What’s in issue 149 – October 2018

Viva Fever Once a strong competitor in the family saloon market, the Vauxhall Viva has survived in only small numbers and today is a surprisingly rare sight at classic events. This 1973 Viva HC has covered less than 30,000 miles from new, and evokes some family memories for its owner.

Making Tracks Anyone that’s walked through rows of them at a vintage show will probably concede that “all Ferguson 20s are the same”, right? Not always, as this distinctive tracked beauty attests. When two machines from Robert Knox’s youth come together, the end result is something very special.

Rhapsody in Blue Only petrol-heads can get away with describing their cars as the love of their lives, especially when the wife is around. Having already owned a few MGs, the time came for Alan Johnston when, as a young man in 1979, he could finally afford to buy a brand new car. He still owns that MGB Roadster today.

Christie’s Farm Services This month, Andrew Christie shares with us his memories of his family’s farm services business in Co. Antrim, which sold a number of famous brands in its time including Zetor, Ursus and Lamborghini.

Ariel View Renowned for their quality, performance and value for money, Ariels of the fi rm’s heyday are today cherished by vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. The Val Page-engined models of the late 1920s are particularly sought after, and this 1928 Model C shows us why.

Tipping the Balance Having languished in derelict condition for almost a lifetime, this AEC Mercury has recently returned from an epic and long-running restoration in the UK. What’s more, it’s still owned by its original family, who are this year marking their company’s 100th year in business.

Pristine Pininfarina Styled by Pininfarina and with strong performance for its time, the Fiat 1500 is surprisingly rare today, with few appearing on the show circuit. Gerry Moore’s ivory beauty has attracted much admiration since its importation in recent years.

 

 

SHOW REPORTS….COUNTRYWIDE

• COVOC Norman Pratt Run

• Lancia Ireland Rally

• COCI Spring Weekend Rally

• DOCC Adventure to Wales

• Breffni Vintage Club Memorial Run

• Tullow Vintage Club Show

• IVVCC Gordon Bennett Rally

• Picnic in the Park

• Wexford Sports & Classic Car Club’s Spring Challenge

• AMS Vintage & Steam Woodworking Show

• Ulster Vintage Commercial Vehicle Club Two-Day Road Run

 

Regulars

News & Events The latest developments from all over Ireland and abroad.

Diary Dates The most comprehensive list of upcoming events in Ireland.

Club Scene A dedicated section open to every club in Ireland to promote itself and its events.

Your Letters Have your say and get it off your chest; this is your place to say what you really think.

Q&A  Each month we pitch a motoring question at Irish Vintage Scene’s regular contributors.

Laid to Rust A monthly pictorial of vehicles that are rusting away in the peace of our countryside.

Past Times Ireland’s best-known motoring historian, Bob Montgomery looks back at motoring and motoring events in the early days.

Model Scene News from the ever-growning world of model collecting.

Gerry’s Gems Motoring historian Gerry Barrett’s monthly look at some of his vintage and classic favourites.

Tales from Over the Water Clare-man PJ Francis shares with us his old vehicle adventures in the United States.

Retrospect A page of old and nostalgic motoring photos sent in by our readers.

Classifieds Looking for a classic? Well this is Ireland’s only dedicated marketplace.

Behind the Wheel Dick Byrne looks back at his memories of motoring in the last century.