Vintage Metal

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WORKSHOP DAD’S ARMY
SATURDAY TUESDAY
July 02/07/16 26/07/16
August 06/08/16 30/08/16
September 03/09/16 27/09/16
Dad's Army Dates – 2016
BOOKS: This issue marks the first anniversary of my regular book
reviews in Vintage Metal. Since that first review of Tony Brooks's
autobiography, Poetry in Motion, I have reviewed a series of collector's
books, some of which have not been readily available. The second
book I reviewed, Klemantaski: Master Motorsports Photographer, was
one of those but is now again available from The Pitstop Bookshop
.
Incidentally, the reviews should have started in the June 2015 issue,
but the Brooks book was held over to July because of lack of space.
SANDOWN: There are rumours that Historic Sandown is either not on or that 2016 is the
last one. We are assured that neither rumour is true. Historic Sandown 2016 will be held
from November 4 to November 6. Details on page 27.
C'EST BRUTALE MAIS ÇA MARCHE: That's apparently how Emile Levassor described
the sliding pinion gearbox in the 1891 Panhard et Levassor that probably took its inspiration
from the gears on a multi-speed lathe. We've moved on from there with constant mesh,
synchromesh and the dog-clutch engagement of racing boxes, but there is speculation that
the manual box is on its way out, replaced by slushboxes and "double-clutch" devices.
Whatever happened to the "kiss principle" (that's keep it simple). Peugeot reckons it saves 30
kg by sticking with a manual box in one of its current models, but modern cars tend to be so
heavy that 30 kg is of no importance.
Interestingly, in a recent article, Vintage Motorsport's Mike Silverman said: "A slim hope is
my 27-year-old son's attitude that his next car will have a manny tranny, as he insists it's the
best anti-theft device currently on the market." A report a year or two back that a local
carjacker was foiled when his intended target vehicle had a manual transmission and he
could only drive an automatic lends support to young Mr Silverman's view.
REPCO HI POWER HEAD: There is a lot of interest in Mr Irving's high performance
cylinder heads for Holden grey motors. Dick Roberts has written to Vintage Metal about
local owners as well as adding to our knowledge of the inaugural meeting of the VSCC of
WA. Max Gamble has also promised information about the head and possible power output
from a properly installed Repco head.
Keep those letters and information flowing. It should make for interesting reading for
VSCC members. There are rumours of the remanufacture of Repco heads. Does anyone out
there know anything about that?
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SPORTPIXX: All of the photographs of Albany in this issue were
supplied by Graeme Howie of Sport Pixx Sport Photography. For prints see Graeme's web
site at , email or ring 08 9419 5876.
Bob Campbell
Editor's Ramblings