What’s in issue 176 February 2021

Club Classics

Revamped for the seventies but still unmistakeably a Mini, the straight-nosed Clubman received a mixed reception in its time – after all, the much-loved Mini was an impossible act to follow. But by now the Clubman is cherished by fans as much as its forebear, including these two West Cork beauties.

The Land Girl

Although always in the shadow of the iconic Model T car, Henry Ford’s Model F tractor of 1917 was just as revolutionary in terms of agriculture, and its lightly updated successor, the Model N, carried the model into the 1930s and played a huge part in WW2 food production both during and after the war. Geoffrey Mark’s example has been part of his family since the 1950s.

Life of Riley

‘You have the life of Riley,’ is usually said in good spirits to make out someone is having a cushy time in their lives. In this case we refer to what many old vehicles should really have at the end of their lives, and the effort of one painstaking restorer has ensured the beginning of a new chapter for this example.

Dominant Gene

From its early days as one of the all-time great British motorcycle manufacturers to its turbulent times in more recent decades, Norton has retained its cachet with riders and is still held in very high regard by many ardent fans. Dublin’s Robbie McGrath is certainly one, and he pulled out all the stops on his stunning 1961 Dominator 88SS cafe racer.

Land Grab

Buying a vehicle in another country sight-unseen takes a leap of faith, but Galway’s Tony Ryan’s trust in a UK seller was rewarded with the most original Toyota Land Cruiser J70 you’re ever likely to see.

 

Regulars

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

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

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.

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

On The Spanners A look at the restoration projects going on in sheds all over the island.

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.