IMPressive
Although a classic car staple for many years, the Hillman Imp was viewed as a rather ambitious, even radical, model for the Rootes Group when it was launched in the early sixties. Hindsight tells us that it could have been more successful if certain aspects of its development had gone differently, but this only serves to endear the Imp to present-day enthusiasts even more. John Sheppard is certainly one, as this stunning restoration project attests.
Allis Springs
Although no longer an existing brand-name, once upon a time you could find Allis Chalmers tractors in practically every corner of the globe. This 1947 Model WC has moved from the US to Australia to Ireland during its life, but due to its very special significance to its owner it looks like it’s on the Emerald Isle to stay.
A Noble Effort
Call them micro-cars, mini-cars or bubble-cars, but this genre of automobile never fails to fascinate and perplex in equal measure. Did people really drive around in such unusual little machines? The Short Brothers company of Belfast certainly banked on it, when they built the Nobel 200 you see here, sixty years ago.
The Flan Vaughan Collection
Most readers of this magazine will have multifaceted tastes when it comes to old vehicles, and would find it difficult to restrict themselves to following one model in particular. In fact, it’s surprisingly rare to find an enthusiast with “just the one” classic vehicle. Flan Vaughan’s collection reflects this to a tee.
Wing Command
Honda’s Gold Wing has been one of the most famous and recognisable motorcycles since its introduction in the mid-seventies. Well-built and capable of gobbling up long road-trips with ease, the earlier and less bulky models have become sought-after as a highly-usable allrounder. This GL1100 has recently been put back on the road in memory of its late owner, complete with a matching side-car.
Plumb Crazy
When Graham Hughes bought an Anglia van over forty years ago when starting out as an apprentice plumber, he could never have foreseen the journey that it would take to fi nish off the burgundy beauty you see here. A well-cared-for, two-owner van from new, it now must be one of the fi nest survivors in existence.
SHOW REPORTS….COUNTRYWIDE
- Corcoran’s Threshing, Ballinadee
- Circuit of Ireland Stages Revisited
- Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival
- Monaghan Veteran & Vintage Club Annual Rally
- NEVCC Picnic
- COCI’s 25-Year “Into the West” Rally
- Eugene Gillespie Memorial Day
- Gerard Murphy Memorial Run & Show
- McKibbins Threshing Meet
- Swords Classic Car Show
- Pat the Chap Vintage Rally
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.
