valve, 208 cubic inch motor produces ample power to move the all-steel body along.  It is fairly easy to drive once you get the hang of the crash box and the unwieldy steering.  The car can sit on 50 mph/80 kilometres all day without any trouble at all, but I think the greatest feature of the car, when you compare it with other vehicles of the 20s, is that it stops when you put the foot on the brake!  It has 4 wheel hydraulic brakes that are very effective.

The engine is quiet and has little vibration.  The Dodge has towed a camper trailer on many occasions which is not bad for a car that is now in its 82nd year.  The dickie seat gives you room for a couple of passengers, or you can put the golf clubs in the side door for the day out at the golf course.

 

Fancy a Ride?

If you would like a ride in the Dodge, I’d be more than happy for you to come with Bruce and me on a forthcoming Motafrenz event.  It really is a lot of fun!

How Other People Could Procure Something Similar: Check-out the monthly edition of Just Cars magazine and the regular auctions held by Shannons (www.shannons.com.au). Shannons is Australia’s leading auction house for veteran, vintage, classic, sports and modified vehicles.

Case Study David 1929 Dodge


 

Winners of the Motafrenz Show and Shine 2011 tell us about their cars

 

Best Pre-1950 - Robert T – Crossley

 

Robert writes about his car:-

 

  • Year: 1923
  • Model: 15/30 hp
  • Special features: fold down occasional table, spot light, front opening split windscreen, carpet, electric start and crank start, running boards and lots of elegant jewellery.
  • Crudities: no front brakes, no seat belts, no water pump, single beam headlights and one hand-operated windscreen wiper that originally was an aftermarket extra. It originally had no brake lights, indicators or shock absorbers but I had too added them for safety when driving in modern traffic.
  • How I got it & Provenance of the car: My father and grandfather both had a passion for vintage and veteran cars so I also inherited the passion from them. After my grandfather died, I also inherited two unrestored vintage cars at the age of 13. I then had to decide on which car to sell so I could purchase an instrument to satisfy my musical passion. Choice one was a 1926 six cylinder, two seater rusty Chrysler Roadster that had 4 wheel hydraulic brakes with pictures of Fred Flintstone and the Road Runner painted on the sides. Choice two was a smashed and tired looking grey old Crossley.
  • Why I love it: I choose the 1923 Crossley as I appreciated the English elegance and ornamented craftsmanship of the Crossley. The car also had much more antique appeal. Driving the car is also more exciting than driving a modern car as you feel and sound like you are really moving along without breaking the speed limit.
  • What I have done to it etc: I restored the car completely from the ground up. I made a mudguard, two door panels, a side panel, one parking light, two taillights and rebuilt the timber body frame, engine, gearbox, axles, instrumentation etc. I also painted most of the car and did all the upholstery including the hood and side curtains.   
  • How other people could procure something similar: These cars are fairly rare. You can find vintage cars at Shannon’s auctions, in Just Cars or by just searching the internet. Vintage cars need a reasonable level of mechanical knowledge by the owner. Otherwise it could cost you a lot of money to keep the car on the road. Many mechanics will not want to touch a vintage car. It should be noted that a vintage car is commonly defined as a car built between the start of 1919 and the end of 1930 known as the "Vintage era".

 

Best 1950 - 1979 AND Best in Show - Denis Y – Bentley

 

Denis writes about his car:-

 

  • Year: 1954
  • Model: “R” Type. 4.5 litre 6 cylinder in line F head engine (inlet valves in the head, exhaust valves in the block). This is the first "Automatic" Bentley or Rolls Royce model ever produced.
  • What I have done to it etc: The car is original but maintained, but all mechanicals are still as they left the factory.

 

  • Why I love it: I have been fanatical about Rolls Royce/Bentley Cars since I was a small boy. To me, these cars represented the pinnacle of automotive excellence, all done with Elegance and Style. I chose a Bentley because there is some truth in the old saying:

 

"INDUSTRIALISTS DRIVE ROLLS ROYCES but GENTLEMEN DRIVE BENTLEYS"...................lol

 

  • Provenance: My Bentley (Bruce) was purchased new in the UK in 1954 by Lord Balfour from Hadley Green Garage, in Hertfordshire. He (Bruce) lived in the UK until sometime in the 70's when he was acquired by an Automotive Dealer from Adelaide. He was brought to Australia with a number of other cars and consequently sold on. When I purchased him, he had been in the hands of a member of the Bentley Drivers Guild in Adelaide.
  • How I got it: In 2008 I purchased my Bentley in Adelaide, as this seems to be the last place on earth, where you can still buy an unrestored original. I made the purchase after my partner pointed out that this was one of my "Life Ambitions" and that perhaps it might be a good idea to buy one before I became too old to drive/enjoy it properly.
  • How I use him: I drive him 2 or 3 days a week, as I believe a car should be driven.
  • How I feel about owning this car: I feel very privileged to be the custodian of such a fine "Proper Motor Car".

 

 

 

Best post-1979 current & modern classic - Alistair R – TVR

 

Alistair writes about his car:-

 

  • Year: 1998
  • Model: Chimaera 400 HC.
    • What I have done to it etc: The car is mostly original, with the addition of the chrome accessory pack (stalks, vents, ashtray trims etc) when I bought it and a brushed metal dash after the original wood veneer cracked badly. Aside from a replacement roof when the old one was getting faded, a new set of original spec wheels, a steering rack and a radiator the car has needed nothing more than scheduled maintenance during my ownership.
    • Why I love it: The noise! Plus the fact that it is a totally raw driving experience, no ABS, no TC, no airbags, just a large V8, steel frame chassis and lightweight fibreglass body. Yes the TVR reputation for biting your head off if you overcook it is true to some degree but the car talks to you and gives you a real feeling of connection to the road. Plus it’s always entertaining embarrassing Porsches away from the lights, oh, and did I mention the noise?
    • Provenance: Purchased from a TVR specialist in the south of England, had one owner before me who had allowed the car to want for nothing and had used it regularly. It came with a mountain of service history and with the chassis freshly re-powder coated. I spent a long time looking for exactly the right car and the choice has paid off.
    • How I got it: Living in central London at the time in 2003 I test drove the 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 versions of the Chimaera before settling on this 4.0. The 4.5s available at the time were mostly pre-facelift models and were no quicker than the 4.0, and the 5.0s I drove all suffered badly from torque shunt at low speed so would not have been as usable in the city. I brought the car out to Australia as a personal import when we emigrated and it was one of my conditions for making the move; if the TVR couldn’t come I wasn’t coming either!
    • How I use him: Driven about once a week, although generally not in heavy traffic as the clutch is a bit vicious when hot. Cars were meant to be used so I try to give him a decent run whenever possible and he sleeps under a nice soft cotton cover when not in use.
    • How I feel about owning this car: It’s my child, excuse me whilst I go tell him a bedtime story.


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