Carrying the Torch
The Mk1 Escort RS2000 achieved legendary status in this rally-mad country over the years thanks to its numerous competition successes, and indeed these cars have always been collectable, even through the late seventies and early eighties.
Nowadays genuine RSs are very sought-after indeed, with original Irish examples extremely thin on the ground. Our cover story this month brings together two beautiful Olympic Blue RS2000s that are highly cherished by their enthusiastic owners; one has a family history, while the other is in its present ownership for 23 years.
Geared for Success
Although now long gone from the tractor showrooms, the David Brown name was synonymous with agricultural engineering in this country from the fifties right through to the eighties.
Most of their models were very highly thought-of indeed, including the 880 Implematic of the mid-sixties. The lovely example Andrew Pollock features this month has been in the same family since it was bought brand new in Thurles in 1963, and has recently been restored to a high standard by the original owner’s son.
A Shed-Load of Dreams
We all hanker after that ‘dream garage’, a space not only fit for storing our precious old vehicles, but also suitable for relaxing and socialising in.
Well this month Carl Czanik drops in to visit just such a garage, belonging to Ivor Deane from Co. Meath; Ivor is a huge fan of classic Japanese motorcycles, and has decked out his garage with posters and memorabilia, even going to the trouble of mounting his motorcycles on movable decorative plinths! All we can say is “Dear Santa…’
Commer Around Again
Commer is another one of those names that has all but vanished nowadays, but there are still those who fondly remember their vans and trucks.
The McEntee family have a history steeped in the Commer name, having run many examples in their fleet in the seventies and eighties, and recently son David renewed his acquaintance with the marque by restoring a mid-seventies Hi-Line 1190. This Mercedes-engined version is quite rare nowadays, and this one is a very fine specimen indeed, especially now that it’s been finished in the red livery of McEntee Carriers.
Show Reports this month
Ballincollig Vintage & Classic Car Show, Sean Walsh Memorial Run, Broomhill Vintage Club Autumn Festival, Gowran Vintage Rally, Mercedes-Benz Club at Limerick Car Show, Hillbilly Tractor Run, Bawnboy Vintage Show, Veteran Car Club (Ireland) Main Event, Model T Annual Rally, Mullahead 97th Annual Ploughing Match, Ring of Kerry Vintage Run, Pat Lough Memorial Show & Run, The Argory Classic Vehicle Show, Erne Vintage Car Club 32nd Annual Run, Cortina Club Autumn Run, Enniskerry Victorian Field Day, UVCVC 30th Anniversary Run, South Roscommon Vintage Club Corn-Cutting, Moynalty Steam Rally, AOVC Ballymeana, Eurofest Delorean, Powerscourt Picnic, Limerick Diecast Model & Diorama Show, TECU Steam Rally & Dunmore Vintage Rally
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.