The February 2014 edition of Irish Vintage Scene (Issue 93) is on sale now, and as usual is packed with a wide variety of interesting features. On the cover this month is one of the finest executive saloons of the seventies, but it doesn’t wear a Mercedes or Rover badge; the first-generation Ford Granada was a big hit for its combination of value for money, size and driving dynamics. The top-of-the-line 3.0 Ghia we feature here has been beautifully restored by its enthusiastic owner over the period of about seven years, and is now one of the very best of its kind in the country. Moving further into the magazine we take a look at a serious rarity, an Audi 100 Coupe S that was registered new in Co. Louth in 1973. A stunning sixties Pontiac Grand Prix also features, which is so stylish that it would appeal to any car enthusiast, not just the American car fans.
Our tractor features this month are headed up by a fantastic example of one of the most iconic tractors of all. The Fordson Model F certainly did its bit to revolutionise the mechanisation of agriculture, and this 1923 model has been restored to perfection in recent years to showcase the Model F’s charms. Our other feature tractor is another grey-coloured and hugely influential model; the Ferguson TEF20 needs no introduction, and in this issue we take a look at just one of the really nice, standard models that grace the shows up and down the country every year, to the delight and nostalgia of tractor enthusiasts everywhere.
Motorcycle enthusiasts will be fascinated to read about what is probably a unique machine. This 1950 BSA M21 sidecar combination was supplied from the factory as such, featuring a BSA De Luxe Touring sidecar, and has survived in extraordinarily unmolested condition to this day. What’s more, it’s an original Irish-registered machine which has remained in its home neighbourhood for over sixty years! Our commercial feature this month deals with a truck that no doubt will bring back many memories for hauliers of a certain age; the Volvo F-Series were some of the most reliable, comfortable and well-respected trucks of the seventies, and this F717 has recently been restored to beautiful condition to show us today just how forward-thinking and modern this model was in the late seventies.
With a long list of event reports, ranging from the IVVMCC Annual Classic Bike Show in Leopardstown to the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run to the Inistioge Vintage Rally, plus all our usual attractions like Laid to Rust, Your Letters, News & Events and lots, lots more, you won’t want to miss the February 2014 issue of Irish Vintage Scene; get yours today!
The Features
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Top GhiaIn the 1970s Ford’s new Granada burst upon the executive car scene to take on the big guns at their own game. Today the Mk1 version is quite rare, particularly ones as good as this fully-loaded 3.0 Ghia. |
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Forward ThinkingWhile Henry Ford’s most famous vehicle is the Model T car, his Model F tractor was also a hugely important development. This Wexford-based example has been restored to impeccable condition. |
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Coupe ClassThe Audi 100 Coupe S is a very rare car, but to come across an original Louth-registered example is almost unheard of. It’s no surprise, then, that the owner of this ’73 model jumped at the chance to own it. |
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The Right CombinationMotorcycle/sidecar combinations are a rare sight on today’s roads, but this original factory BSA outfit is unique in that it’s hugely original, and has remained in its home locality all its life. |
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Fine F-SeriesTrucks like the F-Series gave Volvo an enviable reputation for durability and comfort, and when you see this beautifully-restored F717 from Northern Ireland, you understand exactly why. |
Show Reports … Countrywide
- Leopardstown Bike Show
- Inistioge Vintage Rally
- The 8th Spirit of Dunboyne Festival of Motorsport
- Modelmania & Machinery Movers Model Show
- Moira Farm & Construction Model Display Show
- London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
- Carrickmacross Vintage Club’s Vintage Show
- Southeast Honda 50 Club 1st Birthday Run
- Beaulieu International Autojumble 2013
- Michael Lyons Memorial Road Run
- The Teeling Classic Car Show
- West Cork Vintage Club’s Clonakilty Show
- 42nd Annual Fenagh Steam Rally
- Rentokil-Initial Killarney Historic Rally 2013
- Carnew Heritage Day
- Classic Fords 4 CF Show
- Castledermot Vintage Working Day
- NEC Classic Motorshow
- London to Brighton Rally
- North East & Tullamore Model Shows
Regualrs
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.
Letters to Editor
Have your say and get it off your chest; this is your place to say what you really think.
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
One of the fastest-growing sectors of our hobby is the collecting and displaying of models, and each month this section brings you some of the best events and features from this vibrant scene.
Retrospect
A page of old and nostalgic motoring photos sent in by our readers.
Tales From Over the Water
Roger Hamlin, our roving overseas reporter, checks in each month with interesting, and often offbeat, stories from England, New Zealand, Australia and who-knows where.
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.