A Little Comfort
With Alec Issigonis’ Mini being a massive hit, it wasn’t long before fellow marques in the BMC stable were to turn out similar cars.
Riley and Wolseley lead the way in the small luxury car market in 1961 with their Elf and Hornet respectively. Both were based on the Mini platform, but in an effort to offer the end user more comfort and pomp they were finished off to a higher standard than the Mini, with lots of extras, chrome trim, leather and a restyled body. To celebrate this pair’s 50th anniversary we have pulled together four examples for you to feast your eyes over; enjoy…
An International Gem
Norbert Sheerin brings us a great article for this month’s main tractor feature; this McCormick International B-250 has spent all its life in North Roscommon.
Like in other features this month, a father/son relationship has blossomed and their much-worked tractor has been rejuvenated. Cyril Dowd, son of owner Michael Dowd, watched the tractor as it lay unused for ten years, and he knew it was deteriorating further and further. He had fond memories of using it as a young lad, and decided that if it were to go it would be like losing a part of himself, so in 2002 he took on a full restoration of this now fantastic machine.
Japanese Steel
At this year’s Classic Car Live we met Pat Haslam, who was there to support the addition of classic motorcycles to this great event.
There, Pat told us about the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC), of which he is a member, and having heard about the calibre of machines in the membership we sent Carl Czanik off to get us the lowdown on Pat’s own 1977 Kawasaki that he bought on eBay. When he got it home he decided to put the bike back to new condition, and he has done a serious job, as you will see.
True Survivor
From the moment I saw this truck at its first show earlier this year I knew that we just had to feature it; this Irish 1981 Dennison 290 has a life story to tell, and who better to get the details than Andrew Pollock.
Dennison trucks were the only Irish-manufactured trucks and were only in production for a few years, so to have one in preservation is great. This one is even better though, as it’s only ever had one name on the tax book. It has been part of Little Island Transport’s fleet since it was bought new in 1981; Edmond Foley originally bought it, but it was his son Kieran’s fondness for the lorry that saved it from been traded in the early nineties, and he was also instrumental in its restoration.
Regulars
News & Events: Every month this 14-page section updates vintage and classic vehicle enthusiasts on all that’s happening in Ireland and further afield.
Diary Dates: This monthly section is the most comprehensive list of upcoming events in Ireland, with contact details for all events.
Club Scene: A relatively new section in the magazine, this gives clubs from all over Ireland a chance to update readers on what their members are up to.
Laid to Rust: One of our reader’s favourites, this is where we print pictures of vehicles that have been abandoned or have rusted away over time.
Pastimes: This monthly column from Ireland’s leading motor historian, Bob Montgomery, gives an insight into the early days of motoring and motorsport in this country.
Model Scene: Our monthly look at the fast-growing area of models and dioramas.
Garage Scene: Catch up here with our exploits in the garage, working on our own projects.
Tales From Over the Water: This section is brought to you each month by Roger Hamlin, who traverses the globe between England and New Zealand, finding all kinds of unusual vehicles and sights on his travels.
Classifieds: Irish Vintage Scene is the only publication in Ireland that carries a specific section of vintage and classic vehicles for sale. If you’re in the market for a vehicle, or looking to sell one off, then this is the best place to start.
Behind the Wheel: The last article in the magazine each month is by long-time enthusiast Dick Byrne, who reminisces about the early days of motoring.